Do you remember last year at this time? There was a rustling in my soul. I read Ann’s words and they left me near breathless.

“What does Jesus get for His birthday? …if we get wrapped presents for our birthdays, real sacrifices from people who love us — they gave up other things to give something to us — then why don’t we do that for Jesus’ birthday?”

Husband and I made a decision we felt that was the leading of the Lord for our family. We told them four days before Christmas, that Christmas would be different next year, which is now this year. Our getting will be turned to giving. You can read about that, here.

And the season has come. The stress that usually comes with it, has not. We are moving much slower, breathing deeply, enjoying each other and baking and giving and decorating and making the most of the small moments — even Christmas tree shopping in Home Depot. I will be sharing this month about our decision and our giving and how it has changed us.

Today, I am counting in gifts and they’ve come in pictures. Ones that bring pure delight and rejoicing in what is most important,  finding my heart in the only treasures that I can take with me to heaven. This day it was the toddler who made this trip much like one to an amusement part. And we found the perfect tree. #953-969