Getting it all together?

Do you ever have times that you just can't get it all together?

Well, that is where I am right now-- I'm so excited about all of our family getting together with two new family members this year--sweet baby James, (I've decided that is my nickname for him right now) and Josh, Kailey's new husband. How do you express the joy in your heart with two new people to celebrate.

We did a little remodeling early this year and one of my "nooks" for displaying Christmas stuff was enclosed so that led to a domino effect.

One of my faults is: It is hard for me to concentrate on the important things when everything is out of place--don't know if anyone can identify with that but I am just being honest.

And then the enemy tries to heap guilt upon me because I realize how selfish and egotistical that thinking is--how many in Connecticut and just the people we meet in our regular life each day would give anything to have a particular one to celebrate Christmas with and would not sweat the small stuff.

But God is good and I devoted concentrated and extra time to my relationship with Him this morning and I will be okay--He will get hold of my heart and my thinking--He is always interceding for us.

My mother-in-law always displayed special touches at Christmas and it made me feel so cared for--that she was doing it just for me--I want to do the same for my children and grandchildren and then I realize that that is part of my love language--not theirs--

This post is a little disjointed I feel but mostly I just needed to check in with you--to let you know how much I love you and to thank all of you who commented about my last picture with sweet baby James and my hair length and style. I am enjoying it and I cannot believe how much easier it is than the way I was wearing it--also, I feel more natural and that is what I like--the natural look.

Special blessings to you today,
Dianne

This is Robin, step-mom to one of our guys who graduated from Renewal Ranch.  She came to me with a vision for this painting several months ago.  It became a reality--thought you might like to see it.  Photo by Josh Kear.

Update:  Robin had initially wanted me to paint the picture.  I heard her vision and thought it was wonderful but it was her vision and not mine.  I'm so glad I did not jump the gun and volunteer to paint it.  With all my heart I do not believe I could have done this as good--at least not in the rustic style that was her vision.

Way to go, Robin--you did an excellent job!

For my foreign readers who may not speak English, the sign reads "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God."  Corrie Ten Boom

 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Sweet Baby James

We have been busy with three of our grandchildren the last week--Ashton, Noelle and new baby brother, James.

God is so smart.  He knew just exactly what would make an old person's heart feel light and young, didn't he?

Not many things in life are as special as a new grandchild.  This was taken by my daughter-in-law, Andrea, last Sunday morning when James was almost 3 days old.  I was headed to church to see one of his sisters sing.  He did not go but will most likely go this next Sunday.

Hoping you are well and happy, snug and warm, peaceful and full of joy during this most beautiful and holy Christmas season.

Love you,
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Merry Christmas to Us

James, our new grandson, was born yesterday afternoon and he is precious. He weighed in at 7lb and 14 oz and is 20 and one half inches long.

We are so grateful that all went well with his birth. His mom had some serious health issues during the pregnancy but everything went great.

 Thank you to those of you who prayed for us. I appreciate it more than you know.

 Hopefully, I will be able to post a few more pictures in a couple of days. 

I love you all. Hope you are having a wonderful, Christmas season.
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Saturday as I was sitting in chapel beside the son of one of our residents, I looked down and noticed what he had written.  "I 'heart' the Bible more than enething."

To say that my heart was touched may be the understatement of the century. I can't quote it exactly but when I told his father about it, he told me what his son had said at Thanksgiving that he was thankful for.

Loosely paraphrased it included a father who studied the Bible so much and tried to do what Jesus says. Out of the mouths of babes..............

Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.  Luke 2:47

As I sat in a rocking chair on the front porch of the bunkhouse after chapel and potluck and watched this resident run and play with his wife and two sons for an extended period of time, I was overwhelmed at the healing that has taken place in his life.  Oh, if you could only hear his story your heart would rejoice like mine.

Jesus is no respecter of persons--He longs to do for you and me what He has done for this young man and his family--won't you open your heart to Him?  He stands ready, willing and able to comfort you and heal your life.

Christmas blessing to you,
Dianne

© all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted

Old Things New Again

I started collecting Christmas books many years ago.

I love to read one a day through December building the Spirit of Christmas in my heart as the month rolls along.

A few years ago I decided to display them as Christmas decorations and love how they look.

Most of them have to do with the spiritual side of Christmas and are meaningful as well as pretty to display.

There are many ways you can display them if you happen to have a collection--or you could go to your local library and check out a bunch to decorate with during the holidays.  I don't think there is a law against that!

You can stack them up on your coffee table or spread them around your house on several different tables standing them on their sides as I have done in this bookcase.

You could also use the 3M velcro stickers and use them as decoration on your walls. 

And if you have a huge Bible--we have several that we have inherited--a beautiful ribbon placed in it at the point of the Christmas story makes a lovely decoration I think.  Add a sprig of holly or pine and it smells good too.

And while you're at it, stop for a few moments and read the story all over again.  It is the most beautiful of old, old stories that will become new in our hearts once again.

You can also find the story here.

Christmas blessings to you,

Dianne

 © all photographs and text property of Dianne Hogue unless otherwise noted