The Light of the World
All my ladies showed up yesterday for our last class of 2025 to turn in the Christmas cards and to share a favorite scripture, a doctrinal truth, and a prayer. We’ll plan for a fellowship in January - December gets too hectic, and January could use a little extra joy.
The winter semester begins on January 7.
Time really flies, doesn't it?
I have jury duty on January 21. While I'm always called, I’ve never been picked for a jury, and I’m eager to be part of a criminal trial before I'm too old to make a difference. My fascination with criminal justice and courtroom dramas, thanks to Perry Mason, makes it all the more interesting.
Aren't these napkins just adorable?
My husband picked them up for me, and they’re almost too cute to use!
I still plan to add fairy lights to the windowsill.
As you can see, we've been experiencing some rain, which is typical for this time of year. It’s officially our rainy season, and it’s just getting started. During the early rainy season, snow levels are generally higher, but this weekend they are expected to drop to 6,000 feet or lower. There’s a lot of optimism for another fantastic year of snow and rain in my region of California, which serves as the state’s watershed. While some may spread fear, I trust that God is sovereign and has everything under His control.
My husband’s old Hanukkah menorah is a family heirloom.
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has put Your Holy Spirit in all who are born again in You to teach and guide us, in keeping with Your Word, and to be Your lights to the world."
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who performed and still performs miracles for the Jewish people, the nation of Israel, and all those who love and put their trust in You."
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler and Creator of the Universe, who has kept us alive and brought us to this season."
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
This beautiful beaded box, where my husband stores the candles,
has always been one of my favorites.
Santa Claus came early for Laydee! I purchased her a human-sized dog bed that’s about the size of a twin bed, so we can lie beside her and cuddle. She loves to snuggle and even wraps her arms and those big paws around us, patting us on the head!
This bed is orthopedically beneficial for her achy joints, and honestly, it’s super comfortable for us too.
I almost drifted off to sleep with her beside me.
There's nothing like cuddling with a big dog!
I recently came across something special while going through the Christmas boxes - Pops passed away in December 2020. That year, we found this card he had written for us, but never had the chance to give it to us due to his stroke.
This one is definitely a keeper!
I’m a weather geek, and one of my enjoyable pastimes is checking out all the fire and weather cameras here in the North State for scenic views I can't get on my own.
This was taken a couple of weeks ago when a stubborn fog bank covered the valley for about 400 miles.
Mt. Shasta has been getting more snow this season, though the south-facing side typically has less.
I’ve been in a blogging slump lately, focusing more of my energy on Substack, where I now have 187 subscribers! I’ve finally found my niche, and I am enjoying it very much.
I hope you're all enjoying this season of peace!
Until Next Time,
Debby
Enjoy your little break, although I know you'll be looking forward to BSF starting again.
ReplyDeleteThe card from your Dad is a treasure! So is that old Menorah and beaded box.
I love the new bed for Laydee.
Now I need to check out Substack. I've never heard of it...
It's a writing platform. I've been dabbling with it for over a year. Some really good writers.
DeleteI have never herd of Substack; I'll have to look it up. I hope you don't leave us for it. The candle box is gorgeous. The napkin is the most clever and adorable I have ever seen! I would have loved to see what Laydee did when she first saw her bed!
ReplyDeleteI'm not leaving this blog. But when I get into my deep thinking mode, that's where I go to write. I don't have to be concerned about my maternal being too heavy there. I feel God has things he wants me to write about - those hard times from my past have to be put to good use to give Him glory and shared so that others can be blessed. He has done so much in my life it amazes me from where I came from. I have a story to tell...before I forget!
ReplyDeleteI've had two other favorite bloggers go to Substack, and it's so difficult to comment via phone app. I'm still hanging in with them because they are gems and fountains of inspiration for me. It's just so difficult to write comments using my phone. Love that sweet note signed by your dad, too. That is a memory to treasure. Blessings, Debby!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why? I love the phone app.
DeleteDebby, I feel like I have clumsy fingertips when it comes to phone conversations. I used to engage in much more meaningful dialogue when I could simply use a laptop to respond to their thoughts. To this day. I thank mu typing teacher in high school who showed us the magic of the keyboard.
DeleteWishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Same to you and yours, Victor
Deletelove that napkin and the fact your husband bought it for you. he is a keeper for sure. I don't do social media, I used to do FB. Hope you don't leave blogging completely but do what is best for you is the right way to go
ReplyDeleteLove that beaded box. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah
Substack is a writing platform like Medium.
DeleteThe Christmas card was such a lovely discovery, a real treasure.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post so much...love the Menorah items that are very special indeed. And that bed for Laydee? Wow!! You should show us a picture of you and Laydee in it together! That card from your Dad is really special. I love that. Your pictures of Mt. Shasta, etc., are just beautiful! Oh, I do hope you won't disappear from here. I also had issues commenting on Substack for another dear friend. But I know we do what we feel we need to do and that is understandable...but we love you here as well. May God bless your writing wherever you go! I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe only reason I'd think one was unable to communicate n, would be whether or not you're A paid subscriber or free. I've not ever had that issue with comments. I know if you don't sign up, you can't comment. So I don't know. I find it very user friendly
DeleteWhat a heartwarming post. I love the way you weave faith, family, and simple joys together from sharing scripture and prayers to cozy moments with Laydee. The combination of personal memories, seasonal observations, and little treasures like the napkins and beaded candle box makes it feel intimate and uplifting. It’s a beautiful reminder to cherish both everyday comforts and meaningful traditions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melody for stopping by. Merry Christmas
DeleteThat Christmas card from your father put a hitch in my throat. Seeing our loved ones' handwriting sure delivers a smile.
ReplyDeleteLaydee's new bed is so sweet, and cuddling with a fur baby -- no matter its size -- is one of the best feelings ever!
Won't you please keep us updated on the jury "process." Like you, since days of Perry Mason I've always been drawn to criminal law.
The only issue would be sitting in the chairs. If I sit too long I start to hurt. I need to be moving.
DeleteWhat a treasure from your dad. A keeper for sure. I was selected for jury duty twice. Once when I was 9 months pregnant, so they did not want me. The second I was not picked. but would love to have been on that case. Hoping Laydee loves her new bed. Our dog would rather sleep on the floor. He did not like the bed we got him. Oh well. Janice
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Substack either - glad you have found something you like. I loved those napkins. Hope you get picked for jury duty.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy it and it has some wonderful writers there.
DeleteMerry Christmas, thank you for sharing the card from your dad. That really got me. I have a similar story of finding a gift my grandma finished for me, she did embroidery. She got ill on Christmas day, she never did come home.
ReplyDeleteWhen we cleaned her apartment, I found the gift.
xx oo
Carla
Aww that's special.
DeleteHow sweet that Laydee received an early Christmas gift. Looks pretty comfortable. those napkins!! Yes, they are too cute!! You will have to show us a picture of your table with these adorable sweater napkins on it. I've never been called for jury duty...and now, I'm old enough not to be called. This is the first time I've heard of substack. Interesting.. I do hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that you get the beautiful snow..
ReplyDeleteI get called up every year. In California there is no age limit except if you're over 70 and have mental issues or a disability. I just want to serve one time...that's all I ask.
DeleteFirst of all, I so enjoy and get so many heart tugs from your posts. I'm glad you have a place to Go Deep but please don't stop posting here too. I need to read some of your "Deeps" too.
ReplyDeleteThat beaded box is so special. What a cherished treasure. Oh and the card from your Dad ... it puts a lump in my throat too. You have given me some ideas for future blogs now.
Its getting darker and darker this morning. I do believe that the weather people have gotten it right...rain is on its way. I won't feel bad to have the murky fog days over.
Merry Christmas
Looking forward to reading more in the New Year.
Sue
It rained all day and this morning it rained hard. I'm so glad we put in new gutters and leaf guards this year.
DeleteWhat a lovely bed to share with your fur child. It looks very comfortable. Enjoy your break, but I know you will be looking forward to getting back to having fellowship once again. Love the family menorah.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It came with a blanket too. This would be great for kids too. It fits me and Laydee comfortably. I love snuggling with her.
DeleteI almost got to be on a jury, but at the last round they rejected me!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Substack, I'll have to check it out.
What a treasure to have that last card from your dad.
I was on the last round and just 2 away from being questioned when they accepted the jurors. I was so close. It was a criminal case too. I wanted it so bad!
DeleteI do like that napkin and the card from your Dad wonderful, definitely one to keep.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
The napkin is cuter than practical. But still...
DeleteLaydee will sure love her new bed. What a nice one you got for her. It's always such a surprise to come across notes and cards written by our loved ones that have left this world. A beautiful picture of Mount Shasta. I see you got some rain. We have had it all week, and I'm really loving it. The sweater napkins are so cute. That surprises me that you are eager to be a part of jury duty. With all of my sins, who am I to judge anyone else? ~Do not judge or you too will be judged."~ Matthew 7:1-6. Just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHave a merry and bright week, Debby.
~Sheri
And very good thoughts, Sheri and I love this type of dialogue!
DeleteMy thoughts are it is more than that. With that thinking, should the murderer go free, the child rapist after all we shouldn’t judge?
I believe serving on a jury in a legal setting is an integral part of a civilized society or we would have chaos. It’s not about personal condemnation - not judging the heart and soul of a person but the crime they have committed. Because we live in a sinful world, it won’t ever be 100% perfect - and that we always get it right. We’re human and only God knows the heart of the criminal as well as the Jurors.
As Christians, we can carry out this responsibility with integrity, fairness, and a sense of justice that reflects God’s character.
I know we disagree on this and that’s fine. Iron sharpening iron!
Love you, Sheri
That's a great new bed! It's huge. Happy Christmas. Saw your cartoon but wasn't able to comment so I stopped into another post. Great cartoon heads of you and hubby.
ReplyDeleteThe menorah is beautiful. When I was a child we had neighbors that were Jewish and I was invited once to a hanukkah celebration.
ReplyDeleteI have served on a jury a couple of times. Once an civil case and one criminal case. They were both interesting but the criminal one especially since the defendent decided to represent himself without a lawyer. It was a domestic violence case and when we returned to the courtroom with our verdict there were three more officers in the courtroom and the defendent himself informed us that he was being arrested for another incendent! Crazy case all around.