Christmas 2025

 

Just gathering some photos from 

around the house for Christmas 2025.

The Chrismon tree.

Glass garlands and shiny ornaments 

and a favorite vintage postcard.

Fairy lights and gathered things in the stepback cupboard.

A little corner with small treasure on a tree.

The newspaper trees and little angel from

 John's childhood Sunday School teacher.

Dried hydrangea and some fresh cut cedar.

The pastel colors hanging out out together.

Little plastic nativities made in Hong Kong

gathered with the angels.

Shiny Brites in sunlight

Noah's Ark and gathered animals

in a quiet spot.

Vintage dough bowl and cookie cutters

with some "fluffy angels".

Some live edge cedar John made

 into trees for family and friends.

The vintage Christmas postcards display.

                         A favorite view in the house this season.

Closing out this year of 2025 with so many blessings

 and praying for good health, wellness and peace

 in our house and yours for 2026!

Calendar Journaling- December 2025

 

Calendar Journaling December 2026

For Advent this year I read the book-

The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.

It was published in 1895.

I found words and phrases 

that stood out in a reading each day.

Simple, centered and meaningful.

Mark making on the journey.

Christmas 2025

 

Jess and Dan Meier and boys.

These boys are growing up.

Candles with real fire.

Gathering some photos of the family 

near and far to capture this time of celebration.

Laura and Joshua Schumacher

and family.

They joined family in Las Vegas this year.

The girls in an angelic moment.

Great family time in their Saginaw home.

Papa and Gigi with 

Sara and Josh Wilson and boys.

These guys that live close by add alot of fun to our lives.

We were able to have Dan's first cousin, Mark, 

and wife Paige 

and their  2 little girls for a visit 

from Baltimore for some catch up time.

Creation station is always a great space.

SO many things to make out of cardboard and paper.

Lego Discovery Center- Washington DC

 is actually in Springfield, VA.

Great time had by all.

We all loved the David animated movie.

So many blessings of family and thank you

God for this great part our lives.

We pray for health, safety and wellness for 

the journey into 2026.

Worship into the Week- The Lord's Unfailing Love

 

Worship into the Week- Redeemed

Isaiah 63:7-14

This passage tells of God's steadfast love

and faithfulness to Israel.

God's redemptive acts are highlighted-

like the Exodus from Egypt.

But, there is also Israel's rebellion that grieves the Holy Spirit.

 God lead them through the wilderness giving

 what they needed with guidance and rest.

God's name is to be given glory.

For me this is a great reminder that there is

hope for restoration.

True strength comes from God's mercy, not 

anything  I can bring about.

I must always remember to turn back (daily)

 to God for salvation and peace.

Supplies:

Visual Faith Printable

vcy-graphics-only-december-2025

Colored pencils

Magazine cutouts

Distress ink

Postage stamps

2025 Soul Tending Books

 

The book stack of 2025.

I have been sharing the book list since 2012.

Check out the pages here on this blog.

Some may not rest on the theological shelves.

 But, I include any that make me think through things,

see a different perspective, or ask questions.

A couple were reread for book groups

 or I was leading a discussion.

I always come back to C.S. Lewis as a favorite.

Continuing my way through Paul Maier books.

Setting up the stack for 2026.

What will you read next year?

Advent / Christmas Scripture Scribing

 

I often pick up the unusual sort of things

 on outings in the antique venues. 

But, I like to USE the objects that come into the house. 

So, I was challenged to figure how to repurpose the odd 

wooden (not box) hinged lid thing with the metal rod.

Some easy research shows that this is 

a "Simple" account file holder 

from a company that started in 

1886 in Fremont, Ohio,

 by brothers William W. and Jason Still

The company was sold in 1918 

and eventually ceased operations.

Etsy says it is a rare find and $52. 

Look like mine was a deal at $7.

I used 5 by 7 manila tabbed index cards 

and sorted out ones with the middle tab.

I loved the ornaments from Visual Faith® Ministry.

Find them Here:

scripture-scribing-ornaments-booklet

Used some coordinating cardstock that enhanced 

the images and then simply wrote out one of the Scripture

Readings for each ornament.

This little wooden office tool - probably 137 years old,

 added to my slowing down process 

of spending time in God's Word in this busy season.

I think I will put them on an O ring

 and be ready for Lent.

Santa Roundup- 2025

 

Enjoying some of our favorite things- 

the Santa and friends corner.  

Most of the Santas are handmade. 

Back in the days when I was doing craft shows, 

we would trade our work.

Hand painted, stuffed, and totally unique.

This sweet angel keeps an eye out on the others.

I especially love all the Santas

 coming to see the babe in the manger.

Quilted Santas in blue are a favorite.

Worship into the Week- Prepare the Way

 

Worship into the Week-

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Readings included:

Isaiah 7:10-14

and His name will be Immanuel

Isaiah 62:10-12

behold your salvation comes

Psalm 2:7

You are my son- today I have begotten you

Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bering good news.

Supplies:

Visual Faith Printable

vcy-graphics-only-december-2025

Vintage stamps

Magazine Cutouts

Colored Pencils

Distress Ink

Advent Pathway 2025

Advent Pathway for 2025.

This year I enjoyed reading- Grand Miracle-

readings from C.S. Lewis.

So good to connect his writings with Advent.

This has been an Advent tradition for me since 2011

and I really do enjoy the way it shapes and moves 

the preparing for Advent.

 

Christmas Blessings to all of you!

Thanks for following along on this journey.

Here is the resource I used-

advent-calendar-pathway-2025

Toilet Paper Tube Ornaments

 

I started spotting the creations

 on Instagram using toilet paper tubes.

I had to try it out and happened to have a

tree needing some decor.

A napkin is added with Mod Podge. 

One napkin actually covered 6 tubes.

Then after drying, the tube is cut into 8 even pieces.

The folded edges are cut into 2 points

 and then 4 flattened circles are 

laced together to make one ornament.

Add string or ribbon and hang.

The cardboard circle is easy to work with 

and they end up forming a 3D effect.

The napkin I actually brought home 

from an event because I liked the color. 

Can't get anymore economical for this project! 

I decided to try it it with a Christmas plaid napkin

 and quickly knew it would finish up this bare wreath.

Dried orange slices added the finishing touch.

I added some live cedar to the wreath and 

love both the smell and the texture it adds.

These simple little ornaments are easy to make.

The process might be slightly addictive.

They add a sweet touch to this wreath in the kitchen.

Well, and you know I am still saving tubes 

and on the look out for fun napkins!