A guest post from Judy Brown, a December birthday girl:
December is deeply filled with activity, parties, decorating, shopping, church, family and friends. It holds a deep spot in my heart for the traditions, the church gatherings, many family memories, both old and new.
This year I challenge myself to a fresh focus….. to fill my deep December heart.
When I place an old family ornament on the tree, I want to whisper a new wish for someone dear.
When I contemplate the advent messages, I want the meaning to latch on to my heart.
When I light a candle , I want to brighten my winter days, and yours, with hope.
When I listen to a favorite holiday melody, I want to create a centered rhythm to my day.
When I smell cookies baking, I want to fill my spirit with the scent of serenity and then pass it on.
When a snowflake falls on you and me, I want it to melt away our stubborn thoughts.
When I give a gift to someone special, I want to tie my compassion and friendship in the bow.
When I say a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or other holiday greeting, I want to elicit a happy smile.
When I greet my children, I want my welcome home hug to fill their core with gladness.
Most of all, when I pause for a deep breath during this December’s flurry, I want to exhale gratitude and then promise to never take love for granted.
My best wishes to you for a deeply meaningful holiday!
Photo Above: Judy loves to feed our feathered friends in December and all winter long. The birdhouse graces her yard.
Friend For The Ride 
Lovely poem, Judy! And Happy Birthday too. My daughter’s birthday is early December, right after Thanksgiving, and I do feel she gets a bit of short shrift with celebrating. Hope all your celebrations are joyous.
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December birthdays are so tricky! Mine is the 30th, post Christmas hoopla. My sisters used to tease me and wrap my gifts in xmas paper. But it is a lovely month! Joyous holidays to you and your family.
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Thank you, Judy! I am enjoying a non-traditional Christmas this year and the reduced level of stress is making me so happy that I’m considering re-thinking my future Christmas traditions altogether.
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Yay! It is a hard habit to break but I think worthwhile. I am liking my changes so far. Hope to see you around town. Happy holidays to you and family!
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Thank you, Judy, for this thoughtful post. (And thanks to Barbara, too.)
You have given us all a wonderful December challenge. In these dark days filled with trauma and despair, it is good to be reminded that we have to challenge ourselves to find the good, true, and loving message of the season. It’s not always easy, to be sure. This year we are having a smaller, quieter Christmas day. We will be with our grandkids, which I know will be a blessing in and of itself. The festivities will be tempered and the prayers will be harder to say. I think I will share your post, Judy, as a prayer this year when we gather. It seems most appropriate. Thank you again. And may your deep December heart be filled with all the blessings of the season and good fortune in the coming year.
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Thank you so much Patti. What a sweet idea to share it as a prayer. I am enjoying keeping things simpler and appreciating all of my blessings. That is the true meaning. Blessings to you and your family and a happy 2013!
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Love the picture mom. And the thoughts on December are beautiful. No mention of your birthday being in December. Any insight to share on the pros and cons of sharing your bday week with Jesus?
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Aren’t you sneaky!!! It is a good month! Love you!!
🙂
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Wonderful post, Judy. Thank you! And Barbara, LOVE the snow falling on your blog page!
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Thank you Rebecca! I love the snow falling too Barbara!!
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Cute birdhouse, Judy. I do hope they have flown to Florida or Brazil for the winter. And lovely post. Hope you have a Happy Birthday!
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Thanks Minnilue!! Happy 2013!!
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