Stockings Hung, Tree Up, Nativity Out/ Show Us Your Life

Hop over to Kelly's Korner and Show Us Your Life
We'd love to see your Christmas decorations!







Christmas Trees

What is it about Christmas trees… that makes me feel so good?
The sparkle, and the twinkling lights, upon the boughs of wood

It’s just a simple little thing, and yet it makes me smile
As I adorn the branches, and stand back to gaze awhile

The shiny balls and trinkets and the garland that I hang
Remind me of my jewelry, like a bracelet or a ring

Like necklaces of silver, or earrings made of gold
But it’s even so much more than that…there’s a story to be told

The tree points up to heaven, from which the baby came
To be our Lord and Savior and ultimately our King

This calls for celebration… let’s bring gifts for our dear King
And share our love with others as we hear the angels sing

It’s a means of adoration, it brings joy to every heart
To remember our dear Savior as the decorating starts

I put on the Christmas carols and I sing them as I work
And the fire in the fireplace is just an extra perk

The tree makes me feel happy and I sigh when it is done
Each year I stare with pleasure and declare it’s the best one!

The real ones smell so wonderful with their yummy, fresh, pine scent
But the fake ones are so easy to bring up from the basement

It doesn’t take too long to deck the halls with boughs of holly
But putting up that Christmas tree sure makes my heart feel jolly!

Written by Linda Hogeland
December 2010

In The Stillness of The Morning

Just some peaceful pictures to go along with my poem. I love the beauty of God's creation...don't you?


This is a giant wisteria in Japan...isn't it awesome?

Table Rock Lake in Branson...so peaceful.

I took a picture of this bird in a tree outside our condo in Branson. I just love God's wonderful creations!




In The Stillness of the Morning ~~~ Written by Linda Hogeland~~~ December 2010

In the stillness of the morning as I sit here in the quiet
I wonder why the world is always in a crazy riot?

It is so very nice to sit here in this quiet, peace
And meditate on Jesus as He gives me sweet release

When was the last time that you sought this kind of solitude?
You really should embrace it…it improves your attitude

I know that life is busy… but then, it is just what we make it
Slow down, breathe in, breathe out, and then remember not to fake it

Sincerely meet your Savior in the morning with a prayer
And wait on His direction as you sit there in your chair

Read a little tidbit in the Proverbs or the Psalms
And wait awhile till Jesus brings that blessed, peaceful calm

The stillness of the morning is indeed a precious gift
I really do enjoy it and it gives my heart a lift

I want to share this secret so that you can have peace too
So get up a little early and find out what this can do

I know that you will like it, as you make it your routine
Sweet communion with the Savior offers much for you to glean

As the world slowly awakens and the rat race does begin
You will now be more prepared to face the day and even win

Win that battle over worry, and the very hurried pace
As you wake up a little early to meet Jesus face to face

I love the morning stillness, no phones, no noise, no cares
To interrupt the sweetness as I greet Him with my prayers

After all, the Bible tells us…“be still and know that I am God.”
Yet we don’t often listen…and I find that a bit odd

Why is it we reject Him…and don’t listen to His call?
We have everything to gain and nothing to lose at all

So greet the morning stillness…and sit there for awhile
You will feel His calming presence…as your face begins to smile