The Perfect Christmas . . .requires courage

 

but offers the gift of grace for imperfect circumstances.

 

 

 

In my line of work,

beauty

the perfect image, and

perception

are valued. 

I suppose each is subjective in the eyes of the beholder.

I wonder tho, what it is about perfection that we are drawn to? Is there some kind of false security waiting for us there?

Far less than perfect circumstances challenged a very pregnant Mary and Joseph as they traveled by foot in the dark cold of the night to meet their obligation for the census count. I cannot help but wonder how challenging this was for them and the courage required to make this fateful journey.

So many families right now are faced with their own set of less than perfect circumstances as we usher in this Christmas season, and I wonder how each is fairing and from what source each is drawing their courage for the journey.

This beautiful image conveys a perfectly appointed home decked out and dressed up for the Christmas holiday. I love it, I am drawn to it, I want to walk though the door and I imagine you feel the same. But, like being surrounded by people at a holiday party, yet feeling alone, I wonder how safe and secure, how real it feels once inside.

This, is not my home.

This year is the very first my home is not yet decorated to celebrate the season. Not one single Christmas decoration is unboxed, unwrapped, nor hung.

We, my friends are one of the many, many families  faced with less than perfect circumstances this Christmas season. While I am blessed to know reasonable success with my work, the TV/film studio my husband works for has cut back, layed off, and repeatedly reduced hours of many of its employees creating very real hardship for many, instead of entertainment. Our home will soon no longer be ours - it is just a matter of time now.  

My focus, and my engergy right now are in taking on one challenge at a time, hoping, praying, and putting ALL my faith in God fulfilling His promises to me. This is, I think, my most trying test of faith in my life because it concerns not only me, by my children. I am placing myself, and my children in His hands. But unlike the human hands I’ve known, His know how, and are capable of holding me, and my girls where we need to be held.

Where will the road lead?

Much like the night Mary and Joseph embarked on their journey, they were met with most imperfect circumstances, yet they made the best of their situation, settled into a stable for the night and unexpectedtly ushered into what the world  has come to  know and celebrate as thee most perfect birth of God's one and only son, Jesus Christ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 giving us a most perfect gift of hope.

My hope, my prayer, my gift to you is that if you do not know this story of hope, of courage, of the gift of faith, that you make time to receive and open the gift. This gift is filled with all the grace and all the courage you will ever need to hold you as you embark on your journey.

And the angel said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

 

 

The perfect Christmas offers the gift of grace for imperfect circumstances and hope for a future -

On behalf of Terri Conrad Designs, from my truest heart, I wish each and every one of you a blessed and Merry Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Dutchie Roxie]

I am blessed beyond measure reading your blog today.
I can so related to your words here and thank you for your encouragement that you are keeping up your God given talent even through the difficult times..
I have pretty much shut off my creative side due to hard circumstance and this has encouraged me to open up my soul again and express and experience the love of GOD thru creating again..
I will be praying for you and your husband. We too have been hit very hard with the economy being so bad.. Sincerely Roxie

[Roxie Lang]

My husband purchased for me one of your designs to cover a new kindle that was given to me by my boss... I was so impressed with your work and style it encouraged me to visit your blogging site.
I am blessed beyond measure reading your blog today.
I can so related to your words here and thank you for your encouragement that you are keeping up your God given talent even through difficult times..
I have pretty much shut off my creative side due to hard circumstance and this site has encouraged me to open up my soul again and express and experience the love of GOD thru creating again..
I will be praying for you and your husband. We too have been hit very hard with the economy being so bad.. Sincerely Roxie

[jane maday]

Terri, you are one of the most eloquent people I know, both in your words and art. May the blessings of the season be upon you, now and through the new year.

[Vickie]

Terri,

A beautiful post filled with a message of hope for all...God still has a plan and He still calms the storms.

[Beth Yarbrough]

Dear Terri - you are such a beautiful expression of encouragement and faith for so many of us - may God BLESS you and your family on this journey - and bring you "peace in the midst of the storm".
Beth

[Diane Knott]

My friend, I hope you know my heart and prayers are with you....

Diane.....

[Ginny Otsuka]

Terri..I feel like we have become friends through Facebook, emailing, our past years liviing in the same area...I am honored and humbled to pray for you everyday. I can't wait to see what God has instore for your sweet family. X0