However, the other day a little blue sky peeked it's beautiful head through the ugly smog, and the trees were covered in frost. It really was SO beautiful. Of course, I grab my camera and start taking pictures. OneI took a picture of this tree, standing alone in this snow-covered field. This experience, as small as it was, planted a seed in my heart and mind, then other experiences have kinda built upon that seed already planted.
Every tree in the valley was covered like this, it really was absolutely beautiful!
Ready for this??? My deep thought is really nothing new, but it felt new to me on that day. You might have to stretch your imagination to follow my "deep thought" for the day. But I was thinking...even in the "ugly" or bad times of life, isn't there still beauty to be found? When we feel totally alone, can't we still stand tall and reach heavenward? And when life is really that bad and dreadful, if we can enjoy what we do have, and wait out the storms...that blue sky will show it's beautiful face - even if just for a moment or just a day. And then before we know it, when we've made it through these trials, and spring is just around the corner.
Now to my second experience that made this seed blossom in my mind (it's not really MY exprience, but the experiences of people that I love and care for). I mentioned in my blog last May about my Uncle passing away from Thyroid cancer, and how his entire family (4 kids and wife), all suffer from the same disease. Well, one of their kids, David, has had a reoccurance of his cancer, and has had a dreadful operation cut from his ear to below his adams apple. He has been through treatments that have made him very sick. When it was all said and done, the tests showed that he still had cancer, and they would have to do surgery again and cut down the other side of his neck to remove more cancer. It was devestating news. In the meantime, our family and I'm sure others, have fasted on his behalf. Of course, we have prayed many prayers on his and his families behalf as well. After the recent fast, he had another test done, and there was no cancer. It was such a shock, that they ran another - a more detailed test, and it's GONE! His doctors only explanation for this miracle was fasting and prayers. This does not mean that he's totally in the clear, he will have to have tests quite often to make sure he's still cancer-free. But prayers have been answered in the way we had hoped. Now his sister just had the same surgery, but on both sides of her neck, with more lumps removed. We are hoping and praying for any positive news for her. I know that not all prayers are answered in the way we want them to be, and that is where faith steps in. Heavenly Father does still answer those prayers. He will always answer those prayers in the way that's best for us, that sometimes, only He understands at the time.
This picture is of my cousin David with his dad and mom, my Uncle Dennis and Aunt DellaMy point of sharing this story is that it has been "January" for a long time for David and his family. I'm sure they have felt alone at times, even though they are surrounded by friends and family. He has stood tall, and faced his illness head on. Now the beautiful blue sky is shining through, and spring is just around the corner. His sister Dionne is in the beginning of "January", but her blue sky will also shine through someday. I hope that the rest of his family (his mom and sisters) are already enjoying spring...then summer. No more January's in that family. BUT, if there are more January's, there is a cerain beauty that can be found there.
So I hope through any trials that come my way, and they will come - that I can remember in my mind, the beauty of this tree, standing strong and tall, against that beautiful blue sky, in the most dreadful month of the year. And I can remember so many people who have withstood their trials with grace, wisdom and faith.
"Come what may, and love it" Joseph B. Wirthlin
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads...Santa and Mrs. Clause were up till 2 am building, putting together, and wrapping. They all wanted to sleep in the same bed so they could stay up all night and talk, or catch the big man. 
The traditional line up from youngest to oldest early Christmas morning, as they anxiously wait to get to go see what Santa brought them.
Traditionally, we have our extended family party the day after Christmas. This year, with my parents gone, we still had our party, but we were all kinda at a loss. We usually go to their house, and my mom has a wonderful dinner. This year, we went to our church house, and WE had to figure out dinner. What's up with that????...you mean we have to grow up and take over the job? 
After a week of trying and trying, we were finally able to get through on the phone to Grandpa & Grandma on Kiritimati Island. It was bitter/sweet to get to talk to them. I wanted to talk forever, but of course, that wasn't possible. It was hard to say goodbye again. 
A good game of Risk, but not for me. I don't like games that make me think! 
Thought I'd throw these in just for fun. This is Christmas on Christmas Island!
