So many images in my mind.  So many events of the past two weeks, and I can’t even begin to put them into words.  My heart says, “WRITE!”, but my mind says, REST.

We were gone for seventeen days, and seven of them were just travelling to/from Madagascar.

We left before Thanksgiving and came home to Christmas trees and Christmas music, and a home still in the fall mode.  So much to do!

Unpacking, laundry, decorating, shopping, catching up on mail and email…

Again, my body says, rest, but my head says, “get to work!”

My spirit says, “keep your focus on what really matters.”

And so, I start my day at 4:30 a.m. (still adjusting to the 9 hour time difference), and I realize that none of what seems pressing really matters if I don’t keep my focus on the Reason for the Season:

I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season, and am reminded this day to KEEP IT SIMPLE.

I am grateful for a wonderful visit to Madagascar, and reminded that what really matters is not all the “fluff”, but the real reason for the season, and time with family. I AM BLESSED.  And as my beloved father-in-law’s voice reminds me, “Do your best, and give God the rest.”

~~Vickie

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” James 3:17