It'st starting to feel like December. Like winter, actually- and I'm so thrilled. We recently brought in a box of Christmas decorations from the garage... and since we haven't put up the Christmas tree (yet!), they were more the type of little beauties that add a bit of merry cheer to the season- a welcome addition. They're truly doing a beautiful job right now; two or three nutcrackers strewn about, and my great-grandmother's nativity set be-decks the front entry table. A festive wreath did add cheer to the front door... until a few moments ago, when Alexandrea (wisely) brought it inside- no, it doesn't work with the weather.

You would think the dogs are a part of the decor themselves. You see, we used to have a rug in front of the fireplace... 'till we learned that was not the greatest idea in the world. However, Grace-Hope has taken to throwing down blankets  there, isntead; and Lilly and Chester are more than welcome content to cram flop and curl up down there instead (with sufficient attention of willing hands and servants' hearts to exclaim over them (Tim Hawkins, anyone? ;).

My loving, wonderful Mommy just brought me a warm mug of hazelnut-flavored coffee. I'm not ready to confess an avid user of the stuff, except for on Tuesdays and Thursday, when I have a 6:30am Latin class. As long as I have a sufficient amoung of sleep the night before (but that rarely happens- you've heard my usual bed-time routine, I'm good. I usually rise (on weekdays only) at 6:30-45 in the morning.

~*~

New seasons are coming... we're already {pretty much} through the year... and as I look back... I wonder, just like Elsie Dinsmore... "oh, will I ever be like Jesus?" And again, "will I ever be able to fulfill the path He has planned for me?"

My heart says yes. My mind is willing.

The hard part is actually going for it- if you know what I mean...

Sometimes it's hard to get the words out that I'm trying to say...

Anywho... as I finished my Bible and prayer time this morning (nestled in my same cozy spot), I stared into the flames. And thought-prayed... as in wandering thoughts and talking to G-d at the same time...

How uncertain the future seems, L-rd. When I was little, I used to wish that I could see what the next year would bring in the fire. The last couple of years, I have grown so much.. I can feel it.. in Your garden... but most of the times, I just can't feel that I have "grown" at all. L-rd, I know You have ordained me to be a woman of Yours; and I strive to be a girl after Your own heart, with nothing, nothing, ever coming into my gaze that might distract me... but Abba, it's so hard. And I now that I am oh, so helpless without Your touch and grace at work in my life.  Dear Jesus, I can't wait until I meet You face-to-face.. and I dance for joy for You in green meadows... L-rd, You know my heart. You know my soul. And I want to live for You, and bring glory to Your Name alone. I want to be like Ruth, I want to be like Mary, Dorcas, Hadassah... author my weak heart and govern my steps... author the desires of my heart. Let my thoughts and words be not my own, but Yours. Father, I love You with all that I am... let me a hart, teach me how to leap on the high-places... let me be a flower, accepting with joy all that You bring me... teach me to be content in who You have created me to be... thank You that I can call You Father! You... are my All in All.