Let's Catch Up, Shall We?
Hi friends! I'm going to go ahead and say, Happy New Year too, since by the time you read this it will be New Year's Eve! I hope that 2026 brings wonderful things to you!
It's been an action packed December with lots of events and busyness. I'll share some highlights with you. Above, you will see the flute quartet that played "Carol of the Bells" at our church's Christmas Eve service. These dear ladies and I have been practicing together and I am thrilled to have had such a wonderful experience playing with them. The lady standing next to me was actually visiting from Utah and turned our trio into a quartet. She's an amazing flutist and is the daughter of the lady on the end.
Our church's handbell choir also played for the service. They played so beautifully! We also had a mother/daughter pairing in this group, as well. My dear friend Sharon's daughter rang with us. She is wearing a striped sweater. It was wonderful to have her join in with us!
I've continued to do some supply pulpit preaching during December as well as teaching an Advent class at our home church. I've really enjoyed doing all of this. I did start to get tired and a little overwhelmed as Christmas came closer, however. I guess I'm not as young as I used to be! (wink)
I have actually begun playing flute more frequently at church. When I got my first flute years ago I said if all I ever did was hold it I would be happy. Then, six years ago, I started taking lessons from a wonderful flute teacher here in town. And now, I can actually stand up in church and play pieces! What a gift to me to be able to not just hold the flute but to play music! Playing the flute was something I always wanted to do from the time I was about nine years old. Better late than never, right?!
The Mr. has kept busy this season, as well, playing many concerts with big bands as well as solos and his brass quintet.
And, guess who turned three years old? Our dog, River, celebrated his third birthday in style with a small taste of cake icing and a new toy!
I have transitioned over to Winter Decor in our living room and foyer, keeping my one little tree out with multi-color lights. It's so cheerful on the cold, winter days to still have some multi-color lights out to enjoy. Following are other pics of our "Winter Decor."
So, here we are, with 2025 ending. As you know, if you have been reading my blog for a while, I typically choose a word (or two) for each new year to focus on and see what the word has to teach me. My words for 2025 were "gratitude" and "grace." I have tried very hard this past year to think about the many blessings that God has given me in my life and to remember to be filled with gratitude. At the same time, I have felt the impact of giving myself and others grace while realizing how often others extend grace to me. And, of course, God gives grace, love and forgiveness in extravagant measure in my life. I am truly, truly blessed.
I have been thinking and praying about a word for 2026 and I am actually a bit surprised by the word that keeps cropping up in my mind. As I think more on this word, however, I can see why it is a good choice. So, without further Ado, my word for 2026 is.......
"Imperfection"
Does this word seem surprising? After all, nobody should be striving for imperfection, right? My words for other years have been positive words like "trust" "prayer" "gifts" "light" and "hope" to name a few. "Imperfection" may not seem to fit.
However, as I have pondered about this word, I have come to understand that it's not that I should try to be imperfect, but rather that I should relax. I feel that God is reminding me that only HE is perfect. The world around me is certainly not perfect, other people aren't perfect and I certainly am not perfect. As a recovering perfectionist, these truths about life are sometimes difficult for me. I seem to get frustrated at times because I feel like everything I do should work out perfectly, my performance in life should always be perfect....I should always be perfect! As I have focused more on gratitude and grace this past year, I feel that God is reminding me to offer myself grace with the whole idea of being a perfectionist. It's a lesson I have been trying to learn for many, many years. So, as I move forward into 2026, I will strive to realize that imperfection is part of living in this imperfect world. I don't have to like it....but I have to be willing to give grace to both myself and to others.....realizing that God's grace and love is with me in all things.
As I close out this post, I would love to know about your holidays, about what is happening in your life, and about your "word of the year" if you decide to choose one. Also, allow me to thank each of you for reading my blog and commenting. Although I write my posts for myself...I also write them for you! Thank you for making blogging so enjoyable! And be sure to join me next time, as I share what's been in my book basket. I've been enjoying some great reads!
Until Next Time,
Debbie (This and That
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