Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

2009 has been an amazing year for me!! January started out with hopes and expectations but, like most new year's to do list of resolutions, it kind of fizzled out to ordinary day by day responsibilities until April! Until the day I started my first blog! Unknowingly, this blog began a whole new chapter in my life. The day I stepped out on a limb by faith...I mean who would take time to read my jumbling thoughts and find it interesting?

2009...Visits with Friends ~ A Spring visit to Biltmore. a summer trip with the girls to Chimney Rock and our chance encounter with Elfin the White Squirrel, Chimney Rock. Then onto Charlotte to see the Phantom of the Opera and adventure at the Latta Plantation.

2009...Family ~ Blessed with several visits with Kevin, Donna and the boys this year making precious memories. First, we celebrated Dawson's 9th birthday in Kentucky with snow and sledding. A summer visit to Shallotte which included miniature golfing and the awesome boat ride. Celebrating Jaden's and Keagan's birthday in August with parties and more parties plus a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. Then unexpected visits with them in October and December due to loss.

2009...Conferences ~ From Terre Haute to Nashville, Tn, conferences as different as can be but both spiritually uplifting, full of worship and the Word!

2009 ~ Connecting with old friends and new friends on social networking sites

2009 ~ Central Ky Photography Group - In August, another new chapter of my life and dream come true: joining a local photography group and enjoying my new Rebel camera. Through this group I feel I have grown so much in my skills as a would-be photographer.

2009 ~ Clarissa's Corner - Photography & More! I would never have guessed that I would now be selling my photographs as greeting cards and prints. Photography has always been a hobby but this year it has blossomed into a wondrous hopeful experience. Who knows what successes the coming year will bring to this venture?

The year has not been all joy, wonder and victory...there have been moments of grief as we mourn the passing of Aunt Dorothy, and Donna's Grandfather, and several close friends. It's the patchwork quilt of life...change, the ordinary, hope, new life, sorrow, death...what a wonderful life!

What does 2010 hold in store for us? Only the Lord knows and I am so glad we are trusting him to lead and guide us! My dad retired today so he will be adjusting to a new chapter in his life's story. Jeanette and I are scheduled to go on a cruise in April with some very good friends. I am sure there will be many more stories and pictures to share! Possibly having a start ANOTHER blog to share all the Adventures!!

May the Lord bless you and yours in the coming year! Happy New Year!! ~ C ~

Merry Christmas each and every one!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
As we celebrate on this day, I wanted to share the story of the birth of Christ with you. May we always remember the day a babe came to this earth to save a world!

"The Christmas Story" King James Version

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this"
(Isaiah 9:6-7).

The Story of the Birth of Christ (As told through Luke)

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.


The Story of the Birth of Christ (As told through Matthew)

Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, Who is called Christ. 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us. 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His Name JESUS.

2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2:2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?
for we have seen His Star in the east, and are come to worship Him. 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel. 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the Star appeared. 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the Star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 2:10 When they saw the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Joy to the world the Saviour come and joy to you this very day! ~ C ~

There's Still Time...

When I was just a little girl, I memorized a quote for Christmas. Although I can’t remember whether it was for a school performance, church pageant or just for a family gathering, the quote has stuck with me all these years.

The gift you give another need not be a costly thing,
If you tuck a little love as you tie the string.

As I watch people worry, and fret over their Christmas shopping lists. Hurrying, scurrying from store to store for the perfect gift or that special must-have can’t live without toy of the season, I wonder if we’ve forgotten the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Saviour, the one who came to live and to die in order to GIVE life and life abundantly.

In order to honor this, the ultimate gift, how can we give of ourselves this holiday season? Surely you know someone who will not be having a joyous Christmas without the help of friends and neighbors. Many folks are laid off or out of work, families are facing life-threatening illness and overwhelming medical bills, and how many more are facing foreclosure? What about our military families? With war on so many fronts, many families will be missing family members around the table this Christmas dinner?

Last weekend (while I was out doing the Christmas shopping thing ), Jeanette and I stopped by Chick-Fil-A for breakfast and witnessed a touching scene. Kids with grandparents and young families were being treated to lunch by State Troopers and their wives before taking them on a shopping spree. These children will remember that day for a very long while. Another group who make a difference in the lives of children is the Marines with their Toys for Tots programs. And they are not alone, firefighters, police as well as churches, area businesses and individual families are all helping meet the needs of families.

As I sit here in the SICU waiting room, I heard the story of some teachers at Wilson Elementary in Ohio who asked their students to forego presents to them. Instead of spending the money on the teachers, they asked the students to donate money to purchase food and diapers to help out a local mission. These students raised $1,400.00 and today met their teachers at a local store to choose the items and take them to the mission. What a lesson of giving for all involved!

One of my favorite radio stations, K-Love and Big Daddy Weave teamed up to make a difference for some military families throughout the United States who had needs this Christmas. The “Be Brave This Christmas” project as well as the news of many more troops being deployed to Afghanistan during the holidays have greatly touched me. My heart goes out to these families and our troops who are sacrificing so much.

The needs seem so overwhelming…what can I do to make a difference? I am only one person. It’s not too late…you too can make a difference! There’s still time to serve Christmas dinner at a mission, make up a food basket for the shut-in or a family out of work, visit the elderly at the nursing home, buy a coat or a toy for a child… Get creative!

These needs are not just limited to Christmas eve and Christmas day, but I pray in the spirit of giving…each day…reach out to someone in need.

Remember, the gift you give another need not be a costly thing..just use a little wisdom and lots of love!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~

"God Gives Us Memories so We Might Have Roses in December"


When I think of December, my mind automatically thinks of Christmas celebrations, fun-filled snowy days, decking the halls, family gatherings in front of the fireplace, gifts galore, and lots of laughter. The joyous songs of the seasons, adorable children in memorable Christmas pageants, and choirs lifting their voices in Christmas cantatas.

However, is it so in every household this December? I think not! In this season of peace and joy, let us not forget the families who would like to cut this month from the calendar. Families who have been torn apart through divorce, illness, or the passing of a loved one. There is an empty seat around these tables this holiday season, a missing voice, that special touch which creates a heart shaped hole of longing.

My own family and several dear friends have suffered the great loss of close family members this year. Some deaths arrived without warning taking us off-guard and by surprise. Oh yes, we are thankful that they didn’t suffer but how we miss them. Other loved ones passed their final days surrounded by loved ones. Some were taken tragically and at a young age. But grief knows no age. Plans are interrupted and dreams unfulfilled. Even now, there are those, close friends and family members, that we know may not be here for our next holiday season. The shadow of grief looms in background of even this year’s gatherings allowing us to make the most of each moment we have with them.

My prayer for us, and my prayer for you and your loved ones, this holiday season is that we gather and savor our memories, some may yet be too painful or bittersweet, but it is through these precious memories that we gather bouquets of roses even in December. We have a hope for a future reunion but this day we selfishly wish for one more moment with our loved ones. Let us not forget those left behind who are in need of our love, support, kindness and understanding this season.

And if you are one of those left behind, know there are those around who remember and who are waiting for the one word from you to remember as well. There is healing in remembrance and tears. You are not alone.

If this holiday season you would like to share your memories with others, I am opening a space on my blog for those special memories. Please feel free to come and share with us.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. I Thessalonians 3:16

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Although we've already had a dusting of snow or two recently, the snow last evening took me by surprise. A few flurries as I was leaving work so I thought I had plenty of time to run by the bank and youth center. Twenty minutes later the main road to my house was covered..how was that even possible? One moment I was praying, the next I was calling myself crazy for not coming straight home, and then I was overwhelmed with a grateful heart for my four wheel-drive. I have never been a confident driver in snow or ice. During the last huge snow of early 09, we realized my 4WD was no longer working but fixing it was going to be quite expensive so I waited. Thankfully, I had left my vehicle at a local service station on Thursday morning for them to take a look so I would know what parts I needed to order. One of the repairmen was able to reset my 4WD and it WORKED!!! and just in the nick of time!

Since my Christmas shopping is finished and I didn't have to work this weekend, I was looking forward to being snowed in! What a beautiful wonderland I had awakened to this morning! Irrestible! As I bundled up and went outside to take some pictures, I was amazed that as cold as it was, the snow was melting fast. It is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!



Joy to you and yours ~ C ~

The 2009 Christmas Card Collection

Presenting...the 2009 Christmas Card Collection only available here...at Clarissa's Corner. If you're looking for a unique card (limited edition) this holiday season, here are some of the pictures available for selection. There are beautiful christmas trees, angels, ornaments, a cross to remember the true reason for the season, slorious sunsets, and majestic mountains. One of my favorite scenes may seem exotic for a Christmas card but the moment I saw the waterfall surrounded by poinsettas, my breath was taken away. The card that has become quite meaningful this holiday season is actually a surpise. The picture of the nostalgic fireplace all decorated for the holidays comes in a card with the caption: Memory is a Photograph of the Heart. The surprise is how many hearts have been touched and that the card is being used to remember loved ones who have passed on this year. I am continuely amazed at how a simple picture can speak volumes without a single word being uttered.



There is a second set of Christmas photos as well. Some I have previewed in an earlier blog but here are ones who made the Christmas cut. Christmas just can't be Christmas without some pets to bring silly grins to our faces. They are just so cuddly cute, precious and their antics are too funny. So if you want to share a smile this Christmas, take a peak at Sassy, the Ferrets - Angel and Gilligan, a Christmas edition of the W.S. Elfine series plus the ducks and elk.



In the next few days, I hope to post pictures of the actual cards. If you would like to place in an order, just drop me a note. The cards are $3.00 each plus shipping and handling. Or maybe you would like to give greeting cards as gifts..if so, we have quite a selection available from thinking of you, birthdays, thank you, sympathy plus a host of quotes. Matching bookmarks are also available with either the greeting cards or the Christmas Card collection.

In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don't forget the Reason for the Season: Keep Jesus as the center of your Christmas celebrations.

Peace & Joy to you and yours! ~ C ~