I've been wandering my favorite crafting stores; and like most retailers...they are filled with holiday trimmings...
Santas and reindeer...angels and dolls made in the likeness of the baby Jesus...
Wood ornaments to paint, and crystal balls to fill with icons of the season...
It's a traditional time of great joy and celebration... or is it? 
Thanksgiving and Christmas should be times of great joy, peace, celebration and a time of peace on earth; goodwill toward men...
It's a time when we reflect on the blessings of the year; and offer our thanks for abundance, provision and blessing...
It's a time of exchanging gifts and great food; sharing movies and activities; crafting time for moms and kids...football for the guys...
(I know there are guys who like to craft and gals who prefer football, but I'm a traditionalist; and it shows in my expressions!) 
It's a time of preparing for the approach of the new year, and we begin to reflect on how we intend for things to "be different" next year! 
We spend time thinking about, and planning how we intend to do things differently in the fast approaching new year...losing weight, no more smoking and eating better seem to always rank high on the list of things to do to improve our lot in life.
The hard part is enduring the holiday season while we wait for the long anticipated "New" year!
For many, the holidays are a time of great loneliness; sorrow and desperate emptiness. I should know...I spent many years in that place of lonely desolation. It's a terribly painful reality for far too many people; and this year, my hope is to share with you some really great news...
I have experienced a time of great personal reformation! I have found the answers that I needed to begin to experience success, peace, and the changes in life that come from learning a new way of living!
I've experienced a time of great challenge, that has resulted in great healing...and you can too!
I invite you to join me as I continue my own journey through "taking charge" when it comes to the holidays (and every days!) ...and learn how to enjoy the days and seasons that all too often bring great sorrow, despair, and in many cases; a time of hospitalization due to mental anguish.
I see that it's been many months since my last post to my journal...that's because I've been busy living in the activities that are part of my changing life!
Change for the good!
Squidoo has been a part of that change, and I love being able to express my creativity in an environment that has broadened the parameters of my life!
Becoming a Squid Angel has been a tremendous joy in my life...if you are unfamiliar with Squidoo.... I invite you to stop by my "Angel" lens to check it out...
Oh, noooooo..... I had written about 10 more paragraphs, but have lost it due to technical issues within the journal!
My copy and paste just did a copy and erase!!!
YIKES!Well, I've been writing for some time, and I need to take a break...so, I'm going to have to pause for the moment...Home for the holidays is an issue of deep emotion, and processing it is hard work!
But rest assured; I'll be back...the subject matter is HOME...
and the issues that arise when home...ISN'T.
I've learned the difference, and it's now time for me to put it in writing!
Try it for yourself...you will be amazed to find that journaling is a tremendous healing tool for your mind!
Especially when you write the Words of God...the Bible is the instrument that led me to Jesus...
...He's the Prince of Peace; and he's placed me in new territory!
I'm living in my "new year" ...even though it's only October...I've come to know the joy of the season; and have discovered that even though some of the steps are dark; life really is a dance that you LEARN; as you go!
If you want to stay tuned; stop back soon to read some more...tag me, or subscribe to my journal...
I'm not like a magazine; I don't have a weekly or bi-weekly issue; I simply write as the Spirit moves!
(That's why it's been several months since you've heard from me...I've been in the ebb and flow that is part of that emotional work! If you are experiencing times of fatigue, lethargy and despondency; let me assure you that those times do come to pass, and I have faith that you, too WILL return to the brighter side of life!)
You are always welcome to join me...thanks for stopping by, and I'll talk with you again soon,
Your sister in Christ,
Connie
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
It's a really good plan, and He's got one for YOU, too!
"Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
But in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." Acts 10: 34, 35
What an awesome, loving God!
...and THAT is the difference I'm talking about!
See you again soon...
Visit my new website...it's a work in progress too, but I love it!
www.conniewalcott.com
Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
God's Got a Really Good Plan For Our Lives.... 
HI, THANK U 4 LETTING ME B PART OF WHAT U R AND WHAT U R DOING...TERESA 
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