Thursday, December 23, 2010

~MERRY CHRISTMAS from Rebecca~

Dear Friends in Blogland...

Christmas will be here in just a few days and my time and focus has once again turned towards tending to the needs of my family as we look forward to celebrating the birthday of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Before I sign off for another year I want to wish you all a beautiful Christmas!  I also want to thank you for the kindness and friendship you've offered up to my family and I over the past twelve months and for staying with me through the thick & thin of blogging as well as the joys and sorrows that have come our way.   Not only have you blessed me with your loving words and support, but you've displayed a willingness to follow along side me when my own pathway wasn't always clear...

Not unlike the lyrics (see below) of the  first song on my play-list (it's by the Vision Impaired/Blind artist, Ginny Owens), I'm not altogether sure why I'm here...  Ever feel like that?

Can I be honest with you?  I first started blogging as a way to promote my website, but since that frosty January day of almost two years ago much has changed in my life.  All the things I initially planned on writing about in regards to my business eventually evolved into sharing a great deal more than just my latest creation.  I've formed some lasting friendships, met some of the most amazingly talented women (and a few men!), while being inspired by those much more gifted than I.  I've rejoiced over the birth of new babies and grieved over the loss of loved ones held dear.  I've oftentimes been buoyed by your faith and even struggled to understand the bitterness I sometimes see flying through the air.  And without a doubt, some of you have crawled right into my heart and I suspect that is where many of you will always stay...

I'm trying desperately to stay true to my heart's calling while being as truthful as I can be about where I am on any given day.  I'm terribly flawed at best, and I sincerely question at times if I have anything left within the coffers of my life that may still interest you.  Still, I feel led to 'carry on' and so I will be doing just that. 

God has been incredibly generous to me this year and miraculously topped off our list of blessings  by saving the life of my son just this week.  A couple of days ago I shared with you how he was involved in terrible automobile accident where his brand new SUV flipped over and was totaled.  Everyone in our family knows if not for God's grace the outcome could have been devastating.    Thank you, God!  And, thank YOU for your kind comments!  I want you to know they were not only a huge blessing to me, but also to Brandon and his little family...  Our SarahGirl and my Miss K would have been heartbroken if something had happened to him (and this Momma as well!)...
 ~BRAN'S FLIPPED SUV~

I will be taking at least the next ten days off to enjoy some out of town company and to rest and recoup from a busy (and prosperous) last two months.  I'll be back after the first of the year with more, well...everything I guess! :)  Thank you for your faith in me, in my voice, in my work, in my heart.  You truly give rise to my passion and make my very soul sing...

Merry Christmas to you all and may your New Year be the best one of your life.  May God bless each of you in a mighty way!

Love,
(and her Mr. AGPMan, too)

IF YOU WANT ME TO
 
The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen

When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me

And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering that Your love put You through
And I will walk through the darkness
If You want me to

Cuz when I cross over Jordan

Gonna sing, gonna shout,
Gonna look into Your eyes and see You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to You
And I will walk though the valley
If You want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley

If You want me to

61 comments:

Nima said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family

Julie Marie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family dear Rebecca!... much love, Julie Marie

Cherished Treasures said...

Dear Sweet Rebecca,
I wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hugs, Carol

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Good Morning sweet Rebecca!
I am sitting here with my first cup of coffee and reading your lovely blog. Each word has touched my heart and the blessings are flowing. Thank you for sharing your life and your art with me and thank you for being such a wonderful blogging friends.

I wish for you the very Merriest of Christmases and may joy and peace be with you for the New Year.

Mr. AGP is a handsome guy and you make the loveliest couple. I can see the sparkle in your eyes.
I'm also thankful that your son wasn't hurt.

Big hugs and love!

Sissie

Theresa said...

Oh my sweet friend! HOW did I miss your Son's accident? I try hard to keep up but this has been an extremely busy time! I am thankful he is OK and YES it could have turned out so differently! Praise God he is safe!

I treasure your friendship and I can't imagine my life without so many of you precious blog friends who are so dear to my heart!

Hugs to you, Merry Christmas to you and your Family, Happy New Year and love to all!

Carol said...

Just sitting on pins & needles waiting for word that Brandon is okay from the aftermath of his accident. Thanks for the update.

Your writing was very clear on what fork in the road you have chosen. I am excited beyond words with your decision.

Me..well I am off to The Woodlands Mall to START my Christmas shopping as Macy's opens at 7 AM. The upside, maybe I will find a bargain at this late date. My little elf, Miss Alexey will help me..she's such a trooper.

Blessings to you & yours for a Joyous Christmas

Carol from
Good "Ol Texas

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Merry Christmas
sweet Rebecca!
We are so very blessed!!

xoxo
Lori

chicroses said...

Here I am up at 5 this morn up early..with little tears in my eyes..I so relate to you anguish over you sons accident. I to had this experience with my son. He rolled his SUV coming home and on icey road.My son crawled out with no injurys....So we are 2 blessed Moms. The lord new we couldnt stand to be without them on this earth. Have a lovely Christmas Rebecca..hugs Sally

Unknown said...

Dear Rebecca:
Happy Holdiays to you and yours. You all received the best present this year with Brandon walking away from that horrible accident. The Lord is good my friend :)
I hope you continue on all of your journeys and find peace in the future and the path you were meant to take. I would like to say from the bottom of my heart that you DO have something to offer us here in blogland. Your wisdom, humor, talent, kindness and knack for making all things pretty. NEVER doubt for a second that WE don't appreicate you and look forward to what you post/say.
Merry Christmas and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xo
Roselle

Patty C. said...

I hope you enjoy your time off - I work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so I will patiently wait for my time with my family
Blessings to you
I am so thankful for your sons well being.

Merry Christmas !!

Jan's Blog said...

Wishing you the best Christmas ever. It's good to know you are taking time for yourself with friends and family. You've earned it. And thank you for all the little treasures I have around my home that make my Christmas special. Love and Blssings to you and yours!!!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Mary Albrethsen said...

Hugs to you and your family. Those lyrics are beautiful. I think this year has been a trial for most everyone. I am thankful your family is safe. I wish you the Blessings of our Lord for you and your family. I have loved reading you blog. I feel like a cousin or something and can't wait to check your blog each day. I think in this day of physical isolation from family members the blogs and tweets and email is all that holds us together sometimes. May the New Year bring you His Peace, happiness and good health. With those things you can face anything.
Love and God's Blessing to you and yours.
Mary

Deanna said...

Rebecca,
May you have the best Christmas ever and a wonderful new year!

Signing out myself for a few days to enjoy family and to celebrate Jesus' s birthday.

Blogging became an outlet for me so I wouldn't be so isolated as I started babysitting a very active baby that I needed to stay indoors with. I have grown to really enjoy blogging.

So glad I found your lovely blog and have gotten to know you better through blogging.

Thank God your son is alive!

God bless,
d from homehaven

Tanza said...

Good morning sweet friend,
Wishing you and yours a very blessed, wonderful Christmas !! A blessing you are to me !! Have a happy Christmas kinda day ~
Big HUgS ~TeA~ xo

ShabbyESP said...

Good Morning Rebecca,
What great news that your son is ok!!!
It has been such a heartwarming and wonderful 4 months since I found the blog world seeing how wonderful and talented woman you all are!!
Thank you Rebecca for the wonderful words and creations from you, I have so enjoyed reading your blog.
May your Holidays be filled with love and happiness!!! What a sweet picture of you and your husband.
Much love
Suzann

Anonymous said...

Wishing you the merriest and most blessed of Christmases...you have already received one of God's greatest gifts...your son's safe escape in the terrible car accident
I have been so inspired and cheered by you all year, sweet friend...I will be waiting for more news of you in 2011, but for the time being, please enjoy your family, and your time together...you have so much love in that little group..
and YOU are at the HEART of it all.
Merry Christmas and God's blessings in abundance in 2011.....
Love you...Francy.....

Mari said...

GOOD MORNING SWEETIE~
AHHH....YOU WARM MY HEART WITH YOUR WORDS :) YOUR AN AMAZING AND TALENTED LADY, WITH A BIG OLE' HEART TO BOOT :) I WILL ASK GOD TO KEEP BLESSING YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!!! PLEASE GIVE MISS K A BIG CHRISTMAS HUG, FROM ME :) SHE IS SUCH A LITTLE BEAUTY :) AND I THANK GOD TO THAT YOUR DEAR SON IS WELL AND KICKING....LOL

WISHING YOU AND YOURS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR :)

BIG HUGLETS~XO~MARI

Beach House 27 said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Rebecca.
You've said it beautifully, I feel the same way about my little blog and the friends I have met here.

Thank you for another year of inspiring me, motivating me, encouraging me, and writing posts that make me put my priorites in order. And being grateful for life.

Eat Drink and Be Merry.
Marsha

Trisha said...

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May it be filled with lot's of love, magic and dreams come true!!

~Trisha

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Rebecca: Thank you for being their for me. I could not have made it through without your help. God has given me a true friend in you. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. I rejoice with you about your son. Hugs, Martha

Blondie's Journal said...

Thank you so much for your friendship over the last few months, pretty lady. You are the best!

Happy Holidays!

XO,
Jane

PeggyR said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! May the new year be a wonderful year.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Have a wonderful Christmas, blessings to you and your entire family. and Praise God for your son's protection!
Big Christmas Hugs,
Debra

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Oh dearest Rebecca,

Wishing you and your beloved hubby a wonderful holiday! You are such a beautiful couple! I'm so glad that you son wasn't hurt. Your blog posts are so heartfelt, and I love reading them all! Take a much needed rest, and enjoy!

Blessings and Love,
Debbie

Linda said...

Rebecca...Thank you for this lovely and honest post. It touched my heart so much. I have also been blogging for two years and I have made so many wonderful friends that have touched my life in so many ways.

Who would have ever known that it would turn into a way that I could pray for, minister to, and encourage others....and they in turn have done the same for me. (:>)

You are a beautiful person inside and out and in both ways you inspire me. And I love the beautiful things you create too.

I am so glad that your son was not seriously injured or killed in that accident! I am thinking that God was watching over him. (:>)

I pray you and your dear family will have a very blessed Christmas and New Year.

And I look forward to another year of blogging, and staying in touch with you!

Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca and Family,

Enjoy your time off and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Look forward to your next writing; which by the way, you do so well. Always from the heart and very sincere. You've reached more than just promoting your website! Guess I could learn a lot from you as I'm way behind in that respect. But it's always good to have a strong role model showing it can be DONE.
Thanks for being true and again thanks for the lovely pillow that I won!!!

Mariette's Back to Basics

Sheila said...

Blessings to you, dear Rebecca. Love you and your post. I am so glad that I got to be touched by you and your family this past year. You are a beautiful woman inside and out.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you, and your family!!

Kathy

Unknown said...

Another beautiful post! Rebecca, the same thing happened to me with blogging. It is so much more than I ever thought it would be. I love your blog and you always have so much to offer!!
I am soooo relieved your son is okay, what a blessing!! My goodness, how scsry :(
Merry Christmas sweet friend. Enjoy your time with family!!
Love,
Amy

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Rebecca,
I am just catching up and I see now about your son's accident. Thank God he and no one else was hurt!
You truly have something to be thankful for this Christmas!

Wishing you and your a very Merry Christmas!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Jacoba said...

'Vrolijk Kerstfeest en Gelukkig Nieuwjaar', Rebecca!
Thank you for inspiring me and I wish you well in every respect. It was so nice to meet in you blogland.
Jacoba

June said...

You two are so darling Rebecca sweet. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas too!
I am so thankful for Brandon's safety.
sending you big hugs for the holidays....

Unknown said...

That's a beautiful post...
Well chosen words delivered like you do so well. I have enjoyed talking to you this year and reading your blog.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Love ya, see ya next year.
glenda

Unknown said...

That's a beautiful post...
Well chosen words delivered like you do so well. I have enjoyed talking to you this year and reading your blog.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Love ya, see ya next year.
glenda

Sarah said...

Can't wait to spend time with you and Mr AGP Man tomorrow (and our wonderful out-of-town guest/adopted family member)!!! Love you guys the most :)

SarahGirl

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Aw honey we all love you too and so happy that you have been here with us this year. I feel the same way you do and love my friends out here.
Praise God your son was not injured. What a beautiful blessing and I am so happy for you both.
Love your picture of you and your hubby. You are beautiful inside and out.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
Love
Maggie

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Merry Christmas, Rebecca. Thanks for sharing all your talents with us. You are loved and blessed.

So thankful your son was not injured in the accident.

Love,
Dianne

Anonymous said...

Hi Rebecca, Gosh it's been a while since I've been able to catch up with my blog favorites. I hope your Christmas and New Year overflow with even more blessings. BTW, I missed out on your son's post but am so glad to know he is ok.

Abby:)

Ginger said...

Beautiful words from a beautiful lady, inside and out. Wonderful picture of you and Mr. APG Man. I feel so blessed I have been able to get to know you and hope we can be friends forever. You are a special lady and you deserve the best of everything life has to offer you. I am so relieved Brandon is ok, what an awful thing to happen here at Christmas time. Give Miss K a Christmas hug from me and have a wonderful Christmas.

Hugs and love,
Ginger

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh sweet Rebecca....you are a complete treasure, girl. I am so glad to be able to call you a sister-in-Christ. :)

May you and your wonderful family have a blessed Christmas holiday filled with love and joy! ♥

xoxo laurie

Rebecca said...

Merry Christmas to you, Rebecca, and your precious family! I had forgotten you had a son named Brandon...like mine...and I didn't realize he was born in 1982...like my Brandon...July '82, in fact. So glad he is alright. God is SO GOOD!

God Bless you and Merry Christmas,
Rebecca

Lisa said...

Merry Christmas, Rebecca! Glad to hear your son is alright.:)

NanaDiana said...

God Bless you, Rebecca- Enjoy your time away. I am blessed to have met you here and am constantly amazed by your talent and love that you so freely share. Hugs-Diana

Sonya Badgley said...

Oh Rebecca,
Praise God that your son is alright. As you know we are celebrating this year without our Son-in-law (he was killed Sept.1st) and it has been a hard Christmas for us. He was such a blessing to us. I am trying to focus on our blessings as I watch my daughter and grandson in pain and that is not easy. But I know our Lord is with us. He knows what it is like to lose a Son too.

I'm so thankful for you and your inspiration. The song from Ginny Owens is one of my favorite. It has been my song so many times in my life. As I read your post and listened to that song, I just wept. For so many reasons. Thank you sweet girl, you are a blessing to me.

God bless you and your dear family today and always,
Sonya

Rita said...

Rebecca, I think we all have asked those questions. "Why have you brought me here? but just because You love me the way that You do, I'm gonna walk through the valley if You want me to." Just praying that He will help us to walk that path and do His will. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and soooo enjoy them with thankfulness in your heart that they are there, well and alive. Merry Christmas!

Margie said...

So glad you did start blogging! Always love to look and read through it. Merry Christmas!

Laura said...

Dearest Rebecca,

Praise God that your son was protected.
God's protection is so mighty.


You are so special to me Rebecca.

Have a glorious Christmas!

Laura

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Dear Rebecca...

So sweetly said... as usual. What a way with words you have darling chickie!

Wishing you a wonderful, wonderful Christmas....filled with tons of blessings and sharing with those you hold dear...

Lovies,
Spence

karen said...

Wonderful song. Merry Christmas And we are the ones that have been blessed by you and your post. Thank You.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Merry Christmas, Rebecca!

I've been MIA lately (wrote about it in a post), but I am SO thankful to see your son is okay. What a scare!

And I extend my very best heartfelt wishes for you to have a wonderfully Merry Christmas. I know you think I am the biggest dufus in the world, but your surprise is still forthcoming. LOL! Read my post, and I think you'll see what has been going on in my life.

May the Lord shine His face upon you and grant you the Merriest Christmas to date!

Love you,

Sheila :-)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Merry Christmas, my precious friend! You are a joy to everyone who knows you.
I missed the post about your son and I thank God he is alright.
My love and Christmas wishes go out to you this evening.
Mona

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas Becky--
Love the lyrics of the song.
Blessings on you and yours as you celebrate the Birth of our Lord.
Love your Forever--
Hugs-- Mom and Dad

Tristan Robin said...

God certainly smiled on you, didn't he?!

Sparkle!
Shimmer!
Glimmer!
Gleam!

Merry, merry, Christmas to you and yours!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

Lynn B said...

Happy Christmas Rebecca to you and your family!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Dear Rebecca,
I hope you enjoyed a lovely Christmas and I too am praising God for the safety of your son in the accident. The older I get, the more I'm certain that prayer changes things! Thank you for joining the blogging world and sharing all the beauty you bring to it. Thank you for your sweet friendship and I hope this new year ahead brings many blessings your way.

Hugs,
Sandi

Jo said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family, Rebecca. You are indeed blessed...!

Cheers,
Jo

Judy Miller said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Blessings
Charo

Shirley said...

Hi Rebecca, I am a little late, but I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope you have enjoyed the time away and will look forward to reading your blog in 2011. Accidents can scare us so very much, but we have god looking over us that is for sure. Happy New Year
Your Missouri Friend.

Marianne C. said...

Rebecca,

First, about your son's accident - I thank God for his safety..Psalm 91 says it all! I am learning to build my life on it.

Secondly...Congratulations on your three year mark in blogland! You have a delightful blog full of...fullness.

Marianne

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