Christmas: Always On My Mind.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  ... Romans 12:2

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I can't decorate this dining area for Christmas because, to me, it's already decorated as festively as I wish. Already my house, each day, is decorated for Christmas, what with the long green wall and the red couch, door and grandfather clock. Throw in this glowy scene, above, (shining brighter in Winter after the leaves fluttered down) and the Jesus of my heart who nudges me to spread joy to others, and well, I've got Christmas year-around.

One added bauble, I feel lately, will tip the whole house into clutter mode.

Also, Tom keeps asking me for a Christmas list, something more than just an amazon.com gift card (love those), but seriously, until yesterday I couldn't think of a single thing I wanted. What happened yesterday? Good ol' Pat tempted me at Facebook with these knitted headbands: 

Naughty Pat for spreading temptation. heh.

But seriously? This year I feel that God, Tom and Naomi have already given me every hold-in-your-hand-or-go-anywhere thing I ever really wanted. 

Truly. My personal Christmas list is so empty, it's echo-y.

I even--get this--have stopped wishing for a dreamier house. Yes, for weeks I've been addressing my personal 'house issues' (y'all know I have them) and coming to terms, to peace, with just enjoying stepping through  'Blondie houses' or unchanged 1940's cottages (opened for estate sales) without craving one for my own. Allowing my head to only snatch ideas I can copy, to be happy for the families who lived there ... and to walk away without lust angst. 

You know, disciplining my mind to only go where God leads it and to want only what He wants for me. 

Wandering farther from those two points, only leads me to disappointment, complaining and self-inflicted sadness--all brought on by my own undisciplined mind. Blaming others would not be truth.

This whole post may sound trivial (not to mention confusing), but to me it's all huge. Disciplining ones mind always is.

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"But the fruit of the spirit is ....... self-control."   ... Galations 5:22

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“Why is discipline important? Discipline teaches us to operate by principle rather than desire. Saying no to our impulses (even the ones that are not inherently sinful) puts us in control of our appetites rather than vice versa. It deposes our lust and permits truth, virtue, and integrity to rule our minds instead.” 
― John MacArthur

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Speaking of vintage houses, my all-time favorite comedy series is The Dick Van Dyke Show and here are a couple color photos from the house set:

 

(That one was colorized, for I've seen other photos where the furniture, etc., didn't really 'match' at all, but was used solely because the shades in black and white looked right. So, of course, I shared this one since it looks much nicer.)

 

 

 

 

LOVE all the turquoise!

 

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