An excerpt from my latest blogpost inspired by my watercolor shown above. The Tree and the Snowman.

“The snowman’s head was not quite as they’d left it and somehow his face was different. His eyes sparkled brighter and his smile was much bigger. His carrot nose was cheekily pointing upward, while his head was tilted back and turned ever so slightly towards the tree. Was he gazing up in wonder at the tree’s star? Yes, indeed! They couldn’t deny what they saw.”

A little painting to honor the pine cone which plays a beautiful part of Christmas festivities. We find these cones in all shapes & sizes—adorning Christmas trees, tucked into wreaths and added to table decorations.

I personally love them and have a basket of large sugar pine cones that I collected from a forest in Northern California many years ago. To me their design is perfection in their imperfections. They’re beautiful in their natural state but adding some silver or gold spay paint jazzes them up to add some sparkle.

Did you know that the pine cone is SO much much more than a Christmas decoration? Hiding within its beautiful design lie the seeds to grow an entire forest! One more little miracle from our Creator.

I painted this simple little tree ornament for you in the classic Christmas colors of red and green. These two colors are complementary and, when placed side by side, each accentuates the vibrancy of the other.

Red radiates energy and passion, while green is grounding and calming. Together, these opposite colors harmonize. They create a sense of cozy warmth, peacefulness, and joy, so what better colors to symbolize Christmas, right?

At this beautiful time of year,  I wish you harmony, joy, love, faith, and an unwavering  hope for the future.

A heartfelt thanks to all my dear friends everywhere. You light up my life.

This little painting is intended to inspire a mountaintop moment. I hope you like it.

Today, we are one week from Christmas Eve. Do you feel the glory of an all-powerful living and loving God? I hope your heart is full of joy as we celebrate Christ’s birth. May your cup overflow with blessings. May you fall to your knees in reverence as you wonder at the magnitude of God’s gift to mankind.

“Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born

Down in a lowly manger
Our humble Christ was born
And brought us all salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.”

How could I not paint a festive nutcracker? Mine is dressed in traditional garb, as a guard, but nowadays we find these colorful ornaments mimicking a variety of characters. They come in all shapes and sizes—hanging on the Christmas tree, displayed on the mantle piece, standing to attention at the front door, always ready to greet a friendly visitor, or on guard to ward off danger.

Originally, nutcrackers were keepsake gifts to bring good luck to a family. It is said they represent strength and power, and protect the family from anything harmful.

Here’s a delightful little poem by Jonathan H. Scott

THE NUTCRACKER.
My kingdom’s only make-believe.
This truth I’ll not deny.
Still, through the years, I’ve stood the watch.
Herein I reason why.

If I am seen by just one child—
One little girl or boy,
I am prepared to give my all,
Though I am just a toy.

Despite my lowly place, you see,
I am still honor-bound.
No greater call of duty now
Will anywhere be found.

Yet, there’s one thing above all else
(It’s been so from the start)
I will protect and will care for;
Your dear and tender heart.

Hanging a Christmas wreath on the front door is more than a festive red and green decoration for me. The evergreen pine needles represent everlasting life, the red flowers and berries symbolize the blood of Christ, and the circle emphasizes eternal love.

But our wreath is also a warm greeting that says “You are welcome in this place!”

It’s an open invitation to step over the threshold and into our home. How about a glass of cheer, a hot chocolate, or a cup of tea? Then, stay a while. Let’s celebrate the blessings of love, family, friendship and good health. Let’s reminisce about the good old days and speak enthusiastically about the years ahead.

Cheers! Here’s wishing our friends and family the happiest season of all. Merry Christmas!

It’s true there’s something magical about falling snow, especially for children—or those folks who awaken their inner child. Isn’t it wonderful how snow quietens the world and instills a sense of peace to life, and yet it also stirs the desire to venture out into it, touch it, build a snowman, or even fall into its softness and craft a snow angel? So silently beautiful.

I doubt we’ll see snow here in Texas but we can dream, right?

Christmas is almost here! As the worldly distractions of busyness and non-stop noise reach a deafening crescendo, I invite you to stop for a few moments, take a break, and listen to the words of this song for the next 75 seconds.

I hope the scene in this little painting floods you with a sense of peace. That you feel joy and hope. I pray you know the light of the world. Through Him, may you shine your light for others to follow.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12

No lights for this Christmas tree. None needed. There’s nothing mankind can create to compare with nature. No painting could reproduce the magnificence of this tree as it stood in glittering radiance.

There, in the crunchy snow, I was spellbound by its breathtaking beauty. It was alive with dazzling light. Instead of wired lights, on every bough millions of snowflakes twinkled in the sun, sparkling like dancing diamonds. No two flakes alike. No baubles hung on its branches—just a star on the treetop announcing the coming of our savior.

A miracle for mankind.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6