From my home to yours

Faith makes all things possible; Hope makes all things work and Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all the three for this Christmas.
Thank you for all your support this year.  I have made some amazing friends through my blog and cherish them all.
From my home and family to yours,
Merry Christmas!
Ruthie

Reflections

Visiting the Notre Dame in Paris  was an incredible experience. I wanted to show you some photo's I took that meant something special to me personally. 
I thought the shadow above in the Notre Dame was so incredible.  A reflection of this wrought iron gate below.
As I walked through in total awe, it made me think of this verse.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name. 
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever,
 his faithfulness continues through all generations.

There is always something so surreal about going into an OLD church. The smell, the pews that squeak when you sit in them, the grand ceilings, chandeliers, stain glass, candles, the whispering and of course the display of the cross.

Most of all what I though of most was the history of those that have gone before us. The stories of those that have been in the church and sat in those pews and expressed their hurts, thankfulness, grief, praise, sorrow, forgiveness, hope and much more. They spoke to the same God that never changes day by day and listened to their every care. So many prayers prayed and so many answers given.
Probably not the answers that they expected or asked for (that seems to be the way God works) but the answers that He knew were best for them.

This reflection was so stunning too.  I always loved the hymn "Crown Him with many crowns."  It was a simple reminder to me that God reigns, is majestic and has glory and power. 

Above is the crown that was being reflected on the column.
One last shadow in this church that caught my eye and made me think of how God wants us to reflect Him in every part of our lives in a large way. We aren't "perfect" but can strive to be like Him.
Outside the church and the stained glass inside the church.

Touring the church was one of the highlights of our trip.  The architecture was absolutely spectacular. You do feel the presence of God when you walk in too.  Everyone is quietly praying as showing great respect. 
As I left, I thought about how we often think that we have to go to "CHURCH" to be with God.  So great to know that we have beautiful churches we can visit but God isn't just in those buildings.  He  is with us wherever we go and we can talk to Him in our homes, as we drive around town, or at the grocery store and he doesn't just stay at the church.  
Great reminder for me this Christmas Season.
This was the nativity in the Church.  What a great time to visit Paris at Christmas time.
I'm taking some time off to be with my family for Christmas. 
May you have a blessed Christmas season this year!

Old World Opulence

To look at a thing is very different from seeing a thing.
One does not see anything until one sees its beauty.
Oscar Wilde

While I was in Spain and France I took pictures of beautiful lamp posts, chandeliers & lanterns that I thought had great character. Here are some of my favorites.  

This one was my ultimate favorite!  I'd love a pair of these.
This one is outside the Notre Dame
The CROWN OF LIGHT Chandeliers in the Notre Dame in Paris. 
The stained glass in this church was absolutely breath taking!
These chandelier's are made out of solid copper.  They were as tall as me.
While we were in the church they had several on display that they were cleaning.  They are absolutely massive and so beautiful.
They are beautiful all lined up amongst the wooden pews.  Lighting makes everything have attitude and it was so surreal and quite in the Notre Dame.  We all sat as a family and had a special prayer.  You can't be in there without being in awe of God's Majesty.
Let your light shine this Christmas!
Ruthie

Treasures that speak

Out and about yesterday and found this fabulous candlestick that I FELL IN LOVE WITH!  It spoke to me so loudly and even told me where it could be placed in my house.  I'm going to find a bigger candle but wanted you to see how wonderful it is.
I also found this wreath topper several months ago.  A client gave me these feathers (her husband is a hunter) and they gave the topper some great personality.  It now hangs in my dining room for the holiday season.
Adding a few candy canes to my large glass vase in my office is a fun twist to decorating.
What treasure have you found lately?
Ruthie