Jemma's Tales
We Are Home
December 29, 2015
Through the hustle and bustle of this Christmas Season we celebrated Christmas with gusto and zest, as my husband and I moved into our forever home.
We embraced all of our dear family who live in the DFW area, and they embraced us.
In fact, they all made the journey out of their comfort zones, to visit us in our new home.
We gently savoured the miracle of the season with several Christmas celebrations, which included making gingerbread houses, sleepovers with cousins and Christmas carols.
A few of my dear friends, and you know who you are, predicted that my paperwhites would bloom just in time for Christmas and they did!
These paperwhites traveled from the apartment to the Hotel to the House and seemed to thrive through it all.
Truly, this is the season for all types of miracles, they really do exist, they are all around us and they come in all shapes, sizes and scenarios.
I would like to share a little Christmas story with you, which happened this year on
Christmas Eve, for us it was a little miracle in the Church parking lot.
Rebecca, Molly and I were driving to the Christmas Eve services back in our home town of
Southlake Texas.
Naturally we were running about 10 minutes behind schedule and there was really no way to make up the time.
Christmas music was playing in our SUV as we drove down the turnpike and we were all keeping track of the time, and the fact that we were probably not going to be on time for 4:00 o'clock Christmas Eve service.
We arrived at the Church around five minutes to four and there was not a single parking
space to be found.
All of the grassy areas were filled to the brim and things began to look very hopeless.
In fact Rebecca and I were beginning to think that we would just have to go have a cup
of coffee and a slice of pie to soothe our souls.
I decided to make one last circle around the far corner of the parking lot.
Low and behold a short little man with a limp, a crinkled but kind face, plump nose and checkered shirt climbed out of a very old rumbled pickup truck with a rusted and worn camper.
He began waving his hands at us, I let up on the accelerator and slowed way down.
Rolling down my window, I was about to ask him if he was alright, but he spoke before I could.
He spoke softly, "are you going to the 4:00 o'clock service?"
I replied, "why yes we are."
"Well, then, you can have my parking place, I am going to the later service."
He said nonchalantly.
I think I put up a little argument, but even with a limp he moved so quickly that in no time
at all, he was in his worn and weary pickup driving out of sight.
We did not have to have coffee and pie this Christmas Eve in lieu of a Christmas Eve service, because of a very kind little man who gave us a very big Christmas gift.
Do you have a special Christmas story to share?
I will be back on New Year's Day sharing my thoughts on embracing 2016.
Some recipes I'd like to share, gardening, a new potting shed...
I hope to see you here too.
Thank you so much for all of your support and sweet emails these past few weeks, I have so enjoyed hearing from you sweet friends, your friendship means so very much.
xoxo
We embraced all of our dear family who live in the DFW area, and they embraced us.
In fact, they all made the journey out of their comfort zones, to visit us in our new home.
We gently savoured the miracle of the season with several Christmas celebrations, which included making gingerbread houses, sleepovers with cousins and Christmas carols.
A few of my dear friends, and you know who you are, predicted that my paperwhites would bloom just in time for Christmas and they did!
These paperwhites traveled from the apartment to the Hotel to the House and seemed to thrive through it all.
Truly, this is the season for all types of miracles, they really do exist, they are all around us and they come in all shapes, sizes and scenarios.
I would like to share a little Christmas story with you, which happened this year on
Christmas Eve, for us it was a little miracle in the Church parking lot.
Rebecca, Molly and I were driving to the Christmas Eve services back in our home town of
Southlake Texas.
Naturally we were running about 10 minutes behind schedule and there was really no way to make up the time.
Christmas music was playing in our SUV as we drove down the turnpike and we were all keeping track of the time, and the fact that we were probably not going to be on time for 4:00 o'clock Christmas Eve service.
We arrived at the Church around five minutes to four and there was not a single parking
space to be found.
All of the grassy areas were filled to the brim and things began to look very hopeless.
In fact Rebecca and I were beginning to think that we would just have to go have a cup
of coffee and a slice of pie to soothe our souls.
I decided to make one last circle around the far corner of the parking lot.
Low and behold a short little man with a limp, a crinkled but kind face, plump nose and checkered shirt climbed out of a very old rumbled pickup truck with a rusted and worn camper.
He began waving his hands at us, I let up on the accelerator and slowed way down.
Rolling down my window, I was about to ask him if he was alright, but he spoke before I could.
He spoke softly, "are you going to the 4:00 o'clock service?"
I replied, "why yes we are."
"Well, then, you can have my parking place, I am going to the later service."
He said nonchalantly.
I think I put up a little argument, but even with a limp he moved so quickly that in no time
at all, he was in his worn and weary pickup driving out of sight.
We did not have to have coffee and pie this Christmas Eve in lieu of a Christmas Eve service, because of a very kind little man who gave us a very big Christmas gift.
Do you have a special Christmas story to share?
I will be back on New Year's Day sharing my thoughts on embracing 2016.
Some recipes I'd like to share, gardening, a new potting shed...
I hope to see you here too.
Thank you so much for all of your support and sweet emails these past few weeks, I have so enjoyed hearing from you sweet friends, your friendship means so very much.
xoxo
Ah that was a sweet little Christmas miracle :)
ReplyDeleteAh that was a sweet little Christmas miracle :)
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteThis man, angel, Christmas spirit or whoever he may be-really touched my heart and life:)
Thank you for stopping by today.
Good morning dearest and precious friend!
ReplyDeleteWELCOME HOME, finally! And you seemed "moved in" now since your dear grands and children have embedded their smiles into the home, officially making the house a home. Bravo. I believe in miracles, and they are packed in the most unlikely to expected PEOPLE.
I have many a miracle to share, but just Sunday, my friend (who you remind me of) came over. We hadn't seen each other in months but our meeting at the house was an opportunity for me to find myself again. She has a way of honoring any and every bit of goodness a person has within them, and she brought me back the hope of my creativity. It's a long story, but yes, I believe in miracles. AND.....what a wonderful moment to see a miracle unfold before you as this gentle little man (probably a HUGE ANGEL in disguise offered you the parking space.
GOD BE PRAISED!
Good Morning My Dearest and delightful Friend!
DeleteYou who finds magic in the most unexpected places and sees the infinite good in mankind. We need more of this in a world that is way too often sidetracked with sensationalism.
Thank you for sharing your miracle of Christmas with us today!
Wishing you a peaceful and gentle day-always.
I'm so happy that you got to spend your Christmas in your new home! Sounds like you broke it in with loved ones and baked goods. That's the way it should be. :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what the new year holds.
Hi Stacey!
DeleteWe had several Christmas miracles this year and boy have I savoured and enjoyed each one of them.
Looking forward to catching up with you and having lunch very, very soon!
We never know when an angel in disguise will be there for us! Great story!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, these are true, true words-we must always be aware of the simple and abundant beauty and unexpected miracles that surround us on a daily basis!
DeleteI love your Christmas story. How wonderful and how kind. Most synchronistic. As AnnMarie said, angels in disguise.
ReplyDeleteYour home is beautiful and it looks just lovely! What a gift!
Happy New Year, my friend. May your beautiful Christmas spirit live year round!
Jeanie,
DeleteCompletely out of the blue, which naturally made it all the more meaningful and delightful.
We are enjoying our home, Jeanie-it is a place of serenity, reflection and peaceful joy.
Wishing you the very same my dear friend!
Jemma, you're back!!! I just checked your blog for a new post last night to find out if you were settled in your new home - welcome home, sweet friend!! Things are looking wonderful already in your new place!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are safe and well - I was thinking of all my Texas friends with these crazy storms. So sad for all those families!
Enjoy your New Year's celebration in your beautiful new home, Jemma - xoxo
Hi mIss cutie!
DeleteSoooo good to hear from you, I have missed my sweet blogging friends so much and you have all been in my thoughts.
Thank you for the well wishes, so far, so good and our home has been blessed by family and their love-so the ship has been christened!
Yes, these storms were too close for comfort-just across the lake.
My heart aches for the souls lost and their families are in my prayers.
xxoo
I was just thinking about you and there you were in my in box! That's my Christmas miracle :). (Unless you want to count the fact fisherman hasn't jumped out of BAM due to my constant singing 'King of the Road')..
ReplyDeleteThat sweet little man was indeed a gift on a very special night. Your home looks lovely, but I expect nothing less. xxx
Oh my friend!
DeleteWhat a doll you are, you ALWAYS make me smile and your enthusiasm is so contagious, even across the miles.
Glad you had such a nice Christmas and that you're getting settled into your new home. Can't wait to see more of it!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteIt was a very good Christmas, full of chaos and love. Just the way I like it, which sounds odd-but it usually means goods things are happening:)
Lovely story. There are nice folks out there! Sheila
ReplyDeleteSheila,
DeleteThere are many good people out there-sometimes they get lost in the masses of humanity-but I know for certain there is at least one little man who made a difference in my life!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJemma, I'm so glad you are in your home. What a nice story about a dear man giving you his parking spot at the very moment you needed it. Yes, there are little miracles all around us, and I receive wonderful "signs" often. In fact, when we arrived at church for the children's Christmas Eve mass, there was a lovely rainbow in the sky. :) I love this picture of your grandkids with their candles. I look forward to seeing more pics of your house. Doesn't it feel good to know that you are finally home? What a blessing, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteMay the new year bring you so much peace and joy and love.
~Sheri
Dear Sheri,
DeleteIt feels really good, I am sitting here right now looking out the windows and watching two little does eat the corn that my husband has put out for them. Aw...nature in all of it's glory. The icing on the cake for our home, where love blooms and sweet children's voices echo and little footsteps have blessed this home of ours.
Thank you sweet friend.
Jemma I know you are so happy to be in your new home! The sweet little man that gave you his parking place sounds like an angel unaware doesn't he? What a sweet story! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
DeleteI am so happy-we needed a home to call our own.
Sort of felt displaced for 8 months.
Oh yes, we saw a real angel, didn't we??? Gives me goose bumps, just to think about it all still!
Happy New Year to YOU!
Jemma,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this share of your miracle in your church service experience. Jemma I have had many blessings and signs in the past few years. I feel they occur when your heart is open to receiving them.
Blessings in your forever home, the Paperwhites are thriving and look beautiful. I love the DFW area and just know you embrace your guests with a big hug and Texas sized welcome ... Cousin sleepovers, Gingerbread houses and singing carols all precious Christmas memories you have that will resonate in the energy of your new stunning home.
Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy New Year filled with wonderous miracles to receive.
xoxo,
Vera
Good Morning Vera,
DeleteI agree, our hearts must be open and our spirit aware. This was such a special Christmas for us, to have so many of our children and grandchildren be with us. Harmony reigned on all levels and there was just such a sense of goodwill and connection to the real meaning of Christmas for us all.
Thank you for your well wishes and I am wishing you the very same, dearest.
xoxo
Jemma
Well, I can't wait to see more of your new home. To see how At The Women Room evolves in 2016. And I have to figure you have internet!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Good Morning Brenda!
DeleteWe made it friend, and yes we have internet! We had one day that it went down, but we had quick responders and it turned out to be that the painters had unplugged it! LOL!
Looking forward to new and inspiring adventures!
Jemma
In your new home for Christmas, surrounded by family and with blooming paper whites? Sounds like the perfect holiday!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Kim!
DeleteIt was a very special Christmas indeed-and it was a stretch for some of our kids to make the drive here-so their efforts were really appreciated.
Of course having 3 granddaughters spend two nights with us, made my heart soar and the magic swirled all around us and I didn't even mind being sleep deprived!
I would say we had the perfect Christmas:)
xo
Jemma
I adore this story! I am so happy you are in your forever home! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJemma - What a dear story!! Tiff and I had the three babies at the Mexican place eating dinner one night last week and when we got ready to leave, a kind lady had paid for our dinner. What a precious thing to do. We always try to make the little ones be on their best behavior when we are out but you know they are 2, 2 and 4. They do pretty good. It seems the people all around us always carry on a conversation with the girls. So I guess they don't mind the activity!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are in your new home, It looks so pretty. Anxious to see it all.
Happy New Year dear friend,
Judy
What a sweet, sweet man and story! Welcome home! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Christmas story! I love when things like that happen. And you are in your new home!!! How wonderfully exciting!! I'm so happy for you! Happy New Year dear sweet friend! Love and hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful Christmas miracle to add to your memory collection. Happy settling into your new home. What a wonderful way to begin a new year!
ReplyDeleteWell girl you are in your beautiful house and had it decorated so beautifully...you have been a busy girl...I love reading the story of your 'angel'. What a testimony for your family to witness and hear about on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteSweet story! You home looks amazing for having just moved in. I can't imagine getting it all done during the holidays, but so happy for you that you were there for Christmas. I'm eager to see more. Hope you share soon.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
That's a sweet story. I'm so glad you are now settled into your new home! I can just hear the change in your voice ... HAPPY :D
ReplyDeleteWendy
Praise the Lord for wonderful blessings my friend that our Lord has given to you. I cannot wait to see what the New Year holds in store for your family and you share with us. Happy New Year! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you. Perfect timing to be in your new home for Christmas. Lots of memories for you and your family. Delightful story of the cute little old man who gave you his parking space. My little story is we were all along for Christmas and I was feeling sad. My children were all so busy. Well, I got a surprise visit from my older son The night after Christmas. He called me and asked what we were doing. He then told me he was very close by and wanted to see us. He brought in a pizza and gifts and we had a lovely night. It definitely brightened my Christmas. Happy New year Jemma. xo
ReplyDeleteMiricals are all around us daily, and blessings come in all kinds of disguises, old, young, new, and beat-up!
ReplyDeleteIt's truely what blessings are all about. And never trying to get there first, sometimes the blessing come to those coming in last.
It shows us to never give up, and watch for those small signs, soft whispers, and gentle winks.
Blessed you are to live in your forever home, and the life you will build will bless others around you I am sure of that.
Looking forward to all you share in the new year.
God is so much bigger then time itself.
Xx
Dore
I am so happy for you and your hubby....it doesn't sound like you could have had a more joyous Christmas. I truly enjoyed the photos you shared of your family. The little ones are just adorable!
ReplyDeleteHere's wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
Warm hugs,
Carol
What a treat this post is.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you and your move- plus it was the Christmas season- plus
your Christmas miracle was no doubt God- limp and all.
Sigh...
Happy New Year my new Texas friend!
Laura
White Spray Paint
Hello Jemma, what a nice Christmas story. I am so happy for you, I know you are excited to be in your new home. May your New Year be filled with peace, love and joy! Happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteSo you did get to spend Christmas in your new home! That's wonderful, and I loved the peeks into your Christmas. Darling little faces too!
ReplyDeleteAnd your story of the suddenly available parking space? One of God's little gifts and truly a Hallmark moment too.
Dewena