My mind has been in a blog-fog these past few days, and to be quite honest I’ve not wanted to write more posts on food or table settings. I’m gearing up for the New Year as I’ve started adjusting my attitude for “new” and “revitalizing,” while I’m putting my party hat on, thinking about how we will celebrate this new year of 2009!

The last few days we’ve been cleaning up the clutter, and packing up the Christmas “stuff” away into the attic. I’m always amazed at the excitement of pulling out the Christmas paraphernalia, listening to hours of Christmas music, hopping from party to party – all in anticipation. And then how cleansing it feels to put it all away, slow the schedule down, and start dreaming about the New Year.

As my husband and I were thinking back to many great memories created over the holiday season, we said, it all comes down to relationships! And we both know that the “R” word is a dreaded word in many families. There is no perfect family and what seems to be joyful in some is pure, utter pain for others with strained relationships.

As I wrote about Christmas PEACE in my last post, it is a free gift to the entire world. I do feel peace in my heart, but how do we really live it out? How do we spread peace? How do we promote it?

This morning this reading grabbed my attention! It gave me a guideline and a perspective that I don’t want to lose, one that I found to be so meaningful.

A “peacemaker” is the servant who … first, is at peace with himself—internally, at ease … not agitated, ill-tempered, in turmoil … and therefore not abrasive. Second, he/she works hard to settle quarrels, not start them … is accepting, tolerant, finds no pleasure in being negative …Ever been around those who are not peacemakers? Of course. Was it a pleasure? Did you sense a servant’s heart? Were you built up and encouraged?

Few things are more godlike than peace. (By Chuck Swindoll, taken from Improving Your Serve)

I was challenged. I know the world needs more peace, but I also know it has to start with me. So I want to promote it, pursue it, and model PEACE in 2009.

I also wanted to share with you what recently came in the mail.

This …

And this …


And Paul and the kids have been doing this …


And I got this for Christmas …


And my husband got this …


And we’ve been working on herb beds using old wood …


And building new cedar beds (see cute little Haggis McStitch?) …


We are very excited for our garden this next year. Home gardening is on the increase to save both money and to eat better! In the upcoming months I plan to help you by giving some great tips …

Do you have any gardening goals for 2009?