The Meaning Of Snowflake

The Meaning Of Snowflake

Every new snowflake comes to the earth
as a picture of our Savior's birth,
because they are sent from up above
and reminds us of God's care and love.

Each one is so intricate and small
because Christ sees the details of us all,
and just as two are never the same the
Lord knows and calls us each by name.

Snowflakes gently cover the world in white
and hide what's unlovely from our site,
showing us how He covers our sin
and gives us His Grace when we come to Him.

so may every snowflake bring Christ to mind
and in every bit of white may you find
a reason to celebrate anew
and a reminder of His love for you.
- Holley Gerth

Praying your Christmas
and New Year are filled
with God's
many blessings.

From the fullness of His grace we have
all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16

Christmas In Tokyo

On Christmas Eve 2003, noted painter Makoto Fujimura gathered with other artists for a party at Sato Museum in Tokyo. Many had donated their works for a benefit exhibit to raise money for children in Afghanistan. After the meal, Mr. Fujimura, an ardent Christian who lives in New York, shared some words about the true meaning of Christmas and their opportunity as artists to create works that help bring hope into the world.

Reflecting on that event, Fujimura wrote: “I was convinced, that evening in Tokyo, that Jesus invited Himself to be among artists who may not even know His name. Some of these artists, I suspect, have already sensed His presence in their studios as they labored to create peace via their paintings. All gifts of creativity, like the Magi’s [star], point straight to a stable in Bethlehem.”

Paul said that God is at work among people of all nations “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27-28).

We should be alert for the Lord’s presence where we least expect to see Him. Jesus may invite Himself to any Christmas party. After all, it’s His birthday. - David C. McCasland

Ice Hotel Quebec

Outside Quebec City, Canada, there is an extraordinary place called Hotel De Glace — Ice Hotel. This hotel is constructed entirely of ice and snow. Over 15,000 tons of snow and 5,000 tons of ice was used for this amazing building. Inside, everything - walls, tables, seats - is carved from ice and snow.

This remarkable hotel offers a nice cosy sauna area and you’ll be given a freshly-heated sleeping bag at bedtime to ensure you don’t get too chilly.

Hotel is open in winter time. The 9th season of the Ice Hotel will be from January 4th through March 29th 2009. Here is some photos from the 8th season. Oh, in April, the whole thing melts down, to be rebuilt again the following year.

Furoshiki Wrapping Two Uneven Bottles

Here's another pretty and artful way of wrapping your presents for the holidays.

A Lovely Gift Idea

Here's a lovely gift idea for the holidays. I just adore these tea sets and they're from Tea Forté .

God's Faithfulness

As the rain comes down, and the snow from
heaven,.... so shall My word be.
Isiah 55:10-11

風呂敷の使い方: お使い包み

How to use Furoshiki

Furoshiki

The furoshiki is a very nice and environmentally supportive way to wrap and transport items. Furoshiki is an essential tool of daily life in Japan, often used instead of a bag, or for storing articles and other domestic uses. Larger furoshiki are also used as a tablecloth, for decorating the wall, as a scarf, or for making a unique Japanese dress. Furoshiki is very versatile and can be used in many ways.

In Japan, the presentation of a gift is just as important as the gift. Furoshiki is used for wrapping articles such as a special present in Japan. Compliments of the season or feelings of thanks are often conveyed with such a traditional present. The pattern of the cloth is designed so it displays beautifully when wrapped. Wrapping is important in Japan, an indication of politeness, dignity and an added note of respect in a nation that values indirect communication. Someone who borrows an umbrella might return it wrapped in a cheery cotton furoshiki, for example. Wrappings are also meant to conform with the value of the gift and the formality of the situation. Members of Japan's parliament carry documents in big purple furoshiki instead of briefcases. Elderly women tuck a furoshiki in their kimono sleeve, unfolding it to carry home the day's groceries.