All that to say, the above photo was taken as I was hurtling driving, somewhat, sedately down Hungary Springs Road. I told Dave we need to go back, preferably tonight, so he can see the lights as well. Unfortunately, he’s not as taken with “yard art” as am I. I’m all for whatever someone wants to put up in their yard as long as (a) they aren’t my neighbors and (b) it’s not disrespectful or sacrilegious. Heck, if it brings a smile to the face, that’s always a plus in this frosty ole world, wouldn’t you agree? I wouldn’t want them to be my neighbors because that would mean I’d live in the city. At this stage of life, I’m not willing to give up the farm for city living…Eva Gabor I’m not.
Yesterday, Dave and I had lunch at the Jefferson Hotel. It’s a lovely old property with loads of vintage appeal and they decorate beautifully at Christmas.
The reason I wanted to go to the Jefferson, however, wasn’t because of their beautiful decorations; it’s because of Offering. They are a group of musicians who play some of the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. The first time I heard them was at Positive Vibe Cafe and they blew me away. Within seconds of hearing their first song, I could feel myself relaxing, becoming calmer and more peaceful.
For more than a decade, this non-profit band has been supporting various other non-profits by playing their brand of grace, peace and love. They play at MCV’s Hospitality House, Positive Vibe Cafe, many churches and for venues they believe to be honoring through service. This Christmas season they are supporting Meals on Wheels through Central Virginia Foodbank.
Positive Vibe Cafe has been training folks with disabilities for more than a decade. They rotate Richmond chefs who train young folks in the ways of a superb kitchen and they turn out some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. If you’re ever in Richmond, make sure to eat there; everyone will benefit, including you, especially if Offering is playing.
On their blog, Jeanine Guidry recently posted something that grabbed my heart. She talked about “the ministry of showing up.” I wonder how many of us have missed a blessing because we didn’t show up? We were too busy or too tired or had an already over booked calendar or other reasons, a host of other reasons. How many of us have wonderful memories because we did show up? “Obedience is better than sacrifice” is what the Good Book tells us; if I ever get a tattoo…NOT likely!…that would be the one…
Blessings ~ another Christmas Eve together ~ Offering ~ Christmas lights and decorations ~ folks who have servant hearts and then serve ~
Merry Christmas,
Sandra
"Obedience is better than sacrifice", good to remember…when I am not so busy ! 🙂
Our area has a lot of tacky lights and sometimes we are part of a tacky light snow, but as we are in the country only our neighbors see it. The grandchildren love our Christmas lights, and that is why we put them up!Bringing a smile to their faces is pure joy, so you are right about that.
Merry Christmas Sandra and Dave, Christmas in the city there is beautiful, may your time together in the city be wonderful too in spite of the reason you're there~ but most especially because of Him,praise Him, Jesus, our Savior.
what an incredibly beautiful hotel that is. have a very Merry Christmas!
Expressions of joy – whether lights, good food well served or showing up – all add to our Christmas blessings. We are all told how busy we are – but each one has the same 24 hours every day – it is what we do with our time – and showing up is a great thing in my book.
Grateful you and Dave showed up in our lives this past year – may we share stories for years to come – smiles aplenty. God rest ye merry gentlepeople (a little liberty with a lyric)
Oh yes, the Tacky Light Tour in Richmond – I have done that. It's lots of fun.
Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and that God blesses you in the new year.
Merry Christmas Sandra! ♥
Oh goodness,Tacky Lights Tours,,only in America! The Hotel looks so inviting, I am glad you enjoyed it. How beautiful it is, I do love classy Hotels.
Obedience "is" a challange. Like not to judge tacky lights…
Merry Christmas, may God continue to work through you and your blog, and bless you greatly in the new year.
Love
Marcie
That picture looks quite abstract!
The hotel looks very fancy and beautifully decorated.
The Christmas
It's always fun to see the different ways people express their JOY at Christmas. We have always driven around and looked at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve.
So glad you two had an enjoyable lunch at the beautiful hotel. Thanks for sharing about the pretty music too. May God bless you both this Christmas and in the New Year.
Oh I wish I could come to Richmond. The tree there is beautiful. I am glad you got to go and hear your musicians. Merry Christmas
What a lovely old place, beautiful decorations too!…
And, listen here… I got a tattoo (my one and only) at the age of 41 after a very difficult experience and miracle of an outcome. I drew it myself, it's a phoenix rising from the ashes… I do not regret it one bit, I put it where no one else can see it… and I say, if the thought keeps crossing your mind, Go For It.
Just sayin.
I hope you have a peaceful holiday and many blessings to you in the coming year.