Chritsmas is?

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🎄 What Is Christmas, Really? 🎁

Soon it will be Christmas.
For many of us, it’s about gifts, gatherings, and excitement. Our hearts long for more—more things, more fun, more of everything.

But Christmas isn’t really our day…
It’s Jesus’ day.

Still, not everyone feels joyful this season.

💔 Some are far from loved ones
💔 Some can’t afford gifts
💔 Some aren’t even sure they’ll have food to eat
💔 Some are sick or grieving

And I wonder… could Jesus be sad at Christmas, too?
Maybe—because many celebrate the day, but forget the One it’s all about.

But here’s the truth:
Christmas is a love story.
God gave us Jesus—not just to be born, but to carry our burdens, bring us peace, and shine light into our darkness.

✨ “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
✨ “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22-23

If this season feels heavy, remember:
God will carry you.
He sees you. He loves you. And He is with you.

So smile—not because everything is perfect, but because you know the One who is. 💛

Merry Christmas. Keep your eyes on the Light. ✨

The little things we do!

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It's the little things that we do, and the little things that we don't do, that make the big difference in life!

A minute read........

As I was walking
Down life's highway
Many years ago

I came upon a
Sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store..

When I got a
Little closer

The doors swung
Open wide

And when I came
To myself

I was standing
Inside..

I saw a host of
Angels.

They were
Standing everywhere

One handed me a
Basket

And said 'My
Child shop with care..'

Everything a
Human needed
Was in that
Grocery store

And what you
Could not carry
You could come
Back for more

First I got some
Patience.

Love was in that
Same row.

Further down was
Understanding,
You need that
Everywhere you go..

I got a box or
Two of Wisdom
And Faith a bag
Or two.

And Charity of
Course
I would need some
Of that too..

I couldn't miss
The Holy Ghost
It was all over
The place.

And then some
Strength
And Courage to
Help me run this race.

My basket was
Getting full
But I remembered
I needed Grace,

And then I chose
Salvation for
Salvation was for
Free

I tried to get
Enough of that to do
For you and me..

Then I started to
The counter
To pay my grocery
Bill,

For I thought I
Had everything
To do the Masters
Will.

As I went up the
Aisle
I saw Prayer and
Put that in,

For I knew when I
Stepped outside
I would run into
Sin.

Peace and Joy
Were plentiful,
The last things
On the shelf.

Song and Praise
Were hanging near
So I just helped
Myself.

Then I said to
The angel

'Now how much do
I owe?'

He smiled and
Said

'Just take them
Everywhere you go.'

Again I asked
'Really now,

How much do I
Owe?'

'My child' he
Said, 'God paid your bill
A long long time
Ago.'
Got this poem from a friend through email and it is worth sharing.
So here it is:)

BlueGrass Skin v2.1.2816

© Tele2 AB - 2006

My place in autum!

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                                                          Autum pictures!

This place is one kilometer from my home!

This picture is taken from the nearby town which is called Trondheim!

 

In the town center where I live!

Autum flowers from my garden.

The leaves that changed  their green color  to red and orange!

On the way to the seaside!

The seaside in autum!

 

 

Seaside in another angle! This is daytime, but it is already dark!

Wow! I found wild flowers that were still blooming!

                                        The trees nearby!

 

These pictures were taken last autum. Now is wintertime and the leaves had fallen and only the branches remain. I am still waiting for the snow to come. Then it will be brighter around, but much work shoveling the snow. Anyway, Michi, my daughter in the Philippines wanted to see autum in Norway. So I took some pictures for her to see :)

Stitch by Stitch: Finding Beauty in a “Boring” Life

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One evening, my youngest daughter looked at me with the kind of honesty only children possess and said, “You need to create a life!”

Apparently, she thinks my life is boring.

I laughed and asked her, “Do I really have a boring life?”

Without hesitation, she said, “Yes. Because you’re always at home—every day, every night, and even on the weekends!”

I wanted to protest, to tell her that staying home doesn’t mean doing nothing. That behind the stillness, there's something meaningful being shaped—something she's too young to fully see just yet.

The Picture: A Reflection on Life, Embroidery, and God’s Handiwork

I’ve always been drawn to trying new things, especially when it comes to crafts. There's something deeply satisfying about creating with my hands. Recently, I decided to try embroidery for the very first time. Unsurprisingly, the back of my embroidery looked like a tangled mess. But the front? It turned out surprisingly decent.

The project isn't finished yet, but I believe it will look even better once it's complete. I even plan to frame it when it’s done.

As I worked on it, I was reminded of a story shared during our “Food for the Soul” gathering—a story that touched me deeply.

A Story Shared at "Food for the Soul"

That day, a friend shared her own embroidery experience from her younger years. Like me, she said her stitching looked good on the front but was messy on the back. She remembered thinking, “As long as the front looks good, that’s all that matters. No one sees the back once it’s framed.”

Her mother was a skilled embroiderer, but it was her grandmother’s work that truly amazed her. When her grandmother finished a piece, you couldn’t even tell the front from the back—both sides were beautifully done.

Then she said something I’ll never forget:

“We are like a picture that God is embroidering. As we continue to walk with Him, He works on both our good and bad sides. Eventually, people won’t be able to tell them apart—because both sides will reflect His beauty.”

Stitch by Stitch, Life Takes Shape

That thought stayed with me.

When I first began my embroidery, it was just a blank fabric and some colored threads. But stitch by stitch, using a mix of colors and techniques, the picture slowly came to life. The more I worked on it, the clearer and more beautiful it became.

Our lives are like that picture.

God uses many different threads to craft something beautiful within us. Some are soft and light, others thick and dark. And each one serves a purpose:

• There will be dark moments—symbolized by deep, heavy threads.

• There will be joyful times—reflected in bright, vibrant hues.

• There will be painful stitches—those times when life feels like a needle piercing us.

• And there will be quiet seasons—when it feels like nothing is happening.

But every thread, every moment, is part of the masterpiece.

God is the Master Craftsman. He sees the finished picture, even when we can’t. And when He’s done, our lives—like a perfectly stitched embroidery—will be beautiful on both sides. A testimony of His love and faithfulness for the world to see.

So... Is My Life Really Boring?

Maybe to some, it seems that way. But I’ve come to believe that stillness isn’t the same as emptiness.

Every quiet day at home, every stitch in my embroidery, every prayer whispered in silence—it’s all part of something sacred.

And maybe, just maybe, my “boring” life is a beautiful work in progress.

The Elevator: If Only It Could Speak

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What an old elevator taught me about life, people, and the God who hears it all.

🚶‍♀️A Walk to Remember

I work at the activity center of a nursing home, a place full of stories, resilience, and quiet strength. This nursing home is connected to a consultation clinic and a rehabilitation center. Years ago, it even housed a kindergarten.

My youngest daughter once attended that kindergarten. Together, we used to ride the same old elevator that I still use today. Back then, she was full of energy and wonder, clutching my hand as we descended to the ground floor. Life was simpler then.

🧓 Today’s Ride, a Reflection

One sunny afternoon, I took one of our residents—a kind soul who uses a wheelchair—outside for some fresh air. The weather was perfect. Sunshine always has a way of lifting the spirit, doesn’t it?

To reach the ground floor, we took the familiar elevator. As we chatted, I paused mid-sentence, overcome by a strange thought:
“If this elevator could talk, what stories would it tell?”

🗣️ If Walls Could Talk…

This elevator has transported thousands over the years—children giggling, nurses rushing, doctors planning, families grieving, elderly residents reminiscing. It has “listened” to laughter, arguments, joyful reunions, and heavy silences.

It has carried:

• The first steps of toddlers and the slow steps of the aging

• Conversations filled with hope—and others full of worry

• Silent prayers and spoken complaints

One day, it will be replaced. A newer, quieter model may take its place. But if only this one could speak before it goes…

🧠 And Then I Thought…

We humans are not so different from that elevator.
We, too, carry emotions, memories, and conversations. But unlike an elevator, we feel.
Words affect us. Some build us up, while others tear us down. Every laugh, whisper, or harsh word stays with us longer than we admit.

And yet—there’s someone who hears more than we ever could.

🙏 God Hears Everything

God doesn’t just hear our voices.
He hears our thoughts, our longings, our doubts.
He knows what we’re too scared to say out loud. He sees every hidden hurt and every unspoken prayer.

But how often do we live as if He doesn’t?
We say things we shouldn’t.
We chase things that promise joy but deliver emptiness.
We wonder if He’s even listening.

Here’s a reminder we all need:

There is never a teardrop
That God does not see.
He knows when a sparrow
Falls from a tree.

There’s never a moment
When God doesn’t care.
Never a time
When He won’t hear our prayer.

💡 Final Thoughts

Next time you step into an elevator—or find yourself in a quiet moment—pause. Reflect.
You’re never unheard. You’re never alone.

Even when the world goes silent, God hears you.

The picture!

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Stitched by Grace: What Embroidery Taught Me About Life and God

Trying Something New (and Tangling Threads Along the Way)

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I may never be satisfied until I’ve tried everything—especially when it comes to crafts. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or baking bread shaped like woodland creatures, I’m in.

Recently, I gave embroidery a shot.

Let’s just say... the front looked decent. The back? A chaotic battlefield of knots and confusion. But hey—this was my first attempt, and I was honestly proud of how the picture was coming together. It’s not finished yet, but I already know that when it is, I’ll frame it. Because sometimes, progress deserves to be celebrated—mess and all.

The Story That Stuck With Me

At our weekly "Food for the Soul" gathering (a time filled with laughter, prayer, and really good coffee), a friend shared something that felt especially meaningful.

She reminded us that every person has two sides—the one we show the world, and the one we tend to hide. When life is smooth, we can keep the messy side tucked away. But when pressure hits, it’s often the messy, unpolished version of us that slips out.

She told us about how she tried embroidery when she was younger. Like me, the front of her project looked nice, but the back was a tangled mess. She used to think:

“As long as the front looks good, that’s all that matters. No one sees the back once it’s framed.”

Her mother had neater stitches, but it was her grandmother who truly impressed her. When her grandmother finished a piece, you couldn’t even tell the front from the back—both sides were beautifully stitched.

Then came the line I’ll never forget:

“We are like a picture that God is embroidering. As we continue to walk with Him, He works on both our good and bad sides. Eventually, people won’t be able to tell them apart—because both sides will reflect His beauty.”

Life, Thread by Thread

That idea has stayed with me.

When I started embroidering, it was just fabric and a few threads. But as I added each stitch—messy or neat, planned or spontaneous—a picture began to form. It wasn’t perfect, but it was meaningful. And every stitch had a place.

Life is like that embroidery.

God, the Master Craftsman, uses all kinds of threads to create something beautiful in us:

• Dark moments are like deep, heavy threads—hard to carry, but part of the picture.

• Joyful seasons shine in bright, vibrant colors.

• Painful experiences feel like the needle itself—piercing and unwelcome.

• Silent times, when nothing seems to be happening, still add structure and shape.

Every thread matters. Every stitch is part of the design—even the ones we’d rather undo.

The Masterpiece in the Making

We often only see the knots and the back side of life. But God sees the whole picture. He knows what He’s making. And in His hands, even our mess becomes part of something extraordinary.

One day, our story—our life—will be complete. And just like that embroidery, it won’t just be beautiful from the front. Both sides will reflect His care, His purpose, and His artistry.

So here I am: still stitching, still learning, still trusting. And maybe, just maybe, God is framing something in me, too.

Freshly Washed by Grace: Let God Do the Cleaning

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It started with a simple chore: baking a cake. But somewhere between the mixing and measuring, my thoughts wandered—to the washing machine.

Odd, right?

Yet there’s something about watching clothes go from filthy to fresh that speaks to the soul. You toss in the dirtied fabric, choose a setting, add detergent, and press a button. Minutes later, what was once stained is now clean, soft, and ready for use.

And isn’t that exactly what God does with us?

We come to Him worn out, stained by mistakes, weighed down by burdens we were never meant to carry. But in His love, God doesn't reject us—He restores us. He doesn't just rinse the surface—He washes us clean from the inside out.

He didn’t use a machine to do it. He used His Son.

Jesus offered His life—His body, His blood—as the ultimate cleansing sacrifice. Our sin was deep. Our stains were set. But His love ran deeper still. Through Him, we’re no longer defined by what we were—but by what He’s made us: whole, forgiven, clean.

But here's the thing: washing isn’t a one-time event.

Even after salvation, we still live in a messy world. We think things we shouldn't. Say things we regret. Walk into places where our souls get muddy again. And just like our clothes need regular washing, our hearts do too.

Sometimes God puts us through “wash cycles” in life—seasons that stretch us, refine us, or even feel uncomfortable. But those aren’t punishments. They’re part of His loving process of renewal. Some stains need soaking. Some wounds need time to heal. Some character traits need a little more heat to be transformed. But always, His purpose is our restoration.

And don’t forget the softener.

There’s a fragrance to someone who walks closely with Jesus. You’ve met those people—the ones who radiate peace, kindness, patience. They’re soft to the touch, not harsh. They smell of grace. That’s the kind of fragrance we’re meant to carry into the world: the scent of Christ's love.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:15,

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

When we forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable, and serve without seeking praise—we become walking testimonies of God’s grace. Not perfect, but constantly being washed, softened, and made new.

And when we mess up? We simply come back to Him.

Because God never grows tired. His grace doesn’t run dry. He doesn’t say, “You again?” He opens His arms and says, “Let’s clean this up together.”

Isaiah 1:18 says:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.”

So if life feels heavy right now—if you’re carrying guilt, shame, or simply the grime of a weary week—come to the One who washes clean, softens hearts, and brings out the best in you.

He’s still in the business of making things new.
And His machine? It never runs out of power.

The Gifts: A Reflection on Giving and Receiving

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As Christmas approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the joyful rush of shopping. Stores are overflowing with everything our hearts could desire.

But pause for a moment...

Have you ever stopped to think about how many gifts you’ve already received in your lifetime?

From the day we were born—birthdays, anniversaries, holidays—we’ve been blessed with more gifts than we can count. And yet, we often find ourselves longing for more.

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🎁 Who Do We Give Our Gifts To?

Naturally, we give to those we love—our families, friends, and sometimes those we believe truly deserve it. But here's a deeper question:

Are we happy when we give?

If we can afford the gift and we love the person, giving brings joy. It’s an act of love.
But if finances are tight and expectations are high, giving can feel like a burden. Sometimes we give out of obligation or because we expect something in return.

And that robs the joy.

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🎁 How Do We Feel When We Receive?

Most of us feel excited to receive gifts. But if we receive something we didn’t want—or already have—disappointment may sneak in, hidden behind a polite smile.

Shouldn’t we be grateful just to be remembered?

Interestingly, those who have the least are often the most thankful.
And those who have the most? Often, they expect more.

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💝 The Gift That Changed Everything

Despite our flaws and fickle hearts, there is One who gave the ultimate gift—willingly, lovingly, and without expecting anything in return.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son...” – John 3:16

God gave.
And He keeps giving.

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🌍 His Gifts Are All Around Us

Look up—the heavens, stars, moon, and planets.

Look around—the oceans, mountains, trees, flowers, animals, colors, sounds, seasons.

And then… look in the mirror.
You were created in the image of God. You are His beautiful creation.

“We are His workmanship.”

So let us stop criticizing one another. Instead, let us cherish every soul, because each one is a gift from God.

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🙏 The Greatest Gift of All

This Christmas, as we wrap boxes and bow ribbons, let us not forget:

🎁 God is the Giver of all good things.
🎁 We are blessed beyond measure.
🎁 And God Himself is the greatest gift of all.

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💬 What are you most thankful for this season?

Share in the comments below or pass this message along to someone who needs encouragement today. 💖

Fathers day!

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Every second sunday in the month of November  is " Fathers Day" in Norway. So the children or wives bake cakes for the fathers. My mother-in- law baked this cake for her son and son-in-law. She was very thoughtful.
Anyway I bought a cake for my husband. A small one!

And I want to greet every father that I know,  especially my husband and my son!

And I dedicate this poem to every father :)

And most of all, I want to remember God as my father, not only today but everyday!

He gave us the greatest gift of all!



My mother's birthday!

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My Mother’s Birthday: A Tribute to Strength and Love

Today is my mother’s birthday. The very first thing I did this morning was call her. Though she is miles away, I’m deeply grateful for modern technology—at least I can hear her voice, and she can hear mine. That connection, even across the distance, means everything.

As I look back on my life, I can clearly see how much of who I am is because of her. She didn’t just tell me how to work hard—she showed me. Through her actions, her perseverance, and her strength, she instilled in me the value of resilience. I will always cherish the moments we worked side by side. She inspired me in so many ways. She worked tirelessly, never shying away from difficult tasks, and carried herself with unwavering courage even when life was tough.

Though she didn’t have many educational opportunities, she never let that define her. She faced every challenge with dignity, and when people tried to break her spirit, she stood tall. She taught me—without saying a word—that giving up is never an option. Her life is living proof that those who work hard will eventually be rewarded.

As I grew older, circumstances beyond our control often kept us apart. But even with the distance, I’ve always known how deeply she loves me and my sisters. I can only imagine how hard it was for her to be away from us. Still, she managed. We all did—with God’s help.

And when we are together, even now, she shows her love in the most beautiful ways. She still cooks our favorite meals, even though we’re adults. She helps us care for our children without hesitation. She gives all she can, not because she has to, but because love compels her to.

I treasure every moment I’ve had with her, and I pray to God that she will celebrate many more birthdays. I hope we can continue to share joyful moments, laughter, and stories for many years to come.

We love you, Mom. You are the heart of our family and a priceless gift to all of us. Happy Birthday!

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." — Cardinal Mermillod

Personal Message to Mom:
Mom, thank you for being our strength and our safe place. Your sacrifices, your love, your faith, and your determination have shaped us into who we are today. You are truly one of a kind, and we are forever grateful. We love you more than words can say.

The way!

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                                                      Lost in the Dark, Found by the Way

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6

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When Darkness Fell

There was a time in my life when I literally got lost in the dark. But looking back now, I see how that moment became a powerful metaphor for something even deeper.

My husband is a seaman, and he’s often away for months at a time. We miss each other a lot. About 16 years ago, after not seeing him for three months, he called and told me that his ship would dock nearby. He asked if I could come visit with our three-year-old daughter. It would be late at night, but the opportunity to see him was too precious to miss.

Though I had just received my driver’s license and wasn’t confident behind the wheel, I said yes.

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The Journey Begins

We boarded the 9 p.m. ferry and crossed over in 30 minutes. It was already night, and the darkness was thick. As I began to drive toward the city, the road turned slippery and fog began to blanket everything. I could barely see.

To make things harder, my little daughter grew anxious and scared in the dark. She started crying and asking when we’d arrive. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I was scared too. I had doubts. Was it wise to drive at night with a child, through fog and unknown roads?

But turning back wasn’t an option. The next ferry wouldn't leave until morning. I did the only thing I could—I prayed. I asked God to be with us, to guide us through.

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No Sign in Sight

What should have been a one-hour drive turned into three long, slow hours. When we finally reached the city, I realized with a sinking heart—I had missed the sign to the quay. There were no open shops, no people on the street. It was past midnight. I was lost, cold, and without a phone or even my husband’s number.

All I could do was pray again. "God, please send someone to show us the way."

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An Unexpected Guide

A few minutes later, a man appeared, walking unsteadily. He was drunk.

My instinct was fear—this couldn’t be the person God would send. But I had no other option. So I mustered my courage and asked him for directions.

And do you know what? That man, despite being drunk, was kind. He calmly explained how to find the quay. I followed his instructions, and before long, I saw lights in the distance. It was the quay! And my husband’s ship was just arriving—they had been delayed too.

Tears filled my eyes. God had answered my prayer. He sent someone I least expected to show me the way.

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Finding the True Way

That night reminded me of another time when I was lost—emotionally and spiritually. My life was in darkness. I felt unloved, unworthy, and broken. But someone told me about Jesus. They told me that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

When I opened my heart to Him, everything changed. I found peace. I found hope. I found love that never leaves. I was no longer wandering in the dark. He gave me a new direction, a new purpose.

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Are You Lost?

Maybe you’re reading this and feel lost too. Maybe life feels foggy and you don’t see a way forward. Maybe you feel unloved, afraid, or alone.

I want you to know: Jesus is the way.

He sees you in the darkness. He hears your prayers. And sometimes, He sends help through the most unexpected people or moments. Just like He did for me.

You are not alone.

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With love and hope,
JOY



The choice!

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The Choice: You Become What You Eat

One cold day, as I was making a fire in the fireplace, a thought suddenly came to mind: “You become what you eat.” I paused and reflected on it. Was God trying to tell me something?

Just a few days earlier, my doctor had informed me that my cholesterol levels were high. He warned me that if I didn't change my diet and lifestyle, it could lead to heart disease. I needed to avoid fatty foods and start exercising regularly. Easy for him to say—but not so easy for me to do.

These days, the media is flooded with advice on how to lose weight and live a healthy life. And while it’s good for the body, the truth is: it requires discipline. Every day, we are tempted—to eat foods we shouldn’t, to buy things we don’t need, to do things that don’t benefit us, to speak words we might regret, to entertain thoughts that are destructive. Resisting those temptations isn’t always easy.

Growing up, I remember being constantly hungry because my parents couldn’t afford enough food. Now that I can finally choose what to eat, I sometimes find I still can’t—because certain foods are harmful to my health. Life is strange that way. But I’m not complaining. Today, I’m grateful that I have the power to choose what I eat—and that I can afford it. When I think of it as an act of love for my body, the choice becomes easier.

And the same is true for our spiritual lives.

God’s Word is life to us. But do we hunger for it every day? Is the Bible the first thing we reach for in the morning? Do we truly long to pray? Sometimes, yes—it’s wonderful. But other times, life gets busy. Our minds wander. We get distracted.

I’ve noticed that I rarely feel tired while reading newspapers or magazines. I can flip through pages for hours, eager to be “in the know.” But what are we really feeding our minds with? So often, the news brings stories of tragedy, violence, and despair. And after reading it all, I usually feel more discouraged than informed.

Magazines try to convince us that happiness comes from buying more, having more, doing more. But after acquiring those things—are we really happier?

Every day, we face choices:

• To eat what nourishes us—or what harms us

• To speak words of kindness—or words that hurt

• To think positively—or dwell on the negative

• To give—or withhold

• To help—or walk away

• To forgive—or carry bitterness

• To be honest—or lie

• To be thankful—or complain

• To be faithful—or not

And we also choose whether or not we will feed our souls. Whether we will read God’s Word—or not.

The enemy will give us a thousand reasons not to:

• Haven’t you already read the whole Bible?

• Isn’t it boring or hard to understand?

• Isn’t that only for pastors or priests?

• Wouldn’t it be more fun to watch TV, scroll through social media, hang out with friends, or go shopping?

But here’s the truth: all those things are fine if we’ve already fed ourselves with the Word of God—because His Word is life to those who find it.

Ultimately, it’s our choice:
Do we listen to the lies of the enemy?
Or do we listen to the God who never lies?

God said:

Psalm 1:1–3
Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

If we truly listen, we will hear His voice.
He speaks in ways we can understand.
He listens—and He’s worth listening to.
He gives wisdom when we ask.
He cares about every detail of our lives.

We only need to stop, look, and listen.
Then we’ll discover that life with God is the best life we could ever choose.



The dolls!

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The Dolls – A Reflection on Creation and Choice

Stitches, Seniors, and Stories

I work at an activity center for the elderly, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is getting creative with our residents. While not everyone can knit intricate patterns anymore, many can still manage simple square patches. And with those humble squares, something beautiful takes shape.

One of my favorite projects? Turning those little knitted patches into soft, cuddly dolls—complete with heads, arms, legs, and even tiny dresses. Each one is lovingly stitched together, and then I add the final touch: a hand-embroidered face that gives the doll its personality.

A Patchwork of Emotions

Over the years, I’ve made many of these dolls. No two are alike. Some smile brightly, others frown, pout, or look puzzled. It's fascinating how a few stitches can create such distinct expressions—and even more fascinating to see how children respond to them.

Most girls are thrilled when they receive one. But not always.

The Sad-Faced Doll

There was one doll in particular—her face was sad. Not scary, not ugly, just sad. The little girl who received her was not impressed. In fact, she threw the doll away.

The woman who had given her the gift had no choice but to take it back. Later, she approached me and asked, “Could you maybe change the face?” I told her gently, “That’s how the doll was made. She can take it or leave it.”

In the end, the girl took the doll home.

The Creator’s Role

As I thought about that moment, I started to reflect.

I’m the creator of these dolls. I choose how they look, how they move—or don’t. They can’t ask for different expressions. They can’t decide what color their dress will be. They don’t have a say in anything. Once they leave my hands, they’re completely dependent on whoever receives them.

But then it hit me: I, too, was created.

The Gift of Choice

I was created by someone far greater than myself—by Almighty God.

But unlike the dolls I make, He gave me the ability to choose. I can smile when I’m happy or cry when I’m sad. I can use my hands to create, serve, or comfort. I can choose where I go, what I say, and who I become.

Most importantly, I can choose whether or not I follow Him.

And here’s the miracle: Even if I don’t choose Him, He still loves me. Unconditionally.

A Creator’s Love Like No Other

I enjoy making dolls. But do I love them with all my heart? No. Would I give my life for them?

Absolutely not.

But that’s exactly what my Creator did for me.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:16

You Were Made With Love

And here’s the good news: I’m not the only one. You were created, too—with love, intention, and a purpose. The same God who gave me free will also gave it to you. His desire? That you choose Him. That you walk with Him. That one day, you’ll be with Him in paradise.

You’re not a doll. You’re a masterpiece—made by the greatest Creator of all.