Last Monday my brother and I picked up his (fixed & healthy) car in Beckley, WV. (re: Life is a Gift post.) Due to weekend commitments we zoomed there and back again in one day through torrential rains and dense fog in the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia.
When we stopped in Short Pump (Richmond) for dinner, I saw this slightly skewed tree in a window of a shop called “Altar’d State.” Fit my mood at the end of a long day (we left home @ 6:15AM and returned at 9:15PM.)
I’ve never seen an Altar’d State store before, but this “altered” Christmas tree with the off-kilter star on top resonated.
Sometimes our holidays don’t go as we planned. Sometimes our lives don’t go as planned. Sometimes alternative paths and “Plan Bs” set our hearts askew.
But, here’s the thing about Advent and Christmas. When everything has altered from what we know, God is here for us, with us – in us – with love to carry us into the new.
Even if our stars are a little askew…
grace, peace & “altar’d” states
Virginia : )
“When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a Light unto me.” Micah 7:8
Roses in the Rubble 
I’m so glad your brother finally got his car! The star on my tree usually ends up looking like that a few days before Christmas. And not on purpose!
Michelle, glad it’s not just me! My brother is so happy having his car back revved up with a brand new engine. Wishing you & your family a very blessed Merry Christmas! 🌟💜🌟🎄🌟🤗🌟
Beautiful words, life does not go as planned
Amen, Carol-Jo – here’s to finding joy in Plan Bs! 🌟💜🌟🤗🌟
This post touched me tenderly and stirred my heart-thank you.
Sometimes it’s hard to know what God is up to when Plan Bs blindside us, Michele. But here’s to finding joy in unexpected places along the way… Much love & hugs! 🌟💜🌟🤗🌟