Sandra McCracken | 1000 Fields of Roses

Tree’s Up! (2025 Edition)

The smoke alarms seem to be fixed,
so no more overnight vigils for us!
I slept very well Thursday night, but it’s been a bit patchy since then… I’ll keep trying 😀

I’ve finally got the tree decorated,
and the other bits and pieces in the lounge.

It’s snuggled up next to the wifi modem (router?)
My lovely Renaissance angel is back in place.

This is her 32nd year at the top of our tree.
❤

Snowmen hang around the big TV cabinet.

…and gnomes check out some classic mysteries.

Bits

and bobs!

And the centrepiece –
including a tiny nativity scene that fits into a matchbox.
A miniature snapshot of the Christmas story.

Because that’s what it’s all about, after all!

It’s been a busy, and satisfying, day.
Time to slow down…

Published in:

on December 6, 2025 at 10:19 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Christmas, Sandra McCracken

Christmas Day is just over a week away.
It’s hard to believe that this year has gone so quickly, and it seems that the bustle of the average Christmas season has passed us by.
For various reasons, and in various ways, this Christmas will be quite muted for us.
We wait.
In stillness.
In silence.
For our hearts to light, and the flame to brighten.

Usually, I love all the glitz and glitter of the trees and presents, the jingle of the bells and carols.
Sometimes, though, it’s just the right time to sit, and remember, the coming of the baby King – the beginning of the story that culminates in death, redemption, and resurrection.

And so – we hold on to faith, and we wait.
For God, in His love, will not tarry.

Published in:

on December 15, 2022 at 8:03 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Christmas, CityChurchSF, Sandra McCracken

Best Foot Forward

…walking straight ahead,

In this year, when our routines will change, I thought it might be a good idea to sing about what heals my heart ❤

…and here’s one for all the sadnesses of the past year.

Published in:

on January 1, 2022 at 2:00 pm Leave a Comment
Tags: Andrew Osenga, Keith & Kristyn Getty, New Year, Sandra McCracken

What Has Never Been Before

As we turn towards this new year, there’s an element of… trepidation. And anticipation.
I don’t know what’s coming.

But I pray for beauty, peace, and that feeling of knowing you are in just the right place, at just the right time – that you have come through the “space between” with at least some idea of your path for where you’re going.
Happy and glorious New Year to you all!
❤

Published in:

on December 31, 2021 at 11:59 am Leave a Comment
Tags: Josh Garrels, Mike Donehey, New Year, Sandra McCracken

The Murmuring Sky

My frame of reference these days is much smaller than it has been in the past. Most days the patch of outdoors I see is the back garden and the sky above the back fence. It could feel claustrophobic, but usually there’s a comforting consistency.
I’ve travelled in my past life, and seen beautiful views and magnificent natural weather patterns – from storms to snow to crashing seas. One day, I will again.
I believe there is a Creator, and that He is ever present and always listening, ready to answer our prayers. It can be much easier to see His presence in the wildness of the storms, but I also see the quiet whispers in my own little patch of sky.

“God’s splendor is a tale that is told;
his testament is written in the stars.
Space itself speaks his story every day
through the marvels of the heavens.
His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky,
showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship.
²Each day gushes out its message to the next,
night with night whispering its knowledge to all.”
Psalm 19:1-2 (Passion translation)