Getting (almost) ready to start the new year....

 The last day of 2023.  We can sit here and think about this last year - the good, the bad, the ugly - parts of it that we want to remember and other parts that were hard to get through.  But we should not spend that long thinking on the past, for we have a future ahead of us; a future to live.  We can't go back and change what has happened, but we can do better for the future.  We can be kinder; we can be more gentle; we can be more responsible; we can be.... I'll let you fill in the blank.  Consider tomorrow when you awaken, a chance for a 'do-over' to make your life, your family's life - better.  Choose what is important - that one thing - and focus on that.  Make a list if you need to - and list the importance of each one.  Each task that you want to accomplish this year.  What is it that you want to do - and write it down... and then one by one, work through this list.  A few thoughts popped in my mind as I wrote this paragraph.  I do have a few projects I'd like to complete this year.

I did get the big tree down yesterday.  Hubby argued with me; he didn't want it taken down yet.  But I'm trying to get things put back in to place.  If I didn't push to get it down yesterday, it would sit until I did.  So I took the ornaments off and took the tree down.  Hubby did push the great-grands little bookcase back in to place - reluctantly.  He asked if I was bringing the trampoline back into the house (yes) and why - did I use it  (Yes, on occasion).  I know what he was thinking.....when the great grands come over, they want to jump on it, and as long as an adult is standing near them where they can catch if they 'jump off', I'm ok with it.  True, I don't use it as much as I thought I would - mainly because hubby is always watching what I do back there in the 'exercise room' - but I do use it even for a minute or two at times when he isn't home. A little is better than none, right?  Agree, I probably shouldn't have bought it - but it is decent exercise for someone who needs to get some exercise and can't get out to do it.  I have a bar that needs to be put on it to hold on to - but I've never done it.  Hubby nor I made it to the gym at all this past week.... wonder what excuse he will give our trainer tomorrow morning when he goes.  I don't go until Wednesday evening - and I didn't tell our trainer I would be going.  Afterall, I still had to work all week.  It's a great excuse, don't you think?  Plus I don't like crowds and everyone is starting the new year resolutions early, I think.

This morning we will be going to 'our' church.  We haven't been in three weeks as the first two weeks I was speaking at the RV parks and last week was Christmas Eve and I needed to pull together lunch.  BUT, I didn't miss our on church; I did watch a great service with Jentezen Franklin.  I meant to watch our church service too, but forgot.  I know this is the 5th Sunday in December and the church will be doing '5th Sunday Worship' - but we don't go.  I love worship, but it is so loud, I lose interest in it after awhile. Does that make sense?   Plus one can only repeat the chorus so many times and then they shut down.  At least I do.  Stop, already!

Need to check with my daughter today sometime to make sure she picked up the ribs for tomorrow's lunch at her place.  Also the BBQ sauce.  We'll be going over late morning to help put them together.  I could just do them here, and take, but they feel I did so much cooking over Christmas that I need a break.  And I do appreciate that - especially not having to buy them.  It won't be too bad since it's just six of us this year.  Got to make coleslaw in the morning too, and not forget the cans of black-eyed peas. 

I got a new blood pressure cup from my company.  It's called 'Hello Heart'.  They were sending them out to employees that wanted them - and although I have a nice Omron one, I sent for it.  Gave that to hubby so he can track his BP.  What is cool - in a sense - is that when I use it - it immediately goes to the Hello Heart app on my phone to track.  I haven't liked it the last couple of days... higher than usual.  I refuse to take BP meds so need to watch what I eat and start exercising more.  With the male side of my family having heart issues, I don't want to bring it into the female side.  Although my mother did have high blood pressure, so they will say it is 'hereditary'.  Just like they do cholesterol.  Annoys me.  I am an individual person.  I may have a 'tendency' to have cholesterol or high blood pressure - but just because my parents or siblings do - or did - doesn't mean I do!  Quit pushing pills on me!!  But in reading stuff in the Hello Heart app - they say that if the cup is too tight, or if your bladder is full, or if you are not sitting correctly (feet flat on floor), it can increase your BP by 20 points!!  Usually in the mornings mine is like 107/68 on the Omron.  This morning, mine on Hello Heart was 135/82.  Now something is wrong somewhere!!  I may need to track on one and then track on the other later today to see which is really the most accurate.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone; the new is here!"

We all have a chance to start fresh in 2024.  Christian or not, you can let go of the things of the past and look to a better life for 2024.  It's all full of choices.  I choose to dive deeper into God and His Word and to be more like Him.  Perhaps that isn't your choice.  (Although that is the best choice you could make!) Perhaps you want to just lose a little weight this next year - no plan; just cut back in some areas.  Maybe it is to not drink as much.  Maybe it is to exercise just a little bit - walk down the block and get moving.

You can do it!  What comes to mind is a video of this one guy who was a mess.  He has obese.  He was walking with two canes, very awkwardly. You may have seen the video at some time.  He was always dressed in black.  Anyway - the doctors had told him there was nothing they could do for him. He was in really bad shape.  He decided to take charge of his body.  He watched a video or program on TV and started doing the exercises - most times he would fall.  But the good part is, he got back up.  He did it again.  He fell again.  But he got back up and kept doing it - until the day arrived that he could do the exercise without falling.  As he started doing the exercises, the weight started coming off.  It took some months, I am sure, but he quit using the canes and eventually was able to walk normally.  To me it is an inspiring story to never give up, no matter what.  If you desire it to happen, it will.

You can go to every gym, take every exercise program.  You can go to every rehab to get your life together.  You can do everything available to turn your life around.  But until you want it bad enough that you will do everything you can to make it happen...... it won't work.

Hubby and I are a living testament to that - how many gyms and diets and exercise programs have we been involved in.  Yes, we WANT to lose weight.  Yes, we WANT to be able to move about well.  Yes, we WANT to look good.  But we start and we quit. Gyms and exercises and diets.  We are among the rest of you.  We wanted it.... but we didn't want it enough to push through and pursue it.  Will we change with this year?  I don't know.  Do I/we still want it?  Of course!  But am I willing to persist in it?  

My youngest has stated he wants to go into rehab to stop his drinking.  Again.  But he doesn't really want to.  It's his crutch.  It's his go-to when he doesn't want to deal with life.  Until he truly wants to quit and become the man that his children can look up to, the man that God created him to be, well, quite frankly, he won't.  He's gone through several of these rehabs.... been gone for months at a time.... but he always goes back to drinking.  Why?  Because he doesn't want to give it up.  I can only pray that this will be the year that he will choose to turn his life around and be who I know he can be.  He's got it in him, he just has to want it bad enough.  So I pray.

And I pray that I will want to lose weight and get my body in shape bad enough that I will truly focus and change my attitude and excuses to "I will" and "I can".   Can't and Won't should not be in anyone's vocabulary when it comes to taking care of your mind and body.  

Maybe you need to make some changes in 2024.  Why not start preparing yourself now with the mind set of "I will" and "I can" ?  Set a goal - but make it small.  Once you achieve it, set another.  When we make our goals too big, we become discouraged and frustrated when we fail.  If I say I will lose 2 pounds a week and I only lose one, or I gain a pound one of those weeks - I could (and have) easily lose heart in doing what I know I need to do.  One setback doesn't mean failure.  Failure is only when you don't try at all.

Our past is in the past.  Leave it there.  All the trials, hardships, etc. that we like to bag up and carry with us - let's agree to let go of it in 2024 and start the year with a goal in mind and an I will and I can attitude.  Happy New Year - and may 2024 for you be full of...

Blessings! 

I was in a deep sleep this morning....

 when my watch started buzzing to tell me it had a 'low battery'.  I kept hitting the button, thinking it was an alarm.  Finally, I looked at it and saw it wasn't that, but the battery.  So - got up and tried to sleep in my chair again, but because I was also listening for hubby, didn't really go back to sleep.  He got up about a half hour later.  It's still early.  I've done my reading and checking my bank and scanned emails... now I'm hoping to write something of value in here, then grab one of my books to read - or write in a journal if a thought persists.  Got a bit of a dull headache from the deep sleep wakeup - but my coffee should caffeine me enough in a few to get rid of it.

The White Christmas program last night was awesome! It's been years since I watched a theater production of anything.  Dinner first, and although our service was lousy.... we gave our order first in our area, and yet our hostess served us last.  But, she must have either been having a bad day or not felt good, for she had no personality and although she would smile when she came to our table, she turned her head and the smile was gone.  There was no 'lilt' to her walk or voice.  But - the dinner was good.  I had a herb chicken with some creamy sauce on top of mashed potatoes.  What really cracked me up?  I got two - yes, two - stalks of asparagus.  I mean, don't most restaurants give you at least 4 asparagus with your meal?  And they were skinny ones at that.  But the salad was good, the dinner was good - and during intermission my daughter and I shared a dark chocolate brownie with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream on top with chocolate drizzled over the brownie - and yes it was so good - but it was a large piece and neither of us could finish it.  Glad we shared.

As for the show - it was really well done.  They did have songs in it that are not in the original show - such as 'Blue Skies' (wasn't that done by Michael Bublé?)  and also the little girl sung a couple songs as well as the general's housekeeper.  But overall, it was a great drama performance and I really did enjoy it.  Great voices and it was all good.  There was something to be done in the lobby afterwards with some of the performers singing, but we didn't get out until 10:15PM I think it was, so we went ahead and left and came home.   I had to sit up for awhile as I was still quite awake (surprisingly) so guess it may have been close to 11PM before I finally went to bed.  Which is why I didn't want to get up this morning, I'm sure!

I think I have mentioned about the fast that we will do in January.  Why is it that I always feel I am the 'lead' in the fast?  Hubby has told me that 'unless you want to watch a movie' (and you know he will ask continuously if I do - but he may surprise me), he is giving up the TV for 21 days for the fast.  No TV for 21 days?  I'm thrilled!  I'd rather grab a book and read!  He also said that 'whatever you decide to do as far as diet, you can do the same for me'.  Now you know with his eating out with his friends is going to cause difficulty, so in order to keep him from breaking the food fast, he and I need to figure out what he is going to do.  I'm flip-flopping between my BBCD (no bread, no beef, no chocolate, no dessert).  You may think that is easy - but it really isn't, because no bread is also no bread products - such as pasta, crackers (and I love my saltine crackers), cornbread, etc..  Or - go with a strict Daniel fast of just fruits and vegetables.  Hubby is a meat person so usually pushes chicken on me.  I'm still praying and thinking about what to do.  Does it really matter even if I fast?  It does to me.  And it doesn't have to be a lot of things.  It just needs to be something I enjoy that I choose to give up for 21 days so that I can focus on God a bit more.  It isn't just giving up the TV and reading everything on my phone.  It isn't just giving up bread and substituting it with something else.  It means giving it up.  Like chocolate and desserts.  It sounds easy.  But then, we still have chocolate EVERYwhere.... and the temptation is grab an M&M and throw in the mouth.  Or take a taste of a pie - even if it is fruit - it is still dessert.  Give it up or don't give it up - it's my choice - but whatever I decide - whether one thing or several - I need to completely give it up for that 21 days.  Just happened to think - you know what would really be hard?  No shopping for 21 days.  I mean Amazon shopping, not food shopping.  Hmmm.  I don't want to set myself up for failure.  LOL  And I do have gift cards I need to use.  Yeah.... I'll stick to food, for it would be a daily reminder of what I am doing and why.  And what would I be fasting and praying for?  For my family.  For my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren.  And I'll leave it there.

John 16:33 (NKJV):  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you will have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Did you ever realize that just by following Jesus you can have peace in every circumstance?  You truly can!  I know that for a fact, for I have experienced that peace when things have been in turmoil.  When things come at you full force - whether it is someone screaming in your ear or getting in your face or just life trying to flip you over, you can have peace in the midst of all that, if you know Jesus.  I'm not just talking knowing 'about' Him, I'm talking about KNOWING Him.  There is a difference.

For example, I was talking with Ms. Vicky the other night and a few months ago we both had to have repeat mammograms and an ultrasound.  She brought it up how she had had cancer before and had been somewhat concerned it had come back.  (It had not).  She shared she had been somewhat anxious about it.  As I thought back to that time, although I have not had cancer before, I remembered how at peace I was - and I think I wrote about it in here - that I made my mind up that if Jesus wanted to take me home, I was a winner.  If I stayed here on earth, I was still a winner because He was giving me more opportunities to share His love to others and to lead them to Him.  Personally, I was in a win-win situation as far as I was concerned, and I was able to share that with Ms. Vicky.  I am forgiven and redeemed; I belong to Jesus.  Whatever He decides with me, I'm His.  

Can you say that?  Have you turned your life over to Him and asked forgiveness?  Perhaps you aren't ready to take that step and 'change your ways' - whatever they may be - but are you ready to face Jesus and tell Him that you prefer the world over Him?  That you are willing to go to Hell because you won't let go of the things that hold you to this world?  It is a scary thought - and none of us have the time that we think we have.  Yes, I'm healthy and strong for the most part - but anything could happen.  And I know that I need to be ready when that time comes.  I want to be praising Jesus when I take my last breath.  I want to see heaven open for me and Jesus welcoming me Home.  I'm ready to go.

But I really want to declutter my house so that my children don't have to.  Which is why I need to stop and go fix breakfast and then get busy and get some things done this morning - like getting the big tree taken down.  I took down the little tree and moved my weight bench back where it was yesterday morning - and hubby hasn't even noticed (or rather, hasn't said anything about it).  The big tree and all the animals will be removed today.  I also took down all the bows and Christmas things yesterday from the front courtyard.  I brought in the old comforter for the bedroom and although hubby hadn't made the bed yet - I couldn't believe he whined and complained he would have to change the comforter and shams.  I just looked at him and said all I did was put the old ones in the room, when he was ready to change them out, they were there.  What in the world was the big deal?  He hadn't even made the bed yet!  And I'm the one who has to fold up the Christmas ones and put them away!  Geez!  He really does NOT like change - even moreso than me!

Ok - I'm off here - got to go cook breakfast and get dressed and get busy - not necessarily in that order.  May even go use my gift cards this afternoon - JoAnns has a huge sale on their yarn!  LOL  Like I need more yarn?  Of course I do!!  But they have other things too so I don't have to just buy yarn.  But I got to get up out of this chair before I do anything - so with that - 

Blessings!

A new experience tonight!

I splurged on ME this Christmas and included hubby.  My daughter and son-in-law agreed to go with us - I bought dinner and theater tickets to see White Christmas tonight!  White Christmas has always been one of my favorite Christmas shows to watch - and we haven't watched it at least since we moved as the DVD/VCR isn't attached to the 'smart TV'.  Yes, we could bring it up on Netflik (oh, no, we can't do that anymore; we don't belong) but I'm sure we can bring it up on Prime Video.  Hubby is more apt to 'watch' it if we go somewhere - and this is a special treat for me.  We've never done this before, and the cost is a definite good reason - but for a special treat - yeah, we're doing it.  It's at the Arizona Broadway Theater and we have 'dinner and a show' and it starts at 5:30PM tonight.  I told hubby it was my Christmas gift to me, and I'm letting him tag along. :-)  He doesn't care; he gets to go with me.   He's included.

Yesterday was another quiet day at work - but today may prove otherwise - all four of my bosses are back to work today.  I imagine I will have emails flying everywhere.  But hopefully, they will keep it light.  I am shutting down at 4PM so that I can get ready for the show tonight.  Make-up won't be a problem, but my hair... it's a whole nother story!

I visited Ms. Vicky last night for a little while and she is doing well.  I must get over and see Ms. Diane at some point this weekend.  It's been a few weeks to visit, although I did take both of them goodies the week before Christmas.  But I didn't visit then so need to catch up.

Loving I got stationary for Christmas - I actually was able to write 4 notes the other day and get them in the mail.  I don't write often anymore but do enjoy touching base with people.  Texting and emails - impersonal touches, have taken over the communication world.  It is much faster, I will admit.  And I do use both - a lot - but there is just something about 'snail mail'.  Although the price of stamps just keeps going up.  I don't even know what it is anymore as I buy a roll of 'forever' stamps and they are good for a couple years for us.  Unless I take the time to write notes/letters, hubby uses the majority of the stamps to mail bill payments.  Some he just refuses to pay online, for whatever reason.  It's like with our house payment - Security National sold us to PNC Bank - and since PNC bank is down the street, hubby will drive down and go inside the bank to make the payment, rather than paying online or mailing it.  Yeah, I just shake my head.   

I was able to work some on the January 7th message the past few days with it being so light at work.  I finished it yesterday and now just need to review and tweak it.  The topic is about our attitudes on certain things.  Our perspective, if you will.  The scripture is based on Romans 12:2, in the Living Bible (TLB) translation.

Romans 12:2 (TLB):  "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you."

That is pretty blunt, don't you think?  Some translations of the Bible will really break down the words so that anyone can understand what they mean.  I imagine we all have learned this version of that scripture.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  "and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

In other words, don't let the world tell you how to live.  Don't do things just because others in the world do them.  Choose wisely how you will live, choosing to live a holy and blameless life, one that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.  Don't be like the world..... be like Jesus.

Hubby has his Bible study this morning (yay! get him out of the house!!) and I hope I won't be busy with meetings while he is gone (as my work has to come first) and I can at least get one tree down.  I have ordered some storage containers from Amazon and they should arrive today.  I am wanting to pay attention and get the Christmas things all together and packed neatly for storage.  Too many years I have just put everything in boxes and put back in the cabinets.  This year I hope to do it more neatly.  Organization isn't my greatest gift, but I do try at times to be organized.  Still need to take down the Christmas shower curtains and get those folded up as well as store all my bears and all that I put in front of the TV.  I need to get rid of a couple of them, I think.  I know of a couple I'm willing to part with.  I bought them a few years ago at a thrift store so there is no special meaning with them..... and now I really don't have the room to have them here, although I've tried. Rather than pack them away, start letting go and declutter, right?  It's a start.  Hmmm need to get the Christmas quilt and shams off this bed too, as well as our bed in the other room, and get the regular comforters and shams put back on.  That may be a weekend chore.  But I'll do what I can today while hubby is gone.

And with that... I think I'll close this off and just be quiet for a few minutes before I need to get up and ready for work.  Had another night of waking up and being pulled into prayer.  Not sure who I'm praying for.... but am willing to be used by God to lift someone up that needs it.  

Hope that this Friday is a good day for you - the weekend is here - and a fresh start of a new year is Monday!  I will be starting my reading in my new Bible on January 1.  I bought the Passion Translation of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.  The Old Testament isn't in one book yet.  They have a few of the books done separately, but I haven't bought those.  I'll get through this one first as it will take me a little while.  I just love the clarity of the Passion Translation.  I try to start fresh every year in my Bible reading... maybe we all should look at some places we need to start fresh in our life.  Up for a challenge?  Grab your Bible and start reading it.  Make 2024 a year you get all the way through it.

Blessings!

It may be a tough day today....

 I woke up around midnight last night and did not get back to sleep until around 3AM, I think it was.  Needless to say, I have been trying all morning (since I got up at 4:30AM) to go back to sleep; keeping one eye on the clock so that I could at least get my reading done and type in here. I have about 15 minutes left before I need to start on the work computer and I want to take a shower yet..... shall see if I postpone the shower until I get signed in and see what's up in messages.

Yesterday was still a slow day with only one boss working.  We chatted a couple times in the morning, but she had a full afternoon with back-to-back meetings so I left her alone.  I started looking for a message to have for the RV Park that I speak at on January 7th.  Need to have title and scripture by this Sunday as I will be contacted for them.  I think I have one but am still processing how I can make it mine.  It's about choices we make with our attitude.  Yeah, a good one for me, huh.  

We ate more leftovers last night for dinner and I am thinking I am going to be throwing away the rest of the pies and cookies.  We have been eating them - which we shouldn't - and they are 5 days old so don't want to give to our neighbors.... need to clear out the refrigerator and get real food in there.  I thought about visiting Ms. Vicky or Ms. Diane last night after dinner... but there is just something about it getting dark so early that it feels like it is so late.  I may try to delay dinner and run to one of their homes right after work.  Or maybe take my 'lunch hour' that I don't take and run over.  It's been almost two weeks since I stopped in to drop off their Christmas gifts of food, but I didn't stay to visit then. 

Hubby got the laundry done yesterday.... I wanted to start taking down the trees but he whined 'leave them up'.  I think it is because he thinks he has to help me - which he doesn't need to for I can do them by myself.  So - I will wait until he goes to his Bible study in the morning (he hasn't left the house this week even to have lunch with his friends - I'm going nuts!!) and start taking things down and see how much I can get put away in between work.  We got a plaque for the wall from an out of state granddaughter - so I found a place to put it - but what we had there (without moving the nail) makes it a few inches too low.  At first hubby argued with me that it was fine.... finally I just walked away and he said if I really wanted it moved up 3 inches, he would do it later.  When we went to bed it was "if you still want it moved up 3 inches I'll do it tomorrow".  Sigh.  Why don't he just let me take the nail out of the wall and move it up where I want it and hammer it in?  Because he wants to feel needed, I know.  But I don't need him for that stuff - he has NEVER wanted to do anything, but has had plenty to say about it all.  And that's why this house is still his house.  I can't move pictures unless it is when he isn't home.  I definitely am not allowed to move the furniture.  Nothing can be changed unless he says it is ok.  So I do it when he's gone.  

We got a wi-fi frameo picture video thing for Christmas.  I asked him for it last night - and he looked confused.  I explained it was to both of us, not to him; he just opened the gift.  Oh, he thought it was his.  So he gave it to me and I attempted to get it set up.  I was having one of my 'silent migraines so was having difficulty reading directions, but figured out part of it and was able to get a few current photos added and sent the code to a few people.  Immediately hubby demands I put photos of BOTH of us in it - meaning it had to be of those of he and I together.  (really?)  I had to search for we don't have many.  He is wanting photos of us taken 10-15-to 40 years ago of us together.  I tried to explain the video was for others to add photos of their families so that we can see them, not so much for our old photos... he is insisting.  I did have a couple taken this year so did add those.  He wants it to be our photos - and I can't get him to understand the purpose of it.  He wears me out.

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV):  "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Wow, does that scripture hit me this morning!  It's not so much that I 'labor and are heavy-laden', but I am in desperate need of the 'rest' that only Jesus can give.  He doesn't say he will take the labor from us, but that if we give the heaviness that we carry to Him, He will help us with it.

Sometimes that has to do with our attitude.  Think about it.  We can be all grumpy and weary and feel weighted down with just 'stuff', right?  It happens to all of us at times.  Me included.  We feel like we have the weight of the world upon our shoulders.  Many mornings I feel that way, in all honesty.  I just don't know what to do with this life I am living most days.  I'm sure some of you feel that way as well.  But when we pray and ask Jesus to take the heaviness from us, the weariness, He does!  He can change our attitude, the way we look at it, the perspective we have of the situation - and He can give us a lighter heart, a spring in our step, if you will.

I know, for I have experienced His rest many, many times.  Many times throughout the day I will call out 'Lord, help!' when I am struggling with different things - whether attitudes or headaches or sickness or whatever - but when I call out 'Lord, HELP!', I can feel His peace and rest fall upon me.  How do you think most of us get through each and every day?  It's because we call on His name, the name of Jesus, and ask Him to help us in our weakness, in our weariness, to clear our minds, to lift our burdens, and to set us free.  Hallelujah!

Well, my time is flying by since I tried to sleep this morning....but I did get my reading in.  Spent time praying while I was awake last night.... wondered if one of my boys was out and about in the early morning hours.  They are responsible for themselves, but sometimes they need God's help, whether they acknowledge it or not.

Blessings!

A quiet evening....

 but I did manage to last until 8:30PM before heading to bed.  Dinner wasn't 'prepared'.... we grazed on lunchmeat and cheese, potato chips and cheesecake cookies for lunch and dinner.  I kept thinking I'd get up and maybe fix something, but didn't.  Hubby was fine with his grazing.  I did some crochet; played my word game, read a little, and was ready for bed.  Time actually flew by while at work yesterday, although I didn't have that much to do.  My favorite boss is working today, the others are still off.  It will be a quiet day still.  

I did managed to get the wrapping paper all put away back under the bed, and the top of the bed  -  we can actually see the quilt!  All the boxes are gone out of here and my son-in-law came over and picked up all the boxes yesterday so that huge stack is gone.  I received one last order that I had placed... I had seen these on Facebook, but didn't take in to account how small they are. I measured - 9.5 inches across.  Still, they are cute trays.  I'll put them back for now.... maybe I'll use them .... maybe I won't.  There is one more thing that I had ordered and it hasn't come in yet... bad thing is that I don't remember who I ordered it from; I thought it was from Amazon, but it isn't showing in my account.  Yet, I show some place in China has something I ordered and haven't received yet.  I think.  Anymore, one doesn't know where any thing is coming from!  Oh well, live and learn.  I need to track things better that I order online from unknown sources.

My daughter wants to have an 'adult only' gathering for New Years Day lunch as her children will be in Nebraska with the oldest one.  She also asked if I'd fix my ribs - although I don't do anything special with them. She offered to buy them.... and I offered to show her how I 'create' my ribs. LOL  I'll bring the coleslaw and black-eyed peas.  I know she invited both boys and their wives, but I don't know if either have replied yet.  Will probably eat, watch a movie, and go home.

I fuss with hubby all the time about the thermostat; keep it at 70-ish because I can always put on a sweater.  But yesterday, I got chilled in here.  For some reason, this room is either the coldest, or the hottest.  I was chilled, so about 3:15PM I sat in my chair and curled up in my blanket to warm up - and fell asleep - for 30 minutes!!  No biggie; no one was working yesterday anyway.  Wondered if I would be able to sleep last night - but did sleep until about 2:30AM - and then struggled to go back to sleep - and at 4AM decided I wasn't getting up yet and laid in bed dozing until nearly 4:45AM.  I think I got my sleep in.  Everyone should take a siesta in the afternoons - it helps get you through the evenings.  I should take more of them for I can get pretty sleepy about that time.

Psalm 103:1-2 (NKJV):  "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, Bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: "

So many people find it so easy to take the Lord's name in vain - whether by exclaiming 'JESUS!' or 'GOD BLESS IT' (I'm sure that is just MY term of saying it....).... but why do they do that?  I don't think the Lord causes that hammer to hit that finger, or that anger to boil to the top, or anything bad to happen.  And yet, people tend to take His precious name in vain and do not think anything of it.  

Don't they know that we are to honor the name of the Lord?  That we are to BLESS the Lord?  Why not say other words instead?  Sometimes I find myself saying 'PICKLES!' or 'DAGGONE IT' or something along those lines.... the Bible says do not take the Lord's name in vain, so I definitely do not want to!  We are to Bless the Lord, just as it says in Psalm 103.  

We have become a complacent and demanding people, do you not think?  We take each day for granted, thinking that whatever happens, happens.... but do we try to make it a good day; do we work towards making it a pleasant day; are we praising the Lord and blessing Him for His faithfulness in providing work for us, for food on our tables, for our families, for health that is good enough to do things?  No, we tend to complain each time something doesn't happen the way we think it should. 

Yes, I'm guilty of that as well.  I complain, as you well know.  But how many times do we think about the aches and pains we may have - and ask God to HEAL them?  Have we lowered ourselves so far that we don't ask because we don't believe He will heal us?  I believe with all my heart that when we come to God with a pure heart, seeking after Him, that He will hear us and will answer us.  Yes, sometimes is the answer is No.  Sometimes we pray for healing for someone who is well advanced in years and maybe it is their 'time' to go - and then we get mad because God didn't let them stay longer.  Kind of silly, isn't it... kind of selfish too.  Sometimes we want to keep them here for OUR benefit.  God uses each one of us to help someone else.  Sometimes our health issues are brought on by ourselves.  I'm not talking specifically about any health issue - but think about it - 

Stress and worry about everything bring some anxiety.  What makes a person anxious?  Things that they think will happen.  And they usually don't.  When one gets anxious, pray about it!  Let the peace of God surround you!

Anger brings on high blood pressure and irritability, do you agree?  It can also bring on many other health issues.  Bitterness brings on health issues.   Only love can bring peace and calmness.

That's not to say that people who are calm and quiet and peaceful don't have health issues.  Sometimes they do.... and it brings them and others closer to God.  How does it do that?  We spend more time in prayer seeking answers and seeking God for His hand to heal them.   We need to learn to put God first and seek Him first.  His benefits far outweigh any thing that we hang on to.

I think I have shared many times that I have had to be on my face before God to help me through various emotions that I personally go through.  I have my anger times, my bitterness and frustration times, my happy times, and my painful times.  My head has hurt so badly that I have been on my face crying for release.... and He hears me on each prayer and answers.  Sometimes our prayers don't even need to be about us.... we need to be praying for our spouse, for our children.  How are they hurting?  What is it they need - even if they have never voiced that thought?  How can you pray for your family?

Does your spouse have issues that are painful?  Have you prayed for their healing?  Never think that your prayers don't matter, for they do. But you resist - and I think it is because you feel that God won't listen to you because of your life and pushing Him out of your life.... so you will let your family suffer because of your stubbornness.....  God's Word does say that He will not listen to a husband's prayer if he is mean to his wife.  I wonder if I can find that one.... but it can also apply to a wife.

I Peter 3:7 (NKJV):  "Husbands, likewise dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."

If your spouse (wife, husband) or child (children) needed prayer, would you pray for them?  And if you did, would your prayers be hindered because of how you treat them?   

Sometimes we all - me included - need to step back and reflect on what we say and do - because when I pray for my hubby, pray for my children and their families, pray for friends..... I do not want my prayers to be hindered because I'm too stubborn and self-righteous in my own mind.  Does that make sense?  

Above all things, guard your heart and mind, that you will be found ready to pray for those you care for.

Blessings!

The day after....

 What a great weekend it has been!  I have loved so much my children coming with their families - and am actually grateful that they come as families rather than all at once - although I enjoy that too.  It is just that I get to spend a little bit more time with them individually when they come by family.  And it is good.

Before I forget - a little addendum to yesterday's post re hubby's trek shopping and carrying the 8 pound weight all the way back to his car - which he said was about a block and a half.  We discussed and I looked at it last night - it isn't just 8 pounds.  It is 8KG which in pounds is 17.6 pounds!  That is what hubby carried back to his car and wished he had accepted the offer of someone else carrying it.  Funny thing, it looks like a small weight - but it sure packs the pounds!  

Oh - and we found out what hubby smashed in to when he fell in to the tree when I wasn't home.  The daughter in love opened a package of her oatmeal creme pies that she loves..... and the box was bent out of shape!  And now we know!  Softened his fall?  LOL

I think the weekend went well with everyone and I was able to send excess food home with all.  Even kept some for hubby; he was afraid I'd give it all away and he would have nothing to eat.  HAH!  There is still plenty of food left, trust me!  Plus we both got a few dinner cards from neighbors and family.  And it looks like we both get to do a lot of shopping as well!  Now would be the time to go - meaning, this week - but who wants to go out with all the other crazies that are out spending gift cards and returning and exchanging gifts?  I'm in no rush; not even sure what I want.  And I got a nice JoAnn Fabrics card too... surely it wouldn't be as busy.... naw, it probably would be - people buying up Christmas decorations, etc at 60-70% off.  If I want it bad enough, I'd pay full price.  But that's me.  And I have no place to put them anyway.  I'll wait a little bit when it won't be as crowded.

I was spoiled with gifts again this year and I love it.  Got a couple more journals.... I think that is a 'sign' that I need to start writing again.  I share a lot in here, but I also type things that are just rambles; I don't do that in my journals.  So yeah, maybe I need to write in my journals again.  Loved the sayings on two I got yesterday.  I need to reevaluate my time in here... I spend quite a bit of time writing this, which has actually taken up the time I spent writing in my journals.  So I need to sit back and think about how to use my time better.  Maybe I'll take to writing in my journals in the evening, and write out about my day.  You get the 'leftovers' of what I remember in the mornings. LOL

I'm back at work this morning but it should be a very light and easy day.  All four bosses are off today and all I will need to do is check to see if anything comes in.  I did jump online yesterday to make sure all the timecards were approved and reviewed my emails.  Maybe I'll take some time today to learn Sharepoint and how to use it.  I really do need to learn that - and soon.  But I can also work on clearing out this room (again; finally) and get all the wrapping paper put away and gifts put away.  If the son-in-law doesn't come get all the boxes I've stacked out in the garage today, I will need to break them down tonight so that Recycle - which comes tomorrow, thank goodness - can haul them all off.  Kept the big ones to put our recycle things in.  We don't have a specific 'tub' out here so I just use my big boxes.  Sometimes they dump them, sometimes they take the box too. I could buy a large container and just tell them 'please leave container'.  But this has been a good way to get rid of my Amazon boxes. :-)

Hubby has an appointment this morning to take his car down to discount tire - they also do other things - but he's having the tires rotated and he has a tail-light out he is getting fixed.  Funny, one of my boys and I were having this tail-light discussion not long ago.  Yeah, he still takes it in for someone else to fix for him.  Of course I would too at this stage of my life.

Tonight is normally 'girls night out', but I'm thinking I may skip again tonight.  Hubby's not going out (although that is a good reason for me to go out), but it depends on how much I get done today while working.  Maybe we can go to the gym for a bit instead.  Although if he goes during the day, I won't.  But if I take the tree down in the back room, I can 'free up' my treadmill and weight bench and can workout here.  Or maybe I'll do girls night out.  LOL  Will see how my day goes.  I've had a busy weekend - as has my daughter - so we both may agree to skip this week.  In fact, I was so tired (and bored) last night, we went to bed at 8PM!  Didn't even wait for my 8:30PM - (what's 30 minutes, right?) just told hubby I was going to bed and he did too.  Woke up at 2AM and told myself "Nope, not getting up to stay up" - and went back to sleep until 4AM - and then I didn't WANT to get up... but did shortly after.  I did sleep well and deep so must have been tired.  But it was a good tired.

Luke 2:28-32 (NKJV):  'he (Simeon) took Him up in his arms and said: "Lord, Now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a Light to bring salvation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel."'

Can you even imagine the joy Simeon felt when the Holy Spirit led him to Mary and Joseph when they brought Jesus to the temple?  Think about it - here is Simeon, in the temple praying, and he feels this nudging to go to another area.  There he sees a young couple with a child.... and he instantly knows that this child is of God!  And let's not forget Anna who saw them as well and her words!  I am sure that with two people - it was confirmation that Jesus is the Son of the Living God to the young couple.  Mary knew, of course, for she had known no man before His conception, but .... 

Sometimes, even though we know that we know, isn't a confirmation just a good thing to confirm that we know that we know?  (want to read that again?)  It reminds me of a couple I know  -  and have known since my childhood.  They were close friends of my mother's.  But, after about 20-30 years, the wife divorced the husband.  And she divorced him for only one reason (that I heard of).  He never told her he loved her.  When she asked him, he would just say 'you know I do; I work hard, I pay the bills, I provide these things for you."  But she wanted to HEAR him say the words, and he wouldn't.  So they got a divorce.  Now I'm sure that was not the only reason, but that is the reason I heard.  She wanted confirmation of his love for her, not the physical things that he provided.  Hmmm wonder why that came up in my mind.... haven't thought of that couple in years.  He died years ago, but she remarried (assuming to a man who told her he loved her), and last I heard she is still alive.  Her twin boys have passed away and now she is alone.  Hmmm I wonder if I could find her address.  Should send her a note.

Sending notes - I got stationary and cards for Christmas!  I don't write as much as I used to, but I do try to write notes occasionally.  In fact, I'm reminded I need to send my little brother's wife a note; I got one from her just before Christmas and I haven't had time to sit down and write.  Today may be a good day to send a few notes.  Maybe.  If I don't forget.  Perhaps I need to start a list of things I want to get done today.  Hmmmm

Looking forward to Friday evening.... I bought hubby and I dinner theater tickets at the Broadway Theatre to go see White Christmas.  I love that movie - but we haven't watched it since we moved....  I just thought it would be fun to go watch it performed.  Costly, but it was for me more than for him, really.  I want to see the movie, and anything that I want to do, he wants to be a part of it. 

And with that, I'm going to close this off.  It's about time to get the work computer up and running, and I can jump in the shower and get dressed before I need to actually sit down in front of it.  Hope that you have a great day and recover from the weekend of celebrations as well.

Blessings!

Christmas morning ramblings.........

 After two days of celebrating Christmas I was either bored or tired last night and went to bed around 8:15PM.  Slept well, so must have been tired.  Awoke about 3:45AM and said to meself - "nope, ain't getting up yet."  Well, by 4:15AM I couldn't lay there any longer and came in here and read my devotional and Bible for today.  By that time hubby had awakened and was getting coffee.  

We gathered in the front room and had our coffee and opened our gifts.  Hubby must be getting old - or it's the team - lol - I bought him a Cardinals Tyler Murray jersey - and he was more excited over getting new underwear.  He gave me some nice things.... can anyone tell me why a size medium years ago looked like a medium and the medium he bought me looks like a size 6?  Now we know this fat butt ain't going to fit into that... but I told him I'd keep as an incentive.  Maybe it will stretch.  He informed me he got the last one so no sense in taking it back, right?  He did get me a couple things I asked for, and had to tell me the kettlebell I asked for - all he could find was an 8 pound at Dick's Sporting Goods, on the second floor - and he had to carry it for about a block and a half to get to his car.  What cracked me up was he said the cashier offered to get someone to carry it to the car for him and he, offended, declined that offer.  But by the time he got to his car, he wished he had not declined it!

As we started opening gifts, he also shared he fell into the Christmas tree in the back last week.  And he credits our trainer working with his legs and strengthening them with his ability to get up and get out of the tree.  Seems he bent over to plug in the lights - and fell head-on into the tree and gifts under it.  He hadn't held on to the side of the wall before bending over.  I will have to tell our trainer (he will probably tell him as well) to keep working on his legs to give him stability.  He said I wasn't home at the time so he could have been there a while.  He was surprised and pleased with the extra time I bought him for working with the trainer. He just doesn't get that he needs to tone down his eating habits if he wants to lose the weight.  I mark that up to his not only eating large quantities of food, but sitting in his recliner all day/evening.  One or two hours in the gym a week won't change much.  I know, I'm one to talk, aren't I?  Sigh. 

We've had two great days of celebrating Christmas with the oldest and youngest and their families.  I've loved fixing meals and just hanging out with them.  I've received many nice gifts.  All seemed to like what we gave them.  I hope for the same today.

Today is Christmas Day and my middle child and his family are coming over early afternoon to celebrate Christmas with us.  My son let me off the hook with cooking - although I would have certainly done it willingly. Even told me to use paper plates!  I bought lunchmeat and cheese for sandwiches.  I have a salad too for those who want to salad. Bought a box of individual potato chips so that everyone can choose what kind they want.  Even made tea for my son, for he loves his ice tea.  I hope each one enjoys their time here.  Hubby was getting grumpy yesterday with the little one; hopefully he won't be as grumpy today. He got lots of sleep and will probably get a nap in this morning too before everyone arrives, so he should be well rested.

Isaiah 9:6 9NKJV):  "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

May we never forget the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Without Him, we would not have eternal life; we would not have joy.  Holy and Blessed is His name.

Hope that your celebrations through today will bring you much joy.  It's not about the gifts; it's about being with those you love and care about.  These past two days - and today as well - are my best gifts.  I get to be with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  They are truly my joy.

I'm glad all four of my bosses are taking the extra day off tomorrow.  I will be checking in on the computer, but I can get some other things done to - such as packing up all the wrapping paper, and putting things away.  I'll leave the trees up for a few more days; I love the lights.... although they sure look empty without gifts under them.

I haven't written in a journal for some time now.  My boss bought me a journal for Christmas.... still thinking about whether or not I'll use it for a notebook or for a journal.  Probably a notebook as I seem to be putting my life in this page, don't you think? Is that a good thing?

And with that.... I'll hush my Christmas morning ramblings.   I have a feeling hubby wants me to cook breakfast since I'm not cooking a big meal as I have the past two days.  Maybe I will.  My egg/potato dish with jalapenos and bacon is enough, right?  The calm before the busy day starts.

Abundant Blessings to you and yours.

Merry Christmas....

Happy Birthday, Jesus.  

God always provides....

 Yesterday I wrote about my friend, and her difficulties at this time, and how I wanted to make something for them.  As I started making the 'garbage' to have ready for my youngest's family, I realized I didn't have enough hamburger.  Either I would cut it short for his family and give to my friend, or just not go with the nudge to do it for my friend.  I opted for making sure I had enough dinner, because I was really second-guessing myself that I should do that.  Was it God, or was it just my love for my friend that I wanted to prepare them something?  Well, I opened up the center drawer of the refrigerator and found two more packages of meat that I had forgotten about - had put there to thaw and well, thought no more.  My refrigerators are so full that I totally missed where I 'hid' things.  So I went ahead and made more garbage - and enough that I could put a little in the freezer for us later - and totally forgot I had planned to make chili today for my daughter's Christmas.  Ooops.  All the hamburger meat has now been used - I checked the freezer again - nothing.  So I'm going with split pea soup and ham instead. And, got to get it on soon. Anything to keep from going to to the store.  And I remembered I forgot to get a rotisserie chicken... which means I have to use the diced chicken I have in the freezer, which will take away from the flavor of the chicken noodle soup.  But - I don't have time to go to the store, and we both know hubby will not.

Anyway.... ending this long story.... I grabbed a coffee cake I had bought at the bakery when I met my boss (felt like I needed to buy it, although I knew we would not be eating it).  I put the coffee cake in a bag, along with a jar of my bread n butter pickles, and a couple small gifts I had, and took the 'garbage' over to my friend.  She was surprised, but grateful.  And I was blessed to share with her.  I'm not telling you this to get any glory, please do not.  I'm sharing to show you how God provides.  I forgot I had meat thawed out; God didn't.  We didn't need the chili; but she needed a friend to show they cared, and God chose me to show her how much He loves and provides for her.  And for that, I am grateful.  He is truly a good good, Father.

After that, I made a trip out to my middle child's to give him his very own special gift.... I had made his white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.  And what all three of the children may have realized by now is that the place has written on it something like 'made with love by Mom'.  My youngest tried to give me the plate back (for refills, I imagine LOL) but I told him no.  The plates now belong to them. As a reminder of a Christmas I made something special for each of them. In the busyness of this season, my thoughts were of them.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to be their mom.  

My youngest and his family came over last night and it was a good time.  Got to see my great-grandsons, whom I had not seen for several months.  And it was great seeing the grandchildren too, minus one.  But he had already text'd me after receiving his gifts.  We opened gifts and ate dinner and just enjoyed the time together.  These are times I treasure. 

Today my oldest - my daughter - and her family will be coming over around 1PM I think.  It's almost 6:30AM now and I need to be getting moving soon and get the split peas in the crock pot and get them cooking as they will be the longest to make.  Fixing also potato soup and chicken noodle soup.  I bought the salads as I just don't have the energy nor time to throw it together.  Yes, making salad is easy, but it is much easier to buy one already made than all the individual things I'd want to put in it and on it.

I did go to the store yesterday after visiting with my oldest son, and it wasn't too bad.  I bought 4 different kinds of lunch meat and 4 different kinds of cheese (although he isn't a fan of cheese) - I need to think of the rest of his family too, and they might like cheese on their sandwiches.  To make it easy, I bought individual bags of chips so that they can choose what they like and eat all they want.  I also plan to make something special for my son.... which I need to get busy and get started.

Now that several jars of salsa have been taken from my refrigerator, I need to finish making what I need to get done.  And I told my youngest that I won't be doing all that next year.... (I may go to pints; much easier to finish) ... and some traditions will be falling by the wayside, such as the sausage and the chocolate covered cherries.  Prices have jumped tremendously the past few years - so if I buy sausage, or chocolate covered cherries, they will be the 'gift' and not extra.  I am serious about cutting back on spending next year.

This is still my favorite time of year - not for the gifts, which I love to give - but just to be with my children and their families.  As I have shared many times, I want to leave good memories of special times .... one never knows when their time has come to an end... so this is for me as much as for them.

21 years ago tonight my big brother, Samuel, aka Sammy as he asked me to call him in his later years, had a heart attack while wiping snow off his windshield.... and passed away.  His was the first funeral I ever officiated.  It was hard to say goodbye to my big brother.  A year and a half ago it was my big sister who passed away.  I miss them both so much.   I'm so grateful I had spoken to them a short time before and told them I loved them.  I also remember my little brother, Buddy, who passed away around 1997.  It was around Thanksgiving time. And of course, I think of my mama.  It doesn't take away the ache in my heart for them, nor keep tears from falling when I remember them at times like this.  Christmas Eve always reminds me of them.  I'm grateful this year that Sammy's grandson has reached out to me and we've connected.  Have even chatted with Sammy's daughter; first time in many years.  Maybe this is also a time of new beginnings.

Today, Christmas Eve, pause a bit in your busyness and reach out to someone you haven't talked with in a while; let them know that you are thinking of them, and tell them that you love them.  You will never regret it.  Pause in your busyness and think of the reason we celebrate Christmas.  It isn't because of Santa Claus, that's for sure.  It's all because of Jesus.  Think about that.

Blessings!

And so it begins...

 Late afternoon or early evening my Christmas gatherings will start with my youngest and his family here in town coming over to have Christmas.  I'm cooking 'garbage' for them - which is really a hamburger casserole that was aptly named garbage many years ago.  Probably will have mashed potatoes and a vegetable to go with it.  Looking forward to seeing grandchildren and great grandchildren.  And so the holiday begins for me.

I've been sitting here this morning bemoaning the fact that I haven't bought hubby much of anything this year.  He needs nothing.  He hasn't mentioned anything specific he wants.  I paid for his new hearing aids ($1600) so can that count as Christmas?  He needs a wisdom tooth pulled ($1400) soon - so can I count that as Christmas too since I will be the one paying for it?  I know that sounds strange, but he puts the bills on my credit card and then forgets about them.  So, yes, I pay for them.  

ADOT is in a hurry this year.  My license plates aren't due until 2/15/2024 - and I received in my email the 'bill' for the next one.  And I have to do an emissions check.  UGH.  At least I have about 6 weeks to get it.   Now not to forget that I need it!

We slept in this morning - of course we didn't get to bed until around 10PM - watching movies, of course - but my alarm went off at 5PM and I shut it off.  Became more alert about 5:40AM and finally got up.  I needed the rest, I guess, for I did sleep well last night.  Glad I did for today will be busy and my mind is all over the place trying to figure out how I can get at least one more gift or two for hubby, how can I finish up on everything.... and then I realize that it really isn't that important.  I need to keep my eyes on what Christmas is... 

A friend shared on her blog about some family things going on this week - two daughters had surgery, she had a cardiologist appointment, she has CML ..... and I already knew her hubby isn't that well.... I had sent her a note after reading it and she responded late Thursday.  I apparently did not read my emails yesterday for I didn't see it until this morning.  I want to do something for them..... have a meal delivered to them.  I don't have time to bake anything.  I'm going to have to think on this and see what I can do.  I just want them to know we love them and care for them.  Maybe I can make garbage and take over along with a small dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables for their dinner.  Will have to ponder this.  My heart just wants to let them know they aren't forgotten in the midst of their trials.

I had a great breakfast with my boss yesterday.  We exchanged our gifts and I told her that "I'm not doing all this next year, so this year decide what you will want for next year." Will see how that goes.  If I even remember telling her that.  She says her family loves all that I send - the kids will ask if I made such and such - and when she says yes, they dive into it.  Is that a good thing? :-)  It's nice to know what I do make is appreciated.   My favorite doctor stopped by and brought me a flower that he usually gives me each year.  

I need to start thinking about a new goal for 2024 for Goodreads.  I enjoyed challenging myself and I think I remembered to put in every book that I read this year.  I put in to read 36 books as I would rather succeed than beat myself up because I didn't.  I show that I read 50 books.  So this year, I think I will put 50 books and see if I can beat that one.  Stay tuned on that!

Do you know the story of the 12 days of Christmas and what it actually means?  Keep reading....

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.  Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.  Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.  The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  The five golden rings recall the Torah or the Law, the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).  The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.  The seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.  The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.  Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Patiences, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.  The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.  The eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.  The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

And I will leave you with that.  As we head on into the weekend and a crazy time of gathering and eating way too much.... I wish you joy and

Blessings!

I almost had a meltdown...

 and it wasn't anything specific, I don't think.  I think it was brought on by a lot of mental exhaustion and trying to make Christmas a memorable time for everyone.  I baked cookies, and made cheeseballs yesterday.  I'm wanting to do something special for each of my kids this year and have managed to get two done.  One left to complete.  I had my daughter stop by yesterday to pick her special thing up.... and one look at my face/eyes and my daughter was asking "are you ok?"  I nearly broke down.  I am trying to work (which has been exceptionally busy for this time of year), I'm trying to make all this salsa for the grandchildren (and I'm not complaining), I'm trying to make cheeseballs and bake cookies and things for different people....  as I've mentioned before, giving to others is my love gift.... and I forgot a cookie exchange long distance I do with an adopted daughter and never got it done and her gift of cookies and other things arrived yesterday putting the guilt of forgetfulness on top of my head....  No, this isn't a 'woe is me' type of paragraph.  Just commenting I let life get the best of me and I lost my grounding.

Add in my dentist office called to take care of that floating root issue and they had a cancellation.  So why not get that taken care of as well?  An hour and a half later.... he could not get it out and has now referred me to an oral surgeon, whom I am to call first thing this morning as he was calling him as I left to tell him what was going on.  I hate spending that kind of money... but this is a necessity, although I may still lose that tooth; one of the possibilities.  

I did nothing last night.  Well, when I got home from the dentist, I made one more cheeseball as I had left the cream cheese out to soften.  Then I cleaned up my mess from running to the kitchen to get things made.  Mentally going through my lists, I realized I need to scale back - and in some cases, drastically.  I did tell my daughter that I 'can't do this anymore'.  I cannot make about 20 quarts of salsa - I gave the grandchildren the recipe for my salsa - they can make their own! - but I have always loved making it and giving to them.  I cannot make so many different things and give to others; they don't need it all!  Give them ONE thing, and the recipes for the rest.  I've got to figure this out.  

After cleaning the kitchen, sweeping and mopping the floor, I came into the front room and sat down.  And we watched a movie.  sigh.  Then the Dolly Parton Christmas special came on and she started singing Christmas songs.... and my tears started falling.  I told hubby I was going to bed - and did.  But laid awake for another two hours before he came to bed.  I could not go to sleep.  I wasn't thinking of anything in particular.  Sleep just eluded me.  Finally, the thought occurred to me that when one can't sleep, we often tell them to count sheep.  I was amused in my mind as I thought about that.  I started reciting (in my mind) the 23rd Psalm.... The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.  Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He anoints my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. .... and then I fell asleep.

This morning I am meeting my boss for breakfast and taking her Christmas gift to her.  I always look forward to spending time with her for I always feel more positive and refreshed after doing so.  My favorite doctor is also going to stop by as he said he had something for me.  I wonder if he will remember.  It's raining today - and I read this morning as well - that we are in for a thunderstorm .. he's been pretty accurate thus far.  I think it's called Arizona Weather Force (on Facebook) that I pretty much follow for my weather forecasts.   I hope it doesn't happen while I'm out driving.

Today hopefully will be fairly quiet.  One boss has taken the day off.  I have cleared the calendar pretty much for this boss so she won't be bothering me either.  The others shouldn't be too bad - and I know that I can take off early today - and will.  I did get to the grocery yesterday but still need to do one more trip.  My youngest is to stop by today to pick up one of his son's gift from us - and his salsa - and head north to see him.  I will get more room in my refrigerator after he returns tomorrow and his family comes over for Christmas with us - and takes about 6 jars of salsa - which is about the number I need to make today (or tomorrow) to have enough for those who want them.  

Why did I have the near-meltdown?  I don't know.  I wonder if I want everyone to have a perfect Christmas and I want to make it perfect... I want to do so much and maybe it is too much.... maybe traditions need to be let go of after this year.  Maybe new traditions need to be made.  Am I struggling with the uncertainty of the gifts I've purchased?  Maybe they won't be liked?  Maybe I didn't buy the right things?  Did I do too much for one and not enough for another?  Will everyone know how much I love them - not by the size or number of gifts, but because I took the time to search and purchase and wrap each one?  Oh the love of a grandmother for not only her children, but her grandchildren - and great grandchildren as well.  Memories I want to leave behind me when I'm no longer a part of their Christmases.  Do I want too much?

I think I'll end my ramblings with a funny story - a true one at that.  When I was at the gym the other night my trainer was telling me about a member who has come in frequently over the past year and has gone from over 400 pounds to 200 pounds.  His skin is loose and hanging on him.  They frequently do what is called 'In-body' testing on him.  'In-body testing' I have mentioned before for myself.  It tells how much of the body is water, how much fat, how much muscle, etc.  Well, they did it on this guy with all the loose skin and they got upset with him.  The member has been using a nutritionist outside of the gym as well to help him with his eating.  Well, even at 200 pounds - this man was down to 2% body fat.  Yes, I said 2%!  The loose skin was just that - it was loose skin - there was no fat in it.  They got after him and told him he needed to have the nutritionist reevaluate his diet because he wasn't getting enough nutrition and needed to add some fat to his diet.  

After my trainer had shared this with me, he took a drink of water...... just as I was saying, "well, I want you to know that the loose skin that I have hanging on me isn't just skin.....it's full of fat."...... and he nearly spewed his mouthful of water all over me!

And that is your 'funny' for today.  I need to stop and get dressed and ready to head to the restaurant in a couple hours..... got to do some work first.  Hubby has left for his Bible study.   Counting today, 3 days until Christmas.  And mine starts tomorrow evening.  I.can't.wait.  My favorite time of year is being with my children and their families.  I am blessed.

Lord, please help me to pause and allow You to guide my steps these next few days and not try to get ahead of You.  I have so much I want to do and get done.... but maybe Your plan is for me to pause and just be with You.  I should never be too busy to sit at Your feet.  Help me to find those moments to pause and allow You to refresh me, to restore me.  I need your strength, Lord, I need your Peace that passeth all understanding.  Thank you for hearing my heart, and drawing me close to Thee.  I love You.

Blessings!

Things coming to a close... maybe...

 I didn't even bother to shop yesterday.  Not even on Amazon.  Work was extremely busy (what's up with that?) and as usual, I worked through the lunch hour.  I did get off at 4PM as usual as I had a gym appointment at 5PM and needed to leave at 4:30PM.  And my trainer worked my shoulders, triceps and biceps last night - and I can feel it this morning!  I still don't have any shoulders, but working on building them to a shape, albeit a swollen muscle one.  LOL

My daughter-in-love's biceps will always be larger than mine - they are solid!  But it comes from her work, not working out with weights as I have.  But I have biceps, although much smaller. :-)  Arms look like they may be shaping up a bit.  My trainer headed to Wyoming today for the Christmas holiday.  His grandmother went in to the hospital so he left a couple days early.  I love this kid, for that is what he is, at 21.  I adopted him as one of my grandsons.  We talked a lot as I worked out and we share a lot.  He did tell me that hubby almost fell yesterday while working out with the cables, but he caught him and stabilized him.  He mentioned that he always stays close to him for that reason.  It makes me somewhat anxious when I hear things like that for I wonder when he is alone, will he lose his balance?  Will he fall and get hurt?  I probably ought to inquire if he has my name in his wallet and car to be contacted if he should fall and hurt himself.  I know he has me in his phone as emergency contact.  Getting old is hard, you know it? And he refuses to acknowledge he may have any difficulty.  He is so afraid that his car will be taken away from him (and it isn't quite that bad, but soon), and then he will not be able to go to his Bible studies and visit with his friends for breakfast.  He will literally lose his life blood if he has to give up these things.  It will take an 'act of God' to get him to give any of his freedom up.

And then I wonder if I am somewhat the same way?  Although he has taken the majority of my freedom away from me, I feel.  I'm not going in to it... and I'm getting off on another squirrel track so will hush.  Working, at least, keeps me active.  Grateful I don't have the long drive in traffic (especially with the drivers nowadays!) that I used to have.  I can remember taking two hours to get home from work.  And I've gotten very used to working remote.  No, I don't stay in my pajamas all day.  I'm usually dressed by 7AM.  And I've gotten lazy in other areas.  But I still miss the social interaction with others.  Watching TV does not give you social interaction.  Sigh.  That stupid thing was on all day yesterday from about 1PM and he stayed up to watch the rest of a show when I went to bed at 8:30PM!  I don't know when he came to bed.  I tell him he is addicted to the TV - and he denies it - same with his phone.  How can one sit and stare at the TV or at a phone all day??  UGH!  I stare at the computer from 7AM-4PM and I can't wait to turn it off.  And yet, here I am on my personal computer at 5:45AM.  But once I check my bank account balance, my emails, my son's blog, and write this.... I usually shut it off and don't get back on it.  Not that I'm perfect by any means.  I don't need to read every news story that appears.  Sigh.

I need to stop by the grocery today and pick up a couple things.... but I may be able to put it off until tomorrow.  Don't want to pick up some things too soon.  May even wait until Saturday morning - but know it will be extremely crowded.  I may go today just to take a break and get out of the house.

I just quit on my Christmas shopping.  It's like I have no idea what anyone would need, let alone want, and I'm at a loss and don't want to buy something just to buy it.  Does that make sense?  I know, this is where gift cards come in handy - but what would they like?  I feel guilty that some may have more than others - and yes, I missed the one gift part again this year.  And I love what my granddaughter tells me - "Grandma, it doesn't matter about the gifts, what matters is that we get to spend time with you."   When they say things like that it makes me cry, for I long so much to be a part of their busy lives.  But I also understand why I can't, except on special occasions, such as Christmas.  I've done my best to make memories with each one throughout the years.  My oldest granddaughter remembers the most, for she was my only granddaughter for a few years.  We had so much fun together!

And yes, next year I am going to do things differently.  Just exactly what, I don't know.  But it will be different.  Just counting 'my' family, there are 28-29 that I buy for.... and then there are my siblings I like to send to.  And then my bosses, and friends..... yeah... I need to cut back. Retirement will never happen if I continue to spend like this.  I may have the money right now, but if I ever retire, I definitely can not do it.  And I will not live like my sister does.... and that's all I'll say about that!  She finally has admitted she is a shopping addict.  She spends hours on the computer and finds great things - but spends without thinking large volumes of money - and then tries to cancel it - and can't - so when it comes in, she has to pay to return it.  Nope.  Just don't get on the computer and shop (although I have done 99% of my shopping online, but I have to with working).   I don't remove price tags anymore because they all know I did not pay full price for what I did buy!  LOL

I need to get busy and find another message to do at the RV park - they will be calling in another week for the title and scripture.  I speak on January 7th, and then not until February.  Maybe twice in February and once in March - and then I'm done for this season.  So at least 3 more messages to get put together.  I should do it during the summer when things are not so busy - but that would be too easy, wouldn't it.

I'm also going to start teaching a Discipleship class on Monday evenings here at home starting January 22nd - and I need to start pulling that together.  I threw so much of my studies away when we moved... I distinctly remember holding my discipleship papers in my hand and thinking 'will I ever use these again?' and answering myself with a 'no', I trashed them.  But, I have dug out a couple boxes to go through 'just in case' I held on to something that will help me.  I enjoy teaching and we'll see how it goes the first 9 weeks with hubby.  Sigh.  He's ok with my teaching here at home, but of course he has to lay down his rules.  sigh.

And now I'm rambling with my thoughts.  I need to jump in the shower this morning and wash my hair and get ready to face the day.  Want to make a couple batches of cookies today.... hopefully things won't be too busy.  Tomorrow I won't be doing much work - having breakfast with my boss and doctor friend - got to get their gifts put together.  Still need to make at least 6 more jars of salsa too.  Pickles are done.  Got to make cheeseballs today too, for the gifts I'm giving out.  It may prove to be a very busy day - with and without work!

Hope that all is going well with you.  You are in my prayers.  

Blessings!

Time is getting away....

 and not just this morning!  I've slept an additional hour this morning, sitting here in my chair.  Fell asleep while praying.  I guess I needed it, for yesterday was a busy day.  I got 11 quarts of salsa made, for one thing.  Hubby wasn't home to do the taste testing - and I tried, but after the first quart, nothing tasted right, although I made them all the same.  I told him to wait until today and then he can taste test each jar to see if I need to add peppers or sugar to them.   I ordered through the grocery pickup 30 cans of stewed tomatoes.  And bless their hearts, the young men just don't know there is a difference between Italian stewed tomatoes and regular stewed tomatoes - which is what I needed.  They gave me six cans of Italian stewed tomatoes, so today I need to make a run to the store and pick up what I really need - and then make more salsa tonight.  I think I have about 6-8 more quarts to make.  At least it doesn't take long to make them, but some will get pint jars (2) versus a quart (1) as I am out of quart jars and at $19.99 for a dozen now at the grocery, I'm not driving around to find a cheaper cost.  I have several pint jars so will start using them up.

I was pretty tired last night when I finally got them done.  Was just finishing up when hubby got home from meeting with his Tuesday night friend.  Glad they still met - they sent us homemade tamales!!  Guess what is for lunch - or dinner - today!!  Can't wait to try them.  I'd love to learn how to make them, but they are an exceptional amount of work and I appreciate it when we get homemade ones.

I'm going to try to take a quick run over to the grocery first thing this morning as I'm sure it is going to be pretty busy the closer it gets to Christmas.  I still need to see what I need for the soup lunch we'll be doing Christmas Eve.  I had plans of 4 different soups - they may only get two or three.  Time and reality is starting to set in.  And if I can't early this morning, I'll get over there some time today or tomorrow.  Just do it.  Right?

Work was crazy busy yesterday and I left things to do today so will be extra busy today as well.  Wish my bosses would take the week BEFORE Christmas off instead of the days/week after!  Don't they know I have a lot of things to get done BEFORE Christmas and I can't do it when they are making me work?  Geez!  And some are such simple requests I want to reply - the meeting is on your calendar, can you not cancel it?  Can you not move it?  Can you not change the title of YOUR meeting?  Yeah, that is one I have to do - change the title of the team meetings on the calendar for the upcoming year.  Seriously.  No, I haven't done it yet - it was not on my priority list.  The list of people don't change - why is it so important to change the stupid title?  They know what the meeting is about - they have been going to them all this year!

I'm nearly done wrapping - except for hubby's things, and I will get to them perhaps today.  It's only Wednesday so I have time yet.  There are a few things that haven't come in yet.  I reviewed my list - of what I have remembered to write down for everyone - and I feel guilty that I don't have much for some - and then I tell myself it's ok - it's a GIFT - it's not mandatory to buy a lot of things.  One is enough!  But I did kind of do a bit more for MY kids... even the great-grands don't get much.  For one - they have grandma and papaw to buy for them - they don't need us doing it.  I try to get things that will be useful and not dust catchers - but I don't always succeed, and for that, I apologize in advance.  I'm already second-guessing myself.

A friend wrote a note on her blog this morning that really touched me.  I'm going to add it here and 

----- oh my goodness  -   it's raining!!----- and thundering!

Anyway - here is what she said - 

"Things weren't smooth sailing on that First Christmas--I mean, giving birth in a stable? Many a child has been questioned about being born in a barn due to habitually leaving the doors opened wide, but thank God He left the door opened wide for us to return to Him via Jesus' birth and conquering death and sin on our behalf.

So I remind myself that we are doing pretty well and that complaining instead of trusting doesn't go with the season--or any time of year, for that matter."

We have been given the greatest gift ever in Jesus.  Let's remember it's not all about the gifts and who gets what.... but about celebrating His birth by giving to others.  

Blessings!

It was a very good day

 I finally got out of the house around 10AM yesterday morning.  I saw I had several messages on my work computer so skimmed through them and cleaned them up.  (Later I saw I had 129 so cleaned those up when I got home!)  I did not take hubby for breakfast; forgot he had his gym appointment at 8:30AM so I just went through my lists and checked messages and then left once he got back.  Had some things to deliver to my youngest and to the oldest, so dropped off at my youngest first - and then he came with me to my daughter's to drop off what I needed to take there.  Then we grabbed lunch, went to Kohls (got nothing), went to Sam's Club (bought some groceries that will last through the weekend (still need to go to Fry's by Friday to get for the weekend meals), and then took the youngest back home before going to Walgreens and heading back home.  I just didn't want to come home yet, but wasn't in the mood to shop, really, and just didn't know what else to get.  I think I'm at the stage of 'it is what it is' and if everyone gets at least one gift, then I'm done.

Two of the grandsons came over to bake cookies last night - and one wanted to make peanut butter cookies - and wouldn't you know it - I had meant to get peanut butter when I went to Sam's - and forgot it.  I had half a jar.  So he decided on Oh Henry bars - and I was just short of peanut butter for it - but he used it all anyway and you know what - those cookie bars were so good!!  And yes, I sent all but one piece home with him and I ate the one.  The other grandson made snickerdoodles and took those home with him. After we were finished - we headed to Chili's for dinner - and three of us couldn't finish our meals so those came back with us too.  I think the loaded potato soup filled both of the boys up.  Grandpa shared his chips and salsa.  All in all, it was a great evening for me, and I think the boys enjoyed it too.  And, because there wasn't a lot of giggling and screaming, hubby wasn't as grumpy.

So I'm done with the cookie baking (I think) for this season.  I think I'm done with shopping too.  My thoughts have turned to the meals and when do I need to make salsa so it will last longer, need to make things for my favorite boss as I'm meeting her on Friday morning.  Need to do this, and need to do that.  Got things to get done as far as food and food gifts.  Maybe today won't be too bad and I can get some made.  Still got to go to Frys and get stewed tomatoes for the salsa.  Must do it today, I'm thinking.  It's going to be crazy the rest of this week.  But I love every minute of it, because I'm making and giving things to those I care about.  And that makes it all worthwhile.

Oh yeah... just remembered I'm back at work today and glanced at the clock.  Sigh.  Here I have been just dilly-dallying and taking my time with my reading this morning and typing in here.  Guess I need to step it up a bit.

Hubby is having breakfast with a friend this morning so that will get him out of my hair for awhile - and he is meeting another friend tonight for Bible study.  I'm thinking I may stay home and work on things I need to get done, rather than girls night out - but then, I cancelled last week.... I'll have to see what I have left to do that I don't get done during the day.

Isaiah 55:7 (CSB)  "Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive."

I must admit that when I first read that verse in my devotional my thoughts turned to my sister.  Not that she is wicked or sinful, but the fact that she won't let go of the past and forgive things.  She just cannot let them go.  And some of us are like that too.  I admit, sometimes I will have thoughts come to my mind that will stir me up, but then I remember that I have forgiven that person and I have given it to God.  The devil likes to remind us of things of the past, things that upset up and we held on to.  We 'hated' this person or that person because of something they said or did.  We 'disliked' (a much nicer word than hated) a person's behavior and hold it against them. (yeah, you know I'm guilty of some of that!) But we are called to let go of the grudges we hold on to.

Why?  Because they are toxic.  When we hang on to grudges, hatred, dislike - whatever that emotion is - it holds us hostage to the person we think we are 'punishing'.  We allow them to keep that anger, hatred, dislike stirred up in us.  And then it makes us irritable, dislikeable and toxic to other people.  Especially to those we love.  And we wonder why some distance themselves from us.  It's hard, sometimes, to let go of what we have hung on to for so long.  Especially when it's directed at God.  We're angry at Him for allowing things to happen.  We're angry at the people who did whatever they did to us.  And then we become toxic, angry people.  But it is when we give it to God, ask His forgiveness, and ask Him to help us forgive that person, that we can be set free from the bondage we place on ourselves.  He will always forgive us, no matter what the sin is - unless it is against the Holy Spirit.  That is the only sin He will never forgive.  Never speak against the Holy Spirit - who is part of the Trinity.

So take a moment and ask yourself if there is anyone you hold a grudge against.  Is it a person?  Is it God Himself?  Take a moment and see if it is even yourself, that you have a hard time forgiving.  We are often our worst enemy.  Forgive yourself, and ask God to help you forgive others.  Be set free from toxic behavior this year.  Let the 'bygones be bygones' and start this season fresh and clean.

Father, thank You for your mercy and forgiveness shown to each of us.  Search our hearts today and show us where we have harbored unforgiveness and bitterness against others.  Help us to walk in Your grace and forgive those who have hurt us or angered us.  Help us to extend that grace given to us, to others, that we may walk freely in true joy.  Thank you Father.  Amen.

Blessings!

A day off for whatever I want to do!

 Let's see how long THAT thought lasts!  Already the thought has come to me that if I take hubby out to breakfast, he won't mind that I'm gone all morning.  And if I don't, he would be ok, I'm sure - but he doesn't like to be alone.  My giving him my complete (he thinks) attention, will set his day.  His Bible study on Tuesdays has taken a break until after the holidays so he won't have that to keep him busy.    I feel like a babysitter.  Does that make sense?  Or is it that I'm just being nice?  I have So.Much.To.Do!

Yes, I took today off work with the hopes of completing my Christmas shopping in person.  I've done it all online - and have spent way, way more than I intended to spend.  But partially because some of the things I purchased were more expensive than I thought they were.  And you know what, I don't care.  I cannot take it with me - and I may as well spend it on those I love and enjoy while I can, right?  I'm coming to a close, though, and will be finishing up soon.  I know for some I've overbought; others I didn't do as much - and my one gift a person kind of fell through the cracks.  Sigh.  I just can't buy a game for one, and a plate of cookies for another, know what I mean?  I love to give, regardless of what it costs.  And I always try to find something that person has mentioned they want, or perhaps even something they need.  

My granddaughters were over yesterday with their daughters (more on that later) to bake cookies and I got to ask questions as to gifts for their hubbies.  Since I don't know either that well, and I don't like to get just generic gifts just to have a gift.... I got some great ideas.  Last night I ordered for one... and this morning I thought of something for the other, and jumped on Amazon to get it.  I think I'm done with both of them now.  Although last week I got under the trees and sorted through things and verified packages, I'm already confused and at a total loss.  I think in the future I just need to stack the gifts and then sort out and wrap all at the same time.  Unless I get everything for one person and then wrap it and mark them done.  HAH  like that would work.  Besides, the trees look so pretty with the gifts under them.  

I enjoyed having my granddaughters and great granddaughters over yesterday to bake cookies.  And no, they didn't leave the great granddaughters to me, they were very attentive in helping their daughters get things done - and I helped where I could.  My kitchen is way too small and add a card table in the middle of it - well, it was tight.  But we managed and even with one oven, we managed to get all the cookies baked.  The little ones made 'coffee cups' - which is really cute - I showed them the one I had made.  It's a flat cookie and using chocolate on the bottom of a large marshmallow, put it on the cookie.  Then add the hook of a candy cane on the side of the marshmallow with chocolate, and then a bit of chocolate and peppermint on the top - and YUMMY!  Well, we didn't eat it - but I think both little ones ate a big marshmallow.  And then we did the traditional Christmas mice.   It was so funny, we'd take out the cherries for the girls to wipe off with a paper towel before dipping in the melted chocolate - and they'd eat the cherry!  Both of them!  I enjoyed them all so much and I hope we made a good memory for them.  

Hubby did fairly well most of the day, but the last couple hours he started getting grumpy.  The girls were getting tired with baking and making the mice and coffee cups and were wanting to get some energy extended.  They got a little loud at times and Opa would grumble at them.  The granddaughters and I tried to keep the little ones quiet and busy, but after all, they are little ones.  And the little ones were worn out when they left, so I hear.... both were asleep by the time they got to where they were going - or close to it.  Treasured memory - check!  Lots of fun - check!  Do it again - Absolutely!!

Got another treasured memory coming today - later this afternoon two of the grandsons are coming over to bake cookies.  I'm so looking forward to hanging out with them!  I am pretty sure I have enough ingredients left - even without knowing what they plan to bake.  I will do a quick 'looksee' before I leave today on the flour and sugar but I think I have enough.  Plus I plan to do a bit of baking over the next couple of days as well.   I think I can start getting salsa made this week - I don't even know how many jars to make anymore - I had too many last year and was giving to anyone who wanted it.  I do need to get more stewed tomatoes - I think I'm down to six cans - which is only two batches - and only 4 jars at best.  Rough count - 3+6+4+2 - I think I need to make 13 jars - some may get pints for I don't think I have enough quarts.

Plus, I need to sit down and figure out ingredients for the meals - most I can wait until Saturday to get - and no, I will not be going to the store.  I do the pick up route.  It saves me lots of time and money.  I went to the store the other day to get a couple things - and spent over $100!  If I order online, I may still spend that much, but I get what I need cause I am not looking at what is on sale.  I need to do an expiration date check on things - some have been in the pantry for some time - I'll still use after the expiration date - but need to be realistic.  Five years past may be a bit long to use an item.  No, I really don't think I have any that old.  But do need to do a pantry clean-out - and a refrigerator one as well.  I can't ask hubby to do any clean-out of anything.... enough said.

John 1:14 (NKJV):  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

One week from today.  Christmas.  The day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Well, most of us do.  Some are only thinking about the gifts they will give and get.  But there is so much more to what the day means!  Stop and think about it!  We are celebrating Jesus, who came to earth to save us, to redeem us from our sins - not just one or two - but all our sins as we confess them to Him.  Even our unknown sins.  He forgives us when we ask Him to, and He sets our feet on solid rock.  We celebrate the Christ child - who came as a baby - not to a wealthy family in a castle and a custom-made rocker, but to a poor family (in money, but rich in faith) and born in a stable and laid in a manger.

The manger isn't even what people imagine it to be!  The manger was a cold, hard, rock with a chiseled. dip to put hay and fodder in for the cattle.  The baby was wrapped in pieces of cloth, and laid in this manger.  And all glory broke loose!  Oh the glorious appearing of our Lord - coming as a babe - enduring the same temptations we face daily - but not succumbing to them - loving, healing, forgiving, providing... and then going to the cross for us.  This baby, laying in the manger, Christ our Lord.

My prayer is that you will take some time this week leading up to Christmas and think about the REASON we celebrate.  Even those who do not follow Jesus, celebrate His birth by giving gifts to others, as the wise men gave gifts to Jesus.  They may not know Him, but He knows them.  Help them find their way to the Truth.

Blessings!