What a day yesterday was! I had so much fun unwrapping my gifts! I laughed so much; I couldn't believe all the fun wrapping there was! Just a few examples - I love fun socks. From my granddaughter in this family, she wrapped each sock individually. Then she took one of each pair (12 of them!) and wrapped them in another wrapping - and instead of one present with 12 pairs of socks, I had 2 big packages, with 12 halves in each one to unwrap! I was puzzled at first, but figured it out. Then there is the large package from my son and his wife - and it was mint candy. And in this large package, every.single.piece.of.candy was wrapped. I have to unwrap each piece to eat it! No, I still haven't gotten through them all! But what fun they must have had in wrapping - and I definitely had fun in unwrapping! I got so many gifts and I love each one. I even got a t-shirt I can't wait to wear and send a photo to my sister - it says "Jesus loves you." And under that it has "but I'm His favorite". Love it! Bookmark, cards, candy, chocolate, a beautiful handmade jacket, gift cards, and so much more! What a good day!
Lunchmeat sandwiches for lunch along with salad and potato chips finished up the day. I loved that they all stayed for awhile after we ate and we could just 'be' together. No rushing to get out the door. My heart hurt for my son, who didn't seem to feel well. But he knows what he has to do. I keep praying for God's intervention, for a miracle, and I will not stop. It was such fun having that extra time with my granddaughter and grandsons and their families - and my son and daughter in love.
Although I love having everyone at the same time, I'm grateful for the one on one time I get with each branch of my little family. I can focus on each one and no one counts how many gifts one sibling gets over another. Just saying. You know there is always competition.
Ouch. My arthritis in my fingers seems to be active lately. The knuckles in my right hand are still moveable, but one especially is swollen and very sore. I guess 'old age' brings out the best in all of us, huh! I just rub cream on it and move on. All these years of typing almost every single day has taken its toll on my knuckles, for sure.
Today we have church at the RV park. I thank God that He reminded me last night, after everyone left, that I still hadn't finished pulling together the message! I had worked on it yesterday morning, but had laid it aside. Once we cleaned up everything and had the dishwasher going, I remembered and within the hour had finished it to completion. I set it aside and have finished making changes this morning. Just printed off the 'final product' and will put in my folder. The rest is up to God. I give Him all the glory, all the credit for anything that happens - including the delivery of said message! I certainly can't do it on my own, so ask the Holy Spirit to deliver it, for He can do a much better job of it than I can in my own power. Lord, take this message and use it for Your glory alone.
After church I will be starting another round of soup. I was able to pass on the soup we had the other night. One grandson took the leftover potato soup and the leftover chili. I think hubby was happy about that - with fixing it again today, he is going to get tired of it. Yeah, I'll start the split pea and ham, the potato soup and ham, and the chili as soon as I get home. Just remembered I don't have shell macaroni - oh well. I do have other pasta that we can use. I doubt if this family cares. I hope the soups and chili come out as good as they did the other night - at least I thought they were all good. I love a good soup.
Christmas again with the youngest son and his family this afternoon. Looking forward to see if they like everything. AND, we get to see the newest great-granddaughter. I have loved so much having the great-grandchildren around. Yesterday we had two great-granddaughters with us - the baby even walked to me and mama was able to record her steps! The oldest is full of energy and has warmed up to us. Well, to me, I guess. I hope to get to see them in the spring in their city. Which is MUCH closer than another one.... and I'll leave it at that. An hour and a half drive is much better and easier on us 'old folks' than a ten hour one. Just saying.
Today my message is on peace. How I wish our family had peace. Peace that passeth all understanding. Only Jesus can give that. We may not always get along with others, but peace is always needed. We shouldn't wait until life ends, or changes, to realize how important that one was in our lives. That's one reason I keep in touch with all my siblings. Always have. Some of my siblings haven't talked in years. They don't have to like me. But I insist on keeping in touch. I want to be a part of their lives. I want them to be a part of my life. Having memories is sometimes the one thing that helps us in times of grieving and sorrow. I miss my three siblings that are gone. I miss them being a part of my life, and me a part of theirs. Life is short. Love your family with all your heart.
Romans 5:1 (NLT): Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
The Bible says that when we confess our sin, God is willing, so willing, to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God wants to be right with us - and all we have to do is pour out our hearts to Him. I feel that sometimes we blame our circumstances on Him, that He didn't prevent our 'problems' - whatever they might be. God is faithful. He loves you more than His own Son, whom He sacrificed for you. I can't bear the thought of losing one of my children. Yet, God did that for us. For you and for me. So that we could be 'made right in God's sight by faith'.
Take a few moments and talk with Jesus about what is going on in your mind; in your life; in your family. He already knows it, so why not talk with Him about it and ask Him how He can help you through it. Don't allow stubbornness to get in the way of Peace, of Hope, of Healing, of Restoration, of Salvation. Jesus is the only way to the Father. Tell Jesus all about it; ask Him to intervene as your Advocate to the Father. Jesus loves you (but I'm his favorite). Let Him be your best friend.
Blessings!
