I think I'm 'done'.

I did cook breakfast yesterday, and after we had eaten, I got started on the remaining wrapping that I needed to do.  But before I did that, I had to make sure that I had everything identified.  I separated by family, by individual, then looked at the list I had already written down and rewrote down in a book where I could keep it (rather on the large sheet of paper on my wall).  One by one I verified I had everything as I wanted it per individual, per family.  It sure doesn't seem like much, compared to years past, but like I mentioned before, things cost more, and I have tried to be reasonable.  I even got hubby's gifts wrapped, and will probably need to get him a few more things.... but what do you get for someone who has everything he needs/wants.... I've bought him some 'sports' stuff, but only a few.  He will be happy with what I've got him.  He really gets his joy when he can buy me more gifts than I give him.  Seriously. For the past few years he has given me several gifts more than I've given him.  When I comment about it, he says that makes him happy.   Well, he only buys on my birthday and Christmas, so I guess it is a good thing?  Unfortunately, he also stuffs my stocking with chocolate.  Yes, we still fix up a stocking for each other, and I'm not sure what I have in his as I start early in the year and just drop stuff in it ,.... it is one of those big stockings so I have to start early.

But, speaking of chocolate, I saw this fun hot chocolate 'bomb' video that one can make.  When hubby turned on the Army-Navy game, I decided it was a good time to go to the store.  I bought the items for it and hope to try to make a few this afternoon.  I also need to get started on my cookie exchange cookies - and on, I'm not going to do fancy Christmas cookies... those with the icing are just way too sweet.  Maybe snickerdoodles, gingersnaps, and oatmeal raisin cookies.  I need to freeze some and box up to send to my friend in Georgia.  Starting a new tradition with her of exchanging cookies; hope we continue.

We're heading for church this morning; first time at our church this month as we have been at the RV park the last two Sundays.  Next Sunday we go north.  The following Sunday is Christmas - two weeks from today - can you believe it?!  Our church is having one church service at 10AM but right now we do not plan to attend in person.  We may watch it online.  But since we don't have anyone coming over until dinner time,  I can take my time with preparing dinner and we can have a relaxing Christmas.  I started to write what all I'll be doing on Christmas, but I know I'll be sharing again later so will just keep it to myself for now.  This is my favorite time of year - not for receiving or buying gifts, but to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus.  I can do without the gifts - but I love celebrating Him.

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV):  "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

Sometimes we get caught up so much with the buying and giving and receiving of gifts, don't you think?  We are always thinking about what we should buy and give to someone, how much should we spend, will they like it, etc.  But this season is not about that.  Why do we even give gifts?  Because the wise men brought gifts to honor and worship Jesus.  I hope you are already making plans to devote some time this 'Season' to honor Jesus and the gift of salvation that He gives to each one of us.  Without Jesus, we would have no hope, no direction, of getting to Heaven.  

What are you calling Jesus?  He is our Immanuel.... "God with us".

You see what our world has already become... and it is because the government has taken God and Jesus out of everything.  We are definitely in the end times.  One may scoff at that... but the end times are truly here and if you open your eyes to see what this world, our own nation, has become, you will see how we desperately need to turn to Jesus and follow Him.  Our times are short.  We have been told in Revelations what will happen... and you will see many of these things have already happened.  I challenge you to read Revelation.  Read it with an open mind... and you will see what is yet to come, and what has already come.  I grieve because generations after me will have to endure, so I pray for them, that they will turn to Jesus and be steadfast.  It will not be an easy life for Christians; in some cases it isn't easy now.  But it is always BEST.

Uh oh - my time is up and I need to jump in the shower yet.   Hope that you have an amazing day!

Blessings@