Oh what fun I had having breakfast with my boss and another friend. It was so good to see them face-to-face and be able to catch up on life. My boss gave me a basket full of goodies that she put together and some things she had made, such as honey mustard nuts (I think) and candied nuts. I remembered last night that I didn't open the card she had put in it ... which I will this morning as I move the basket out of the way. I love it and I really enjoy when people get creative and make things. She also made her Italian cookies and I never can spell the name of them, but it starts with a p. Something like pizzellas or along those lines. Flat cookies that are made in a design press. She makes them every year because her husband is part Italian. It was fun seeing our other friend who joined us and heard what is going on with her.
After I came home from that, I jumped back on the computer for awhile to catch up on messages. Then my middle son, dressed as Santa Claus, came by as he was going to be Santa up at his wife's work - only there was a change of plans and he wasn't, so he changed out of his costume. Then just as he was leaving here, he got the phone call he was 'back on' so went on up to the facility and put his costume back on. Hope that went well for him. So proud of his 'volunteer' work as Santa. Even old people enjoy seeing Santa and sitting on his lap.
Soon after, our grandsons up in St John called and facetimed us so that we could see them all open their Christmas gifts, along with our great granddaughter. They seemed to like everything, and the boys were grateful for the clothes. But what made me smile? When one of the grandsons opened a special gift from grandma and goes 'oh wow' and seemed not only surprised, but very happy. What was it? Don't tell, but each of the grandchildren are getting a special gift with a special recipe on it. And because I know one granddaughter occasionally reads on here, I can't say what it is... although she may not have time to read it this morning with getting ready to come over here. I didn't even know she read this even occasionally.... until she called me one day upset about something I had written - and it was easier for me to delete it than try to correct it. Short story; not going there.
After that, I did do a run over to see Ms. Amy, finally. She was happy to see me and I took her over some goodies and a small plant. We visited for about an hour, then she wanted to walk me through the assisted living to see where they play bingo, have dinner, etc. Bless her heart... at one point in our conversation she started to cry when she said she had told someone there she wouldn't be here next year... she is so lonely and being alone here during the holidays is hard for her. So, I guess that means she will be moving in a few months to Florida to be closer to her daughters. I'll miss her but we can keep in touch.
Which reminds me, while I was out for breakfast yesterday, my little sister text'd me that her friend who recently found out that her cancer has returned.... her husband unexpectedly passed away during the night. Why do these things happen on top of the other. The blessing is that he wasn't real well, and he won't be suffering anymore, but also while she is having to go through her chemo, she won't have to worry about his care at home. God, please be with Kathy and bring her comfort and peace, and healing.
I had plans to make more salsa last night.... and get part of the lunch put together last night - when I remembered I have no room in either refrigerator. NONE. I have numerous jars of salsa in one refrigerator because it has to remain refrigerated. It takes up most of the room - plus add in numerous packages of hamburger (that I will use this morning in making garbage) and the other refrigerator has our usual V8 cans and tart cherry juice and water and milk, and other stuff in it. There is just no room for anything in either refrigerator. So I did nothing last night. Not really anything I could do.
With all that is going on around me, it is weighing on me this morning. I think of Ms. Diane across the street whose companion passed away earlier this year. Ms. Vicky next door; her daughter, who had moved in with her during the summer, moved out a few weeks ago and in with her boyfriend, whom her mother doesn't like. And she's alone. I feel bad for them. And I want to fix up baskets of goodies for each one of them. In the midst of meal prep this morning I want to get started on that. You know how I love to cook and give it away. I have a lot I want to get done this morning.
My big brother sent me two gifts; I'm pretty sure I know what both are. One, I mentioned it is the same size as my clock box.... and the one that arrived yesterday 'rattles like a puzzle'. So what he has done, as he did before, he has taken a photo and had it made into a puzzle. I'm curious which photo he has chosen. We text'd yesterday and he said that I could open my gifts today. I'll do it later today; perhaps before my youngest arrives, if I have time. Yes, I could do it this morning, and if I take a breather, I just may do that.
In spite of all I need to do this morning, and need to get started on it soon, I'm grateful I have this time that I take to spend with God and to write in here. This is most important to me. Tomorrow, being Christmas, is the only time we change this up. Hubby and I will get up and we will open our gifts first, then will take time to do our quiet time after. Most Christmases my quiet time has been scarce, as I am usually trying to get lunch pulled together, but this Christmas, I will have all day to pull it together as our middle child and his family won't come until later that evening. We mentioned to plan on 6-6:30PM so that he isn't rushed, which will make us eat dinner around 8PM... which is very late for most people. Perhaps if they finish early they will come on over. I know it's hard to get everyone together when some don't live nearby and you want your own time with them. Perhaps I should have stuck with 'garbage' where I could just throw it in the oven... but, we're having it twice so BBQ ribs sounded much better and I have the time to get it done. We'll be eating more this weekend than we do in a week.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
I know that when I put God first every day, I don't have to worry about how the rest of the day will turn out. In spite of all the busyness I think I need to get done, since I'm spending time with Jesus first this morning, He will help me get the things accomplished that I need to get done. I'm seeking Him first, and He knows what I want to do today. He will get it done. Perhaps all my plans are not important. And you know what, that's ok. He knows what is best. And I chose best.
Take a few minutes and just spend it with Jesus this morning. His birthday is tomorrow. In case you forget to tell Him then, you can tell Him today. Happy early Birthday, Jesus! Thank you for being the 'reason for the season' and we celebrate You this weekend. We love You, Lord. Bless us, and help us to be kind, and loving, to everyone. Because no matter what we do, You love us. Celebrate Jesus. It's all about Him.
Blessings!
