Yep - it's the Sunday morning that we head north to for my speaking engagement. It is really interesting how time has changed a lot of things. For example, when 'we' first started speaking at these RV parks, the one up north was 'formal' with all it's order, but the couple who brought us 'on' we loved dearly and enjoyed going up and we had so many friends up there. As I have been doing it there since 2010, we find that many of the people are not returning, or have passed away, and there are only a handful of the perhaps 100 people who we know.
The RV park her in town used to be (and really, still is) very formal in it's service format, but it feels more relaxed than it used to in the beginning. Benn going there since 2011. I've gone from twice a year to now at least one time a month, and sometimes twice, which is the case this month. We were there last week, and will be there again on the 28th, I think it is. We have become so familiar with many of the members that we are loved on and greeted every time we go. Jim, the choir director, makes me sing in the choir - even when I have to speak! I'm up and down the stage two-three times. They all love us and always says they are so happy we are there and that (I) we're speaking (Hubby 'retired' about 3-4 years ago, I think) that Sunday. Some times the ladies who fix the flowers for the Sunday service will give me the flowers to bring home after the service. We are close friends with two of the couples, often meeting for a meal either at a restaurant or they come here or we go there to play games. One couple who just arrived that we dearly love said that we will be getting together many more times than last year. LOL Of course 'we' all say that every year, but they are pretty popular and many people there want to hang out with them as well. But we will get together for a few meals and games.
Had several more packages delivered yesterday so guess what I (hope) will be doing today! So much to do! So little time! Right now I don't think we have any Christmas gifts on order that I'm expecting. And right now, I have no clue what anyone has. I've gotten things so messed up with all the things going on right now. Oh well. Plan to buy a few gift cards should someone 'need' another gift.
Glad I have the family spaced out - that is the one good things that has evolved over the years - I let the kids tell me when they can come over with their family. I really feel it helps reduce their stress. They know that it is, in some cases, the only time I see their children and their families. But by letting them choose when they come - what day, time, etc. whether before Christmas or after Christmas - they can have a stress-free Christmas with their own family before coming here whenever. It reduces my stress in trying to make sure I have enough food to feed everyone and preparing meals. I love to cook for them, but I was always busy planning the next meal for the next family. Now I can sit back and enjoy each family without worrying about it. It's definitely a win-win.
This year my daughter and her family will be here Christmas Eve. We had talked about having soup and salad for dinner. With the uncertainty of my daughter's whereabouts for Christmas Eve, (whether rehab or home), we are leaving it hanging. Regardless, we will have Christmas with her, even if we take her gifts to her. Our granddaughter and her family will come here as planned.
Our oldest son and his family that can attend will come the Saturday after Christmas. Last year we did lunch meat sandwiches and chips and I think potato salad... don't remember on the salad. He mentioned doing pretty much the same thing this year. He asks me to keep it simple so I'm not rushing about doing things - but I do it because I love them and love cooking for them.
Our youngest son and his family will be here that Sunday after Christmas. I don't think he has made a firm decision yet on what he wants for lunch/dinner - not sure exactly when he plans to come over. I remember we talked about soup, but not sure what he will ask for.
I will probably try to visit my neighbors the Sunday before Christmas. Maybe. I think that is next week! I will probably bake some more after church that Sunday just to get caught up on all I need to get done. Plus, I need to start making the salsa that week for the families that want to take it. I may just do pints this year - although I love to give to the grandchildren all they want... just saying... but it does take time - a lot of it - when I do quarts. One batch of salsa makes just over two pints - and two pints equal one quart.... do the math. It's easy to make, but time consuming. But I love making it for them.
No chocolate covered cherries for the women this year - two places I've looked have priced over $5 and no, when I used to buy for $1 a box - that was when I started that 'tradition' - and I just can't. And the salami roll - same thing - I used to buy it for the guys pretty inexpensive - but they got smaller, and the prices are higher. Just can't do it anymore, unless I make it a 'gift' and I don't know if anyone would want it as a 'gift'. Just saying. Who eats that much salami anyway?
Romans 8:28 (NKJV): And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
I think we often quote that verse and say "well, God will work it out, cause we ask Him to." Have you heard that said? I've seen God take bad things and turn them for good. It may not be the way I want Him to act, and it is never in MY time-frame, but it is in His time-frame and eventually, usually way down the road, I can see His hand changing things.
Hard times happen, often without our interference in making ti happen. And when it does, our God is always there to walk with us through the journey. It doesn't make it easier, but it can 'feel' better because we know we ae not alone as we walk through it. Sometimes the pain is so great that we can only sit before God and cry. Or we just just sit, and ask Him to hear the cry of our hearts, because He knows all that we are going through anyway. The Lord knows that I have done that many times.
Like most marriages, people don't know the 'half' of what goes on. Oh I share way too much, I agree. But even with my sharing, you don't know all. Some of it is too painful to share. And the only One whom I can share that pain with - is Jesus. And I can ask Him to take my pain to our Heavenly Father and ask Him for His intervention, and relief. Sometimes I get what I ask for, sometimes I don't. But you know what? I always know that even in my darkest moments, I know that He is with me, that Jesus is walking with me, and I am never alone.
Did you know that God has tattoos? He has your name written on the palm of his hand - His Word says so! And I believe it! And because I know that, and believe it, I know that He loves me more than I could ever hope or imagine, and that He will always be with me.
And He will always be with you. He loves you more than you can ever imagine. (where have we heard that statement before? LOL) Our Jesus is always with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He loves you and wants to be with you - always. Will you let Him? Take some time this morning and spend it with Jesus. It can change your entire life.
Blessings!
