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!