More baking done, more to do!

 I'm so excited that after church today, about 2PM, two of my granddaughters and 2 of my great-granddaughtesrs, will be coming over to bake cookies!  I asked them what they wanted to bake so that I could be sure I had the ingredients on hand.  I hope I do!  I checked recipes and ran to the store for some last minute ingredients.  So excited to have them over.

Yesterday I got a lot of baking done for myself.  Well, not a LOT of baking, but two batches of cranberry pumpkin nut bread.  I made some in to 'donuts', which hubby likes, and some into muffins, which he must also like (cause I noticed one was gone last night), and the rest in to big and small loaves.  They are in the freezer.  I also was able to put together two cheeseballs.  Then I had to run to the store.

I put together a package for Ms. Vicky and called her, but she said she had a bad cold and didn't want me to get it.  Well, with the busy schedule I know I will have this week, I asked if I could bring her gifts over and she said yes.  So I took her a loaf of the bread, a cheeseball and crackers, some toffee and the other chocolate my friend had given me (because if it is here, I will at it).... and a prayer shawl I had made for her.  We talked for a few minutes and I handed her the gifts.  When I got home, hubby suggested I go over to Ms. Diane's since I wasn't staying at Ms. Vicky's.  Great idea, although I had already planned on it.  I fixed her up a cheeseball and crackers, some of the muffins, and a jar of bread n butter pickles, cause I know she likes them.  I got to stay and visit with her for about an hour before heading back home.  Happy I was able to share with two neighbors that I care for and now can face the week without feeling guilty I can't find time to visit.

Little by little, people who get goodies I make are being taken care of.  I don't think I will need to do any more baking, except for pleasure.  I do need to bake and put together my favorite boss's basket on Thursday night as we will meet up on Friday morning.  And, my favorite doctor is going to stop by because he said he had a gift for me (and couldn't bring it when we met a week ago), so I'll fix up something for him as well.

My children seem to be so-so on my home-baked goods.  The boys aren't so much in to sweets anymore and my daughter can make her own.  But I have a plan.  And that's all I have to say about that.

I'm off work tomorrow to finish up my Christmas shopping/wrapping and be done with it.  I better be!  I got online again Friday night and ordered on Amazon and things are being delivered!  Although, I got notice one was delivered last night and when I look at the photo - it doesn't look like our porch.... so wonder if it is at Ms. Amy's house.  I'll check out front and then go over there before we head to church.

8 more days before we celebrate Christmas - and I hope you stop and think about the why we celebrate.  True, no one knows for sure the exact date Jesus was born.  They are just calculated as best they can to December 25th.  We know our children don't think about anything but Christmas gifts - but what about us?  Can we pause just long enough, to remember WHY we celebrate December 25th?  Do you remember why?

Take some time to read chapter 2 in the book of Luke (New Testament - Matthew, Mark LUKE).  Most of you should have a Bible.  Take pause this coming week and read it.  Read the story of the birth of Jesus.  Pause, and meditate on WHY He came.  

And then take some time and thank Him for loving you enough, that Jesus came to die for you.  For your spouse. For your children.  Choose to be thankful.  And tell Him so.

Take pause.... and rejoice in Jesus, who came as our Shepherd, to save us from the world.

Blessings!

It's been a busy week past....

 What with Christmas parties and workouts and baking and lunches - it's was a busy week!  I met my 'oldest' friend yesterday for lunch and gave her a few things for Christmas.  I know I've shared before, but we met back in 1968 and hung out together while our spouses were overseas - mine in VietNam, hers in Korea.  When they came home we got together infrequently - until we didn't.  Many years passed, many things happened; we both remarried; name changes.  But, she eventually found me and we both were thrilled we lived in the same state - and now we are in the same city!  I think we are six miles apart now.  We don't get together often, but try to meet for lunch once in awhile to catch up.  She made me some of her famous chocolate covered cherries (these put the boxed ones to shame!), buckeyes, and a rollo pretzels mix - it is (some almost was) so good!  I refuse to get on the scale the rest of this month.  Hubby has been worse than me.  I may eat a cookie now and then... but he will fix a big glass of chocolate milk and grab a handful of cookies!  Good thing we both are working out.  Well, sorta.  Our trainer has been sick the past two days - so we haven't gone - and haven't gone on our own either.

This upcoming week will be a busy fun one as well.  Tomorrow two granddaughters and two great granddaughters are to come over and bake cookies.  I also speak at the RV park in the morning.  Monday I am taking off work to finish up my shopping - yes, I'm going to finish - either pick up at the store or get it on Amazon.  I don't have that much left to get... but need to get a gift here and there.  And yes, I went way over my goal budget again.  I will try again next year to rein it in better.  If I ever want to retire, I need to get in that mode of saving money and quit spending it.  But then... if I die before I retire, I can't take it with me, right?  So I may as well spend it.  And I love to spend on others.

Moving on through the week, Monday night two grandsons are to come over and bake, and I'm looking forward to that!  I may be able to get another granddaughter over too - will have to work on that for later in the week.  I'll see my trainer once or twice this coming week.  Then not at all next week as he is taking the week off to fly back to Wyoming.  Will I work out in the mean time?  Probably not.  This is MY busy time of year!

Friday I will be meeting my favorite boss for brunch and giving her all the goodies she likes to have for the holidays.  That's why we meet close to Christmas - she likes having it all for her social entertainment of family and friends.  And I love making it all and giving to her.  I could never have a shop - I'd want to give it all away!  

I have gotten in the habit of sending my siblings a large loaf of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread - in fact, last year I didn't send - and they got after me!  Glad they like it and I love to make it and send.  Usually the first thing they do is dive into the bread, or so they tell me.  My oldest brother always tells me 'you don't have to send us anything just because we send you something' - and I tell him I know that, but I love to bake and I love to send.  Yesterday he mentioned that if he ever bought a restaurant, he would want me to manage it for him.  I told him no - that would be too hard of work - but I could bake for it!  So many things I want to bake - but since I work from home, it is not wise to do all the baking and keep it here.  I do give some away, but it messes up other people's diets so it's better not to. But at Christmas, I do what I want to do!

Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NKJV):  "And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior."

Ah, yes, it is getting that time of year where sometimes we just need to pause and think about what we are celebrating this time.  We get so caught up in the baking and the giving and buying and all that... and we neglect the REASON for the season.  Jesus.

Yes, say His Name.  JESUS.  He is the Light of the world.  He has given us breath.  He has heard our prayers, our cries, our wants, our wishes.  He has protected us.  He has provided for us.  He may not give us all we want or all we ask for, but only He knows best what is good for us.

Think about it.  Someone prays for financial success.  They work hard and they get it.  It wasn't because they worked hard.  It was because God enabled them to work hard and to earn it. He gave them the wisdom to do what they do.  But then, they forget about God.  They forget their prayer for financial success.  They forget Him, and what He has done for them.

Someone prays for healing.  Healing happens... but how often we forget that God heard all the prayers for us, for our child, for a friend.... and we forget He heard and answered our prayers.

Someone prays for a job.  They get a job to provide for their family.... and they forget who provided that job and gave them favor for it.  They neglect Him.  

Someone prays for protection.  They may never see what could have befell them, because God protected them and their family, and nothing happened.  It doesn't mean God didn't answer their prayer - He did answer.  But we forget.

But for this week; for this season; and for the future.... let's turn our thoughts back to Jesus.  Does your soul magnify the Lord for all the good things He has done for you, has provided for you?

What about that medical test you had... maybe you were a little concerned, but pretended you weren't... and it came out ok.  But even if it didn't, do you even realize that if you offer up that result to Him, He hears you and will bring you peace about whatever steps you need to take?

Oh the peace that we can have when we bring our requests to the One who can answer them!  Truly, let us take some time to magnify the Lord, and allow our spirit to rejoice in God our Savior.  He is, after all, the Savior of the World.

Blessings!

I won, then it was stolen, but then I stole it back!

 I bet that title has you wondering!  LOL  I did the trek down to Mesa yesterday for the department Christmas party - and actually had a good time.  Food was great - salad and lasagna - and plentiful enough I was able to bring some of it home for our dinner last night.  After a game and a toast for the co-worker who passed away recently, we played the white elephant gift game.  Now, I'm not a big fan of the white elephant gift because I have been recipient of some pretty poor gifts, in my opinion.  In spite of usually a $20 value limit, in the few times I have played, I've gotten a dishtowel.  Yep. just one.  and my mind just went blank on what else, but I don't play this game often.  I always make sure I have a nice gift to take.

But let me back up a little bit.  As people started to arrive, there is this huge mountain of a man that I have known for about 20 years and I just love him to pieces.  He is huge but has a heart of a child.  Make that a wild child.  LOL  Anyway, he comes in carrying a somewhat wrapped gift for the white elephant exchange that looks in the shape of a ceramic baking dish.  I laughed and told him I was going for it, if I could.  When we finally got to play the game, I had number 18.  I watched people get interesting gifts - one got a foot massager, another a weighted blanket, another $20 cash, another hand soap (seriously?), and I forget some of the others, and then it was my turn.  I did debate in my mind, that gift was still on the table, I had told him I'd take it, but should I?  There were some really nice wrapped gifts still there.  I took the gift my friend brought - and I was over the top!  Best.gift.ever!!  It was a Lodge brand (the best) cast iron baking dish!!  I was ecstatic!  

And then the next person, #19, came and 'stole' it from me!!  Everyone was laughing and I was asking if I could steal it back as it was again my turn to get a gift.  I was told I couldn't take it back then, but if someone took my next gift, I could go get it back.  So I go to the table and get another bag.  Full of chocolate.  Any other time I would have laughed it off - but I wanted that cast iron gift back.  This new bag had two boxes of chocolate covered cherries (I have 10 boxes in a drawer to give to my girls), a bag of kisses, a bag of other candy, and three or four different bags of other chocolate.  Now I like chocolate, but I would have given all of this away.  I tried to play nice and sit down .... and then I hear another voice that said "Do you really want that cast iron pan?" And I said "yes I do!"  And this young man came over and since it was his turn, stole my bag of candy from me - which freed me to go steal my cast iron pan back!  I got my pan back - and because it was the second time it was stolen, no one could steal it from me again.  I am so thrilled to have gotten it back!

I only have a few cast iron pans now.  My large cast iron skillet with the lid I passed on to my oldest son when we moved.  My in-laws had given it to me - wow - probably 32-35 years ago - and I thought this son would like it.  (But if he isn't using it...... just saying.)   I haven't seen any that large in years.  Not even on the Lodge website.  It isn't a Lodge brand, I'm sure, but it was still a great skillet and I loved using it for fried potatoes and meats and yes, my spaghetti sauce.  Only it was big enough to hold it all.  I may need to hit some thrift stores and see if I can find another.  I've never seen them anywhere this size so probably never will find another.

I got a nice gift from that boss.... some homemade toffee with a bottle of liquid hand soap and lotion - bath and body, I think.   And then he passed out a tin of toffee to everyone - and gave me another.  Guess what is going to be setting out for everyone - if there is any left.  I'm having lunch with a friend today who is bringing me her homemade chocolate covered cherries so may take some to her.  It's good toffee, but too sweet for me.  I must be getting old.  I can't eat chocolate like I used to, and it doesn't interest me like it used to.  Imagine that!  Besides, it isn't DARK chocolate.

All in all it was a good day and the drive wasn't bad either.  30 miles each way.  I came home and got on the work computer to catch up and hubby comes in questioning why was I working.  I told him I didn't take the day off as a vacation day, it was still a work day, so I needed to finish out my day and work.  He seemed puzzled.  sigh.  I am taking Monday off to finish up my shopping and get it ALL done, and then a couple grandsons are hopefully going to make it over to bake cookies.  It's too early yet for me to bake some things I want to give away to others.  Don't want to freeze them but want them fresh.  About Thursday or Friday I will start doing my baking.  The 22nd I meet my favorite boss at our usual restaurant to take her gifts to her.  She always wants my salsa, pickles, cheeseball, and whatever else I make and want to give her.  I also give her a small gift besides all that.  I'm having trouble deciding what this year though.  I have a book I want to give her, a make-up bag, and a bracelet... but shouldn't give it all so need to decide which ONE.  Any she will be happy with; that is just the kind of person she is.  We know each other so well, even if we gave each other nothing, we ould be ok with it.  We just enjoy our friendship.

Hubby has his Bible study this morning so I will have a few hours to work, to get ready for my lunch, to finish fixing this friend her Christmas gift.  Need to confirm the time and location for us to meet as well.  This is her 2nd Christmas without her husband... she seems to be doing well.... but often posts about grief on Facebook.  She had a good man for a husband.   After she had 'found' me, her husband contacted me and invited hubby and I to dinner to surprise her for her birthday, which was a short time later.  We went, and when she walked into the restaurant, she knew me immediately and could not believe I was there.  It had been a long, long time since we had seen each other.

And with my thoughts running amuk this morning I am going to stop.  My mouse battery has decided to die and I need to replace it before I forget.  Plus, I do have to do some work this morning.  Then the weekend!  YAY!  Then off Monday, and a 4 day work week next week, and then the weekend, and then CHRISTMAS!  I am working the day after Christmas... sorta.  All four of my bosses have taken the day off.... so I'll just check the computer periodically and do my own thing during the day.  Save my vacation day for something I want to do.  Besides, if I took it off, there isn't anything I would be doing different.  Start packing up the Christmas things or sit and crochet/knit.  Life wouldn't be much different than any other day off.

Hope your day is amazing!

Blessings!

I threw the bowl away

 Over 40 years ago a friend gave me a large plastic bowl to use in the kitchen while making large meals.  I finally had to throw it away the other night.  I used this bowl for just about everything - from salsa to meatloaf, to cakes, to cookies - whatever I was making, this bowl would be used.  I had noticed it had started 'caking' - losing some of its top coating, but I ignored it.  But, last night as I was making cookies in it, I noticed more was coming off and well, it was time to let this bowl go.  Nothing is really wrong with that bowl but that it was 'flaking' and the coating was coming off - probably in food.  But it is time to let go of the memory it held of my friend.  I actually looked up this friend a few months ago - and found she had passed away in 2010 I think it was.  She ended her years in an assisted living.  

Isn't it interesting how there are some things that we just hang on to - for what ever reason.  I probably should have gotten rid of that bowl years ago - and over the past few months I have noticed how worn it was getting.  I just couldn't ignore it any longer.  I sit back and look about this room... and mentally around things I have in the closets... and wonder 'why am I hanging on to those things?'  I bet you have some of 'those things' at your house too.  I've often mentioned how I long to get rid of a lot of things so that my children will not have to deal with it.  It doesn't matter whether that item is still good, or was expensive, or maybe someone would want it..... I need to let it go.  Right?  So... still working on it.

Yesterday I did make it over to pick up the employee's equipment from his sister.  I visited for about 45 minutes I think with the two sisters that live together next door to the brother.  It is really a sad situation as they shared they are unable to do a lot of things.  The brother (employee) lost his wife about six weeks before he died.  (The sad part is he died of a broken heart syndrome.)  They had one son - who is a drug addict. He didn't live in the house with his parents, but is now in and out, often bringing over a lot of 'friends'.  And the sisters say they can't do anything because the son is the closest relative.  He hasn't gotten around to signing any papers for the house, the car, the insurance, etc.  The body of their brother has been reduced to ashes - and the nephew will not answer his phone when they call him that they need to be picked up.  My heart just grieved with them and for them.  Before I left, I told them that I was going to tell them something 'off the record' and it was for their convenience, if needed.  I told them that I was an ordained minister and if they would like to have a small service in their home for their brother, so that they could have closure.... I would be honored to do it for them.  They were grateful.  We agreed that if they would need to do it, because the nephew wouldn't return their calls and get things done, it would be after the first of the year.  Normally I would have just picked up the equipment and left, but the sisters really needed to talk and share their grief... and I stayed and listened.

Today is going to be a fun day, though. I got the cheeseballs made last night and the salsa.  Today I will be driving down to our Mesa office for the department Christmas party.  I have wrapped a white elephant gift so that I can participate.  I have the bags nearly complete for the two I support in this department.  Lunch is being provided so I don't have to worry about that.  I made gingersnap cookies to take down for the cookie exchange.  I think I'm set!  I will be gone from about 9AM - 2PM with the 50+ minute drive one way down there.  Play time today!  

I was reading about Anna the Prophetess this morning.  Do you remember who she was?  She was the old woman who had prayed for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus.  Night and day, with prayer and fasting, she had prayed.  She had been widowed after 7 years of marriage and had no children.  When her husband died, she devoted herself to prayer and fasting in the temple.

Luke 2:36-38 (NKJV):  "Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and this woman was a widow of about eight-four years (making her close to 100 or older!), who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Go with me with this picture.  Simeon, another worshipper of God, had asked to see the Messiah before he died.  As he walked through the temple, his heart is quickened and he rushes to the side of a young couple who are just entering the temple with a new baby.  The Lord shows him that THIS is the baby he has been praying for.  And Simeon blesses the baby and tells his mother that a sword will pierce her heart for what will happen.  And Anna walks into this scene, her heart pounding, for the Spirit has drawn her to this couple.  She overhears the blessing Simeon has given.  And she takes this baby into her arms and worships Him; and Anna and Simeon know that they have seen the Savior of the world.  

Could you even imagine the excitement, the Hope of all Israel being held in their arms!  And these things too, Mary would hold and ponder in her heart as to what they meant.  

I've often wanted to be like Anna... and unfortunately, I've let life get in my way.  I have dreams that one day I can have the time to just spend in prayer as long as I want, to be able to fast without someone getting after me about not eating.  (We both know I will not 'wither away')  Yes, there are other things to fast - but I prefer giving up food, for that keeps me focused.  To be able to get away, to retreat, without interruptions... THAT would be heaven!

And now, I need to get off here, try to get a bit of work done, get dressed, and get ready to head down to the party.  I'm going early to help set up.  Take some time to think about Simeon and Anna.  Read about them in Luke 2.  Ponder what their lives were like.  And how do you compare....

Blessings!

Another day in the land of Oz

 I think I have shared before about a friend who would come in to work just about every day and say 'Another day in the land of Oz' and we'd laugh at him.  Miss that guy and my boss and I often wonder what happened to him and his wife.  We were friends, but after they both left the company I had worked at for 26 years, they kind of faded out.  I know their son moved to Australia, where he met a woman, married her, had a child, and my friend was so overjoyed at having a grandchild she flew to Australia for 3 months and took a leave from work.  Then I heard rumor she had also moved there, leaving her husband here.  I don't know - haven't heard from either one in years.  I probably should do some research and find them.  They were such fun and my boss and I loved to hang out with them.  She hasn't heard from them either. Anyway - that comment came to mind this morning as I sat here thinking of what to write today.

Packages I shipped out the other day are being delivered to Nebraska and Indiana today.  Some I ordered from a company will be delivered in Indiana today with another delivery coming in a few days to finish up.  I have a niece that I haven't seen in years, but we have maintained contact.  She asked me for a Bible several years ago and I sent to her.  I blame her mother for not keeping in contact with the family after the divorce from my brother.  I have never met any of my niece's children, but her son has been in contact with me for a few years now.  Just periodically he will touch base.  This year it seems we have talked more than usual.  In fact, I heard he was talking to my youngest son last week, and my son reported that this great-nephew credits me for getting him back in school (I had encouraged him to go back to school) and a job.  He has a lot of medical problems and I'm not sure what all they are, but I know one has to do with his lungs as he mentioned going to a lung doctor not long ago.  Anyway, I decided to send them a Christmas gift as he said they don't even put up a tree.  So I started inquiring as to needs.  I couldn't - and didn't - do much but ordered a few things for them for Christmas.  Didn't want to 'start something' I may not continue.... and I even ordered a table top Christmas tree (about 20") with all the trimmings for it.  It won't arrive for another week though.  I love I can order through Amazon just about anything and it usually arrives within a week.  I love even more giving to others that really need things. Not sharing to brag... just typing my thoughts right now.  I don't think anyone else in the family has been in contact with our niece and son.  Her two daughters have never contacted any of us.  But the son reached out with a 'how ae we related' as he saw my name on facebook.  Loved sharing with him about my big brother.  He was about 2 or 3 when my brother passed.

This season is always bittersweet and Christmas Eve tugs at my heart, as that is when my big brother had his heart attack and passed away.  I don't always remember, but I try to light a candle for him every year and just pause in life and let my thoughts go to him.  I miss him so much it hurts at times.  I miss my big sister too.  And my little brother.  I was close to all of them.  No, not just in my own mind, but in my heart as well.

My grandsons didn't make it over to bake cookies last night and it was disappointing for all of us, but I'm glad one got the rest he needed.  He wasn't feeling real well either, it sounded like.  We are going to try again on Monday.  I am taking the day off work to finish up on my Christmas shopping and plan to get an early start.  By the time they come over late afternoon, I'll be done with everything I think, and will have everything ready for them to bake.  So looking forward to it.  

My oven will be getting a good workout!  I baked cookies last night as I stayed home instead of going out.  I needed cookies to take to the cookie exchange on Thursday so got them baked and out of the way.  Today I will need to make salsa and fix up bags for two of the people I support as tomorrow I go to Mesa for the Christmas party.  Little by little getting the office folks done.  I meet my favorite boss for breakfast on the 22nd so will fix her bag up then.

Also today I have to go pick up the equipment to get ready to ship. I refuse to drive downtown so the company is sending me a Fed Ex box prepaid so that I can pack it and have Fed Ex pick it up and return it to the office.  I have other equipment I can send in too so will clear space by getting rid of it from here.

I'm trying to think of a scripture to share and I can not find what I want.  The wording is probably in a different version than what I'm usually reading... but it is about loving others.  Not just through the holidays, but loving them all the time.  So many times through the holidays we are willing to buy gifts for others that we don't normally (like I have above),  but sometimes it isn't the gifts they truly need. Sometimes people just need a friend who will show they care about them.  That they have not been forgotten.

I think we all know people whom we have backed away from because of their behavior, or their bad habits, or just because we don't care for what they have said or done.... I've done it.  Guilty.  Even for my niece's family - I haven't touched base in a long, long time.  I'm glad I still have a distant relationship with her, but I never really got to know her after the divorce.  And I didn't make the effort to keep in touch - and that's my fault.  But it isn't just family members.  We all have those distant friends that have been reduced to acquaintances over the years.  

Maybe now would be the time to send a Christmas card to them and just let them know they are not forgotten.  Maybe now would be the time to send a text and say 'hey, haven't talked in awhile, are you doing ok?' - and why am I saying that?  Because we have a lot of hurting people out there that just need us to step up and be a friend.  Just someone to let them know they matter.  Listen to them.  Perhaps they have been seriously ill or going through a difficult time.  Maybe God would put it on your heart (as He did mine) to provide something that is needed.  Like a meal.  Or a jacket.  Or just kind words that matter.  

Let this season not just be one of buying and giving to those you love and keep in contact with.  Make it a point to reach out to someone you haven't talked to for awhile.  How are they doing - really?  Your call, your text, can make a world of difference.  It could even save their life if they are despondent about things.  Be the one who shows they care.  

'Do unto others as you would have done unto you."  

At my lowest point, I had a friend who reached out unexpectedly and let me know they cared.  That type of friend is a treasure.  Be one.

Blessings!

 

It's a new day....

 I actually woke up feeling good this morning.  I had one of my ocular migraines last night, which left a dull headache, so I took a tylenol before heading to bed.  Wow - I slept good and woke pretty much on my own this morning... but then I messed that up by trying to go back to sleep (after all, who wants to get up at 3AM?) ... and then I was groggy.  But, it is a new day and I'm ready ... for what, I'm not sure.  

By the time I signed off the work computer yesterday I was feeling a bit irritated.  Why? Remember my mentioning not long ago about a co-worker passing away?  Well, pick up of his equipment has been delegated to me to not only pick up, but also get it taken down to the office.  I am irritated somewhat because it is the manager's responsibility to get the equipment back - not mine - but it has been delegated to me.  As they often do with things.   And then I tell myself, 'this is part of your job' - you know that part - 'other duties as assigned'.   At least I won't have far to go - he lived not that far away.  I told them I needed a name and telephone number who to contact to make arrangements but hadn't heard before I got off the computer.  I also found out equipment is returned to the main corporate office, and I do not - actually, I refuse - to drive downtown if at all possible.  And since IT offered to send me a large fed ex box to fill with all the equipment I have here holding for this department, I'm going to let them.  It will be prepaid and all I have to do is put the computer, monitors, etc. inside the box and have fed ex come back and pick it up.  Yep - if I have to pull it together, that is what I'm going to do!  I've been holding on to some equipment for some time so it will be nice to clear it out from under my desk in the back room.

Sometimes I don't know how my little sister thinks.  I received yet another package from her yesterday.  Inside was a top that she didn't want anymore, plus a pair of her size 10S jeans.  Now mind you, I haven't worn a 10 in over 10 years, I'd say.  I wish I did, but .. well, my big butt just won't fit into it.  She also sent a wrapped package, which I opened (of course).  Inside was a sherpa shawl that has a warmer attached that is in the pocket.  It's more like a neck warmer, I think, and when I called my sister, she said that she thought when I was out and about that I could use that to keep warm.  She also sent a full bag of Reese's peanut butter Christmas trees.  Sigh.  Yes, I ate two of them before I dumped the rest in two candy dishes.  It's always fun to receive packages .... even if I do scratch my head over some of the items.

I'm taking a break from shopping.  I need to step back and re-check what I have already received and wrapped and have under the tree.  As long as everyone gets at least one gift, I'm ok.    I just don't want to leave anyone out.  I know I've wrapped some things and didn't write them down, which is why I need to pull everything out from under the tree and check.  It shouldn't take long; there doesn't seem to be that much under the tree.  And yet, I think I spent more this year than when I was buying lots of gifts.  Yeah, prices have gone up that much.  I was thinking about it this morning on one specific thing... I think I remember what I paid for something last year - and I bought the same thing this year - and I think it is about $9 more than what I paid last year.  

I'm wondering if hubby will get me one thing I told him he could.... LOL ... yarn.  Just go to Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's and pick out six skeins of one color - I don't even care what the color is - and then I can use it for whatever I think about making (probably baby blankets or an afghan since that is about all I do).  Yarn can get expensive - and they can start about $3.99 or more - so times six at that price is still nearly $25 or so.  I can always use yarn. :-)

I haven't had time to dive into the SharePoint stuff yet - and I have a meeting with my boss this morning, I think.  I've got to get on it - but work has been really busy lately.  I think everyone is trying to cram meetings in before the end of the year - and they expect me to find the time for them to meet. One or two people isn't bad - but when they pull in senior leadership and have 8-10 people in the meeting and tell me they are all critical and they want them for an hour - it's almost impossible.  It takes a lot of time to find time.  And they just say "Oh work your miracles!"  

Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV):  "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

Can you not read in that one statement how blessed we are, that we are loved so much by our Heavenly Father, that He would send forth His Son to redeem us, that we can be adopted as His children?

Think about a child being adopted - I'm sure we all have seen photos of court rooms with all the family gathered around the adopted child, and all the smiles.  How excited and happy everyone is!  A child has a home; being adopted made them part of the family.  Everyone is full of joy at that moment.  

That's what God does for us!!  When we accept Jesus as Lord, God adopts us as His children!  Life doesn't get any better than that!  Jesus' death on the cross redeemed us, and as we throw off the sins that bind us to the world, we are gathered close to our Heavenly Father.  Trust me, there is nothing greater in this world than having the Presence of the living God living within you.  

Our God is not dead.  He lives forever - and He longs to gather each of us into His family.  This season of joy and giving.... would you consider giving yourself to the One who created you in your mother's womb?  Would you pause in the busyness of this season and seek His face?  Oh the joy you could feel as you surrender yourself to Him!  

Push the pause button on your life right now.... and spend some time sitting at His feet.  It's a new day, and life is good.

Blessings!

Oh my head!

 I slept good last night - apparently too good - for I woke up from a deep sleep about 3:30AM and my head felt like a two by four had slammed into my forehead.  I don't know what has triggered it - I just know that it hurt really bad.  I got up at 4AM after trying to ignore it and go back to sleep, and grabbed a couple tylenol extra strength on the way to my room.  It has subsided the pain somewhat - plus the fact that I haven't done much of anything this morning but try to go back to sleep (and hopefully wake up energetic and free of head pain).  And now it is 6:30AM and I need to get this written, get dressed, and get on the work computer.  My head still hurts, but not anywhere near as bad as it was when I first woke up.  Perhaps once I get moving around it will leave me entirely.  Even the caffeine in my coffee hasn't helped.

Church went well yesterday, and of course we had to stop to eat on the way home.   After we left there, we came home and I changed clothes and hit the couch.  Started to just crochet, but closed my eyes, and slept for about 30 minutes.  I was coming to, listening to hubby snore, when I felt my phone buzz.  I grabbed my phone and headed to the back room, hoping not to wake hubby, but he had his hearing aids in so heard me moving about.  It was from the RV park I am to speak at next week; they were wanting the sermon title and scripture.  Glad I don't have to work on it this week; I just need to review it a few times more.  But I do need to find a message for January 7th - and then I'm done until February.

It may be a somewhat busy week this week - I still need to figure out SharePoint for my boss.  A couple of grandsons may be coming over tomorrow to bake cookies and I'm looking forward to that.  I may need to go get more flour and sugar.  Friday I have lunch with a friend I've known over 50 years.  I can't remember at the moment what else.  Oh and I have several packages I need to take to the post office today and get put in the mail.  And Christmas cards.  I think I have about 4-5 more to address and I think I'm done.  Oh yeah - I almost forgot!  I have an office Christmas party in Mesa on Thursday for which I need to pull together a gift for another couple of people I support, a white elephant gift, and bake cookies for the cookie exchange.  Yeah, it just may be a busy week.

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."

Immanuel.  God with us.  How lucky we are that God loves us so much that He Himself brought forth a Son that would save us, rescue us, and redeem us from our sins.  And you know what?  It doesn't matter if you feel you have no sins; God still would send Jesus to redeem you.  For those of us who have numerous sins to confess - we are grateful for the redemption that God has offered us.  Our slates are wiped clean.  And the best part?

Psalm 103:12 (NKJV):  "As far as the east is from the west, so far He has removed our transgressions from us."

And even better than that, He remembers them no more.  So when you confess your sins and receive His forgiveness, and those thoughts come back that 'you aren't really forgiven; what you did was so bad that God is just holding back to punish you again and again for what you did."..... those thoughts are a lie from the devil.  God remembers no more our sins when we confess them to Him.  He throws them out as far as the east is from the west.  Never again will he bring those since before you.  When they come back to mind and you feel unforgiven, tell the devil to get out of your way, cause you know that you ARE forgiven, because God said so, and He only has to do it one time!  The devil will try to bring us down any way he can.  He's evil.  But God is so good and in His loving kindness for us, He sent His one and only Son to redeem us and restore us to Him.  Why?  Because He is a good, good Father.

Aren't you glad we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so much that when we confess our sins He will forgive us and not remind us of what we did?  All because of Jesus.  How can one not believe in the One who forgives of all things?!  Wrong thoughts, wrong actions - yeah, sometimes we have consequences to work through; just because we confess our sins doesn't mean we have to work through the consequences... but we are forgiven. That is huge.

So grateful.  I love Christmas and the reminder that my Heavenly Father loves me so much that He chose to send His Son to be born - and to die - to redeem me. By His grace alone.  And He did it for you too.  Take a moment and thank Him.  Whether you believe in Him or not, choose to be thankful.

Blessings!