"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!!" December is here and Christmas is on the way. We usually don't do any decorating but this year I just wanted to get some "yard art". So off to Wal-Mart we went and we now have one big spiral light tree and two little baby spiral light trees. And we put garland on our porch and hung some BIG ornaments on the porch. Then we are going to get some red bows to put on the porch. AND I have all my little "Snowmen" out in the house. I have several sitting around. And that is the extent of our Christmas decorations. We don't usually put up a tree inside and this year we are not exchanging gifts with each other so we are not going to do any more decorating.
I am kind of hoping we get a little snow this year. Not a lot but just a little. We haven't had snow in a couple years. I don't want any blizzards but snow can be so pretty. Sometimes I kind of miss it. And we definitely need some moisture in this area. If we don't get snow, we sure could use the rain.
The Christmas season brings out two emotions in me - the first is my dislike of crowds and people being rude when shopping. I dislike going to malls, stores, etc. during the Christmas season. People should be happy, kind, loving - but instead they are pushy, demanding, and hateful. Something is definitely wrong with that picture. So I try to stay away from any kind of shopping after Thanksgiving. All my shopping is done.
The second emotion is just the opposite - I LOVE CHRISTMAS because I LOVE to GIVE. I wish I could give something to everyone I know. I love showering my friends and family with gifts - gifts I have picked out or made JUST for them. I love seeing their faces or hearing their happiness when they open their gifts. That is the best gift for me!!!
I am praying that this will be a very happy Christmas for everyone I know. I know there are some who are going through tough times but Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. Jesus who is our Savior and who came here to be OUR GIFT for eternity - giving us the gift of salvation to be with Him forever. That is what Christmas is all about - HIS LOVE FOR US!!!
Well, today is my birthday. I am definitely much older now than when this picture was taken. But I remember that teddy bear!! Birthdays tend to make you look back on what you have done in your life, where you have been, and what you might still like to do. I know our family didn't have a lot of "extras" growing up, but I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I had the important things - parents who loved me, sisters and brothers who loved me (even though at times we fought like most kids do). I know there are things I have done in my life that I wish I hadn't done and things I wish I had. But that is all in the past and all the "bad things" have been forgiven. If I had to say what I would still like to do..... I don't know. I am satisfied with my life. I do wish I had family that lived closer. I really miss being with my family, especially on my birthday and holidays. But I have been blessed with so many other things. And I have Jesus in my life. He is the most important thing in my life. Without Him, I could not do anything. He is my everything. So, I will celebrate my birthday praising Him and loving Him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
(Oh - I AM giving myself a birthday present on Friday. I will be getting my hair cut and colored and highlighted!!! Pictures will be coming soon!!)
Now this is the life - no worries, no cares (except don't forget to feed me!). This is Tiki and Fancy's favorite spot in the afternoon. The sun comes through the front door and they are always right there - lying in the sun, soaking up the rays and sleeping!! When they get a little too hot, they get up and mosey around the living room, maybe jump on the coach and sleep there for a while. Then back to the sunshine!! Wouldn't it be nice if that's all we had to worry about???
I love fall. I love the beautiful color on the trees, the cool (not cold) crisp air, the blue, blue sky. All of this given to me by God. He can create a beautiful masterpiece!!
Fall makes me want to be outside more and more. It is not so hot that you feel you can't walk another step. The air is clean and fresh in the fall. Why is that? I don't know but I love it. I love sitting out on my back deck and listening to everything that is going on - birds still singing, dogs barking, even a mule braying. It just sounds so pleasant. And I could sit out there all day long - thanking the Lord for all his blessings and for loving me. And for giving me the beautiful world we live in. Too bad we tend to mess it up.
Besides the beautiful colors and country we live in, there are other blessings that come to mind at this time -
--His love for me and my salvation. The bestest ever blessing anyone could ever have.
--My family - which means so much to me and I love each and every one.
--My friends - who are always there for me, giving me comfort and support and listening when I need to talk.
--My job - I am so thankful for a wonderful job I really love.
--My "little girls" - Tiki and Fancy (and the ones I have lost - Thea & Spirit) - they have blessed my life in ways most people wouldn't understand.
--And last, but definitely not least, God's spiritual gift to me - my compassion, mercy and love for other people (not only family) which I hope I use for His Glory in the ways He wants me to.
These are not only Fall Blessings but they are LIFE BLESSINGS - the best kind!!
"Thank you Father for ALL the blessings you have given me, not only in the fall with the beautiful colors and countryside, but every day with all the "Life Blessings" you have given me. Help me to use these blessings every day for your glory and honor, I pray in Jesus' name. AMEN"
