We've expended a tremendous amount of energy so far in preparing for Christmas. Presents have been carefully chosen and bought, some gifts have been made (and others are in the process of being made), cookies have been baked, and menus are being planned. In the midst of all of it, there is an underlying excitement that has not always been present in my own heart. Some years are just harder than others, and sometimes it's just not easy to celebrate.
This year, though, I "feel" Christmassy.
Some of that is sheer delight at being able to walk and run again, after discovering what immobility is all about. And some of it is likely due to the book of I Peter, which I've been studying for 11 months now (and I'm still only in chapter 3!). That underlying excitement -- that "living hope" -- maybe it's understanding why I'm here and who I am. Maybe it's seeing the joy of Christmas reflected in the eyes of those I love best. Maybe....maybe I'm so close to turning 40 that I'm beginning my second childhood.
Maybe it's just Jesus in me. I hope others can see Him.
Yay couch!
The only two NOT happy.....
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Organizing.....again
The last few days, in the midst of all the chaos, I've spent a lot of time reorganizing the house and yard and garage (and even my recipe files!). Maybe if I can get my surroundings straight, my brain will follow?!
We were blessed to finally renounce our membership in the Ugly Couch Club last week too. Yes, folks, the old stained recovered couch is GONE. So is "Daisy's" recliner, and Her Royal Dogginess is less than pleased about it. But we inherited a friend's navy-blue sectional, and the old stuff just had to go. (wahoo for fellow Freecyclers, who had both big pieces out the door within 24 hours) The new sectional is comfy, classy, and very functional. The big test of its durability and comfort will be this holiday season, with all the expected company. I think it'll pass the test....
And today we started a new motivational gimmick to get the kids to remember to pick up their stuff. Anytime I pick up someone's stray coat, shoes, games, socks, backpack, etc. I give that person an "Oops" point. Whoever has the fewest Ooops by dinnertime gets an extra marble. (if you've not heard about the wonderful marble plan yet, it's working well too!) Today -- the first day of the Oops, M got one Oops and D got two. B and GK tied with NO Oops, so they each got an extra marble. I tell them that if all four of them can manage a whole day with no Oops points, we will do some serious celebratin'. And of course they want to know "just what kind of celebratin'??" But, being the veteran mama that I am, I know that it's better to keep them guessing!
A shout-out to my dear buddy Karen, who today did some celebrating of her own -- Happy Birthday, Kern! I'm glad you were born!
We were blessed to finally renounce our membership in the Ugly Couch Club last week too. Yes, folks, the old stained recovered couch is GONE. So is "Daisy's" recliner, and Her Royal Dogginess is less than pleased about it. But we inherited a friend's navy-blue sectional, and the old stuff just had to go. (wahoo for fellow Freecyclers, who had both big pieces out the door within 24 hours) The new sectional is comfy, classy, and very functional. The big test of its durability and comfort will be this holiday season, with all the expected company. I think it'll pass the test....
And today we started a new motivational gimmick to get the kids to remember to pick up their stuff. Anytime I pick up someone's stray coat, shoes, games, socks, backpack, etc. I give that person an "Oops" point. Whoever has the fewest Ooops by dinnertime gets an extra marble. (if you've not heard about the wonderful marble plan yet, it's working well too!) Today -- the first day of the Oops, M got one Oops and D got two. B and GK tied with NO Oops, so they each got an extra marble. I tell them that if all four of them can manage a whole day with no Oops points, we will do some serious celebratin'. And of course they want to know "just what kind of celebratin'??" But, being the veteran mama that I am, I know that it's better to keep them guessing!
A shout-out to my dear buddy Karen, who today did some celebrating of her own -- Happy Birthday, Kern! I'm glad you were born!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
November 8, 2007
It's been a brutal week for our church family -- one in the hospital battling cancer complications, another hanging onto life by a thread in the ICU, and so many others in pain of different kinds.....and all of us trying so hard to hold each other up to the Father. What's a Christian to do? Scream "it's not fair!" at whoever is listening? Well, I suppose if we must, the One who is indeed listening could handle that sentiment. But a more constructive response might be "please, just HELP...." And He will. He is. He always is.
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