Well, some of you may think that because I haven't blogged in awhile that I've been caught up in the frenzy of the season... the rushing here and there... and the feeling that it's all passing me by too quickly. And that's been the case in years past way more often that it ought to have been. However, this year, due to my particular, unique and unusual (for me at least) set of circumstances I've actually felt like time was dragging by and can't believe we're still 4 days away from Christmas Day itself.
I bought my parents' gift several months ago when I saw something that I thought they'd like that was comparatively small and lightweight and had it wrapped and sent across the world before Thanksgiving. Wanted to take no chances near the holidays of it not getting there (besides I was sending some other things they needed anyway). Most of the gifts for friends I'm making and so have been working on them since sometime in August. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew I shopped for online and had them delivered to the house, except one thing I'm making for my SIL and that is not quite finished, so I will wrap and mail all of those the end of next week. They are actually going to be out of town all next week anyway so won't be there to receive them until after that. I celebrated Christmas with my "local" family this past Saturday because they left Tuesday for Susannah's parents' for 10 days. I got puppets for the boys so they were again an online order and Anna got a hat and mittens, just in time to head north!
Once I found I would be heading to Houston for about 5 days to spend Christmas with some very dear friends (read more extended family - yes I seem to have them everywhere!) I was able to order gifts for that niece and nephew and have them shipped straight to their house so I don't have to haul them in the suitcase, and for their parents I have a small gift that I can carry that I got in Thailand. I gave my neighbors (the ones who graciously watch my house the many times a year I travel) a meal and dessert in a jar and they seeme to love it!
So that covers any and all shopping issues - there weren't any!
As far as activities go, I'm in the process of looking at a new church, so I didn't have a SS class party to go to, nor was I in the choir this year so no rehearsal or performance times to deal with. I chose not to go to my office party - I'm just not usually fond of those types of things and I don't really have anyone I'd really call "friend" from the office (for the first time ever in my career, actually). As it turns out it was a God-lead decision for sure as I spent that day/afternoon/evening at the Sammons' residence and ended up staying with 3 of the kids that evening while Mom and Dad took the other to the ER after a fall on the concrete floor. All is well and everyone was fine, but we also praise God, for his orchestration of my time.
I've done a few other babysitting evenings for a couple other friends that I don't usually do for and it was fun! I went to a crop at a new Scrapbook store (with 2 friends I usually crop with) on the 8th and that was enjoyable. We took my nephews and niece to see Charlotte's Web on it's opening night and had fun. That next morning I took the boys shopping for gifts for their parents and that did a terrific job and we had a lot of fun picking things out!
The biggest, busiest thing I've had to do the past couple weeks is try to keep up with my parents! They spent a wonderful, much-needed, relaxing week at a resort down in Phuket (Thailand). But found out just before they left for that, that they would be gone 4 days of the following week as well. They had to make a trip to Vientianne (sp?), Laos to do some paperwork. So Mom called me this morning and they have safely returned home from that trip. Last Saturday I also received a box from them with all sorts of treasures for Christmas from Nepal and Thailand. I'm thrilled with them all! It's so neat to see the things made in such different cultures. It's hard to believe that they've been over there almost 2 years already! Time does fly, even when you aren't always having fun!
So I'll be leaving tomorrow to head to Houston and Christmas with another family. What a blessing to be invited in to the habits, traditions and celebrations of another family and to be considered part of that family. I must also thank Sarah for her gracious offer to spend that day of days with her family had I not been able to travel. The offer itself means as much to me as the actual event - to know that I actually had my pick of which family to be claimed part of so that I would not be alone. I am truly blessed to have such loving and caring friends! In addition, I get to see another friend of mine, who also lives in the greater Houston area, for an afternoon while I'm there - we're going to the Cheesecake Factory! This is one of my favorite places on earth!
I've been enjoying the Christmas music as always - sometimes I wish we'd mix in a little of it all year round. Maybe I'll just try that this year, regardless of what some people might think or say! It's just that some of the music and words are so beautiful and bless me tremendously. So it's home to pack up the suitcase and after I work several hours tomorrow I'll hit the air. I'm praying that I'll stay healthy - that's really the one issue I have with flying this time of year! Up the dose of Vitamin C!!
Have a very merry Christmas and please try to take some quiet moments not just with your family or friends, but with the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, it is his birth we remember and celebrate... if He'd not come as a child to earth, He'd not have been able to die on the cross some thirty years later, thus paying the price for all my sins, 2000 years before I even came to be. And the good news is He didn't do it just for me, but for you too. Remember to thank Him and praise Him for loving you that much. If for some reason (and the possibilities are many and diverse) this holiday season is a little harder for you than it has been previously - let Him heal your heart. May God bless you richly and show you His Joy this year.
Merry Christmas!
Hopetown beach and lighthouse in Hopetown, Abaco, The Bahamas.
