4th Day of Christmas - Gifts

Today was a day to enjoy thoughtful gifts.

Ribs cooked in my new Not your Mother's Slow Cooker.

This was a perfect couple gift for the both of us.

I always have to borrow an extra crock pot when we have a party.

This one will get lots of use.

Making its first trip out to a News Years Eve Party on Thursday!

The practise ribs are scrumptious!

Easy Rib Recipe

Baby Back Ribs, cut apart

1 bottle of Bar B Que sauce

1/2 cup honey

Cook on slow for 8 hours.

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And a handy dandy comfort control!

Food and comfort... what more could we want?!

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS - JOY

I was just thinking tonight about how happy I have felt this week. And it occurred to me that some people who do not have a personal relationship with God, might not understand why I could feel happy when so many things have gone wrong lately for me and my family members.

Life has thrown a few punches at us recently. But in the midst of serious concerns there is no reason to feel hopeless or helpless either, for that matter.


Knowing that God is in control and whatever happens He either planned for us or He is allowing to happen means that there is no need to worry or feel anxious. Even when my heart aches for a son who must deal with the ongoing issues of divorced parenting or my daughter who still waits for the gift of motherhood. Even then I know that God loves them and wants His best for them.


When my DH is faced with salary reductions and other job frustrations, I am thankful that he has a job. When my health issues prevent me from physically eating favorite foods or living a pain free energetic lifestyle,, I am assured that God wants me to appreciate other things in my life. (It does make me wonder what He is preparing us for in the future.)

I am happy when my family is happy, but more important than happiness is obedience to God's instructions. Obedience produces joy. I am praying that my children do not take as many years to figure this out as I have.

The third day of Christmas finds me physically tired after all of the celebration activities, but spiritually energized with joy!

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;" Romans 5:3

On the Second Day of Christmas

After a wonderfully worshipful candle light communion service, I was leaving church when the day took a sudden wrong turn. Only one day after my daughter wrote this, my ears were assaulted with the words “Is your daughter pregnant again?” (My daughter was not with me so she could not appear to be pregnant.)
Unbelievable,and yet not, coming from the resident curiosity seeker. When I answered no and failed to make a hasty retreat, the questions disguised as concern came next. My pre-planned answer of Only God knows the answer to that would have encouraged her to ask again next week.

The desire to give a rude reply was strong for a flashing second. Just a few moments earlier I had felt so close to God and had felt so grateful to Jesus for the sacrifice He had made for me. I was not going to let a rude person steal this from me. So, I patiently told this woman the medical reason my daughter was not with child. It was none of her business and I knew she just wanted to be 'in the know'. Yet, I still tried to explain. Just as my daughter had said, it made no difference. I still got the 'well, you never know, it can happen." response.
I do know. It has happened! Weren't you listening?
What is wrong with people?? Only a very close friend could have the privilege of asking that question and a close friend would know not to ask.

I almost let this ruin a perfectly good '2nd Day of Christmas'. Almost.

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord;

keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Psalm 141:3

The First Day of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, I went shopping with one of the loves of my life, my daughter.

We drove to an equestrian town with decorated horse statues scattered about. We explored little antique shops and dined in a blast from the past deli. The most memorable moment of the day was breaking and paying for a small piece of depression glass. So delicate and fragile that when it landed on the carpeted floor it shattered into a million pieces. I wish I had been quick thinking enough to tell the staff that I broke the piece. Then I would have achieved hero status in my daughter's eyes. LOL We made a hasty exit from the potential of additional disaster and headed out to peruse more stable wares. Good times!



I heard that many were busy taking down their Christmas decorations today and I am a little dismayed that Christmas is considered over instead of just beginning. I will not begin putting away the beautiful lights until the new year is upon us. To each his own; however, when it comes to celebrating the arrival of my Lord and Saviour the joyous occasion can continue even beyond Epiphany.

" When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him."

Matthew 2: 10-11

CHRISTMAS IN YOUR HEART

"He who has not Christmas in his heart,
Will not find it under a tree." Roy L. Smith

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I often wonder what people are celebrating

when I observe the massive amount of lights,

snowmen and other inflatable decorations

covering the yards.

If they were all believers

and followers of Christ,

then the world would be

a great deal kinder

than it is.

What are they celebrating?


Homes are overflowing

with new toys, clothing

and electronics.

If they do not believe

in the Jesus

whose birth we honor...

What are they celebrating?


I wonder...

although I do not mind.

They resemble toddlers

who wave flags

at military parades.

The little ones do not know

about freedom

or valor.

Yet, they are swept along

by the excitement.

One day

the Christmas celebrants may understand

what it is they are celebrating.

I pray for that day to come.

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"Behold, You desire truth in the inner being;
make me therefore to know wisdom
in my inmost heart."
Psalm 51:6