Preparing for Christmas

December is here, and the days fly quickly by. The Christmas season always seems to be a very hectic time for most of us, and we see/hear the word "stress" quite a bit (sadly). Earlier today as I was bringing decorations up from my basement, I thought about many things I still need to do for Christmas (including more shopping and sending Christmas cards!). But a thought occurred to me as I was looking through boxes of ornaments and wrapping paper: The most important preparation I can do for Christmas is to prepare my heart. The oft-heard statement "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" is much more than a phrase for people to wear on pins. This statement is an all-important reminder of WHY we have this wondrous holiday each year on December 25. We are celebrating our Savior's birth!!! What a joyous thought! So no matter what activities we feel we must accomplish these next few weeks, we need to prepare our hearts to welcome the precious Baby who was born in a lowly manger. And remember the REASON He was born: To save us!!! So instead of being so overwhelmed with the world's ideas of what we should be doing, I want to make certain my heart is prepared to rejoice over my Savior's birth!! ~ ~ I am attaching a picture of my cat Moses as he "helped" me unpack a tub of Christmas items!

Holiday, Florida

Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida by Christian author Sandra D. Bricker is a delightful book! The story follows a middle-aged widow (Cassie) who has returned to Florida to sell the vacation home her late husband loved. While there, Cassie meets a widower, and sees her life change in ways that truly surprise her. Ms. Bricker has written a story with romance, humor, and a cast of characters who are believeable and entertaining! I highly recommend Love Finds You in Holiday, Florida for a very enjoyable read.

The Carousel Painter

I recently finished reading a book by Christian author Judith Miller, and I actually felt a little sad that the story had ended! To me, that's the sign of a good book - - when I would like to continue reading about these characters and see what happens in their futures. The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is wonderful, and I highly recommend it. Taking place in Ohio in the late 1800s, Judith's characters really "came alive" for me as I read. This author does an amazing job with her characters' distinct personalities, and she also adds some bits of humor throughout the story too. I was never "bored" reading this book - - in fact, when I'd have to stop reading to tend to something else, I couldn't wait to return to this story. If you're a fan of historical fiction, read The Carousel Painter. You won't be disappointed!!

ACFW

A few weeks ago I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Denver, Colorado. I had attended this same conference last year (held in Minnesota) and the experience was SO wonderful, I knew this year's conference couldn't possibly be any better. WOW! I was mistaken! For me personally, the conference this year was even MORE AMAZING....the Lord worked in such wonderful ways to bless me, I was constantly in awe of His goodness! I made new friends, visited with folks I'd met last year, and the Lord provided opportunities to talk with Editors - - even more than I'd planned on. ~ An added bonus was once again having my precious daughter Amy along with me. Such a special "mother/daughter" time together! ~ Perhaps the most amazing thing was our flight home. The plane was almost full when I made our online reservations, so Amy and I had seats at opposite ends of a row. We weren't thrilled about that, as we're used to sitting next to each other. ~ A precious couple from our church was also on that flight (they'd attended a wedding in Colorado) and as it turned out, their seats were beside ours! So, we were able to swap, so they sat together, and Amy and I sat together. Once again, I knew that was NOT "coincidence" but the Lord at work!! He is AMAZING!! (The picture is Debbie Macomber and me - - She was a GREAT keynote speaker!)

Enjoying the Drive

When I was still teaching school a few years ago, I didn't particularly enjoy my daily drive to and from my school. At the time I had two children in school, and we were always rushing---getting to their schools, and then I'd hurry on to mine to be ready to greet my roomful of kindergarten children. I loved my teaching job, but it seemed my life was a constant whirlwind - - always hurrying. Quite a few times I'd commented to family members and friends that I wished we lived closer to the schools, and I even reached the point where I'd say "I detest that drive!"~ ~ Now, several years later, due to a very bad back I am no longer teaching. My "baby" is now a high school senior, and I view that very same drive across the county each day with an entirely different perspective. Instead of seeing the drive as a "hassle," I'm viewing it as extra time with my child. Yes, he can drive, but I'd much rather take him each day (there are too many reckless-driving young people on those roads). Besides, I keep reminding myself that this time next year my son will be in college, and I know I'll actually miss those daily drives together. ~ ~ This thought just occurred to me last week: The very same activity I'd felt grumbly about in the past is now something I treasure! It's all in the perspective. ~ ~ I am reminded of the verse in 1 Thessalonians: In everything give thanks. ~ So I am giving thanks for this added time with my precious son, while he's still living at home, and I'm also noticing some lovely scenery along the way that I hadn't noticed a few years ago!

Singin' in the Rain...

A few days ago I was out running errands in our Georgia heat and humidity. There were a few clouds in the sky, but I really thought the weather would stay clear all afternoon. As I pushed my shopping cart (or "buggy" as we say here in the South!) to my car, I noticed the sky had quickly become an ominous gray. The instant I arrived at my car to load the groceries into it, the rain began. Only it wasn't just some raindrops falling down - - oh no, it was a DOWNPOUR, in every sense of the word! It was as if someone had a giant bucket, dumping water onto the Kroger parking lot. Not only that, but the wind began to blow strongly....so the rain was now blowing into my car as I loaded the groceries. Before I was even halfway finished putting the groceries in, I realized I was DRENCHED! I'm sure I looked as if I'd just stepped out of a swimming pool, fully clothed and dripping. ~ At that moment, I felt like a kid again, and I began to giggle. Then I laughed, continuing to place groceries in the car while wiping water out of my eyes. I know I must have looked silly - - laughing by myself and at myself - - but I knew there was no point in being aggravated at getting soaked. ~ On the drive home, I couldn't resist putting in a music CD of old classic movie themes. So of course I played "Singin in the Rain" as I drove home....and laughed some more! ~ ~ A favorite verse from Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. ~ ~ May I always have a merry heart!

BLESSINGS

After recently reading the book Blessings, by wonderful Christian author Kim Vogel Sawyer, I was struck with the thought of that oft-heard phrase, "Count your blessings." We hear a lot about being thankful and counting blessings around Thanksgiving time, but shouldn't we be just as thankful ALL year long? I decided to make a determined effort to really count my blessings each and every day - - not just mentally "listing them" but truly having a thankful heart. After all, the Lord didn't have to bless me as much as He did, but since I am so very blessed, I should be continually thanking Him!

* * If you've never read any of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, you are missing a very talented author. The book I mentioned above is the 3rd in Kim's Sommerfeld Trilogy, and is excellent. Of course, ALL of Kim's books are excellent....and she's a very sweet lady! * *