92

Happy 92nd birthday, Grandma!

Glad to spend time with you again this Sunday!

I'm so thankful we enjoyed good company and good food
(yummy homemade lasagna and cake) on such a cold, dreary day.
It sure seems like it has been a while since our last meal together.

What a blessing family time is!

Lightbulbs

I've been pretty bummed the last few days, thinking about a childhood friend that is in critical condition, battling to survive cancer at the age of 28. Just can't believe it. Luckily, the Lord is in control of that situation, so it's best that I don't dwell on it. Instead, I'll keep in constant prayer for him, his family, and the doctors. And I'll await the much anticipated, positive update from his mom saying everything is fine now.

I've been doing well to keep myself busy this weekend to keep the idle thoughts from creeping in. So... my next task is to share some things I've realized lately (or maybe already knew but recently put into thoughts and words)...

chocolate chip/Reese's Pieces cookies

• I've discovered lately that I L-I-K-E cooking for other people and I L-O-V-E when they find my dish delicious. I can't hear those wonderful words enough! The other day I baked some cookies that were a big hit when my hubs had some friends over to watch a game. The compliments over the peanut butter cookies were much, much appreciated.

• I much prefer blaring my iTunes all through the house when I'm here by myself, randomly belting out words, rather than having the TV on as background noise. (Of course, dancing around is a must on the faster, upbeat songs but only when I'm by myself.

• Walking past our bedroom door today I realized that I like having a bed that is made. I'm not sure why. I mean, seriously, what does it matter if the bed is made? It doesn't make the night's sleep better. Perhaps it's just the idea of being put together and organized. Believe it or not, I'm beginning to be a more organized person, evident more at school than home. There's something about a clean space around you that is comforting and peaceful. 

• I enjoy, greatly, being behind a camera. I was so excited to be the photographer at a small wedding back in November. Just yesterday I was the camera(wo)man for a friend's Bourne Identity scene spoof. (I'm anxious to see how that turns out after the editing and sound effects!) Last year I produced a short video with my after-school students about some of our behavior expectations. I definitely need to put myself in more behind-the-camera situations.

last night's lasagna... mmm!

• A mission trip (soon) is a must. I feel the Lord stirring inside me lately, opening my eyes to truths, and slowly drawing me closer to Him. Boy, does He still have a long way to go, but I'm aching for more. I wish the feeling were contagious... 

So Many Reasons to Be Thankful!

I love making lists. Usually my lists endlessly point out work that needs to be done or groceries that need to be bought or ideas I'd like to use (maybe someday?). Today, my list is special, though... it's my favorite kind of list!

Of course this list could be endless with the ways that I am blessed this holiday season. Here's a few I reflected on tonight as I thought about the last couple of days and read about the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2 and John chapter 1...

• My under-the-weather-ness didn't last any longer... boy did I cut it close!
• Homemade Christmas gifts were finished, at last, and all gifts were wrapped on time (with hours to spare).
• Safe journeys here and there and everywhere.
• Spending another Christmas holiday with all of my family (except Uncle J who will be down in May).
• Blessed with such a loving family who makes me feel so loved.
• All the smiles, laughs, and stories that naturally come with family shindigs.
• The Lord protecting 91 yr.-old Grandma when she took a fall today and her laughing about it when she got back up again. 
• Not allowing my headaches to bring me down the last couple of days.
• Most importantly, oh-so long ago a precious, little baby was born to a young, inexperienced girl and grew up to die on the cross for my sins (and yours) because he loves me (and you) that much! What a love my Father has for me (and you)!

I love reading the Christmas story each December 25th and am sad to have missed it again around the dinner table today with my family. If the Lord blesses my hubs and I with kids someday, I plan to make that one of my traditions with them. It's such a beautiful story of God's love for us, how He gives provisions, and how He works things out for His glory!

Merry Christmas and God bless!