Christmas Blessings

"For unto us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his
   shoulders.
And he will be called
  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6-7

  "In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register.
   So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:1-7


Christmas Blessings to you all!
  


 

The 2010 Holidays: An Overview

This was going to be easy.  There are only three children--all adults--two spouses, and three grandchildren.  And not all of these people were staying 24/7.  It was only three days that the house would be full, as well as my heart.

My meal planning is shabby at best.  I get ruffled and things get changed, people sleep in and my plans go to pot.  Wednesday night was our family's Christmas together.  In planning the evening meal, I figured that making the entire meal myself would be a gift, of sorts, to the girls so they would have a night off.  Wouldn't a turkey be great with stuffing--easy enough--sweet potato casserole (dessert, really) and green beans and pie.    Now the entire idea behind a turkey was so that there would be leftovers for the next day for snacking and dinner.  Two meals, at least, in one afternoon of cooking.  Even before Wednesday, thing began to unravel.  We were needed at a doctor's visit, which was beyond important, on Wednesday afternoon.  My daughter, who is far better in the kitchen than I, ended up taking over.  Not in the plan.  I felt very badly that my idea to give her a break fell completely apart.  She even made the pie.  At least I did the sweet potatoes and green beans.  She chided me later that I was attempting way to much.  Maybe I did get out my Superwoman undies.  The next night, when I thought we would use the turkey, the other kids called to say they were bringing pizza.  It was a good idea--on paper.

Perhaps, underneath my good intentions, was also the desire to show the kids that I really can do stuff.  That I may be moving a bit slower, but the abilities are still there, well most of the time.

Families have a way of being even more dysfunctional than usual during the holidays.  (Of course, I'm an expert.)  We were no exception. 

All in all, having the house full did make my heart full.  The three little ones seem to enjoy each other, believe it or not!  It will be fun to see them grow up together:  All just about a year apart.

When the last son left, my heart was a bit sad.  The house was quiet again.  The holidays were over.  A new year was beginning.

Note to self:  Burn the Superwoman undies.

"O LORD,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed
   in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory....
...I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
   with thee, O Father, as my harbour,
      thee, O son, at my helm
      thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails."
--From The Valley of Vision, New Year

Merry Christmas!

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear Desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

 

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Christmas Postscript

Remember my Christmas wish list? Well, no, I didn't get a gun or a rototiller. I did get a new blender and a bigger food processor. These items will be a big help at canning time. Hubby and I also have come to love hummus and our tiny food processor just was having a difficult time of it.

It has been said that one should never buy a woman a gift with a plug on the end. Well, I used to think that was a good guide, but not any more. My kitchen is my "workshop" and what I use in it are my "tools". If a better tool will help me in my work by making the homemade soup or tomato sauce process go smoother, then I'll take the "tool". I don't need fancy earrings or jewelry.

So, perhaps the rototiller will come another time? Spring, perhaps. We want to keep looking. I also need to do more research on what type of gun I should have. Some have said that I need to handle one to find which suits best. My knowledge of guns is limited to the work-related one my husband carries. My dad didn't own a gun so I have much to learn. Hubby is not so sure I need one anyway. I think I make him nervous.

It would have been hard to wrap a rototiller anyway (smile).

Christmas Joy and Surprises

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

The holiday week has been one that has been full. Not only have I enjoyed the children and their families around the same table for more than one evening, but also family game night with the in-laws and visiting friends.

The night after Christmas we had all of the in-laws over for the traditional Game Night! All of us pitched together and brought what ended up being enough food for a small army (it was just supposed to be easy leftovers). The In-laws have no concept of a small meal. We played several games all evening. Everyone left about one a.m. Jon and Stephen and I stayed up until 2:30 playing Speed Scrabble. Had I known that the phone was going to ring at 5:30 a.m., I would have gone to bed much sooner.

Aaron called at 5:30 requesting that I meet them at the hospital to pick up little Daniel...their second baby was on the way. This little one was not expected until mid to late January. I sped--literally--off to meet them at the hospital. I could not imagine Aaron waiting with a tired toddler in the Birthing Suite and a wife that was in full blown labor. Providence would have it that I actually met them along a side street and followed them up to the parking lot. We traded car keys, and I took Daniel to our house. The phone rang later that morning with the news that Zachary Pierce was born at 7:30 weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce. Not bad for a little guy that was supposed to be early. (Just my opinion, but I don't think he was all that early when I saw his chipmunk cheeks!)

It was delightful to have Daniel with us for a couple of days and Aaron came and slept here, too. Poor Uncle Steve was gracious enough to give up his room for them and sleep in the Living Room. So our hearts and house were very full. Emily was a great help with meals and, even though we didn't get to visit like we had hoped, it was wonderful to have her here.

We learned, too, that my father-in-law, who is going on 91, has lung cancer that is not treatable. He has been struggling with 'stuff' for several months, but has been his usual stubborn self in getting treatment. We are now in the process of seeking what care is best for him. My mother-in-law, who has been trying valiantly to care for him at home, has finally determined that she cannot do this (thankfully) and is pleased with his new doctor and his current care.

My husband, at the very last minute, has decided to wait to retire until May. It seems that the State is not going to be replacing employees until then and he is reluctant to put his wonderful department members in a pinch because of him. I agree that this will work out best. These men have been great for him to work with and we hate so see their families suffer.

May you all have a rich and full New Year full of the realization of God's richest blessings.

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in thy service to thy glory. Give me grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from thee, but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought, speak in every word, direct every step, prosper every work, build up every mote of faith, and give me a desire to show forth thy praise, testify thy love, advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, with thee, O Father, as my harbour, thee, O Son, at my helm, thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning, my ear open to thy calls, my heart full of love, my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me, thy comforts to cheer, thy wisdom to teach, thy right hand to guide, thy counsel to instruct, thy law to judge, thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe, thy triumphs my joy.

from New Year in The Valley of Vision

Christmas Thoughts

It has been awhile since I posted anything. It is a busy time for so many and I am among them!


We are excited that all three of our kids and spouses will be here for Christmas. If I don't get another gift, that will do.


Part of my family will be here for brunch--wonderful sister Ann and her family, along with my mom. We started a White Elephant gift exchange a couple of years ago and this has caused some of us year long searches for just the right gift! Keith and I think we have the perfect one!! Later on, the kids will stay for the big deal dinner. Hopefully Keith will be home and not get called out. He has been working the last several years over the Christmas holiday so that the guys with little ones can be home. It is my hope that this is the last one. That retirement will allow for him to be with his kids and grandkids on Christmas. Let's hope everyone in the area behaves themselves! Friday we will have "Game Night" with Keith's family at his sister's!


I still need to make a pumpkin pie and then start cleaning up after myself. Keith's favorite nut cookies are made, which took all afternoon. I still need to run the sweeper and put things away. Stephen arrives this evening...hopefully before the ice storm that is predicted gets here. Emily and Jon arrive sometime tomorrow afternoon. The Aaron, Andrea and Daniel will get come for brunch.


The sheets and towels I hung out this morning are still a bit damp and are thawing in the dining room as best as can be, hung on my clothes drying rack...it is quite a sight! They need to be dry so I can get them back on the bed! At least they will smell so sweet and feel wonderful! Thankfully, the neighbors decided not to light their fireplace. I don't know what they burn that smells so bad!


Remembering that all this busyness is preparing for family, but also harboring in my heart thankfulness for Christ's incarnation. He left his heavenly home and glory to die for us. It is very humbling to think about the Holy Son of God came here. That the good news was first given to shepherds, men who at that time were not even permitted to give testimony in court they were so distrusted. Born in a place where the animals are kept. Born to get his hands dirty working with wood. He became one of us...God with us. Emmanuel.


Best wishes to all of you for a blessed Christmas!



Wonderfully true is this fact: when you and I come to the closing scene of life we will find that Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matt. 1:23), has been there. Chares H. Spurgeon from the devotional. Beside Still Waters



O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my redeemer's face, and in him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his. In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more. Excerpt from The Gift of Gifts from The Valley of Vision