Thoughts On Christmas Eve

We are waiting for the kids to drift off to dreamland so we can assemble a gift and fill the stockings. A lot of things are floating around in my head right now so I thought I would get some of it out here...

I really hope the kids enjoy tomorrow. They are really excited. Santa Claus called them tonight and they are really pumped up.

The church service tonight was very nice. I am glad my family was able to be there and partake of communion.

I think I am starting to get a cold. I had a touch of the flu last week. Makenna had a stomach ache last week too but so far they have been pretty healthy.

Lately I have felt lonely. Not lonely like I don't have anyone to talk to or spend time with. My family is always around and I have good co-workers at work who make those days bearable. It is hard for me to form new friendships. I am usually the quiet one in the crowd and never make an attempt to open up to someone. Sometimes it comes across that I am not interested or upset but that is not really how I am. I just usually have a pretty hard shell around me that I have to break through. I think I did a pretty good job of "putting myself out there" last night at Stacey's party though. Maybe I am just weird...

On our Christmas cards we sent out we put the web address for my blog. So if someone new stops by leave me a comment so I will know you were here and thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Dinner Party

Last night was a fun evening. Stacey had some teachers and their families over for dinner. I think there were 19 of us all together even though the weather outside wasn't very good. It was a good dinner and good conversation. I was able to meet and get to know some of the people he works with. The kids had a really good time playing with their kids. I should have had my camera out and had some pictures to post but didn't even think to get it out.

Ringing Bells

Tonight we took the kids to the mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army with Nana. They had a good time. They saw a lot of people from church. They were even called "ding-a-lings". Keaton enjoyed singing Jingle Bells to the people walking by. Stacey and I even had a turn at the bells while the others went to supper. I am glad our family is able to do things together to help others in need.

Christmas Disaster

Yesterday Stacey and I went shopping for gifts. When we got home we quickly put everything in the basement so the kids wouldn't see the goodies. Today Stacey went to put another gift down there only to discover that when all of the ice melted outside this morning our basement flooded and some of the gifts were ruined. At least we discovered it today and not on Christmas Eve. To top it all off, I am home with the flu instead of at work today...good times.

Encouragement

There are times when I am weary. I have found encouragement in these verses:


Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. John 14:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way an the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11

I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

The First One Down

I think Stacey can relax now. He has successfully made it through his first concert at Monroe Central High School. Everyone involved did a great job. The choir and band performed. The art students displayed their work in the hallway. They had a great turn-out. There were people who had to stand because there were no chairs left.

Admission to the concert was a food donation. Here is a look at what they got. It was all split between the local food pantries. I tried to explain to Makenna and Keaton what the food was for and I hope they realize maybe just a tiny bit how fortunate we are that we have so much that we are able to give to others to make sure they have food to eat.

Father's Love Letter ♥♥♥