Tuesday, December 21, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010!


Luke 2:11"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

In just a few short days we will all celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas comes faster and faster every year it seems.

How busy these last few days have been. I’ve been getting up in the morning and making a list ( and I hate making lists, haha) so that I wouldn’t waste a single moment of time in order that I might get everything done. I know that in just a couple of short weeks, the time of each day will again stretch out in front of me and I will search for ways to fill it….but for now I have had to stick pretty close to my list. But the good news is, I think I might actually be almost ready. I still have a couple of items that are still dribbling in from my on-line shopping which will have to be wrapped of course, but other than that and just little grocery shopping I am actually ready for Christmas. I still want to do a little baking, but that is no big deal to me and if necessary can always be eliminated as there is always soo many goodies that can just be bought of course.

My hubby celebrated his 59th birthday last Friday. He has begun his “count down” year as he calls it, haha.  It is hard to believe he has reached such a milestone. He remains strong, healthy, (and as good looking as ever if I do say so myself) despite the number of years he has racked up, praise God, haha. I was thinking and praying last night before I fell asleep just how blessed I have truly been by this man. What a gift from God he has really been for me. We are approaching 36 years together and we still enjoy each other so much. He is ALWAYS there for me. There is of course no such thing as a “perfect” man, or “perfect” mate, or “perfect” father, but he has come so close to that for me over the years, that at times I have felt almost guilty over my good fortune, and I thank God for him every day, and ask that He might bless him with MANY more years here on this earth.

Yesterday I took my niece Katie, and my nephew Blake, and my granddaughter Lindsey to see the GIANT Christmas light display out by our old house in spite of the fact that we are about to float away over here in Southern California! I don’t remember the last time it has rained and rained like this. 4 straight days in a row and I am hearing we still have 3 to go…Puddles of rain and mud are everywhere and I have to say that I am getting a little tired of the gloom. But in spite of the SLOW crawling we did FINALLY get there and back.  The fact that ¾ of the houses were NOT lit up (I am still wondering if we were just too early ~ it was only around 5:30… Or maybe all the rain?) or the fact that when we stopped for dinner and hot chocolate afterwards and were told that they were OUT of hot chocolate (who runs out of hot chocolate?) didn't change the fact that we had a wonderful time. We even just started laughing when the waitress told the kids there were no cherries for their hot fudge Sunday desserts, lol. Just the kind of night it was in some ways; but how I enjoyed myself. We talked A LOT about that first Christmas when Jesus was born at dinner. The girls especially dwelt a little on what that must have really been like for Mary to ride a donkey at all, let alone ~ WHILE IN LABOR ~ and after days and days of travel as well, only to find out there was NO place for them to stay. And then to have to have her baby in a cave that was used to hold animals…without any doctors or nurses or midwives, or without even her mother. How hard it all had to have been.

Luke 2:7-8 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Blake seemed to dwell more on the shepherds in the field having REAL angels suddenly appearing and filling the sky and singing and telling them all that the Savior of the world had been born! How scary that must have been at first!

Luke 2: 8-10  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

And yet even with all the “human” drama going on, a real miracle was happening as well. Thousands of years later we are still celebrating that night, and that birth, and that life, and that Savior. He has been born that we might have life….doesn’t get much better than that.

My Melly and her hubby Mike are on their way to California even as I type this…YAY….How I am looking forward to them being able to spend Christmas with us. I have not seen that face of hers for almost 3 months now and that is a LONG time for this mama. How I have missed her. I am so glad they were able to add another day to their trip. They will spend some time with Mike’s family too of course, and some time with their friends as well, so the extra time helps a lot. I don’t share her very well I will be perfectly honest. When she comes I want her to spend ALL of her time with me. Seems perfectly reasonable don’t ya think? Haha Though truthfully it is hard. I STILL have a hard time dealing with the fact that she lives soo far away from me. But it certainly does make me appreciate the times we do all that much more. Christmas day our whole family will gather once again under our roof and it has been a while. My hubby makes a REALLY good prime rib and we ALL enjoy it soo much. My mom and step dad will join us for the day as well and that just makes everything complete. How blessed I am.

This last year was a difficult one and yet one that brought about much growth and a greater dependency on Him. I have learned so much about the “need” for trials and tribulations in our lives. Yes, I did say “need”…for the hard times. For without the hard times we don’t appreciate the good as we should and we don’t learn of the real blessing that comes from a life TOTALLY dependent on Him. I pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas with those that you love, and may we all remember those around us who are struggling and suffering through this season. May they see the light and experience the hope and peace that comes from a life that is totally sold out for Him. May we be His hands and feet this season that they might experience His love. MERRY CHRISTMAS my blogging friends. How you all bless me so!



Luke 2:13-14  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"





11 comments:

  1. Dearest Debbie, Big Christmas hugs to you today. I loved getting caught up with what is happening in your life. I'm glad you and yours aren't swimming yet with all the rain you've had-incredible! I'm thankful though that we've had such a dry winter so far-makes my man happy. I wish you the richest of Blessings from above for this blessed season and for the New Year. You are such a blessing to so many and I'm thankful for you!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  2. Your post really blessed me
    today, Debbie. Yes, you do
    have much to be thankful for.
    I know I keep telling you this
    but you have the cutest little
    grandchildren. I just adore
    kids and am waiting for my own
    grandchildren one day.
    Hope your Christmas is filled
    with joy and peace.
    Hugs,
    Sandy

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  3. I am so glad you shared. I am glad that you are in such a better place this year and that your dear daughter is on her way to be with you. It sounds like God has so many blessings in store for you this year. Isn't the rain getting tiresome? I never thought I would feel this way. I love rain, but I think it is the magnitude of all of it. Maybe the gloom. I was thinking today when the sun came out for a bit, I thought, I am a sun worshiper, Isn't that terrible. I love the sun and then I thought but I love the son too.
    I guess that is why I live in California, I like sunny days.

    I love all of your pictures that you found for this post, they are so pretty.

    Enjoy the rest of your week. I did my grocery shopping today. I think now I can stay in and bake. I wish and say not eat it but I know I will.

    So Debbie have a great rest of the week and I am so thankful that I have met you and you bless my life. My fellow blogging friend.
    hugs,
    Kim

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  4. I just wish I could step through this computer to give you a big hug!

    Thanks for sharing your life...and the struggle this past year...the pillow I sent you with the verse, it has truly played out in your life...Gods plans.

    You have taught me to be a grandmother, even though I am not one yet, you have taught me to walk closer to the Lord through losses, you have encouraged me in raising boys and then taught me to laugh again also.

    Your time with your family has re-enforced that I should continue to press forward even when mine resist...which has been a lot, but seems to be letting up some.

    I am also grateful for my husband as you praise yours, I remember I need to do the same.

    Again this post...you shared precious memories you have made and your family time ahead...you are blessed and have blessed me
    Merry Christmas!!

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  5. Debbie,
    I am so glad that you are able to be with your children and grandchildren this Christmas season! What a true blessing indeed. Oh, savor every moment, as I know you will.

    Happy belated to you hubby and wow....36 years together. What a token of God's faithfulness and goodness.

    Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt post and the reminder to keep our eyes on Jesus.

    I'm sorry that your travel to see the lights and have sundaes and hot chocolate was met with so many obstacles....but it sounds like the conversation was rich.....what a wonderful grandmother you are!

    Wishing you a restful and blessed Christmas. Looking forward to getting to know you that much more in 2011!

    Much love in Christ,
    Stacy

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  6. Your words truly beautifully described what's in your heart: love for family and for the Lord.

    Merry Christmas sister Debbie and belated Happy Birthday to your hubby! God bless you and your family richly. I know you will have a wonderful celebration. Why not when you have your family all around you and the Lord in the middle? Love to you.

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  7. I totally thought I commented here and apparently, I didn't. Ugh, I hate when that happens!

    Oh well, just wanted to say, have an excellent Christmas and enjoy your Mel! Love you Debbie! And this was a beautiful post!

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  8. MERRY CHRISTMAS dear friend!

    I love you and thank you for your beautiful friendship. You have blessed me so much this year and I thank the Lord for you.

    May the new year be a very blessed one for you and your precious family in Jesus name I pray. Amen.

    Peace & Prayers,
    Alleluiabelle

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  9. Right now, I'm in the midst of cut-out cookies with my kids... oh mercy, I need me some patience!

    Glad for your arriving family. I love being within an hour of both our families. It makes the visits easier, and then everyone can go home without having to say overnight.

    Merry Christmas to all of you; they're saying we may even have a few flurries Christmas day... in eastern NC. Imagine that!

    peace~elaine

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  10. Have a wonderful blessed Christmas with your family! It has been such a pleasure to swap so many pieces of life this year! You are such a sweet example of a Godly wife, mom, grandma, and woman!

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  11. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Debbie! May it be a bright and blessed holiday season filled with His love and grace.

    Hugs,
    Sandi

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!