Christmas decorations packed away for another year

Christmas has come and gone once again.  It seems to come faster and faster every year.  With all we have been through this year, we are truly blessed.
 Christmas was wonderful because of the mere fact of being with family and friends, and seeing the looks in the eyes of the kids when they opened their presents.
I look back on the New Year's goals I made last year about this time and realize that I haven't held to them very well.
This year has really put life in perspective.  We almost lost Chris in the car accident, but thankfully from it he has stayed off of drugs since it has happened.  He's still not in church but the seed was planted what short time he lived with us.  So I know it's just a matter of time before he completely turns his life over to the Lord.
Then we almost lost Linda (my mother-in-law) her stroke has left her blind.  We complain about the small things, yet when I visit with her I am so humbled as to how thankful she is.  She says she tries not to be selfish, because God has been so good to her.  And if it's His will that she doesn't regain her eyesight back she accepts that.  But she believes in His timing it will come back.  Christmas Eve she told Scott what time it was while he was holding his cell phone in front of her, and then she told her other son what color shirt he had on.  She says she can't explain it, that it's fuzzy and it's not always there.  But she's trusting God for His will to be done.
She lost her husband while in the hospital and  she says it seems so surreal to her.  She's just ready for closure.  I told her that most people their closure probably comes at the time of the funeral, but we haven't had that.  His wishes was to be cremated so when she's gets out of the hospital and feels up to it we're going to have a Memorial Service. 
In which by the way, she is suppose to get out of the hospital this Thursday.  She will be coming to stay with us however long it may be.  I asked her if she was worrying about that and she says no.  So I told her that we all know the stigma that goes along with in-laws.  But that with her she's like a second Mom to me.  
I started off thinking I was going to post about Christmas and New Year's goals, but I guess that will wait for another time and another post.

Merry Christmas

I first heard this on the radio yesterday morning and just had to look it up.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

©By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family – it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.




Merry Christmas to all my family and friends!!!

Give This Christmas Away

How Many Kings?

It seems like it's been so long since I've blogged.   I miss catching up with all my bloggy friends to see what's been going on in ya'll lives.
Linda (my mother-in-law) is still in the hospital in the rehab wing.  She amazes me each time I visit with her.  Her mind is becoming clearer and clearer.  There is still things short-term, and long-term memory that she doesn't remember.  But at our age there's things we don't remember either.   She says the first thing she wants to do when she gets home is sleep in.  That it feels like they get her up at the crack of dawn to get her therapy started.
I hope to post a Christmas song each day leading up to Christmas but if not.  I hope each and everyone of ya'll have a very Merry and blessed Christmas.

TSMSS...................Sometimes Christmas Makes Me Cry

S

Just a quick update on Linda (my mother-in-law) she should be moved to the rehab floor possibly by Monday.  Her memory is slowly coming back more and more each day, but their not giving much hope for her to regain her sight.  But we know that's not left up to the Doctors.  As she told me Thursday God's timing is not our time and it's all in His hands.
The first song is in memory of my step-father-in-law (Dave)  He had suffered in so much pain for at least a year.  Between the heart problems, COPD, and finally cancer but all that pain is gone now.




Then one of my favorite Christmas songs that goes right along with all that has happened this week.



For more great music join Amy and the others at  Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Linda and Dave

Just a quick update, Linda (my mother-in-law) is still in ICU, recovering from the stroke she had last Friday after her surgery on Tuesday.  For those who may not have read it on my prayer and praise blog.  The stroke has left her blind and the Doctor said this morning that their not very hopeful of her regaining her sight.  Their major concern right now is keeping her off the respirator and her breathing on her own.  In which she has been doing that today for the last couple of hours.
Also her husband Dave who has been battling cancer and other health issues passed away last night.  So please keep us in your prayers as we tell Linda this afternoon.  Her doctor said this morning as long as her breathing stayed stable it would be okay to tell her.
Thank you so much for all your prayers through all this.

Winner Mozaik Service for 8 Giveaway

According to random.org the winner for the  Mozaik Service for 8 Giveaway is  Stacey at 4everMom.
Congratulations Stacey, I will email you to get your mailing address so blogsparks can send this package out to you.   
Thank you to all who entered.

TSMSS................Where's the line to see Jesus?

I'm sure there will be plenty of Christmas songs being posted today on TSMSS over at Amy's so go check them out and join in.  I will be back later to listen.


I'm not sure if this is a new song or not.  Seen it  being posted on facebook and even shared it on there myself.  The words are awesome.

Update on Linda (my mother-in-law) is on my prayer blog.   Headed up to the hospital now to see her.    Please pray for her and Dave.

Wednesday Hodge Podge

It is so hard to believe it's already December, time is flying by so fast.  Slow down for a bit though and join Joyce and all the others for Wednesday Hodgepodge.



If you haven't already please enter my current giveaway for a Mozaik service for 8. 


1. What is the most interesting thing you've done in the last year?
Well my husband says I don't get out enough and it must be true because I can't think of anything too terribly exciting. 
2. What is your most meaningful family heirloom?
I don't have anything that has been passed down through the generations. But I do have a quilt that my Grandmother made me, all by hand. She gave it to me when I graduated from high school.


3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you're not sure click here to see a list of possibilities.
Cooking contests would be so much fun.  Especially those where they decorate cakes.

4. Snow...do you love it or is it considered a four letter word where you live?
Love it don't get it often enough to consider it a four letter word.

5. Can you ski? Do you ski? Are you any good?
No, not on the water or the snow.

6. What quality in your spouse or best friend are you most thankful for?
Hard worker.


7. Describe the coziest spot in your home.
My bed, love sitting in it with all my pillows, reading a good book, with a cup of hot chocolate.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Of the non-traditional Christmas songs I think this one has to be my favorite.  Not sure why, because it always brings tears to my eyes.