We are still here in Michigan, but the weather hasn't been too extreme thus far. In fact, we've had no accumulation of snow this month as of yet. We've even had mild weather, one day up into the 50's. So as long as the roads are dry, no matter the temperature, I am getting out to walk. My only complaint is that it is so overcast most of the time...seems like sun rarely shines through. Therefore there is a dreariness about the days.
I'm a person who likes to keep busy. I haven't found the outlets I need to keep me active. This is a flaw within me. I like to be busy, but I don't know where to look for what works. I'm spending way too much time watching Hallmark movies, UP channel movies, game shows, and HGTV. I read also, but I'm just sitting around too much!!
Our plans have changed for our Christmas family get together. We are not going to Branson after all. I was able to find another family who wanted to use our unit. The timing was just not working out for our family as a whole. So we are going to spend a few days in Chicago and a few days in St. Louis, with family. I have prepared games to play and prizes to win...our only form of "gift exchange" this year. The real gift is being all together.
I gave my husband his Christmas gift two weeks early. We stopped by our local kennel and picked up Daisy, a 5 yr old Jack Russell, and have brought her home for two weeks foster care. She has lived in the kennel for two years...no one wants to adopt a Jack Russell, I guess. We do not prefer that breed either, but we don't mind giving her a two week break from the kennel. She's actually a very good dog. She hardly barks at all, very rare when she does. She loves to play tug-of-war and chase and go for walks. She's quite active, which is good for my husband...he needs a diversion from his computer now and then. Daisy is highly trainable, so he is teaching her tricks. She also likes to lay in our laps when we are relaxing. She sleeps in a pen at night. One of the best behaved dogs I've ever been around. It will be hard to take her back, but we are not ready for a full time commitment to another dog yet. We want to be moved and settled again before we take on a new family member. We plan to rent, and some places do not allow pets, so we want to keep our options open.
I was teaching a women's Bible Study this fall on the book of Galatians. That ended last week. It was a good study, averaging about 12 women. We brought finger foods, punch, and coffee to our last meeting and stayed behind talking and eating. If we have another study, it won't be until spring when the weather is more dependable. Most of the women are elderly, and I won't ask them to come out in ice and snow and frigid temperatures, to protect their health.
I had a walk down memory lane last week. I went to visit cousins from both sides of my family...reliving times past, and catching up on current events in the families. I don't do that too often, so it was good for me to be with them.
This weekend we are celebrating Paul's mom's 80th birthday. She has a twin, so we will be celebrating with both of them. It's an occasion where both of their families will be getting together...a nice party for them. So now I will be with Paul's maternal side of the family. Holidays are all about getting together with others...families and friends, right? That's what makes them more enjoyable.
I haven't sent Christmas cards out for quite a few years...ever since emailing became the mode of communication. However, this year I felt like I wanted to send cards with notes to let people know how much they mean to me. We came through our toughest year financially, and it was through prayers and loving support that we made it. So I have spent the last few days writing notes in the cards and mailing them out. The last batch goes out today. I have particularly focused on the lonely, the elderly. My heart goes out to them.
Jesus is still the Reason for the season. He is my everything...He is my all. Through my quiet times with Him, I have strength to face my days. I want to represent Him well. That is my true purpose in life. Thank you for taking time to read this post. May you sense the love of Jesus in your heart in this moment.
