Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Merry Christmas....NOT Happy Holidays

As I have traveled from store to store the last couple weeks doing my Christmas shopping, I made up my mind that every time a sales person said "Happy Holidays" and was going to respond with "Merry Christmas". Every single store (and there have been many) I have visited I have been greeted with Happy Holiday or as I am leaving have been told to have a "happy holiday". Well, the very sad part of this is that everytime I said "Merry Christmas" the person always responded to me in a whisper, "Merry Christmas", many times looking around to see who was looking. I had a few actually tell me that they are not allowed to say "Merry Christmas." I had one sales woman who told me she was not allowed to say Merry Christmas but as I was leaving she mouthed Merry Christmas.

I was struck at how sad that our country has come to this place that people are afraid to say, "Merry Christmas," for fear that they may loose their jobs, offend someone or have someone get mad at them.

Should we really wonder why our country is in the place it is when we have so turned our back on God as a nation. I will continue to pray for our country and that the people of our nation will turn their hearts toward God once again and that we can truely once again be a Christian nation that would not be ashamed to declare that we are celebrating "Christmas"

so I would like to wish you all a Very - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"The angel said, Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide. A Savior has just been born.....LUKE 2:10-11 The Message

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I realized today that it has been 10 days since my last post. Since my last post I have been working on some Christmas "projects". These are gifts I am "making" for my family this year. I can not disclose what they are at this time because family members may occasionally check my blog. I will reveal the secret after Christmas.

The "project" has taken alot of time but I believe it will be worth it as everyone sees what it is.

I also had an opportunity during these last 10 days to catch up with a friend that I have not had contact with for about a year. We just both became very busy with our own stuff and lost touch for awhile. I had a great time catching up. We laughed, shared and just enjoyed the moment. My friend has the most beautiful garden in the world (as far as I'm concerned anyway)and I had the privilege to tour and sit in the beautiful garden with a wonderful cup of coffee and just chat. Those moments are what life is all about and I realized how I need to make more room for them in my life.

After connecting with my friend I then watched my younger grand baby from Wed - Sat. Talk about moments that life is all about. Being with a grandchild is one of the best moments in life. We had a great time. Anna is my little adventurer. I have to keep a careful eye on her because she is always curious and into something. She just turned two and is learning all kinds of new skills that are so much fun to watch. She loves to give BIG hugs and I love to get them.












I will end this post with another nugget from my dad that seems especially appropriate at this time. It was his way of saying to Enjoy the "Simple" things in life.

The Joy of Taking Care of Mom
The Joy of Roaming Around the Castle
The Joy of Loving Unconditionally – All the Family
The Wonderful “Large Place” the Lord has provided
The Freedom to Eat, Sleep, Rest and Play - as the Spirit Moves Us.
The Wisdom to Just Delight in Every Second and Minute – We Have Ahead.
The Privilege to Love and Encourage the Children and all the Family