Chaos and Suffocation -- In a Good Way!

We are having the first of our various Christmas celebrations this weekend with our kids who are coming down from the DFW area. They'll be staying in Jellystone Park in three of the motel rooms on the property.

In preparation for the weekend, I got out all the gifts, the gift boxes, the wrapping paper, the tissue paper, the ribbon & bows, the tape, the scissors, and the name tags. In any household, this is a major deal; in 300ish square feet it is CHAOTIC and SUFFOCATING!

I finally have everything put in boxes to be wrapped so there is a slight sense of order. However, I discovered that, somehow in 300ish square feet, I misplaced a couple of gift cards we were going to give the kids. ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, non-chaotic and non-suffocating Christmas!

A True Christmas Message

Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree,instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

4. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

5. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. Remember the children of those who are in prison; they are not to blame for their parent’s actions.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court.

And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love.

This was sent to me by a friend so I don't know the author; however, it spoke to me and I hope it speaks to you.

I

Invation of the Ladybugs

For the past couple of weeks, we have had ladybugs in our RV and in our cars! In the RV, they are perched on the ceiling, flying around, and (unfortunately) lying dead in the bottom of the shower. In the cars, they pretty much just fly around. Carl's hypothesis is that a female layed her eggs some time ago and they are now hatching.

To the extent we can, we capture them and release them to the great outdoors. I think ladybugs are darling and I know they are good for the environment; however, I must say that I like them a lot better when they are not inside my living (and driving) areas!

Hanukkah at Jellystone

At our dinner together Thursday night, Bill-from-Maryland announced, "It's the beginning of Hanukkah, which means it's time for latkes (potato pancakes). I'd love to make some for our dinner on Friday night." So, when we got home, we got on the Internet and learned that a slow-cooked brisket is a very traditional main course for a Hanukkah.

Friday morning, we put a brisket on to cook all day, we made a green salad with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts, and Bill made latkes (pictured below). Bill and Susan joined us and we had a great time!

Who knew a Hanukkah meal could be so easy to put together!

Evening in San Antonio

We had the best time last night: our friends from Maryland are here and we met them in San Antonio for dinner. We ate at Paesano's on the River Walk and it was FABULOUS!

And the company was even better!

They are coming to New Braunfels today for a look at the way we live -- can't wait!

I' m EMPLOYED!

My best friend is Director of Operations for a retail energy company which is based in Irving, TX: however, she has the bulk of the operations team in New Braunfels. Early last week she approached me with the idea of working on an hourly basis doing special projects for them. Of course, I agreed (no travel, a nice hourly rate, and I get along FABULOUSLY with the boss!). After a couple of days doing some special projects, she told me that one of her employees needed to have some surgery and asked if I would be willing to fill in for her.

It's been 12 years since I've had a job with regular hours! But it's interesting work and it's a great way to build up the "down payment on the house" account!

House Progress Update II

More progress on the house project:

• We had a survey done;
  
• We found a better terms for a construction loan; and
  
• We spent yesterday finding the corners of the house (this requires knowing how to apply the Pythagorean theorum as well as surveying skills -- not for the weak of heart!).

The importance of finding the house corners is that we can now contact a foundation engineer to give us an estimate.

Slowly, but surely, we are collecting estimates; hopefully, we will be able to apply for our construction loan before the end of the year.

Girlfriends

I am one of a group of 8 women who have been friends for more than 30 years. We used to work at the same company so would get together during coffee breaks and lunch hours; a number of years ago we got separated -- some retired, some left to work for other companies -- so we had to create times to get together.

We started Girls' Night Out: we meet at a local restaurant on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for happy hour and dinner. We know that if we have a conflict in any given month, we can see the group the next month.

That wasn't enough togetherness, so we began organizing a Girls' Weekend in early summer. We find a bed & breakfast and spend a leisurely weekend visiting, shopping, reading, playing Trivial Pursuit, etc.

Then we decided to have a special get-together for Christmas: we decided to take a vacation day on the Friday closest to the December 15th payday and go shopping. After shopping we would convene at one of the group's house, do show-and-tell with what we bought, exchange gifts, and have a slumber party. Since most of us are no longer working, we don't adhere to the date around payday, but everything else has stayed the same.

This past weekend was our Christmas get-together; it was great seeing everybody and getting caught up on their lives and their families. Since I've moved to New Braunfels, I rarely get to attend Girl's Night Out so I had a lot of catching up to do.

It's wonderful to have such a great group of friends; we agree that we've probably saved each other hundreds of dollars in therapist fees!