It’s almost that time again! I’m sure you’ve seen the decorations in the stores, the countdowns, and just my excitement alone in this post…Christmas is right around the corner!!
Some of you have probably started making your lists and many of you I know have already started shopping. In fact, I know one friend in particular who already has her Christmas cards ready to be mailed! Pretty soon we’ll be hearing Christmas songs (24/7…lol) and people will be sipping hot cocoa, apple cider, or egg nog. Children (and some of those who are still kids at heart) will be bundled up having snowball fights out back- or for those who live in warmer climates, will be decorating palm trees with Christmas lights while wearing shorts…lol. It’s so much fun this time of year to spread peace, joy, and love to those who are close to us!
But what about those don’t live close to us? Who don’t live in a peaceful, joyous, or loving environment? Those who would rather be sleeping (to fight hunger pains) after working 12-14 hour days than playing? Those who don’t even have shoes to wear? What about those who won’t receive even one Christmas gift? Can you imagine not being able to provide even a piece of candy to your child at Christmas?
Thankfully, Samaritan’s Purse provides a way for generous people, like yourselves, to give a child a special Christmas through its Operation Christmas Child Program: “Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project…”
Would you please fill even one shoebox for a child who would otherwise not receive a gift? You can fill one yourself and drop it off at nearby location (if you live in Winchester, VA, our church Grace Community Church is the regional drop off location) or give online.
Target, Walmart, and other stores usually have a novelty section where you can get toys, pencils, stickers, etc. for $1 or less. I know hard candy is only $0.50 - $1 in the checkout lane. Just imagine what even $5 could mean to a child at Christmas.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me (by clicking the purple envelope at the top of this page), or anyone at Samaritan’s Purse. Please pray about this…”For God loves cheerful giver.” ~2 Corinthians 9:7
One of my favorite things is going to a spa: getting a mani/pedi, Swedish massage, & my hair done. In fact, I think many women would share in this trait. Unfortunately, since we moved to Winchester almost two years ago, I have not found a day spa that compares to my old one, Shapes Day Spa, in Herndon. However, this morning I had THE BEST haircut in years!! “Where?” might you ask? Studio 915 right off Route 7 in Winchester. Scott did an amazing job taking my hair from the (what I call) “just hanging there looking frumpy” look to a perfectly layered style that is full of body (which is something I find hard to accomplish with my thin/fine hair). Now, if he would only expand his hair salon to a full day spa, I’d probably be in there once a week…no pressure though
When I think of spring, I think of bluebirds, blossoming flowers, a nice cool breeze, and animals frolicking about. What I DON’T think of is:
NORTHWEST WIND GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH EXPECTED THROUGH THIS EVENING BEHIND A STRONG COLD FRONT; PARTLY CLOUDY, HIGH 47 (FEELS LIKE 39), LOW 32 (FEELS LIKE 20).
Yes, folks, that is the Winchester forecast for today - the first day of spring. Hmph
Now that my second trimester is underway, every day seems to be better I have no nausea, have more energy, and can actually cook dinner without wanting to pass out! Woo hoo!
This morning has been especially awesome…the girls and I woke up around 7:30, ate breakfast & got ready for the day, homeschooled, and thought it was a good idea to head out “into town.”
By 10:30am we were at Apple Blossom Mall, which I’ve probably only been to maybe 4 times in the year and a half we’ve been in Winchester…what can I say, I will always be a Tyson’s & Garden’s gal.
Motherhood Maternity was a huge success…no pun intended and then it was off to Border’s, where Lilli & Corinne each got to pick out a book.
We were home by 12:30pm, ate lunch, and now the girls are taking a well deserved nap.
What a busy morning! But the girls and I really enjoyed our time together…and are now looking forward to Papa getting home from work later on
Now, I am going to take advantage of my quiet time: kick my feet up, continue to knit a baby blanket I’ve been working on, and turn on an episode of Little House on the Prairie (or as we say, “L-HOP”)
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (NASB)
Today was what I call “perfect weather”- mid 70’s, light breeze, and a few cirrus clouds high in the bright blue sky. A great day to line dry my laundry. Not that I mind hanging my laundry any other [hot and humid] day…lol, but being able to do it on a “perfect” day allowed me to enjoy the rest of God’s creation.
As I took in North Mountain’s scenery: the evergreen trees, cool wind, birds chirping, even the roaming cattle in the field behind us, I realized how much times have changed. I am one of the few who likes - or even has the time - to line dry their laundry (there are reasons for this: saving energy, the scent from the breeze, the aerobic workout: walking to and from - as well as the actual bending and hanging). I hand wash the dishes too- a great arm work out! But that’s another story
People are in such a hurry these days and their priorities are so out of whack: who has the latest fad (I don’t even know what it is now…not watching TV has somewhat eliminated advertisements), who has the best looking car/house/cell phone/handbag/etc, what celebrity has gone into or gotten out of rehab/jail/etc, or how one can lose 20 pounds on a miracle diet in three days.
I wish times would slow down, go back to when people could just say hello in casual passing rather than giving each other cautious looks, lend each other a hand without asking for anything in return, not having to lock the doors at night, my list goes on and on…
Most importantly, I wish times would go back to when the focus was on God rather than other earthly, materialistic “things.”
Luke 6:46-49 (NIV) “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will how you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Some of you have probably started making your lists and many of you I know have already started shopping. In fact, I know 
However, this morning I had THE BEST haircut in years!! “Where?” might you ask? 
I have no nausea, have more energy, and can actually cook dinner without wanting to pass out! Woo hoo!
Powered by FireStats
