My Sweet Santa

My Santa is so sweet, and generous.
Santa decided to gift me yet another camera, replacing the one that took a swim in the ocean.  He asks that it remain in a ziploc bag when near water.  No problem, Santa.  Now if I can only learn all its bells and whistles.
For those of you who scrapbook, you'll know what these are, the rest of you, trust me, they are awesome for a paper hog like me.  Cropper Hopper 12x12 paper storage system, now I can actually organize my paper.
Santa knows I use Fiestaware and that I LOVE coffee.  What Santa doesn't know is I don't like the giant coffee mugs, I don't drink coffee fast enough to drink that much while its hot.  However, he gifted me 5 giant coffee mugs, Fiestaware, of course and I was appropriately appreciative.  I'm thinking they will make great icecream, soup & chili bowls.
I received my first ever 'good' watch this year.   Guess I've upgraded from my $10 Walmart watches.....LOL

Shhhh, don't tell anyone but..........
My oldest stepdaughter gave me my most prized gift.  She gave me a necklace that had belonged to my husband's mother.  I know this is a prized possession, as she died several years ago, and it means alot to me that she thinks that much of me, to allow me to enjoy this as well.

Blessings from God

As I looked at the packages under the tree this morning; as I watched 3 of our children opening gifts it struck me how blessed we truly are.  Both Mike & I are still working and able to meet our bills and have extras.  I was reminded today of God's blessings in our lives, His gifts to us & my being so undeserving.  This is truly unconditional love.  I pray this next year to use the blessings He gives me to further His kingdom.

Snow

Today I have enjoyed watching the snow and taking pictures from the doorway. (Last measurement, around 9p we had over 15" in the Wilmington DE area.) I was glad not to be working or scheduled to work as flights have been a mess the entire day.  I realized this was the first snow storm I have been in since moving to NC over 3 years ago.  I enjoyed seeing the snow fall once again, but thankful I was able to watch it & enjoy it from inside the house.  I am thankful for such close friends (more like family, really) to spend the day with.  I am less than 30min from the Philadelphia airport but really doubt I make it there for my trip tomorrow as it has continued to snow all evening and is forcasted to snow most of the night.  This area has been in a state of emergency since 3p. Most of our flights tomorrow have been cancelled but scheduling wants us to go hang out in the DC airport anyways.  I feel bad for those who had planned to travel this weekend and pray everyone gets where they want to be in time to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Meanwhile, on the west coast, my daughter in law informed me it would be in the 70s and sunshine today!  She is such a brat....lol.  This will be her first Christmas without my grandson (he's 7), as he is spending it in OH with his father.  Please pray for her as I know this is a tough time.  I praise God for a daughter in law that I love so much.
Would you also pray for a dear friend in New York?  She is expecting  and is suffering this first trimester.  Please pray that she will be well enough, physically and emotionally to enjoy celebrating Christmas with her family.

Are you Ready for Christmas?

What does that question mean to you?  Its one I not only hear but also have asked.  I stopped today and thought about what it really means to be 'ready' for Christmas.  For me, it means am I ready to serve Christ; am I ready to be 'uncomfortable' for Christ; to be 'inconvenienced' for my Saviour?  I've been pondering these questions for several months now & realize that I need to put my thoughts into action.  This is why I will be keeping my appointment this afternoon to discuss my volunteering with a local organization.  I realize that the small amount of time I will give to others is miniscule, compared with the sacrifice Christ gave for me.  I plan to make some other changes in my life as well & pray my life will revolve less around 'me' and more around Him.