Grocery Shopping

Today I'm shopping with a list. It makes it easier to say "No" to the big kid in my life who's always putting stuff in the cart when he thinks I'm not looking. Trying to keep him eating healthy is no easy feat. But this is the "before the company gets here" trip. Wild shopping ensues: m&m's; bread;apples;potato chips;popcorn;bugles;whitechocolate chips;meat; I know what you're thinking "that all sounds necessary" The problem is we eat all that stuff too, and don't need a bit of it. But the rest of the gang might starve if we don't have a full fridge. So, it's off to the grocery store just to make sure there's no empty stomachs over the weekend. Let's just hope we don't break the bank!

Time to Clean!

Friday is a big day here. The kids (well, 2 of the 3 anyway) are coming.

There's something wonderful about having company. Even if it's just your kids. It's my perfect motivation for Cleaning! (it's also a great way to get hubby to help, too) They do realize I'm not normally neat. They have seen my house totally askew. But there is something to be said for having clean bathrooms, made beds, swept, washed, polished, scrubbed, and put away- everythings. It makes it easier to relax. To not think about what's at home that looks this messy and even more-it makes them feel welcome! Well, at least that's the message I hope they're getting. They are so Welcome! In a way that's a take on my spiritual life too. It's Christmas season. I am saying, "Welcome, little one, to a pretty messy world, but to my heart that has turned to You. I've swept and I've scrubbed. I'ts not perfect. But I'm so glad You're here."

Let it Snow

With the prediction of snow, or freezing ice for tomorrow all I can say is: Let's ski! My cross country skiis are collecting dust. So I could use a good work out in the morning with a great ski... Well, where remains a mystery yet. The streets sometimes work if I get out early enough. The golf course can be hard slogging since no trail gets groomed there. Oh well, the skiis look pretty enough standing up next to the house. Maybe I'll just walk around and admire them. That should work. We'll see in the morning!!

The First Cup

For some 30 odd years I skipped the coffee in the morning. (In the afternoon and evening too. I never touched the stuff) What was wrong with me? I loved the smell of it. My parents always drank coffee. I could have used it during college. And it's a very social thing to do. I was always invited to sit and drink coffee while I visited, waited, or studied. Instead, I spent all my time turning it down. So what momentous event occurred to change me into a coffee-a-holic? I took a trip to England. Of all places to learn to drink coffee in the land of high teas! But that's exactly what happened. Their tea was way too strong for my taste. So in a small resurant in Coventry I had a wonderful cup of coffee. I fell in love. I became a coffee connoisseur. Everywhere I was guzzling coffee. I found: It's best drunk out of a ceramic cup. Distilled water makes it even better. Grinding my own beans fresh every morning is wonderful. Flavors are ok but I'd rather have the strong French roast kind and perhaps add some cream. No sugar. My husband knows just how I like it and can make a fine cup, though he will never drink it himself. (Odd). Now I even get Birthday, Christmas Mother's Day and anniversary presents of Coffee. Actually this is none too soon either as we have TWO coffee shops in town and I can indulge in the best kind whenever I need to pamper myself.

A poorly worded version of "The night before Christmas"

'Twas the week before christmas and all through the house boxes and wrapping paper were strewn all about. The dog and the cat play happily, no worries for them about christmas visitors yet to arrive. The baking half done and groceries yet to procure; The turkey needs to thaw, the pies have to be baked, and what games shall we play or movies shall we watch? Do I need to have a plan or can we just talk?

No snow or a blizzard has yet made a show. I'm caught in the trap that's right out my door-commerialism, and glitter only making me want more.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear-children in costumes and singing bright songs

reminding me of Christmas and the reason to cheer.

Jesus, a baby come to meet my deepest need-which I find not in presents, in trees or in glitter. Not in the snow, the elves or the baking. Christmas is quite simple it seems-

just the manager to remind me that plain is fine.

So on with the WORD and on with Good Cheer, Salvation has come as the Angels have declared.

"Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord". Amen.