Unexpected gifts

I love gifts. What about you?  Do you appreciate those unexpected gifts that make life a bit easier? As we grow older, we realize that gifts do not have to have material value.  Sometimes it may be the gift of extra time on your schedule. When your schedule clears you discover you are able to share special time with a loved one.

Around the Christmas holiday, consumers may be captured by the frenzy of Black Friday Sales, Cyber Sales, Green Monday Sales, Buy Black Monday Sales, and After Christmas Sales. Bargain shoppers are able to enjoy many discounts and half price sales.

Sometimes we may discover gifts we don’t want to unwrap.

One on line article describes suffering as a gift from God.

“No one likes to think of suffering as a gift of God. Often people use the circumstances around them as a way of determining whether or not God is pleased with them. Too often, people think that if things are going well then God must be pleased with them and if things are not going well then it must mean that God is trying to get their attention or punishing for something they had done.”

Unknown Author

Suffering in the midst of holidays is difficult. Suffering may take shape in many ways. It may be an unexpected death of a loved one, misunderstandings between friends, a failed pregnancy, financial difficulties, or illness.

Yet, in the midst of suffering, we may discover God’s presence afresh.  We may sense the comfort and peace of God. Friends may offer help. Neighbors may offer meals.

If we look for an example of how to handle suffering… we have a perfect model in our Savior the Lord Jesus.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Water is the only 
drink for a wise man."
Henry David Thoreau

glorifies the Lord

And Mary said:
My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he had been mindful
of the humble estate of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me -
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him.
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but he has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but he has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.
Luke 1:46-55 (NIV )

Pet of the week, Kitty

I forgot the name of this kitty. When we were traveling in South Carolina last month, I took this picture.Then, I quickly forgot the name of this gorgeous cat.
I think nameless pets need to be recognized.
😸

Friendship Friday

"Only those who care about you can hear you when you are quiet."

Unknown

It has been several months since this group of friends gathered at Maureen's home. Last night, we reconnected over dinner and prayer. No evening would be complete if our time together was not peppered with stories and laughter. 
Do you have a safe place to share and be real with friends? Do you need a quiet space to talk with a friend.  The holidays may be a perfect time to make plans to meet over a cup of coffee.

Our bonds of friendship are held together by the love of God.

I love that our time ends in prayer.

As we give our petitions to  Almighty God to we trust in His love and grace.

Wordless Wednesday

God extends grace ...

"I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace, greater than the hardship, and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than we were before."
Andy Griffith

Tasty Tuesday

"It is more important to eat some carbohydrates at breakfast,
because the brain needs fuel right away,

"Say Good Morning to your body
eat breakfast."
Unknown
This stick figure is at a First Watch in 
Lexington.

and carbohydrates is the best source."
Andrew Weil

Light of the world...

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 8:13 (NIV)

Hello December

Advent, Christmas, Hymns,  anticipation,  blinking lights,  sparkling decorations, candles, trees, cards, greetings, open houses, gifts, mistletoe, holly, reindeer, Christmas break, stockings, crafts, cookie exchanges, bows, wrapping papers, parties, gift exchanges, Hallmark movies, schedules, weight gain, laughter, tears, joy, grudges, forgiveness, hope, celebrating the birth of the Messiah,
the Light of the world,

December, I love you.