Christmas Practical!

We've gone 'practical' this year. Instead of giving one another gifts on Christmas Day my husband and I decided to shop AFTER the holidays to take advantage of sales. We bought each other matching heating pads for our beds and matching throw rugs for our bathroom floor. I'm laughing as I write this, but in truth, it's just what we both wanted and needed. But more important, by delaying our gift exchange we focused on the real meaning of Christmas on the day itself. Jesus came to save and to heal. We are so grateful for this--the greatest gift of all.

Imagination!

Our grandson Miles, shown here with Granddad (my husband Charles), after Miles created these lovely images with colored wooden tiles on our living floor. He told us last night that he gets pictures in his mind and then he can make things. "It's my imagination," he said. Indeed it is. He inspired me. I used my imagination today to finish two chapters of my novel-in-progress. We can learn so much from the little ones in our lives who are uncluttered and unfettered.

Rainy Day

I'm tucked inside today--ready to hunker down and complete some work before family members arrive next weekend for Christmas. Our home––inside and out––is decorated beautifully, thanks to my husband Charles. I'll be looking through cook books (I get inspired at this time of year) and planning meals for the coming days. I feel so blessed to have family around me, to have a lovely home, good transportation, caring friends, and a career I enjoy--even after 35+ years. But most of all, I'm grateful for Jesus Christ--my Lord, my friend, my Savior. I look forward to celebrating the anniversary of His birth, the best gift of all.

The Power of Prayer

Today I'm thinking of my writing colleague Kristy Dykes, our friend Mark Allen, and others who are experiencing health challenges during this season. Lord, please put your loving arms around each one, and send a shower of grace and peace and mercy on each one who is suffering.

Time Out

I've been gone for nearly a week, visiting various people and places in Southern California--taping a radio show for American Family Living in Orange, visiting our son in Calabasas, relatives in San Diego and friends from our former church when we lived in that city. And the last night we spent with my sister June and her husband Harry in Riverside. It was a time of fun, family, and friends. We're especially grateful to our 'sister' Glenda who hosted us while we were in Pacific Beach. A few weeks ago she visited us. The photo of Glenda and me here is in front of my house. Charles and I enjoyed playing Monopoly with Glenda and her daughter (our adopted granddaughter) Sarah, trimming their tree, and sitting around talking and relaxing together. It's always good to be home but it's also good to get away. I gain perspective and deepen my sense of gratitude. I lead a blessed life and I'm thankful for it. And I'm also grateful for the wonderful people who share their lives with me.