Random Thoughts/Experiences before Christmas...

"On a good day, enjoy yourself,
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days,
So that we won't take anything for granted."
From Ecclesiastes 7

1. The scripture has nothing to do with Christmas, just part of my bible reading that made me stop and ponder.

2. My youngest came up with a brilliant gift idea for her dad, who is very difficult to buy for. A recliner - so he could lay in comfort while he listens to the hockey games on the radio (instead of scrunched up on the loveseat). Finally found a day where both girls and me could go looking. Stopped at Leons. Found the perfect chair, for a fantastic price but they are out of stock, 6-8weeks for delivery. Should we buy? Had a conversation with a fellow shopper who gave us his view and said if it was in stock he would buy it, told us about the good service and furniture quality of Leons. We decided to buy. Fellow shopper offered to take pictures of us around the chair so we could give them to Murray on Christmas day. Leon's gave us a Christmas "gift" - a figure of a Christmas bear playing hockey - at that point we all decided that this was the right choice!

3. Had a tooth pulled on Monday. Double ouch because I procrastinated way too long in dealing with the tooth. It kept falling apart. So it wasn't a "freeze and yank" but a "freeze, try and yank, fall apart, drill away, try and pull some more, cut the gum open, get the rest of the tooth and sew me up." Again, my own fault. Ow!

4. My daughters friend bought me a Christmas gift. Okay it was a Dairy Milk chocolate bar but the fact is she still got it for me and then presented it to me. I sometimes wonder about the friends my daughter hangs out with - the negative influence they may have on her but that moment reminded me that she has found some really good friends as well. Thank you Lord.

5. I also have a wonderful friend, who came to visit on Tuesday and ended up doing a lot of my housecleaning and helped me get groceries. A friend who makes me smile and laugh when I am down, who is compassionate and loving, has encouraged and supported me over the years. She is one of those people that make you feel loved and appreciated - has the true spirit of Christmas within her all year long.

6. My children sleep in way to long... though I know I did the same at their age.

7. I have 2 more gifts to buy but I'm procrastinating going out and getting them...oh bother - just today and tomorrow left and today I'm getting my hair done...

8. Trivia for the season: The word "X-mas" is derived from Greek, in Greek, X symbolized Christ. Franklin Pierce was the first USA President to decorate the White House with a beautiful adorned Christmas tree. Christmas cards were invented in 1843. People began to use electrical lights on their trees in 1895.

9. I am richly blessed.