COUNTING BLESSINGS

Some straw would look pretty, 

but this way it's always there 

for the grandangels to play with - 

without the mess!

And yes, the Wise Men are much

further away as they come to

visit the Christ Child later

when He lives in a house!

166. Christmas memories – actually all life’s memories – good, bad, sad, fun etc.! Working with seniors with various degrees and varieties of dementia has given me a heightened sense of appreciation and gratitude for the memories of my life. I hope you cherish your memories and always look forward to creating new ones!

167. Advent Calendars – the countdown to Christmas for me always begins with the 1.Advent. I fondly recall the beautiful calendar my parents pulled out each year. Here is the story that goes with that.  

 168. Gerda – a lady I met last week at the German Grocery store, which I visit once a year to buy some specialty food items, especially for Christmas. She was ahead of me going through the check out counter. She had four big bags full. She asked the clerk to call her a taxi. She was hard of hearing and lots of miscommunication was going on – she speaking German and the clerk being young having limited knowledge of German. To top it off it seemed the cab company was not answering the phone.

I still had my identification tag from work around my neck and introduced myself. Showing her my tag, I offered the lady a ride home and wondered if she would trust me! No hesitation on her part – she lived in a highrise tower on my way home. We piled her heavy bags into the trunk and were on our way. She chatted and asked questions while I drove. When I answered she couldn’t hear me well at all. She asked what church I was with. She thought she had seen me before. We hadn’t. She complimented me on my excellent driving. Out of the blue she told me that she stopped going to church because someone said that she could not bring her young disabled son to the church with her. Misunderstandings perhaps? Disruptive child? Mean-spirited people? I don’t know, but God knows and cares. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she was a believer, loved Jesus and that she especially loves Christmas. Her son is 60 and still lives with her. No one ever thought he would live that long. Gerda is 95. I wrote down my name and number as she requested should she want to keep in touch. As we hugged good-bye, I still shared words of comfort and encouragement with her. As I drove away she blew me a kiss! I think I got a special Christmas present early!

169. A cup of hot cocoa on a chilly night.

170. A friend’s heart in prayer – nothing is more encouraging and a heartfelt joy in my journey of faith!

171. Christmas music – read some interesting articles about the theological and biblical correctness of some of the music we sing. Lots to think about!

172. Always learning new things! Someone wrote in my autograph book when I was in grade 8. “I used to think I know; I know I must confess, the more I think I know, I know I know much less!“ Love visiting other people’s blogs and learning something I had not known or thought about before.

173. Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day! I have a wonderful feeling that God will bless us today!

174. Staff meetings – ok, bear with me here, I’m trying to convince myself, lol!!

175. The remote control – sometimes I get to use it! I’m really very good at it. I especially love the little red button. When I scroll through the guide and find nothing view worthy on, I actually know how to turn it off! I just know the choices won’t improve if I go scrolling through again and again. 

176. Candles – they create a warm, peaceful glow and I do put them on throughout the Christmas season. Then, that’s it for another year!

177. Knowing how to drive. Gerda never drove a car in her 95 years of life.

One of the drivers next to us on a parking lot,

taking a rest waiting for his wife to bring out the coffee!

178. Public transportation – for people like Gerda and for the many years our families were dependent on it.

179. My house plants – I’ve really scaled back but have put my Norfolk Island Pine in the spotlight for Christmas. I’ve got a box of mini-mini decorations that maybe the grands could put on the tree when they come - even if it's after Christmas!

180. The photos of my grands on our fridge! Here’s hoping we’ll get the newest photos as a gift for Christmas! 

When you look at others 

with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you 

His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. 

Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, 

nor your home on high.