Christmas And The Gift That Will Save Your Life

"For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom can save the life of its owner... The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."   --- Ecclesiastes 7:12, Proverbs 22:3

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Oh dear.

Well, the good news is Tom, Naomi and I are fine, but in nearly 30 years here, we'd never experienced such a ghastly blizzard. Go here if you want to see what our Friday resembled. ( I loved that guy's opening camera idea.)

Our electricity remained on. Now, on Saturday our heater was blowing cold air, but thankfully we figured out why, ourselves, within a half-hour or so. Long, kinda scary story. Let's not go there.

We don't even watch local news, but still, for the prior week online we spied warnings. "Be prepared!," they said. Preaching to the choir, right?  Which reminds me, check this out, below. Just one more reason why it's wisdom and kindness to be a prepper. 

You just never know when others will need what you've thoughtfully collected.

(The Buffalo airport closed on Christmas Eve and isn't due to open until tomorrow, the 28th! Buffalonians are used to snowstorms, but this was tragic-bad. A generational storm they're calling it.)

On Sunday, Christmas, the snow (mostly) stopped, still no snowplows, but the travel ban in our county was downgraded to an advisory. Yet we three were cozily here already and Christmas was lovely. An afternoon turkey dinner,cherry pie and football on tv. 

See my stack of Christmas gift books?

Here's the book second from the bottom:

Also, I received this as a Kindle book:

My favorite game? It's called Books. You place books by genre and alphabetically by author upon your shelves. When you receive new ones, you tuck them amongst your old book friends then later, surprise! Just like at a city library you come across ones you've never before read.

Monday? No additional snow. No city snowplows down our street, either. Neighbor Mike's friend ran his snowblower along our sidewalks.

Today, Tuesday, sunshine this morning! Oh, and mail, the first since last Thursday. (That old saying, "Neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of night...."? Yeah, not here in Buffalo. Been ignored many times in past years, past storms.)  シ

Hmm. No, after all, I'll not share the really bad news with you. Instead, if you wish, you can search for the tragic headlines online. Or watch more videos like from the storm chaser, Reed Timmer (who also helped rescue folks from the snowy chaos).

Coming out of this storm, I realize (more than ever) that the Bible was correct about wisdom. It truly can save our lives if we heed it.

But then, God is always right, whether people take Him seriously or not.

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ..."   --- Proverbs 3:13-18

Which reminds me... today I need to get outside and feed the birds. Oh my. Poor things.

Oh, and if you're brave, check out the frozen houses along the Lake Erie shoreline. Wow. Other years have looked similar, but I think this is the worst.

Please join us in praying for the families of those who lost loved ones in such tragic ways.

SNOW ANGELS: One local snowmobile group rescued dozens of people during the storm and took essential workers - including nurses, police officers and doctors - to work safely!!! (story and photo courtesy of WKBW)

Oh and when I wasn't watching football or movies or reading my new books, I was watching first-time reactions to It's a Wonderful Life over at Youtube. I admit, I was giggling at how so many young folks were crying over the ending and declaring this the best Christmas movie, ever. Oh, how it did my heart much good!

“Do not turn away from wisdom and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom."   --- Proverbs 4:6,7

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Miracles. They Come In All Sizes, You Know.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.   --- Hebrews 11:1

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Remember our need for an air-purifier? Online we searched until becoming dizzy with choices, then guess what?

Yesterday Tom and Naomi drove to the Salvation Army store and found a basic, like-new air-purifier for half-off. Five whole dollars.

Yep! A Christmas miracle which we super appreciate because just that morning--oh my--I mailed a (huge-ish) check to our insurance company for Tom's leg brace because they said (pretty much), "Hey. Can't fool us. Who really needs a leg brace?"

Tom does, that's who. Sheesh. Early December, he stood at the front door talking to our gutter cleaner guy and his leg gave way. He fell. He was only standing, and Honey, this was not a first time

Gracious. Letters from his doctor and phys. therapist weren't enough so Tom will fight this, probably with a video and more letters.

Oh, and did I mention that Snowmaggedon is heading our way? (Yikes!)

Anyway, be it in my mind or reality (who cares?), the purifier helps. Also, I stopped steaming water on the stove. Years past, it helped, but this year, I wonder. And where I can reach, I'm cleaning-out our vents.

How important this understanding: 

I have a part. God has a part. Praying God will do everything, well, that's cheating and only works when truly we are helpless.

Well, I'm not there yet. You know, helpless.

Like, for days I could no longer read books at Open Library, a tragedy for this bibliophile. I asked them what might be wrong, they said, "Update your browser, Lady. We no longer support all of them, ya know."

Well, not in the mood for that, I searched for other online libraries, yet oh dear. Open Library is the best. But then I found the oddest solution (Tom said it was terrific news, but makes no sense.) 

What did I do? I visited Open Library via a Bing search, instead. Success! 

The older I become, it seems the more I must fix things, even including myself. Never considered myself high maintenance before, but color me on the trail to that place. Annoying.

But what I daily remind myself (after telling myself to stop complaining)? All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.

And it will. And is. Even now what matters is that I keep all well within my soul while waiting for my outside world to catch up.

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."   --- James 2:17

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much."   --- Luke 16:10

Oh, and for the record, Tom has had the leg brace for weeks.

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A smile for my fellow bibliophiles:

Speaking of that, this young man made the most beautiful library from a closet. 

You can fast-forward, of course, to see the end result, but along the way he gave decorating advice, such as the importance of symmetry, etc. Anyway, wow. Immediately afterward I wanted a library like his and asked God to place one in my heavenly mansion in addition to the larger one I've already asked for, of course.  シ

Here's the latest TCM Remembers. To all those folks who used the acting gifts God gave them: thank-you. Much.

And of course, I'm wishing all my faithful readers the very sweetest and merriest of Christmasses!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Heaven? Here? Seriously?

"... your kingdom come, 

your will be done

on Earth

as it is in Heaven."   --- Matthew 6:10

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Do you ever read books written by folks after they had peeks of Heaven? 

I do, and beginning that insane year of 2020 my imagination often flies up to Heaven for peeks of its own.

In Heaven, you never sit down at a table so to pay your bills. You don't even need money there(!) At stores you chat with the person who created what you're wanting and she lets you carry it home, free, with her blessing.

In Heaven, no one's in a sour mood. Nobody feels offended when others make plans not involving them. Freedom of choice is peacefully respected. Unity of heart is consistent.

Supreme gratitude floods every person's soul and hurt feelings are non-existent.

In Heaven, no one's complaining that the lights are too bright or the music's too loud or not to their taste. All creative talent is valued and seen as first being birthed by creator God, Himself.

In Heaven, everyone uses their unique gift(s) to serve others, making Life run smoothly, delightfully, perfectly. People appreciate all talents/gifts, are contented and busy with their own, and are jealous of none.

And oh, the bakeries in Heaven!

In Heaven, folks always learn new-to-them truth, facts, skills, history and whatever else they've always wanted to know. And no teacher or 'sharer' is ever annoyed when skillfully instructing others. They were created for this.

In Heaven, true Christmas is a constant. It's never pushed aside for later.

In Heaven, no one is ever lonely. Jesus so completes them, contentment is constant, there's always worship, church, concerts, celebrations, theatricals, etc. and friends abound every time you'd like one.

There's endless more, of course.

But what surprises me about that list? It's how much of it is available to live-out here on Earth. How many items we can experience, become good at now with the Holy Spirit's help!

Oh, how much of Heaven truly is available even now upon Earth (with much more to arrive, I believe).

Remember this Bible verse?

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."   --- Romans 12:18

Yeah. It's a bit like that. His will is that we get along, love, as much as it depends upon us. A living in peace now so to practice for our wonderful life ahead.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven."

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace ... through love, serve one another."   --- 1 Peter 4:10, Galations 5:13

Another way to view what I've stated in this post? It's rather like preparing for a trip abroad. You know, so you'll be ready when you arrive and visit there, rather than being shocked and having to learn everything as you go. (Or something like that.)  ツ

God needs us to heal so to help others, so to be a light and spread His hope!

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And as I shared at Facebook:

My heavenly home? I'm thinking it will look a bit like this, below. Or maybe a lot. (Tom will live next-door. His home will be more craftsman-ish.)   

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(If anyone wants to share a photo in the comments of what theirs might resemble , I'd love to see it!)

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I meant to share this last October. It's a woman's home which, from the outside, looks like a typical ranch house, but she's used her imagination inside to make it special and unique!

May your thoughts of Heaven help comfort you, especially this time of year.

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

December Thoughts

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."   ---Psalm 37:4

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Still here!

Finally I figured-out why I spent this week's afternoons on the red couch with a blanket and Daniel The Cat. Allergies. Just annoying, foggy-brained-come-and-go-sniffly allergies. Tom and even Daniel have them, too, which yeah, probably means we should buy an air purifier. 

We're looking into it.

Well, I'm thinking it takes a brave--or insane--person to take December off, count her blessings, and relax, instead.  ツ 

Oh, I've done a little decorating. Mailed two Christmas cards. Ordered some gifts. But here it is December 16th already. Good gracious!

And as I often tell you, I much prefer keeping a more natural style of Christmas all year long. A monthly giving of surprises to others and noticing ones God sends, as well. Fairy lights, music, candles, a continuous joyful spirit and having Jesus on my mind 24/7. 

I prefer that lifestyle rather than cramming it all only into one month. Er hem.

Anyway. I forgot to tell you how God, in November, surprised me with another could-only-be-from-Him gift.

See, in 2018 I ordered this Kindle book:

A compilation of vintage teen mystery books, after I finished one titled, The Mystery of the Fires, I thought, "Oh, that was special, the best one!" It whisked me away to 1930's vacation bungalows and families spending summers canoeing, swimming, eating meals at a dining cabin and having organized events, also.

Relaxing and a bit reminiscent of Gone Away Lake. Almost could I smell the pine trees-- it felt that real.

Does anyone else appreciate kindle books and those from Open Library--and yet--you'll always prefer holding books within your hot little hands?

Yeah, me too.

Yet back in 2018, yikes! Actual copies of Mystery of the Fires (via a Bookfinder search) were pricey. So I told myself just be thankful for your Kindle edition. And I was. 

Fast forward to November. With a small heart flame of hope, I searched again and oh! Found a decently-priced copy of The Mystery of the Fires. A new copy, but hey. I could hold it in my aforementioned hot little hands.

The book arrived and with a very self-published vibe, yet (I told myself) I'll take it. Treasure it.

Then I turned to the back of the final page where this is written:

Made in the USA

Columbia, SC

10 November 2022

Wow. God had nudged me to look again the very month this book was republished. I had goosebumps!

And this I know: God pays attention. 

He numbers our head's hair, collects our tears, watches each sparrow drop from the sky. And as long as He remains most important--and we give what He asks to others(forgiveness included)-- freely He sends us the lesser-in-comparison desires of our heart.

If we truly believe. All year long.

When I'm not feeling well I try to find a balance between resting and yet not totally hiding away from a world who needs encouragement.

God has a part. We have a part. Oh, the wonderful things which happen when we both do our parts!

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Thought my vintage squirrel could spend the winter inside, away from the snow this year. I also framed the Christmas tree from Randi Lynn Reed's calendar.

I ordered two more tassles. The 'Believe sign' and the Christmas balls and beads were from Dollar Tree years ago.

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Oh joy! Cassie at Youtube reacted to the very Christmassy, While You Were Sleeping. She loved it--of course--and what a joy to watch her discover this sweet film.

And Ariel posted two new videos! (Always my day becomes special when she does.) Go here and here.

Oh! And here's a nice Christmas music playlist from Youtube.

Be sure to make God smile by noticing all of His blessings!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Slow Lane Christmas

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."   ---Philippians 4:7

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For who-knows-why, I check local real estate online every single day. Some things just cannot be explained, ok?  ツ

Mostly I view inexpensive houses and usually they're not (shall we say) decorated like magazine photos. Yet last week I discovered this living room photo and wow! Fell in love:

Click to enlarge.

The coziness, right? The simplicity, the contentment. The using of what one owns rather than dashing to Hobby Lobby for bags of cheap stuff. The stopping at the right moment, knowing she's hit the perfect note. 

All of it shows.

And see? Here's one simple reason for sharing our gifts. Just viewing this living room reminded me to stop thinking, "Hey! It's already December 3rd and I'm running behind. Or feel like it. Hurry, hurry!" 

(Anyone else catch themselves thinking 'must hurry' ponderings?)

I spied this photo and thought, "Debra, just do what you can to create a cozy atmosphere. One where you and your family can meditate about the real reason for Christmas. Hold onto peace and you'll know sweet rest."

I can do that. And while still feeling only around 87 percent of usual (see previous posts), I'll keep relying upon the Holy Spirit to show me and help me do what truly matters this December month--and leave alone what does not.

And with His wise help, it will all get done, much better than with my own thoughts and choices, even if 'all' appears less this time.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."   --- John 14:27

A great help to me, especially in December? My online Master To Do List. Monday through Sunday I refer to this, then on a slip of paper, add the few tasks for the day. Took me around 3 weeks to perfect this, but after years, still, I'm amazed how most everything seems to almost-magically get done this way.  (Email me if you'd like a copy of mine for an example. Gladone4@protonmail.com)

And as I wrote at Facebook:

The death of someone so full of life as Kirstie Alley has reminded me that it all goes by so fast. Enjoy Life! Enjoy God on our way to spending eternity with Him!

(And for me, Kirstie was the only one who made Twitter actually fun.)

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The Do It On a Dime gal does it again with Christmas craft ideas from Dollar Tree!

Randi Lynn Reed made a cozy mellow Christmas music video. So many varied Christmas playlists at Youtube this year!

And here's a video which messes with your mind if you do what it says, then pretend you can't get out! Go here to see what I mean.  ツ

Every year I remind myself, "Life will go on just fine if I don't get all the December stuff finished by the 31st!"   :)

December's a wonderful time to ask ourselves if we've become a type of 'Scrooge' the rest of the year. Oh, the sadness of a bitter, disappointed Christian, especially when she doesn't realize what she's become!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

My Adventure With 'It's Okay To Not Feel Okay'.

"No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize... We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ ..."   --- 1 Corinthians 9:27, 2 Corinthians 10:5

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Right off? Some of you will vehemently disagree. But hey, this was my experience so what are ya gonna do?  シ

Lately, everybody (it seems) and her Aunt Betty has quipped, "It's okay to not feel/be okay." When even my favorite teacher said it, I thought, "Hmm. That's odd. Doesn't sound like her at all."

To be fair, I didn't listen many minutes to anyone who stated this. Did they even quote any scripture for it? All I felt was uneasy, like, "There's something 'off' about giving permission to stay 'under'."

Of course, I understand the reasoning. None of us should feel guilty if we have a bad day. We shouldn't assume anyone is having 24/7 joy, success, victory. Life can be difficult--even tragic!

But I'm not talking about recovering after tragedy (in case you wondered). No, I get needing time and quiet to heal.

Today I mean--for me--there's just something weird about allowing oneself to sink, say, for more than a day and to not seek to feel and be better again. To choose even a temporary just-go-with-the-sad-flow lifestyle.

Anyway, recently I woke up feeling, OLD. Tired. 

Like, weary of the occasional dizziness and that fatty cyst on my head and praying daily both will dissolve. Tired of too many friends having covid right now. Tired of workmen in my house (the latest ones installed new basement outlets and rewired what guys had done wrong and today the inspector might/not arrive).  Tired of certain folks' attitude toward me and their snippy words. And okay, tired of our corrupt government and needing to wait patiently with anticipation for God to make huge corrections.

So. This will sound funny, but that morning I thought, "Hey. I'm gonna try out that 'It's okay to not feel okay' thing. 

I won't remind myself of 'be strong' Bible verses. I'll give myself a break. Won't watch what I say or speak firmly to myself to knock-off the self-pity thoughts. Won't search for others to encourage or for corrective teaching; I'll just read cozy books, watch Youtube and if I sulk, I'll remind myself I'm taking a day off from seeking God's manifest presence and being strong in Him. I'm allowing myself to not be okay."

Oh my goodness. Worst day I'd had in years! I hated it.

And Honey, I'm never gonna try that experiment again. No way. No, no, no.

Maybe I won't 'strike a blow to my body' like the Apostle Paul mentioned, but I'll never again give it that much slack. Instead, if something feels wonky, I'll seek more of God and ask Him how to repair it. Where to go. And how I climbed down to those low places. Where/why/when I took wrong steps. And how to climb up and stay out! 

Well, you get it. And as always, you're totally free to live as you wish. 

But as for me, dear Reader, the next time I don't feel okay, I'll ask God for clarity and help. He provides a daily joy to those willing to make sacrifices of humility for it--

--and oh, that's what I want. The daily joy which translates to every day strength.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."   --- James 1:2-4

The shorter time one lets herself go, the faster she (and God) will be able to pull her back together.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."   --- James 4:10

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Oh, and I'm not talking about taking the occasional day off. We all need those! No, again for clarification, I'm talking about living with being down and not asking (or expecting) God to lift us back up.

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Not feeling too Christmassy around the house yet? This may help.

Did you know the Angela Lansbury film, Mrs 'arris Goes to Paris is free at Youtube?

Wow, the most relaxing video, ever. Watch this especially if you love the snow, but not actually being out in it.  ツ

"We are hardpressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15