Merry Christmas!!!

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For a child is born to us, a son is given to us…. (Isa. 9:6)

May this holiday be filled with laughter and cheer with loved ones near and far.  And may we remember the spirit and love of the precious Gift from our Heavenly Father.  Peace be unto you all.

This is my last post for 2015, but great things are ahead for 2016.  Over the next few days I will be working to update the look and feel of the site, and to make strides to provide more great content.  This is an exciting next step for me, and I hope you will enjoy.

 

 

 

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A #Christmas Mystery: When the 12 Days of Christmas meet Secret Santa – Part 2

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Day 7

“Susan, it costs too much.  It has to go back.”

“Really, Dario? For all we know our lives are on the line.” She shifted her weight to the other foot, considering a way to persuade him. “Besides, we can use the webcam when the baby comes. That way, it’s not a waste of money.”

Dario rubbed the stubble on his chin, “That could work, but I’ll have to leave now. The others will be at the office soon. I’ll need enough time to plant the webcam in the Christmas tree. Then I’ll make sure it’s capturing the right angles. This should be good.”

“I hope so,” Susan wrapped her arms around herself. “I don’t like someone prying into our lives like this.”

“Don’t worry, hun,” he stroked her cheek then bent to look her in the eye. “We’ll know soon.”

Susan hoped so.

Continue reading “A #Christmas Mystery: When the 12 Days of Christmas meet Secret Santa – Part 2”

#Christmas is Around the Corner…Where Did the Time Go???

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This year has certainly flown by.  Seems like it’s only been a couple of weeks since summer was here.  But alas.

The highlight for me around this time of year is Christmas.  I love the peppermint smells, and mugs of chocolatey cocoa, and colorful lights and decorations.  I’m not a fan of snow, but a few sprinkles could add to the festive feel.  It’s these types of things that give me the holiday goosebumps and remind me of certain memories.

Growing up, my brother and I were usually in the Christmas pageant at our church.  He’d usually sing a song and I’d play whatever carole my mom taught me.  In addition, we’d learn a speech at home that we’d recite perfectly only to forget half the words on the night of the pageant.  But we were always excited about be a part and hanging with our friends.

And my mom had us dressed to the nines.  My brother was donned in a blue suit, and I wore a navy ensemble courtesy of my mom’s sewing machine.  Thinking back on that time, I think she was just excited.  On the ride home, we’d drive through the neighborhoods, looking at the Christmas lights and versions of Nativity scenes.  I’d be left with a feeling of giddiness and awe.  And to top off the night, when we got home my mom would make me a cup of cocoa.  Oh, the memories. 🙂

What are some of your favorites for Christmas?  What are your greatest childhood memories?

This Christmas

christmas-tree-xmas-balls-decoration-photoMonica Wilfred-Sullivan and her husband, Chay, live in a posh mini-mansion on the outskirts of Atlanta. They have no children, but adore their cherished tan and black Norfolk terrier named Toto (after Monica’s favorite movie the Wizard of Oz).  Chay is a corporate executive for a major department store, while Monica is a hospital administrator.  Time is often spent in offices or at home on conference calls in front of the computer.  Quality time for the couple is a quick bit to eat at breakfast and a kiss before they hit the sheets at night.  The routine has gone on for so many years that Monica has forgotten when it began.  When the holidays roll around, it’s just like any ordinary day.  This year, Monica wants something different for Christmas.  She is still hyped about her reunion with her family at Thanksgiving and wants to carry that spirit through til….well she just didn’t want it to end.  And why should it?

Sitting at her desk at work, Monica gazed out of her office window.  The sky looked an eery gray – like rain.  She reached into her desk to make sure there’s an umbrella.  There was.  Monica’s always prepared for the worse.  This day’s no different.  She rose, but continued to look out of the window.  As she looked down, she saw a beat up tan Volvo stationwagon speed up to the emergency entrance.  The driver door opened with a frantic man trying to exit, but it appeared that he’s struggling to get loose from his seatbelt.  The passenger door opened, and a right leg emerged.  Then the left.  The occupant was also having a hard time getting out.  By this time, the male driver was on the passenger side trying to help.  With success, Monica could now see that it’s a pregnant woman.  A part of her felt excited for the couple and the birth of a new baby.  The other part felt envious.

Continue reading “This Christmas”

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

il_fullxfull.282473577Christmas is certainly in the air, and has been for quite some time.  Right after all the Halloween candies, costumes, and festivities, homes transform from white paper ghosts to decorative wreaths of red and green.  It’s almost as if Thanksgiving gets bypassed.   The only indicators may be a commercial here or there, or maybe a few aisles in the store decorated with fall leaves and Thanksgiving food items.  While I understand the marketing concept for the early reminders, sometimes I wonder if these things dampen the true meaning of these holidays.

For me, it does not.  Sometimes it helps to enhance.  The two times in the year that I really love are springtime and Christmas.  When it comes to  spring, I love the newness of life.  Birds chirping, beautiful blossoms of white, pink, and yellow, green lush lawns, and skies of pastel blue.  As for Christmas, I love this season because of the birth of Christ and all He represents, the colorful light displays in the residential areas, the smell of holiday cookies, and just the feeling of good cheer.

Continue reading “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas”