Merry Christmas

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a glad New Year, since it is obvious on this 18th day of December that I most likely will not be sending Christmas Cards this year. Thank you all so much for the cards you have sent, Christmas and encouragement. They are a continuing reminder that you all care and that is such an encouragement.

Please consider this greeting an invitation to share a cup of tea (or coffee) with me. One of the books I have been reading called "Tea time with God" has this to say about tea. "Thinking of 'tea time' evokes pleasant memories of friendships steeping over a hot pot of tea. With the image of a beautifully laid table set with Grandmother's fine china and silver, we recall a finer time of civility, gentility, propriety--when life made perfect sense.

While not everyone observes a formal afternoon tea time, the tradition of breaking for a small repast of tea and cakes can benefit anyone. The rush of the day's activities slows for a moment, shared conversation with a friend turns our thoughts toward being instead of doing, a peace is reestablished in our lives. It is a time to repair our frayed nerves and restore order to a fractured day.

Spending a few moments in the afternoon with the Lord can begin with reviewing the day's events so far. Get any negatives our of the way first, such as a hasty affront to a coworker, or a missed opportunity for doing good. Pray for forgiveness and the opportunity to make restitution. Then express gratitude to God for the prayers He has answered and for His help.
Any time, any day, is a good time for praise, thanksgiving, and forgiveness--but especially so when the heat of the day still lingers and our souls are weary."

I must often remind myself about the benefits of "checking out" of the day's routine and demands for a quiet respite when I feel I can least afford it. I pray this Christmas season that your hearts and souls will be refreshed in God as our bodies and souls are refreshed with a literal "tea time."

Psalm 23:2-3 "He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul."

Updates on our patients.
Arlene (My sister-in-law) is recovering from hip surgery at home, Doing nicely so far.

My niece, Gracie's little adopted Adrianna got the cast off her hip, is at home, but in quite a lot of pain when she has to move.

Brandy's mother, Theresia is still in the hospital, but doing much better. They had to do dialysis to get the fluid off, but don't expect that to be permanent. Her mother, Billie Smith had gall bladder surgery yesterday (Thurs., Dec 16) and is recovering at home.

Gordon has another neck surgery scheduled Dec. 22. Please pray that this one will be successful and heal quickly--no bumps in the road this time (:-)!

Elesha's grandfather had a short stay in the hospital, but his health continues to decline. Has some problems with his heart. Please continue to pray for their family too.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. I literally could not make it without them.