Christmas 2009

I spent a very quiet day today with my wonderful husband. We had a delicious steak dinner and relaxed. Because of the ice, it just didn't make sense to try to go anywhere. Tomorrow family members will be here to celebrate and I look forward to that "busyness." I haven't written in awhile and I'm not sure why--guess the time just went by quickly. God has been helping me to take my focus off "my problems" and try to think of others--particularly in my prayer life. I have a whole list of people that need prayer. I also note that many have problems that are far more serious than my own. I plan to spend more days quietly at home this winter--I often do less in winter but have made some conscious choices that will keep me at home and I hope to work on crafts/pictures and some cleaning/organizing projects. I also hope to have the energy to invite people over for dinner or dessert in the quiet winter months. God's blessings for 2010 on everyone reading this. May we love, serve, and model Jesus to the people we meet.

Joy

My husband and I just finished off the production of It's a Wonderful Life that we were involved with--he playing the part of George Bailey and I directing. It was fun seeing a project come to life and interacting with the other participants.

About Thursday of this week circumstances seemed to look better (after a really terribly trying week) and I seem to have found my joy. I am so sorry to admit that I have been despondent the past 2 1/2 months. I was adjusting to new meds, I had the flu for a couple of weeks, and circumstances were very bleak. Problems kept piling up one on top of the other and I was having difficulty with all this. I know that "joy" comes from the Lord and that in spite of the circumstances He is doing good in my life and those around me but I really was struggling. I'm thankful to God for lifting my cloud and giving me this season--however short it may be--to not be concerned about problems.

I am just now going to get ready to do my preparations for Christmas. I haven't done any decorating, shopping, or even planning. I want to enjoy this time and not rush around "doing" so we'll see how I can do just taking my time. I love decorating the house and want it to be fun and not a chore.

Thank you Jesus for restoring my feeling of joy. I know I had the joy of the Lord all the time but I wasn't feeling any joy in my heart!