So my favorite blue earring from Bean has been missing for at least a week if not two. Yes, now that I think upon it, I believe I wore them two weeks ago Sunday. Well I have gone in and out of the house many many times over the last two weeks and nothing. Saturday, a Christmas miracle happened. After Tom swept the walk to prepare for our company I came into the house from the driveway and there on the walk was Bean's earring, laying in the middle of the cement piece.

Behold ... a miracle!

Is this not wonderful?

I am just kidding about the whole miracle thing but I thought it sounded like something in the spirit of the season!

CD

It is a week before Christmas and I am driving home from my Dr.'s appointment. Sorrow hits me like a wave of nausea. It bubbles up through me, expels itself through sobs and tears and then is over in a matter of minutes. It is really quite strange ... the violence of it all and yet there is a sense of peace when it is over.

If my Mom were here we would be plotting the menu for the holidays. I would be baking and she would be watching me. She would be enjoying the kids as they return home from college. I can almost see her sitting at my kitchen counter trying to keep up with all the comings and goings. No matter what, Christmas will not be the same this or any other year for a very long time.

Some bright spots (aka things to be thankful for):
the tree is gorgeous and it doesn't even have the ornaments on it yet.
my shopping is almost done but not wrapped
my health is good
my many friends are a great comfort
the anticipation of my book is growing
my family both immediate and extended is wonderful
my resolve to get healthy is strong
my job is comfortable and yet stimulating
I know I am getting some books for Christmas
I found a favorite lost earring (see Christmas miracle post)

As I reread the above list, I am humbled to see God's hand in my life. May I focus on Him during this season and not my earthly wants and thoughts.

Caroline

I hate it when I feel blue for no apparent reason. I suppose this a time where I need to employ the concepts of my book and figure out the truth of the matter!

Maybe it is missing my Mom. It still makes me cry, practically the split second I release that sentence from my brain. The holidays will be so void without her. She loved to plan the food and decorate her house and to come visit our household with all it's hustle and bustle. She was such a stunning lady, always impeccably dressed when she went out. I have been dreading this time when I need to plan my baking and meal menus. We always discussed these things. I would try and talk her out of making weird cookies with fruit and nuts in them and talk her into making some of my favorites to save me the trouble.

The worst will be planning for Christmas day. I just don't want to think of that right now. Maybe if I can get through some of the pre-Christmas parties and Open Houses, that day will be easier. That would be supernatural if that came true. After all, that day is supernatural by definition. The God who can pour Himself into a human being and live on earth for 33 years can certainly do anything He sets His mind to. Perhaps He will comfort me this season in ways unimaginable. I think I am beginning to talk myself out of being blue, with the mere anticipation of Him meeting me where I am in my sorrow. Instead of watching for the star, I will start this moment to watch for Him.

CD