Good Monday Morning 12.11.23

Good Monday Morning!  Here’s hoping it is a dry Monday for you….just as I am hoping for here.  Yesterday was a drenched Sunday, for sure.  It poured in the morning, the middle of the day was drizzling, fog-covered and very grey.  Then it poured again after dark.  Truly, one of those days you just want to stay curled up under a handmade quilt or afghan.  And, yes, part of my day may or may not have included just that:)  But today is Monday and time to start a new week.  My week does not look horribly busy.  At least not like last week but there is a bit of Christmas fun on the agenda.  When it comes to planning things in December, I try to plan and/or host as many of the Christmas activities as I can during the first ten days or so.  Each week after that, I purposely plan a simpler schedule….with the hope of simply enjoying and savoring Christmas as it arrives.  It doesn’t always happen perfectly but I try.

This past weekend was, hopefully, the last of the really full weekends.  We were busy but we actually had a lot of fun.  Before all the rain moved in:)  Here’s a peek back at the weekend…..

Something to remember – on Saturday, we attended an outdoor “Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show” in Alexandria. There were so many unique booths and so many talented vendors.  I love meeting the artists and crafters…and really enjoy supporting them as I am able.  (Some of them are very pricey!  Just sayin.)  I did not find as many gifts as I had hoped but we had such a nice day visiting all the booths and tents.  There was some entertainment, or music provided.  Customed carolers were singing karaoke style.  It wasn’t open to the public and they were performers, I suppose, but it was interesting, to say the least.  Do you like karaoke?  Speaking of music, we had lunch at a popular restaurant near the square and the music in the restaurant was so incredibly loud.  I know I sound old…but is that really necessary?  Have you ever left a restaurant because of the music?  Please tell me that I am not the only one.  (We did not leave yesterday but I am not above doing so.  Grrr.)

After the shopping and (loud) lunch, we stopped by a Christmas open house at our pastor’s house.  I admire those who open their homes, especially during the holidays, and I really should do it more often.  Some people – like the pastor’s wife – make it seem so easy and stress-free.  Entertaining is not stress-free for me.  But I do admire those who are able to do so:)  Note to self:  try to plan something for the holidays next year.  I’m writing it here so I can’t forget:)

Food for thought – is this quote from A.W. Tozer (but the emphasis is mine):  “Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late—and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work. To pray for revival while ignoring the plain precept laid down in Scripture is to waste a lot of words and get nothing for our trouble. Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience.”

Worth sharing – these little mug holder men/thingys….I’ve no idea what to call them but aren’t they cute??  I found them at Aldi.  I thought the kiddos in Junior Church would enjoy them at our small Christmas party; however, they won’t even see them if I continue to enjoy them all!  They are actually tasty too!  I love to dunk!  I know….not everyone appreciates dunking but I can’t, for the life of me, understand why.  These may not rival an Oreo dunked in milk, I will admit, but Oreos aren’t that cute on the rim of your cup either!!:)

One thing I would change –  is the amount of eating I have been doing.  Not really a necessary topic for the blog but it is, truthfully, exactly what came to mind when I considered what I would change…and not just about the weekend.  The change is necessary!  There are wonderful delicious treats everywhere this time of year.  And the sweets are not my worst temptation.  It just seems that every event, celebration or simple get together with a friend includes food.  And lots of it!  Not sure why I feel as if I need all the food.  I’m fairly confident that I can “celebrate” and enjoy all the fun without every.little.edible.thing….and I will feel better if I do!

That’s it for the weekend.  Tomorrow is our Christmas luncheon after Bible study.  Hard to believe another semester has come to an end, but it’s true.  I’m setting the tables and planning to make some macaroni and cheese in the crock pot.  I pulled a recipe from Pinterest and, wow, so much cheese!!?  Do you have anything planned – holiday-wise:) – for this week?    Whatever is on your calendar, here’s to a blessed week ahead!!  As always, thanks for stopping by!