A Time of Reflection

Good morning....do you have lots of fun things to do this weekend?  As we are winding down to the last full week before Christmas I hope you are taking time to rejoice and be glad for all of your blessings.  I know I have to stop and remind myself of this when I get too busy, too distracted, too caught up in the busyness of the holidays.  This is Advent season for Christians, a time of reflection and a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. I know I get a little carried away with all the decorations  and my "pretty things" during this time of the year....but I do pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.  And each morning before I even get out of bed, I think of 3 things I am grateful for each day.  This was an "assignment" we were given a couple of weeks ago at Bible Study, and if we did this every day, by Christmas we would have over 50 things to be grateful for during this holiday season.  (and no repeats allowed)

Out with my girlfriends for a really nice lunch at Neiman Marcus yesterday.  We wanted to go into the city for a day, but we were not able to make lunch arrangements. One of the ladies has a fairly bad back and walking becomes quite painful after awhile.  So lunch at Neiman's was probably much better for her than walking the streets of Chicago.  Lunch was so good, I just had to take a picture of my salad before I dug in...they called their salads "composed" salads and I can see why.  It was as tasty as it was beautiful.  For dessert I had a vanilla ice cream ball rolled in nuts with hot fudge sauce, and fresh whipped cream on top....and no, I did not take a picture of it, I just ate it.

While at Trader Joe's on Wednesday, I purchased a floral bouquet, along with some wonderful winter berries...put them all together in the blue mason jar...I think they look rather festive.

And Thursday morning I had a wonderful surprise.  I did not know that this beautiful iris was part of the bouquet.  It was still tight in it's bud when I purchased the flowers, but after a day sitting in warm water in my warm kitchen, it burst into bloom by Thursday morning.

When I arrived home yesterday after the lovely afternoon spent with my girlfriends, I was horrified to hear of the shootings in Connecticut, 28 people, 20 children's lives taken so suddenly....I cannot even imagine the horror of it all.   My prayers for all affected by this tragedy, words cannot express the sadness I am feeling.

"When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel."  ~  Unknown

Until next time....