Christmas Traditions!

There are so many Christmas traditions that come to mind!

As a child we had the tradition of going to look at lights on Christmas Eve. When we arrived home, we always discovered that santa had visited and left gifts and we opened them that night before going to bed!

When our daughter was born, we decided that we would not use the "santa" version of Christmas. Since it's advertised everywhere, we talked to her about how some children think that santa brings gifts and it's not our place to tell them any differently. She did receive Christmas gifts, but they were from us, not santa. It was my thinking that it was important for her to know what was real and what was make believe. I wanted to be sure that when we told her the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, she would know that it was a true story, not another fantasy for the season. I've been told by some that they disagreed with this idea or way we did it, however it was what we decided to do.

Our daughter is grown with a husband and son and they are each an important part of my Christmas traditions now! They always make their plans and let me know which days they will spend here with me. (my view is that regardless of the date, it IS Christmas when we're together!) For the last 4 years, they have made it a point to be here on Dec. 22nd (the date my Daddy passed away in 2005) so that I'm not alone that day.

Having a grandson has made an amazing difference in the holidays for me. It is a constant source of joy to see how much he enjoys life and how he already has such a loving, giving and caring spirit. It's not unusual for him to include others in need in his prayers and he loves helping his Mommy prepare treats to share with others! We have traditions that he and I share and it's wonderful to have them to look forward to as the holidays approach!

When I was in grade school I wrote a paper and part of it included, "Christmas isn't just putting up a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth." I still feel that it's very important to make Jesus' birth a central point in our celebration!

~Bonnie

"Sometimes the wind is just gonna blow"

It has been nice to actually have some real fall type weather this year. (sometimes in Texas it goes from hot to cold over night!)

I have noticed that along with the fall weather, we have had some days where the wind is more like March wind! (Just like the question of what is the purpose of mosquitoes, I haven't been able to come up with a good reason for the wind to blow!) As I've taken time to observe the characteristics of fall - I realized that although it may be out of the "norm", the wind is just gonna blow some days! I have to not let myself focus on the wind, but rather all the things around me that are there for my enjoyment today!

Some days the wind is just gonna blow!

Have a great day!

~Bonnie

I'm Thankful !

I have so much to be thankful for again this year. I have tried to be more mindful of being thankful throughout the year also. I have taken time to watch a sunrise, as well as a sunset. I have noticed the new blooms in the Spring, the green leaves in the Summer and their changing colors this Fall. I have the most amazing children - my daughter and son in love, who are always a great support to me. My grandson is my pride and joy! I am thankful!

~Bonnie

What if...........

What if I give each person I come in contact with today a smile? What if I take time to listen to a child who wants to share about the adventure he/she had last summer? What if I stop and help the young mother pick up the belongings that have rolled across the floor when her bag tips out of the shopping cart? What if I spend 15 minutes sitting in the back yard observing the beautiful day God has given me? What if I buy an extra can of veggies at the store to donate to the food pantry? What if....................
I think that perhaps it would make a difference in other's lives, but that the biggest difference would be evident in mine!
Have a wonderful day!

~Bonnie

~ Changes ~

I have recently been thinking about the changes that I continue to try to make in my life. I was reflecting on mistakes that I've made and how I try to do things differently rather than repeat a mistake.
Sometimes it's easier to do the same thing over and over, even knowing that the result will be the same. I guess it's part of our human nature to follow a path that seems easier at the time, rather than taking a path that may be more difficult to walk. It's my desire to be able to see before I begin down a path if it's not the best one for me and to learn from previous mistakes.
I am thankful that God walks with me, always!
Have a great Monday!

Questions

My daughter @ Raindrops & Rainbows tagged me and here are my answers!

1. Do you exercise regularly? If so what kind of exercise do you do?
I do! I began doing Zumba at the beginning of Sept and love it! I usually go 3 times a week. I also use the total gym and play Wii during the week!

2. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy's (with my boy, sitting at our "two year old table") precious memories!

3. Do you use plastic, paper or reusable/recyclable bags?
I use some of each!

4. What is the best book you've ever read?
"Her Sister's Keeper" (the book was much better than the movie in my view!)

5. What is your favorite drink?
Diet coke with good ice from Sonic!

6. What's a website you go to everyday?
Verizon - where I check email!

7. Do you have a favorite charity? What is it and why do you support them?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Fighting Blood Cancers
After my Daddy passed away in Dec. 2005 from blood cancer, my family decided we would collect donations and attend the walk held near Austin in October.

Gramma's Heart

A dear friend and her husband are currently going through a very tough situation concerning their daughter and her children. My heart is heavy just knowing a little bit about the situation from the perspective of a parent and a "Gramma".

I have seen through their actions the example that loving a child and grandchildren sometimes involves doing what's best for the children rather than what we "want". My heart is overwhelmed and I'm praying that they are strengthened as they go through this time. Also, that I can be the support that they need during this time.

Please pray for these precious people.

~Bonnie