Well weeks ago I did let marketplace ministry know that I would be available to work on Thanksgiving my regular hours that I work my shift on Sundays. Last week I thought I should check with the person that is scheduling and my heart sunk a wee bit when I found out that they had too many people already working that shift but I could work later. I graciously declined for I know me and me going into work @ 2:00PM just not going to work for me energy wise level that is. I really am a morning person per say. Oh well. I did not request time off from my full time job for Thanksgiving so I will stay in town. Don't worry though. With me being divorced for many years now and having to adapt with as the children were growing up rotating holidays with their dad (my former husband that is) you survive. Not only survive but you learn to take on the adventure of doing something relaxing and not pouting. See, you can as I have learned to do in my life is to smile instead of frown. Pouting only feels good for the moment that you actually pout but it accomplishes absolutely nothing right? So, do like I used to do when my children were young. If they had a frown on their face I would say in a joking manner and maybe even tickle their stomach at the same time Turn that frown upside down put a smile on your face. It worked back then so let it work today ok.
I was offered a wonderful opportunity, strictly volunteer that is, to bless a veteran or two during the Christmas season. We were extended an invite to participate in filling a Christmas stocking to be presented to a veteran that will be in a hospital over the holiday. Oh my heart strings were definitely tugging at me so I started my new mission. In search of stockings first. I took a picture of the 2 I found and now I am gathering the stocking stuffer to fill them with. I was at first only going to do 1 stocking for a gentleman until...….I was at a local store and one stocking had a price tag on it and the other did not. I brought it to the register for the pricing of the stocking that didn't have a ticket on it. I was sharing what I was going to do with the stockings and guess what? The clerk gave me both stockings for the price I would have paid for just one. So you know what that means now don't you? A stocking for a gentleman veteran and a stocking for a lady veteran. Such joy is within my heart as I work on this project.
You know the citizens of the USA would not have the wonderful, tremendous freedom we have right now if it was not for the men and women that choose to serve in our military or did formerly serve to protect our country and our wonderful freedoms that we have. I am telling you the truth, whenever I have the opportunity to thank a veteran or thank a person that is currently serving in our military I tend to get tears in my eyes. Why tears, because my heart is so full of gratitude for what they did and are currently doing to protect this great nation. "One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
I took a picture of the stockings I bought aren't they cute? It would put a smile on my face if I received it. It puts a smile on my face now when I look at them. I think it is a crewel type of needlework on the front of the stockings. Problem is, I have to not get too much stuff to fill them but just the right amount to bless them with. I love these Holy Spirit adventures He knows exactly what each person that will receive the stocking needs to touch their very heart. I think this would be a great opportunity to search out my favorite little gift. You know what that is right? On a mission to purchase $2.00 bills. How can I not complete this project without tucking in a $2.00 bill.
So see, it does not have to be a lonely Thanksgiving for me. I have Jesus in my heart; the love of my Father in heaven along with the cloud of witnesses cheering me on; and most importantly, Holy Spirit guidance and direction in my very life.
When I go home for a Christmas visit I will meet my sisters newest addition to her family. They are getting a mini golden doodle puppy. This dog is 2 part poodle do not know that that means other than guessing it will not be a big dog growing up. I saw pictures already and she is quite adorable. I asked her if she will be taking this one to doggie boot camp and she replied to me that she has taken enough of their family dogs there and she thinks she is well equipped to train this sweetie pie. I do not know if time will permit on that visit o meet their latest addition to the family, their great grandchild. I have seen pictures and she sure is sweet. I will get to spend time with my family and some time with my son on Christmas Eve. He will be heading to be with his fathers side of the family for Christmas and he will get to see his sister (my daughter) too. See, you do not have to gripe and complain you make the most out of what you have to work with and be thankful that I will see him for some time and be happy. I have another mission on that trip also. I will take the kindness stone and leave it exactly where Holy Spirit wants me to leave it for another to pick up and be blessed with.
I have some music to share with you too ok.

Aren't these cute, surely seeing them puts a smile on your face.

"Take My Hand, Precious Lord" - Carroll Roberson

Bless the Lord Oh My Soul~Hallelujah~Jenn & Brian Johnson

NO LONGER SLAVES WITH LYRICS

I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy - Michael English

Bill & Gloria Gaither - Sometimes I Cry ft. Jason Crabb (Live)

The God Who Sees

Michael Bublé - White Christmas (ft. Shania Twain) [Official HD]

Let me share with you that tears filled my eyes during the We Exalt Thee portion of Jenn & Brian Johnson video; tears again with No Longer Slaves. The Michael English song is done with some sort of technical animation. I only heard it at first and just viewed it now, of course tears truly flowed this time watch it ok. Nicole C. Mullins video is simply beautiful, truly beautiful.