Christmas or Crises?

Christmas or Crises?

Spain-airports-to-start-luggage-cart-feeNine years ago when my husband and I were living in California for a while. We stayed with our daughter whose husband deployed to Iraq for fifteen months.

We decided to fly back to Canada for Christmas, to be with our daughters and their families. And finding a great flight at a discount price was a bonus. I thought it would be fun to bring some special treats back for everyone, especially the Jelly Belly jelly beans. So the Christmas shopping began.

As it happened, the Jelly Belly factory was located in the next town. And can you believe it when I arrived the Jellybeans was on sale! I could buy one bag and get two free. I love a bargain) I bought four bags, with my free bags I ended with 12 bags, 2pds each which = 24 pounds of candy. I was so into the Christmas spirit (I forgot I had to pack them in a suitcase) I then decided to buy three boxes of See’s Candy that added five more pounds. My poor husband was wondering how we would get it all in our suitcases.

I went into my ostrich mode, k so- rah, sur-rah, what will be, will be.

The night before we left for the airport, we made plans to leave at 5:00 a.m. Our flight left at 8:00 a.m. I stayed up half the night packing, trying to decide how to make our luggage lighter. At one point, Lyle couldn’t even lift the luggage off the floor, so I decided to add another suitcase.

After a few hours’ sleep, we carried or should I say dragged our luggage to the car. Three large suitcases, two larger overnight bags, one computer, and book bag. And a huge purse and tote. I was excited; everything fits into our luggage. Although I had to sit on it to get it shut! To be honest, I jump up and down on it is more like it. Lol. Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho. Christmas here we go.

Our daughter dropped us off at the airport and headed home. We couldn’t handle all the luggage ourselves so we hired someone with a cart to help us. I was afraid Lyle, or I would have a stroke if we had to carry it all. (So much for flying light)

I couldn’t wait to get to Calgary and get to our hotel room, and get a good night sleep before we traveled south to see our family. I was feeling a little tired, from all the stress, excitement, and Christmas preparation. Only 15 days left.

With tickets and passports in hand, we moved slowly towards the airline desk, and the man pushing our luggage cart was straining to keep up. He helped us put our luggage on the weight scale, and I held my breath. I was heavy (imagine that) the airline agent looked at me and said she was sorry, she couldn’t check us in now?

I pulled out my e-ticket showing her that we were on the 8:00 a.m. flight. She replied,” we don’t check people in 12 hours early. Your flight leaves at 8:00 p.m. (No wonder the fight was so cheap!) At that moment a picture was worth a thousand words when I looked at my husband’s face. His mouth dropped open, and had that distinctive look that said I have to do all this again tonight? And no way am I sitting in this airport for 12 hours.

I called my daughter who was happily enjoying her quiet drive home and told her of our circumstances. To which she replied, “I knew it was too easy, you and dad never fly anywhere without something unusual happening.

After leaving our Airport at 8:30 p.m. we found ourselves delayed in Salt Lake until 1:30 a.m. Arriving in Calgary at 4:30 p.m. Lucky for us I had booked a hotel room near the airport and had guaranteed the room. So at 5:15 we headed for our room, dragging all our luggage and promising ourselves we would make sure we checked the times of arrivals and departures before we ever bought another airline ticket.

And to add insult to energy, as we climbed into bed and turned out the lights we received a call from the front desk. Notifying us it was our good morning wake-up call, I must be dreaming! I assured him he had made a mistake. After all, we just climbed into bed!©

Reflections:

Restlessness is characteristic of our generation today. In these days of confusion and turmoil from life’s activities. We become so exhausted that we miss the sweet rest and peace that the Christ of Christmas wants to give us. Our lives become so busy; we get distracted and worn out leaving us no time for those we love. Our families, friends and God. Why?

Over this last year, there have been illness and hard lessons to learn, but God in faithful. He is showing me that the things in my life are not as important as the people in my life. Especially, when we are suddenly faced with the facts that there may not be any tomorrows. It’s funny how our priorities change. Suddenly spending time with God, and talking to him seemed more important than all my busy-ness for him.

Jesus knows about all of activity in our lives because he made us. He also knows that we need times of rest both—Physically and spiritually. One night long ago God in his love, gave Himself to man in the person of Jesus Christ. Angels announced his birth to the shepherds in Bethlehem on a beautiful starry night. We still celebrate His birth today; we call it Christmas.

And Thirty-three years later, Jesus Christ continued loving me when He willing took the punishment I deserved, by giving His life on the cross in order that I might have my sins forgiven. He is the only source for perfect peace and complete rest for our souls, especially at this busy time of year.

What will you be doing when you hear His name.

The shepherds accepted Him

The wise men expected him

The King rejected him

The innkeeper neglected him

And you? —-Do you have room for him?

 

Thank you for sharing your time with me I love the privilege of hearing for each of you. You bless my life. Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love.

Lovingly, Karan

“These are a few of my favorite things”

 

download notes“These are a few of my favorite things”

 

 

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knittin‘, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittin’s, Bundles of magazines tied up with string, These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac’s, cataracts, hearing aids, glasses, Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favorite things. When the pipes leak, When the bones creak, When the knees go bad, Then I remember my favorite things. And then I don’t feel so sad.

Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food nor food cook’d with onions, Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin’, Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’. And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, when the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I’ve had, And then I don’t feel so sad. THEN I REMEMBER THE GREAT LIFE I’VE HAD AND THEN I DON’T FEEL SOOO BAD! Author unknown

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Quilting Reflections from a Novice:

QuiltI have often admired the beautiful quilts that people make and all the intricate patterns and colors they use. When I sewed my first quilt it was many years ago, it was called a rag quilt. It was so easy I never made another one. Lol.

But as time passed, I decided to help my granddaughter make a T-shirt quilt. She is a T-shirt expert and loves each T-shirt she buys and wears. So for her, having her favorite T-shirts near was comforting. We cut, spliced, pieced and sewed blocks all the while trying to keep everything squared. It was difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing and was trying to learn how to quilt from the internet.

Working on this quilting project, I talked to some wonderful quilters in our area who were encouraging and helpful. And seeing some of their beautiful quilts and pictures I started to become a little wobbly in my abilities. I wondered if my quilt would look alright and be acceptable. In my heart I knew it would not win any prizes, all I could see was the flaws. I worried about everything on that quilt. Could I do the binding right, would my hand stitches be even, would anyone even notice?

Do you ever doubt your abilities when you look at others and admire their talents and perfection? Only to find yourself grumbling how your talent doesn’t measure up to their perfection. Instead of thanking God for the privilege that he gave you to serve him in your special way, and enjoying the process.

When my son-in-law came for a visit and helping me to square the quilt preparing it for the binding. He helped me to see a new quilt perspective. Pointing out all the flaws and mistakes I had made, he said,” it adds character, everyone will know it is an original homemade quilt made with love.”

Thank you, Lord, for those words of wisdom to remind me that love can transcend time and eternity because of you. My son-in-law was right, every stitch began with the love for a special granddaughter. And it was fun to see the process unfolded. I wonder if God loves to see the process of our lives unfold too. ©

Lovingly, Karan

How do you deal with doubting your abilities and comparisons to others? Let me know if you do that too.

Thank you, dear friends for sharing your time with me today, Wishing you a wonderful weekend with your friends and family. Hugs to all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

33 Outfits Out of a small overnight bag.

 

One Month Travel Pack

 

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I thought you would enjoy have this “One Month Travel Pack” I call it 33 outfits out of a small overnight bag.  As we go into the spring and summer, and have to deal with high baggage charges this is a great way to have lots of options and save some money too. Wouldn’t it be great to pass up the baggage claim crowd at the carousel?

I have taught this trick for years, it can be adapted for a man’s “Travel Pack” also.  I decided to share it with you dear friends, Hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions let me know. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan 

 

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