BABBLING BROOK

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Reflections

Here we are at the start of another new year. My dear hubby and I have been doing a lot of reflecting this week, thinking back on all the changes that have taken place in our lives during 2010. Had we know at the beginning of 2010 of all the things that we would face during the upcoming year, I can't help but wonder if we would have willingly walked into the year with joy and anticipation.

But once again as we reflected, we were reminded anew of God's faithfulness; of His promises to never give us more than we can handle; of His unconditional love for us as we follow Him day by day, one step at a time. As we look back we are grateful that God granted us another year of life together to serve Him and to love each other. The seriousness of Elvin's heart surgery allowed us to reflect on God's provision and healing power. What a reminder to us to treasure each moment we have with those we love.

As we look ahead to 2011 I cannot help but wonder what this year will hold. But this I know - I do know the One who holds this year and us in the palm of His hand. And once again I greet the new year with joy and anticipation!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Black Friday

While everyone is out shopping on Black Friday, we have a tradition that began when I was first married and has continued down through the years. The day after Thanksgiving is the day to bake Christmas cookies! The tradition began with baking them with my sisters. Sometimes it would be with a friend and as the children grew they joined in.This year my annual cookie bake included my daughter and son-in-law, my daughter-in-law and her mother and her two nieces, my daughter in heart, and my two grandchildren.

We have our traditional favorites that we make every year. Sometimes we try new ones and sometimes they don't turn out the way we expect. This year we each brought our dough all mixed up and ready to bake. We baked nine different kinds of cookies. There was lots of laughter and joking. And of course tasting as we tried each new batch of cookies.