God has taken care of us in ways we could never imagine. We went into the year with three vehicles, a leaky roof, and somewhere along the way the furnace died.  We’re going out with the money from the totaled car, a surprise warranty on the heat exchanger, and a guy that knocked on our door and asked if we needed someone to finish our roof. We had a pallet of shingles sitting at the end of the house for the last year, and he was just driving by.

What a nice guy. He had a crew of helpers who worked so hard in this cold. While I’ve enjoyed the the warmth of my house, knitting hats. So, yesterday I decided these young men needed a nice warm hat. I had several hats made for gifts, so I tucked a little folding money in each one, and gave them each a hug. I made some comment like, “Call your mother, she worries.” One of them turned to me and said his mother had died in 2009. Then the next month, his father died, and the next month, his grandmother died, as well. Bless his heart. I wanted to adopt them and bake them cookies. 

So, it may be slim pickin’s here for Christmas, but my heart is full and I have a boatload of yarn, and the time to knit it up! We had a wonderful meal seated at our dining room table. Our house is warm and clean. We have food in the pantry and freezer. We have to look for the silver linings of life and be grateful for what we have. 

Today’s post is dedicated to my dear friend, Sparky. Gone two years now, but forever in my heart. Two separate people, on opposite ends of the country have told me she came to them and said, “Don’t you worry about me…I’m doing fine. You’ll come along one of these times. But don’t you hurry. Live your life! There’s live music up here!!!”

You are deeply missed, Sparky.

🎄

”Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV