OH, THE JOYS!



We had our kids and grands over last night for supper and the decorating of the Christmas tree and a bunch of cookies. Oh, what a fun and "gooey" time we had!

Here's Dylan, trying his hand at decorating a cookie. (Notice the tongue action.)



And here's his sister Lexi giving cookie decorating her first-ever try!



And this is Gavin saying, "Kafooey with the cookie decorating. I wonder what these sprinkles taste like!"



Here are a few of the "masterpieces"! Aren't you impressed?



Dylan is hanging the ornament of his choice!



Lexi is hanging an ornament with her name on it!



Gavin has found the perfect place to hang his ornament. (Yes, we had to do some major rearranging later.)



And - walah! - this is the finished product! What do you think?



Praying all of you have a glorious December!

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MOVIES: ABBIE ANN

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MOVIES: ABBIE ANN: "Once again Sharlene MacLaren has swept me away in ABBIE ANN. A large novel at 500 pages, reads smoothly, taking you on an amazing journey ..."

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS...



I can't believe another year of blessings has come and gone. As I sit here at my computer thinking of the many things in life that bring me joy - my husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, church, friends, etc. - I am simply overwhelmed with gratefulness to God. Yes, I'm an author, and I should be able to come up with a multitude of ways to express my thankfulness, right(?) but, alas, I am finger-tied!

Lest you think that everything always goes my way, let me assure you I'm human, severely flawed, and living in a body that sometimes doesn't do what I want it to do (things just happen when you hit your 60s). This year I've had my ups and downs, heartache and joy, loss and gain. Along the way, there have been bumpy roads and smooth. Life is like that, you know, ever changing and unpredictable, but thankfully, I serve a God who remains a steady and powerful force.

As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this year, let us all rejoice in God's rich bounty. In the midst of heartache and strife there is always one reason or another to give thanks. I hope you don't have to search too hard or too long to find it.

With much love and heartfelt hugs...

ANYBODY WANT TO BUY MY PARENTS' HOUSE/COTTAGE?



On a whim, I am posting my parents' house for sale on Twin Lake, MI, 49456. Beach front on this recreational fishing/skiing lake. Room for dock, speed boat, etc. Click on link below for details. (((**NO land contract**.))) Asking price is $119,000, although price is negotiable.

Septic, well, water heater, furnace all in good shape and working order. House needs a special touch. Great for a summer getaway!

INTERESTED IN SEEING MY PARENTS' LITTLE COTTAGE? CLICK HERE! And you will get to view pictures of the house and surrounding property, interior and exterior views.

(((Hugs)))
Shar

HOW'S YOUR GAS GAUGE? HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, EMPTY?



Ever run yourself so fast and furious you wonder how you ever made it from point A to point B in the same day? It happens all the time because we live in a ragged, busy, sometimes out-of-control society. Jump out of bed, try to eat something on the run, feed the kids, dog, and cat (if you have any), let hubby fend for himself, give hasty kisses goodbye, then jump into the car and drive down that clogged up, bumper-to-bumper highway, and hope to make it to your destination with a couple of minutes to spare. (Are you tired yet?)

Back up to that first second you opened your eyes. Did you happen to whisper, "God, You're in control of this day? I'm weak and I desperately need Your peace."

We are all flawed humans, full of wear and tear, but God is SOVEREIGN. Rather than wear yourself into a frazzle by trying to accomplish all your day's activities alone, let THANKFULNESS, JOY, and TRUST be your guides. As you live in the dazzling presence of Christ Jesus, His strength and power will shine through you.

As you go about your day, you'll soon discover things are less about you and your problems, and more about the Savior. Let Him guide you down the path He has set for you, not the one you have worked so hard to orchestrate.

GOD's ways are always best.

Phil. 4:6,7

I LOVE YOU ALL