Special Faves

It's almost Christmas!!

But for today, we have the chance to set aside some time and reflect back on the very busy week and list those 5 things that God brought into our lives......it can be simple things or elaborate things...but look for at least 5....and once you find 5, I am betting you'll find even more!

A huge thank you to Susanne for hosting this each week.......head on over to her site to link up.  and when you're done here, leave me a comment with one of YOUR faves!

grampa T, Claire, Courtney
celebrating an early Xmas in West Bridgewater, MA

• XMAS IN MASSACHUSETTS!  Last weekend we traveled out to pick up our oldest daughter who was at my in-laws.  They had graciously traveled to the north shore area of Boston to get her from college after her last exam/art project and took her back with them to their year round home on the south shore.  We met them there on Friday evening and had Xmas with them on Saturday.  What fun we had giving our eldest big hugs...and spending some time with Dave's side of the family.  We even fit in a quick visit with his brother and his brother's wife who is one of my good friends!  Family time is always a fave!

the birthday girl!

• BIRTHDAY MILESTONE!  Our youngest daughter is now a teenager.....so hard to believe that this precious 2nd child is no longer in childhood but has entered that milestone of adolescence!  She turned 13 on Wednesday and had so much fun opening up new dance/ballet clothes, a violin tuner, and some jewelry. The 4 of us had a nice dinner together and then the girls and my husband went out to a concert while I did fave #3..........

image taken from depositphotos.com

• STEAMING MUG OF CINNAMON COFFEE AND A COMFY CHAIR!  Wednesday evening, after Claire's birthday dinner, my oldest daughter helped me in the kitchen and then they all took off for a concert......leaving me  to enjoy a quiet house, the Xmas tree lights, a comfy armchair near the tree and a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee.  Bliss.....after a hectic day of getting up early, rushing off to the classroom, dealing with an irate autistic student, rushing home to change and dashing back out the door to make a 4 pm cut and color hair appt!  Then....dinner and birthday gifts...all while trying to finish a load of laundry...whew.....that mug of coffee and quiet time really felt great........

• DOOR-STEP SURPRISES!  On Monday I came home from work to find a package on my door step.  One of the younger women from church lives down the road from me and she has 3 children in elementary school near where we live.  She had borrowed the One Thousand Gifts book from me and was returning it.  BUT...in the bag there was a cute little journal with a pen, and this little square of chocolate peppermint bark. What a fun treat for afterschool....I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate and now i have a mini journal to keep in my purse for those thousands of gifts we are supposed to be finding throughout our day......so...Thanks, Christy!!

• CONVERSATIONS THAT LEAD TO PRAYING  A good friend of mine called my cell while I was at the ballet studio waiting for my youngest so I had a chunk of time to chat with her.  and wow....that conversation led me to pray for her.  She is battling something right now that only the Lord can change around.  It is an honor to pray for hurting friends.....it's been awhile since I have felt such a burden for a friend....but....it's when we pray for our friends, that we often see things in our own lives that we take for granted and yet that need thanksgiving to God for.  My friend is struggling.....her son is struggling....and yet...God is here for her.....and she is pressing in with those of us who are ready to do battle for her and her family.  Hanging in there with hurting friends is huge with me.....not many people are willing to do that....I told her she can call me any time and I will pray.....I find it one of the easiest ways to be a servant to others.......and I am humbled to be able to walk alongside her in this struggle.  This is what Christ intended for his church....to come along side each other and carry each other's burdens.  How faithful and true He is!

• LUKE 2 IN 2nd GRADE!  Whoo hoo!! The 2nd grade classroom that I spend every afternoon in, (and most of the morning!) had a movie day this past week.  The teacher showed A Charlie Brown Christmas.  In its entirety.  And for those of you who are fans....you know this movie has Luke 2, the Christmas Story of Jesus being born, in the script as spoken by Linus.  And the teacher showed the entire movie!! PUBLIC SCHOOL!  Yeah......the students loved it and I was thrilled that the gospel was getting into the ears and hearts of the students.  And no, the teacher is not a born again believer to my knowledge. She doesn't go to church regularly but.....praise God.....the students heard the real message of Christmas this past week.  

I know that's 6 but I just HAD to throw that in here.....it was too good to keep to my self!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!