We have a friend who use to live here, but last year thought she needed “some adventure” and “a change of scenery,” so she moved to a Northwestern State. A Very Northwestern State. She showed us a brochure of the area she was moving too, it had beautiful lakes, lots and lots of trees, and even little pictures of fun people snow sking. She was in heaven. She recently came home for Thanksgiving and the Hub spoke with her yesterday. She says she is staying for a while. I asked how long a while is and he stated six months. UNTIL WINTER IS OVER. Oh, my! I laughed and laughed. I love this girl.

Why do I bring this up? Because yesterday I took the plunge and started with my Christmas decorations. We are cutting back this year as we are doing some home improvements, and well, the added clutter is: clutter. But, as I was sweating and groaning because it was hot and humid and the windows were open, I wished for a cold climate. The type our friend just escaped from. A Christmas”y” climate. Something to make it feel like Christmas. I know I should be use to balmy Decembers, I grew up in Florida, but every year I long for my ideal Christmas with snow and family and big dinners, and ongoing festivites, and Christmas lights and sounds and smells.

Somewhere along the way I must have gotten sucked into a vision of Christmas that truly is unattainable. I grew up in a big big family with lots of relatives and a dominating grandmother who insisted that the family gather at the holidays. I have seen many Christmas years come and go since my youth and each one has had its own pleasant memories, but none measure up to the big family gatherings, nor the visions in my head. There always seems to be a certain “something” missing. I think a change in scenery would be good this time of year. Maybe instead of the tradional Christmas we should take a family trip - a holiday vacation. See parts of the U.S that are wintery and festive. Forgo the presents and present ourselves with a visual gift - the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Or, maybe, we could just have Christmas lights that work. The same ones that go into the box in January seem to come out in December with half the sting broken? Why is that? Who messes wth them?

this past weekend has been a whirlwind around here. we left friday evening and spent the night in st. augustine with the Hub’s parents at their timeshare. on the way home saturday we stopped by a car dealership to look at new pre-owned cars. we have been on a mission to trade in the lexus - yes i know, but it really seemed to be a lemon since we bought it this past february. the latest thing was that it was starting to leak little oil spots?? plus, it was small and uncomfortable for my husband.

so, saturday we found the vehicle for us and went back sunday, sans kids, and did the whole test drive, numbers game. we both feel like we had a pleasant experience with the dealership and our salesperson. she (being the first woman salesperson i have dealt with) made me feel like i had more control over the situation than the usual good buddy dealings going on with the men. we came out happy.

here is what happy looks like

YEAH, I KNOW! A HUMMER H2!

anyway. my love has been teasing me that we are now in the club… i am a bit intimidated by the massiveness of it - and the proposed status of it - and the tinted windows - and the power!! we did the test track at the dealership and no lie this thing climbed a twenty inch step and drove up a 60 degree incline and went through three feet of water. insane. i am just praying that that is not the club we are in….

1 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.

2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes,O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.

This Psalm just gives me such hope. I recently went to a women’s conference and this was the theme song for the weekend. It really spoke me. There is something about knowing you have been set free and that it is because of the LORD; who has done great things in your life. It is a freedom, like nothing I have ever experienced before.

I love the part:

Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

“The Lord has done great things for us.” And we are filled with Joy. We are filled with joy.