Thinking on these things . . .

 It's November and the season of thankfulness. I see friends on Facebook whose status each day is what they are thankful for. We're trying at dinner to talk about our day and what it is we have to give thanks about.   But it's all so miniscule compared to all the blessings that God has showered down on us.   Here in the Midwest the color is spectacular. Every leaf is trying to outdo it's neighbor in brilliance. Footsteps are muffled in golden carpets and the sun filters through a canopy of the same; and then the wind blows and the leaves swirl down and take your breath away.   "Pour out Your unfailing love on those who love You.  Your unfailing love, O Lord, is a vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:10,5,7   As I walk through this fall's scape I am reminded by the sheltering canopies of the shelter of His wings, of the paths He...

Is it just me or has "Christmas" come even earlier this year? Holiday merchandise is already front and center in the stores. A radio station had an "All Christmas Halloween" and so the music's begun. The Sunday paper contained several holiday toy catalogs. Starbucks has already gone to their red holiday cups. (although I can't complain there as I enjoyed a peppermint mocha...) And a couple days ago I saw a holiday themed commercial and since September I've been receiving "100 days until Christmas" emails. 100 days before Christmas? Are we really to the point that we need to prep for almost 1/3 of the year for this one holiday?? What about today - did we prep for today? Do we have special things planned? Décor? Food? Gifts? Special activities to make fond memories? Of course not - we're too busy planning for the perfect Christmas and putting all our eggs into that basket. But what about today? And tomorrow and all the days b...