Thursday, December 29, 2016

Christmas around here was awesome!!    As many of you have already seen...if you are one of my facebook friends, our oldest grandson (Tyler) surprised us a day early in coming home for Exodus from the Air Force.

I was so very excited!  I was sitting on the sofa around 4:oo in the afternoon and as I looked up toward the front door.....there he stood!!   Oh good grief...my heart went into overtime beats!!   It is great being able to spend some good quality time with him....here at Shug's house!!

I do hope that everyone has enjoyed some wonderful family time this Christmas season!  Such a special time of the year for families.

I have had so many sweet hugs from all of my grandchildren over the past few days.   

The best thing is that each grandchild has their very own special hug that they give me.   It doesn't matter if they are coming or going....they always give me a hug!

Each one has their own signature hug!    I know exactly how each one is going to feel.   

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am a "hug" kind of person.   I like to get hugs and I like to give hugs.  

Makes for a great day!

Shug


Friday, December 16, 2016

Top 50 Award......

Happy Morning to you all......

I had a "happy surprise" this morning as I opened my mail.   

                                                 *****

I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog  Shug...My Steps of Faith  has been selected by our panelist as one of the  Top 50 Faith Blogs  on the web.




This is certainly an honor!!   I appreciate each and everyone of you who take the time to read my blog!!

My blog is very simple.....it's not about being a professional writer......it's about my life, and sharing what the Lord does in my life.   It's about the many Blessings that I receive each and every day.

I would like to give a big "Thank You" to the panelist who selected my blog to receive this honor!  

Shug


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

I absolutely Love Christmas.....I love so much about Christmas!
First...and most importantly, I love that we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

 Each of the Beautiful and very touching Nativity Scenes are always a favorite of mine!  I especially love to see children as they perform the Christmas Story at church!!  



Another favorite of mine are the Lights!!  The more lights....the happier I am.  I kid you not, I am like a child when I see all of the radiant Christmas scenes!


Sam and I attended Mylee's school program on Tuesday evening..
What a great Blessing it was as we watched these children perform their Christmas musical.   I loved watching all of their facial expressions, as well as the way they interacted with each beat of the music....    WONDERFUL!!


This little doll was outstanding as Mrs. Santa Clause!

Doesn't she look a bit familiar?   Could it be.....could it really be Ms. Mylee Jo?   I do believe it is!!




Today was a very special day......Mylee's class visited a couple of Nursing Homes and sang Christmas songs for all of the residents to enjoy.   Just so happens that one of the Nursing Homes is the one that Mylee's Papaw (My dad) is at.    The music teacher was so sweet, to give Mylee a few minutes to introduce her Papaw to the kids in her class.   


This is a photo that I will always treasure.    My precious dad has  declined quite a bit and we now have Hospice coming in to help take care of him at the Nursing Home.   What I know is that dad really did not know who Mylee was...... and although he might not be able to call her by name, or he might not be able to say "this is my great granddaughter"  .........  Somewhere in his heart....he really does know her!!!  

I'm guessing he recognized her smile!!

What a great thing it was for these children to come and to sing to these elderly folks.    I witnessed so many loving smiles on many of the residents faces.....  

This was a true Blessing for me and I know it had to have been for the children and the elderly...

Shug






Sunday, December 11, 2016

I'm experiencing a different kind of Christmas season this year.  Quite different from those of the past.  I can't really say that it is one thing in particular, but perhaps an accumulative of several things.

I'm not sad and I'm not down and out about the change......I think it would be correct for me to say that I'm more appreciative of the season, more appreciative of life, and more in tune with learning to be content.

Does this mean that everything has been going so smooth for me, and therefore I am able to be more reasonable with life?   No....it doesn't!  The fact is....I actually have (mentally) been on a fast moving roller coaster that doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

It's a new frame of mind that has kept me engaged in the understanding that all things do not have to be perfect!  All things are not going to work out the way my heavily engaged mind expects things to work out.

I've learned that the important things in life that make this season so very special, are things that I have (in the past).... taken for granted.   

My precious dad is now in the stages of his Alzheimer's, where his body is no longer able to function the way it is suppose to.   It's difficult to watch the changes each day that make it more difficult for him to live.   

Even though Tyler will be home this Christmas, (for which I am extremely thankful for).....the next 5 years could and will paint a completely different picture of our family Christmas traditions, and family time together.  

My Facebook is filled with so many people in need of help for the Christmas season.....and this is one of those things that makes me wonder why can't we all go back to just a SIMPLE CHRISTMAS???????

I have a personality trait that can be good at times, but it can also be very difficult and challenging. 

I like to be in CONTROL....

I would love to be able to step in and make things better for my dad....but I can't!!

I would love to be able to guarantee that Tyler will be here every year for Christmas....and that his new journey will be easy.....but I can't!!

And oh how I would love to be able to financially help all of those that are in need....but I can't!!

This Christmas season has allowed me to see that there is more to Christmas, than just the giving and receiving of gifts.  It's about life!!!!

It's more than celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.....IT'S ABOUT ACCEPTING THE GIFT OF THE WORLD...."JESUS CHRIST"....AND HAVING A WONDERFUL AND LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM...KNOWING HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!   

I am in love with the Season and I'm thankful for each simple detail of my life.....

Shug



Sunday Thinking

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