PREPARING FOR HOLIDAY SPIRIT!

Preparation has always been something I was wired for. My mother did it, and she either did a great job of teaching or it is THOROUGHLY in my genes. Now, I don't want to say that I can tend to go over the top, but when I look around I see - "Shirley, you not only go over the top, you have become your mother." Ix Nay on the other-may. Okay, so I always put too many spring and summer flowers out. I could save work and money. The same for Thanksgiving (fall) and Christmas. I don't know how to NOT do it. To lay back. A friend of ours, put up and tree and a wreath on the front and back door. That is it. I nearly fell into the huge box of lights I was untangling. No! No! No! Three things.

Well, you have to just let people be who they are, I guess. I so enjoy thinking up new places to put a silly festive scarf that is different from last year. Or I compete with myself to see how many different ways I can decorate the front stoop. What I am trying to get at here is, each to our own. The real spirit, is the feeling you have about this time of year. Whether there are family dynamics, tragedy, financial issues, or anything; we need to have the spirit of Jesus in our hearts. To give and know why we give. Pastor Dane talked about that today. Why do you give? Give as on to eternity. That it is from your heart. Decorate with heart, give help to others, donate gifts, give special surprises. Tell people about the real gift from God. Jesus gave of himself to come here. There is no other thing that can motivate us more. If there is pain in this season, then go to God to give you strength. If there is a new baby (or babies - we have two sets of twins in our life)then celebrate new life. If there are people in need - give. Even if it is just your time to go run errands for them. Just GIVE! As Jesus gives to us. Prepared or not, organized or not, decorated or not! GIVE as He gave!

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND - SURPRISE PARTY!

At this age, your parents are most likely gone. And, I don't have brothers or sisters.
All my related family lives out west, so you go into 2010 thinking, oh well, I will just have a nice little dinner for John Saturday night and we will go to the movie on Sunday.
John's birthday is November 20th and mine November 21st. For 40 years we have shared this celebration with all kinds of get together's. Our parents always took us out, our friends always took us out and by Thanksgiving we were full and miserable. But happy.

Another tradition is that my friend Anna takes me out for lunch and open presents. I do the same for her in March. And, so it was set up that for my 70th she would take me to Bridgewater Restaurant. Usually very observant, I certainly didn't see all kinds of cars in the parking lot that I should recognize. I was blabbing about the weather and suddenly inside the dining room door came " S U R P R I S E "!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU SHOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO SOMEONE MY AGE. Ha. Anyway, it was FABULOUS!
Most of my friends there around a huge table. Balloon, Cake, presents, lots of cards. I felt 7. Yep! I had at that time never had a surprise Birthday Party. I did remember that early this summer Anna had asked if I had ever had birthday party growing up. Nope!

Those who could not get off work sent cards. It was surreal. I thank you Anna, and also Delice who made the birthday cake for making my year. I thank all of you who were there and sent cards. You have no idea what that meant to me, what it means to me. I thank you for all your special comments and tributes. It was embarrassing, but it made my year.

Friendship is important. At Thanksgiving this year I will be thinking of you and how blessed I am. God talks a lot about friendship in His Word. As I told the gals Friday, I grew up without family and all my friends have been from coming to Auburn 40 years ago. I couldn't do it without you. You are my sisters. This is what sisters do.

Love
Shirley Faith 11-21-10

MEET DAVE!

Couldn't resist sharing this picture with you. Can you believe this animal is 80 lbs, and just barely a year old. Darrell and Kathy Douglas, lost their beloved Murphy a year ago. He wasn't just another Golden and their certified nursing home King!. He was just one special animal that always brought so much character to any site. It was like he was this old, wise, calm and assertive gentleman. He was not only their best friend, he was everyone's best friend. I could stay gone for two months or more, and I always got this special greeting at the door. He would actually get so excited he would sing. I loved it. I loved Murphy. The nursing home residents loved Murphy. Kathy's elementary school class at Hamilton loved him. She would have him come to story time.

You can't imagine what it was like to go through October and part of November last year watching Murphy leave us. I got some really neat pictures just before he passed from our vision. But he stays in our hearts forever.

So, now Dave! You always say, well, no other dog could be better then this one. And, isn't it just like God, to make each animal different. They bring new color and drama to the new life and relationship. Dave is completely different. Even his coloring. They will love him and experience him completely different. Some would say, I just won't do this again. I can't take it. Well, we take it, because without those differences, color and change, we would be dull and listless. Once you meet Dave, you know why he is here, and at their house, and for all of us to enjoy. He brings great high energy, love, sensitivity and character. Welcome Dave to the rest of your life.

Aunt Shirley

BIRTHDAY KICK-OFF FOR HOLIDAYS!

Do you remember when you were 13. I am afraid I do for a little bit. It was miserable and I ran away from home twice that year. I went over to friends houses. I think my dad turned white that year. And, as for me I just turned into an angry teen.

Jordan, our 13 year old grandson is taller then me and experiencing the whoa's of Saturday School. I just smile.

Isn't it interesting that those two glorious years - 7th and 8th grade when we need to really communicate and talk out our issues, we only get belligerent and arrogant. WE know everything.

I just find it amusing. Good luck and welcome to the real world, Jordan Ross.