Christmas Surprises

Since moving to Las Vegas, NV I've struggled with the warm weather. I love snow, white blankets that remind me that Christmas is near. I've had trouble getting used to twinkling light in palm trees and caroling in short sleeves.

God must have known that this Christmas has been especially difficult for me. I just wanted to ignore the whole thing. He sent snow...4 inches of snow to remind me that all is well in the world.

My children built snowmen, sprawled on the ground making snow angels, and had snowball fights. Todd and I went for a long walk around the neighborhood and caught snowflakes on our tongues. We threw a few snowballs too.

I am so grateful for this Christmas surprise. I needed it. My family needed it. Thank you, God for the lovely gift.


Speaking of giving gifts, I think I've found the perfect thing for the women in my life....a pajama gram. Isn't this awesome? I can send my mom or my sister-in-law pajamas in an organza hat box. I would love to get something like this...hint, hint, the red, velvet ones would be great.

If I order by the 23rd the comfy pajamas will be delivered in time for Christmas morning. They also have kid pajamas that come with a stuff doggie and a dog house. I can't get over how cute I think this is!

The best surprise of all is for something wondrous to happen to someone I love.

I can't say who yet but I have a close friend who's been contacted by the Oprah Winfrey Show!

She responded to a question on Oprah.com a few months ago...just for the fun it. It's the law of attraction at work. Be careful what you ask for. Now a producer wants to speak with her and possibly book her as a guest on an upcoming show!

I am still in shock, praying and visualizing her sitting on Oprah's stage. The world will love her and her sense of humor as much as I do. Her time is coming. I can feel it!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone. Remember to give and be gracious and grateful, not just now but all through out the year.

God Bless all of you!

The Reality Of War - Links and Information

Eighty Deuce On The Loose In Iraq Please spend some time with this important blog. I can't think of a better way to learn about Iraq than from the writings of one young soldier who lives it every day.

USO/Moveon.org progam Help a military member stationed in a hostile area call home for the holidays.

OneWorld.net Views and reports from citizen journalist from around the globe. Search under Iraq for specific reports.

USINFO The State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs official website for news reports and articles about international relations.

The Reality of War-Send Some Love To Lighten The Load Orignal post that relates to the links.

In The Spirit Of The Season - Relax

The crowds, the frantic people, the short tempers, the craziness of shopping for gifts - is this what the last days before Christmas feel like to you? If so, go in your room, close the door and take a deep breath - maybe take several. Look, I'm doing it, too.

It doesn't have to be this way. I think my stress comes from wanting to make everyone I love happy (my chronic need to please syndrome). I have to find that special gift for let's see...6 people and counting. My house needs to be perfect to entertain guests on Christmas Eve. I want to make the most delicious meal ever on Christmas night. And I still have to keep up with everything else I do each day. So when I looked in the mirror at my frazzled face, I thought, "Something has gone very wrong. This is supposed to be fun and I look like I'm about to jump off a cliff."

If anyone else feels the way I do then follow me in making this declaration:

I will have a joyous Christmas. I will slow down and take time to BE part of and in the season. I will remember that the holiday is a celebration of love and love comes in many forms (not just in a perfectly wrapped present that I spent hours searching for). I will be aware of and pay attention to the people around me. I will not subject anyone to my irritation, impatience, or self-importance. I will remember that this time of year is for sharing of myself (just a smile will do) and receiving from others (I really do deserve it, sometimes I have trouble remembering that I'm taking the joy of giving away from others when I try to do everything myself).

And after all of that, I will take more deep breaths, be still for a moment in the joy of the season and remember it can last through out the year if I chose for it to. I will head to my car with quiet contentment and finish my shopping with a grateful and loving attitude.

Here hoping I can pull it off....:)

Happy Holidays to all!

Cleaning...Really, I Am

I wish it wasn't so. I wish I was blogging but eventually I have to pull myself away from my love of writing and do mundane tasks like clean my house. So today I am doing something good for me and my family...making our house pretty for Christmas.

Check back tomorrow for your regular diet of LifePrints. I hope everyone who celebrates the holidays is enjoying the season and rejoicing over the happiness that this time of the year brings. Merry Christmas and more to the entire blogging community!

Peace,
Lisa