Focus!

This is my note to self. It's my reminder that IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

We've had quite a dramatic few weeks with an arctic blast that brought freezing cold temperatures and burst water pipes that flood garages. Snow that my husband navigated like a professional until he pulled off to help a neighbor who was stuck. . . then it was our turn!

My Suburban slid into the front yard of one of our neighbors (the one who loves his lawn no less!)Some other neighbors came out and they all got our car chained up and Jon had to continue on through the neighbor's yard to get us unstuck. A plate of cookies and an apology and all was well so that worked out okay. Fortunately the snow is so deep we didn't even touch his grass.

Then there are the power outages. Normally for us a power outage is an inconvenience and even fun. We usually like them because we pull out the games and light the candles. The kids laugh at my attempts to secure a flashlight in a strategic position so I can continue knitting (have you ever tried to tie a flashlight to your head? It doesn't work very well! I keep hinting for one of those miner's hats or something but so far, no luck!)

However, right now, I am so sick of power outages!! Our power has been out five times in the last week and it's still blinking on and off sporadically. This isn't good when you're in the middle of holiday baking! Our longest stretch was 13 hours so it hasn't been as bad as other times. (We were off for three days the year we decided to put in a wood stove.) But when you have a mile long to do list it's very frustrating.

Then there is the weather! My fudge and divinity hate me this year because of the weather! Two feet of snow in the front yard apparently affects how the stuff turns out (or doesn't!) I was up until two o'clock in the morning trying to get the fudge to work out! Now I have a lovely tub of fudge frosting in my freezer for the next cake I make but I finally gave it up and went to bed. This morning I did some more and while it isn't the best fudge I've ever made at least it isn't soup. In fact, it's pretty dry and crumbly!

As my grandma used to say, "I can't win for losin'!" I don't really no what that means but she always used it in situations like this, lol.

I had just finished mixing up the dough for dinner rolls when our power started flashing on and off again. I think my brain short circuited and I just about lost it. Or maybe I did lose it, it's all kind of hazy to me. You could ask my kids but I think my head may have spun around a few times. I know I was grumbling about fudge (haven't mastered the "do all things without grumbling and complaining" verse yet apparently.)

Then I threw up my hands and yelled: "IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!!! IT'S NOT ABOUT FUDGE! IT'S ABOUT JESUS!!"

I'm not sure where that came from but now it's my theme and reminder of what I need to be worrying about right now; namely, nothing! Because it IS all about Jesus. Yeah, we like all the holiday trappings; pretty lights and decorations, yummy food and tasty treats and yes, I do like getting presents. I won't pretend I don't! I am a big kid when it comes to Christmas and all the trimmings and I think that's okay, as long as I remember:

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS!

I told my kids that if they see me getting all kerbobbled (I like that word from "The Grinch" movie) they need to give me a hug and tell me it's all about Jesus. Or, they can start singing "Jesus is my Friend!" to remind me and help me regain my focus.

We do have water again and can now do laundry since Jon (with the help of our very highly esteemed friend Mike) fixed the pipes. Jessica just made some butter toffee and the rolls are about ready to be shaped. I have four healthy kids and a wonderful, doting husband who is my best friend. The snow is beautiful and my house is all dressed up for Christmas. We have enough food that we are all well insulated and though the finances of the world are in chaos, our Lord has continued to provide abundantly for us.

I have a lot to thank Him for but most of all for the reason we are celebrating right now; His great love for me that caused Him to leave the glory of heaven and be born into a lowly, filthy manger surrounded by stinky animals only to grow up to be mocked, abused, rejected and finally die on a cross to take the penalty for my sin.

All because He loves me. And all because He loves you.

I have to go bake some pecan pies now but my prayer is that I would remember each and every day of the year:

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus.