Happy Friday the 13th! Not that it means anything to me...it's just the date today! I am expecting only GOOD things to happen today...planning to get out early this morning and go "shop 'til I drop". I tried going with hubby the other day, and he wanted to come home by 10:00 am, so that didn't work very well. Today it will be just me, myself, and I, and hopefully the three of us will be able to get the job done! I know all of you who do all of your shopping months early or online are chuckling at me and my inefficient manner of doing things, but hey, it works for me! I've tried all the other methods, and still it just seems that I work better under pressure, even if it does cause me to have meltdowns in aisle 4 of the store! LOL. It wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't have a meltdown or two in the process of shopping, wrapping, and all the other "fun" stuff that has to get done! So I will be putting on my "running shoes" this morning and heading out as soon as I've had my tea, breakfast and finished all my other morning "duties"...like trying to write this post!
It's been a busy week already...Wednesday was our church "Women in Faith" annual Christmas luncheon/party. Do you want to see the pictures? Sure you do...so here are the collages I put together of everyone at the party. We had a larger group than normal this year, with one table filled with our "sisters" from the Florahome church...which is the same church where we went last night for the Caroling and Candlelight service...but more about that in a minute! First things first:
Can you find me in the group?
Our youngest new member of the group slept through most of the laughter...
I'm the one wearing the shirt with the pink flamingos and palm trees with Christmas lights on them. Yeah, that would be me. Here's a close up in case you missed it:
And here's all the fun stuff: gifts and lots of food and desserts and ladies laughing and talking and having a wonderful time of fellowship! That's what Christmas parties are all about...
Plus, we always have a special tradition of having a birthday cake for Jesus, and we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
And one of the ladies from our sister church also led us in a special devotion about the birth of Jesus. It was a wonderful time, filled with joy and many blessings and fun!
Then last night we braved the cold (it was in the 40's) to go to our sister church in Florahome for that wonderful Christmas Caroling and Candlelight service.
Here's the church:
And this is the outdoor nativity scene, where we would gather after the service with our candles and sing Silent Night:
These pictures were taken inside their beautiful little church, which was filled to capacity with people from our church, their church, and another "sister" church from Palatka. This is an annual event, and our choirs sing a few songs and there was an mini-organ concert by a very excellent organist, and even a miracle happened, when the other church choir could not get their accompaniment CD to play correctly in the sound system...it looked like they would have to either sing their songs a capella, or pick a hymn to sing out of the song book. Suddenly a man unknown to them or us stepped out of the congregation and offered to play their music for them on the piano! He had NEVER seen this music before, and it wasn't just some simple music that would be familiar. He sat down at the piano and accompanied them as if he had been practicing with them all along! It really was a miracle! I love it when God shows us that He is present and there for us even in the special things like being able to provide music for a choir in need of some assistance! What a blessing that was for all of us! The man was a guest from out of town, with a God-given talent that he was willing to use on the spot so that the people would be blessed. I wish I had taken his picture!
After the service we bundled back up and went outside for this candlelight time of singing Silent Night together. It was very special to see everyone gathered together, holding their battery-operated little candles that were provided instead of real candles that always would blow out before...great idea!, but the best part was hearing everyone singing together in harmony and full of the beauty of that moment, remembering the night that our Savior was born!
It really was a special moment.
Then we went inside to their newly remodeled Fellowship Hall and had some delicious refreshments. I forgot to take any pictures of that as I was too busy eating and enjoying the sweet fellowship of friends. It was a beautiful night.
Well, folks, I need to get a move on if I am going to go shopping this morning. Remember to keep Jesus in your hearts and minds as you go about your Christmas duties. He truly IS the Reason for this season!
1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
2 God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin's womb;
very God, begotten not created; [Refrain]
3 Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest![Refrain]
4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
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Such beautiful pictures of times spent with sisters in Christ. It looks like everyone had fun. I love the story of the man who stepped up to play the piano!
ReplyDeletePS - I do better shopping by myself too. Bob likes to go in, get the stuff and get back out. I like to look around and browse. Hope you are successful today!
Thank you, Mari. It was quite an event...that man was a visitor who came to visit his parents, and who knew he was such an accomplished pianist? God knew! And it was such a blessing to have him come to the aide of that choir.
DeleteI think most men are the same when it comes to shopping. I did much better today, but still have a few little things to figure out. It will all happen on time. It always does.
Was so great to see you and John again at the candle lighting. Have a blessed Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking this is either Beth or Robin, or is it Jim? We had such a wonderful time at your church. It was so beautiful and such a special annual event that we hope you will always invite our church to come to. We wouldn't want to miss it!
DeleteWhat a wonderful time of food, fellowship and fun. I love the tradition of singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. So often, the the reason for all of the celebrating is forgotten in the hustle and bustle. We also had a caroling party for the church shut-in's on Wednesday evening. Since I still have no voice, Dennis and I just showed up for the hot chocolate party afterwards and lots of fellowship with everyone.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the man who stepped out of the congregation was an angel? We do entertain them unaware. A stranger? Who knew the music? Who happened to be there? Lots of koinky-dinks, (coincidences) as my Mom used to say.
I hope you had a very productive time shopping this morning and are closer to being happily prepared.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
Thank you, Betsy. Re: the "man"/angel...He was there visiting his parents who live in the area and apparently also knew the gentleman who was playing the organ. The music that the choir was singing was from their cantata, a special arrangement of music that would not be readily known! But this man was obviously a very accomplished pianist, and God had him there at the right time! So thankful he stepped up and volunteered to play! It was amazing! My shopping spree was pretty good, but I still have a few things to figure out. We have such a limited number of decent stores in this area without having to travel at least an hour to find better places to shop. I did the best I could under the circumstances. I don't like to order everything online either...I like to see what I am getting! I'm sure it will all come together.
DeleteI loved seeing all your sisters and the fun you were all having. I picked you out of the first collage, with that cute sweater. love the church, both inside and out. my kind of church, I like small churches like this more than big beautiful cathedrals.
ReplyDeleteawesome about the stranger/angel! true talent. good luck shopping. my husband makes me crazy if we go shopping, even for food. I prefer all shopping alone. I shop like a man, I go with a list and pop down each aisle to get what I want and out the door. I do like to wander the Christmas things. like when I need a sweater, I go in the door and to the sweaters and get one and leave or leave without one. I rarely every buy anything that I did not go there to get
Thank you, Sandra. My top came from Beall's many many years ago! (not the outlet, but the real Beall's). It was a gift from a friend who loved to give me flamingoes in one form or another...thank goodness never a real one! LOL.
DeleteSuch a lovely time of joy and togetherness, Pamela. Oh, come let us all adore Him, now and always! Blessings and good luck with your last minute shopping!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha. It's been a beautiful week. (and thank you for your card! What a blessing!)
DeletePam: These are special times for you and your hubby. We have had snow here. I enjoyed seeing your pictures of the fellowship and the candles and carols program. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecelia. Snow! How wonderful, but I know it makes things difficult to get around. I hope your son can get home soon, as I know you said he had to be delayed because of the weather. I pray your Christmas season will be filled with much joy.
DeleteI recognized some of the ladies at your Wednesday social from when we recently visited your church! Lovely post. Where did you get your fun flamingo shirt?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! You would have enjoyed the party!! The shirt is very old, and came from Beall's many moons ago. (Not Beall's Outlet, but the real Beall's). It was a gift one Christmas from a friend, and she also had one and I think she gave one to another of our friends (or maybe it was to my sister, I forget), and we all wore them that Christmas. That's been at least 12 or 15 years ago! I only wear it once a year, so it's held up well! LOL.
DeleteOh, I loved seeing all those beautiful, smiling faces of all of your "sisters". What a wonderful way to anticipate Christmas. I love those kind of parties and singing carols together. Priceless memories.
ReplyDeleteHope you find everything on your list and can "Shop till you drop".
Sue
Thank you, Sue. It's been a busy but pleasant week. My shopping is mostly done, with a few things I couldn't figure out yet, but it will all come together on time. It always does. I just want to remember Jesus and why we are celebrating. That is my focus and prayer.
DeleteWhat joyous times spent with sisters (and brothers, too) in faith! I'm kind of sad that our Bible study class no longer does anything fun to mark the holiday, but I need to accept that traditions - together with familiar faces - change with the times.
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling to imagine your shopping "spree"; no meltdowns allowed. After all, it's tradition!
Re: meltdowns: I almost had one when one store was so crowded there were no shopping carts available and I had to carry the items I wanted to buy around with me while I shopped. By the time I made it to the cashier I was worn out and there was a little issue with a cashier about telling me out loud to wait in line until "called" to come to the available cashier. If I hadn't have been so nice I might've just dropped everything and left it there...I almost did anyway out of sheer exhaustion, but I persevered to the end and paid for my purchases and got out of there before I gave into my "feelings" of the moment. God was watching over me, thank heavens, or I might've said something I shouldn't have. I am thankful for His guard over my tongue. LOL.
DeleteBoth events look like a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord! Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb. It has been a busy but very special week. I am thankful for all that God provides...
DeleteHi Pamela, looks like you and your friends had a lot of fun! The church I grew up in when I was a kid. Candlelight services are always nice. Our church is having one on Christmas Eve. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOur church will also have a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. This little church we visited does this special service every year and invites the other churches in the area to come and participate in the music, etc. It's always something we don't want to miss!
DeleteWhat a stunning little church! I'm completely captivated by its charm! It sounds like a fun gathering with the Ladies—so much warmth, camaraderie, and delicious food! The candlelight singing and worship on the outside create a deeply moving atmosphere. It's a beautiful testament to the faith within the community! Pamela, your photos are lovely, and I really appreciated seeing how people across the country celebrate the birth of our Savior.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so late getting here but I LOVED seeing all the photos, Pam!! What a lovely time with your sisters in Christ!! The sister church looks very much like yours, and caroling in the cold is very Christmas-like - just needed some flurries!! xo
ReplyDelete