Outside my window...
Christmas decorations are going up. The nativity has been set in the front yard, a 4-ft wreath aglow with lights has been hung on the house, welcoming candles placed in the windows. Next door there are inflatables again this year, lying limp, sprawled across their lawn during the day outside our kitchen window. Non-inspiring.
Around the house...
We like to get fresh trees, so we stopped at a local Christmas tree lot and chose a thin-ish one. I decided this year to use mostly vintage items on it from over the years. We have several glass bulbs and a few other ornaments that we got our first couple of Christmases--almost 50 years ago.
Thinking...
About those inflatables. They're on a timer and begin to arise from the ground at 5:00. The family is gone during the day, and is greeted by its happy glow as they return home after dark. The plastic puddle is out of their sight during the day. But not ours. Ugh.
Looking forward to...
Finishing the study/teaching prep on the Book of Esther and getting back to my counseling classes. I took a break these past several months to devote time to Esther, and alas, found when I got ready to register for more classes that I am now out of sync with the schedule. But these have been good months with great benefit, so I am content with my progress nevertheless.
Thankful...
For the opportunity to teach the narrative of Esther. It has been good to see how God worked in His providence to preserve the lineage of Jesus Christ, who came in the fulfillment of time as our Redeemer and Savior. AND to be reminded that He still works today--in the world and in my life. He works all things together for good for those who love Him, according to His purpose--and that is the key.
Learning...
That in ancient manuscripts Naman's tens sons who were hanged on the gallows were listed one per line, margin-justified.
Pondering...
The funeral of President George H.W. Bush this week and the honorable tribute paid to him. Thinking how the presence of the casket symbolized the dignity of the President and offered a focal point for others to convey their tribute to him as they viewed it, the representative of the one who was lying within. I thought how a diminutive urn with ashes could not rise to such an occasion, the earthly body simply burned in disregard.
In the kitchen...
Prepared a new-to-us meal this week from a friend's recipe book--Brunswick Stew. It's a blend of chicken, ground beef, and ground pork, with some ketchup and barbeque sauce to add some flavor. The recipe includes creamed corn, which My Beloved can't have, so I left that out. Took some to my parents, and they added the corn.
In the sewing room...
Nothing happening in there for awhile except for minor alterations. Thankful for my serger that makes altering hems a breeze.
Brought a Smile...
We live by a mostly unused railroad. The local railway club runs a train on holiday weekends, and all during December the Christmas train passes by with its festive lights. We often step out to the back porch as it passes, and our grandchildren help us wave when they are visiting. The engineer blows the whistle as he goes by. Hearing the whistle this weekend brought back the memory of the children when they were here in October waving at the Punkin' Pickin' Train.
Reading...
It's one of the books I've read for the Esther series. It isn't academic or a commentary, but rather gives points of application. Merwin also relates the Gospel to the narrative of Esther as it progresses.
