Parties waiting to happen

I'm a bit distracted today.  A new year is starting tomorrow.  I've just returned from a week away.  I'm supposed to be writing lessons.  All I can think about is a party.

A dear man from OPC has gone home.  Ken Bradley has been in a cancer struggle for over 7 years.  He's been fighting and suffering as his body has deteriorated.  His family has been with him praying and waiting.  And now, he's restored.  He's walking with a healed body.  He's breathing with healthy clear lungs.  He's in a state of no pain.  He's looking into the eyes of his Savior and seeing the depth of love held for him there.

And in heaven Ken is partying like never before.  What a way to start a new year -- walking streets of gold, seeing the saints who have gone before, knowing that it was real and worth it.  And being completely convinced of God's faithfulness.

We're not alone.  That sweet Savior has left his best friend to abide with us; and the Holy Spirit is willing to comfort, assure and provide us with hope.  

Dear Bradley family -- take heart.  God is near.  Heaven is rejoicing and crying at the same time for you.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."  Psalm 116:15.  That's a party I'd like to see.

Sunny Florida

I'm here, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!!!

Florida has welcomed me with open arms, friends. Mind you it was about 55 when I got here and we had to wear our scarves to Downtown Disney. But, I'm able to overlook that as I wore my shorts and flipflops today.

Hanging out with my nephews - 21 & 17 and my niece - 8 has been a hoot. The boys were about the girl's age when I was last living here. It's hilarious to find them enjoying time with Aunt Debby even though they block me on Facebook. Whatever. I'm not bitter. Well, I think I've mentioned it before on previous posts ... perhaps I am bitter! What's even more interesting is seeing the little one's new found intrigue in Aunt Debby. She's started to communicate beautifully after years of struggle and it's awesome. We went shopping today for family Christmas gifts. At the end of our adventures (you always know one is going to happen!) she says to me, "You're more fun than mom. You do fun stuff!" I did remind her of a mother's unending love, so the correct perspective was set in place. And then the boys and I giggled our way through "Napoleon Dynamite!!"

I'll be at OPC (yeah you know me) on the 28th. It's strange being back at a place where you know you're loved and your heart feels safe. The other day S asked me if I finally felt like I've gotten connected in Maryland and if this is where I'm supposed to be. I told her I just wanted to be where God sends me. My mom doesn't call me her bohemian flower child for nothing. Besides, it took me 3 years to feel I was supposed to be in Orlando. Truth be told, I'm missing Maryland. Maybe it's the adventure that calls to my heart to be where God takes me.


Total side note -- the other day we were traveling to Valley View Farms where a fantastic store of Christmas decor can be found. Along the country roads and tiny towns we were looking at Christmas lights. I gazed into one house and saw just a pole with lights on it.... it was a FESTIVUS pole!!! Festivus - for the rest of us! Anyone up for the feats of strength? Anyone?

Things not found in Florida

As I was driving to work this morning, I realized I was seeing something I never saw in the Sunshine State. Freezing rain was coming down. I could hear it hitting the ground and window sills as I was getting ready today, but when I walked outside it was a new sensation. See, the ice, as small bits of rain, dropped on my head. I didn't get wet, but it landed, melted and made the roads slick. I walked across the street for my mail and didn't have a bit of water on me. It was amazing!!!

In that vain, I wanted to bring to your attention some other things I've never seen in Florida. It's quite interesting if I do say so myself.

The grocery store which is the easiest to get to is called Martin's. It's alright. It ain't Publix by a long shot. But, they do have a fun feature which draws me in:

The hand-held scanner is super cool. It's like registering for wedding presents but getting them instantly! And you have to pay for them, but it's so cool! If I work it right, I remember to bring my reusable Publix bags to add into the fun. You simply shop, scan it all in, bag it in your cart, and then you check out at an "easy scan" lane and get out of there in a jiffy! Of course, it never is a jiffy when I shop because I find too many interesting items. Like this one:

A new meaning behind crabcakes!!! Marylanders are very proud of their crabs and crab cakes. This just isn't the type that everyone is so eager to make sure I try and enjoy. I've had the real ones. They're alright. This just made me laugh.

My final observation really sent me over the edge. Just before Thanksgiving I found the sculpted Turkey. And to carry on the tradition, here's the tree:


Exactly. Sculpted out of BUTTER!!! I thought that only happened in Wisconson - the dairy capital. But, you can find your very own Christmas tree ... in the dairy aisle of your local grocer.

Next week, I'll be in Florida, going to Publix at least 4 times!!! And oddly, that's almost as exciting as presents. Strange.

If I don't post before -- Have a very Merry Christmas. Remember the sweet, dear love that God has for you and shows to us in the birth of his precious son. He's here to be an tangible representation of that unending, never changing love for you. That's some Good News!