Peace on Earth

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:8-20

Savor the Moments

It's Friday afternoon just a few days before Christmas. My shopping is complete, the gifts wrapped, and the house is almost ready for our family's Christmas festivities. To have today and tomorrow to relax a little has been wonderful. My thoughts (as they have so often the last few weeks) continue to turn to exactly how it is we should be celebrating this season. JESUS IS THE VERY BEST GIFT EVER. My gifts can in no way compare -- and they aren't even handmade this year as they have been so often in the past. The momentary pleasures and joys -- they're memories worth keeping. Like the one yesterday when my 2 year old granddaughter and I visited the Enchanted Forest.

This exhibit of elves and forest creatures having fun in the snow while busy preparing all the toys and fun Santa will soon deliver, features old, old motorized animals and elfs. The animals were all waving to the children as we wandered our way through the exhibit which now finds its home at The Pink Palace Museum in Memphis. It's had a few homes over the years, and has thrilled children for decades. Mikah was no exception. What a delight it was to watch her move from one scene to the next waving and shouting, "hello" to each character that was waving to her. The surprise that she registered that these characters were not talking back was such a treat.

I believe that the celebration of Jesus birth through worship and praise and sharing His love is the obvious first consideration in this season, which holds so much promise of JOY unending! Spending time with Mikah yesterday -- that was a gift from her to me -- and a gift of time and love shared. I was so thankful that my life was not so rushed, I was able to take the time to make a memory, and I believe Jesus smiled on us and our adventure.

Treat Your Feet!!!

What kind of bird can write? (Give up? The answer is at the end of this post.)

These little tuxedo clad guys give me the giggles. I also wonder while even though they are fairly small creatures, how they get around on those little webbed peds. They're like a roly-poly get around on a couple of playing cards.

This leads to a serious question. . . How are you getting around? This time of the year we all seem to be rushing everywhere, shopping, cooking, decorating, partying . . . and at the end of the day the "dogs" are feeling quite abused. You may help them out with a gift of reflexology, of course! (You are smiling here, right?!)

Another discovery I made over the summer was the Earth Shoe. If you're old (like me) you'll remember these from say 30 years or so ago. . . rather clunky in appearanhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifce, but if you wore them you may recall how happy your feet were to live in such comfort. So, the shoes have been around a very long time, but they have also become very stylish. The combination is definitely a winning one!

Simple amazement at how great my feet felt, and later realization that a rather persistent pain in my shoulder blades had disappeared as well when I began wearing them, has been incentive enough to recommend them to many of my reflexology clients. They are available with a perk -- Free Shipping @ TheWalkingCompany.com!


Just in case you've read this far without guessing -- IT'S A PEN - GUIN

Riddle and cute little bird from kaboose

Spot of Tea Gets the Nod

In the not too distant past you were made aware of my decision to check out tea as a morning "spot" of choice. Alternating between the fine teas from Generation Tea and my gourmet coffees, I have made the amazing (but perhaps not startling) decision, that my body loves me much more on the days I choose the tea. I've really enjoyed those I've purchased from generation tea. . . some are already in bags . . . some are used with an infuser. . . both fabulous. When I opened the infuser to clean it, I was amazed at how vibrantly green the leaves had almost come to life.

This online shop is worth the virtual trip. . . treat yourself . . . or an impressionable last minute gift.

Generation Tea

Unique Gifts for Little People

With one incredible 2 year old grandchild and two more on the way,
you will believe that this Grandma is always on the lookout for all
the perfectly unique gifts for these perfectly unique and special
little people. Surfin' about for exactly that, I came across this
wonderful website with even more wonderful offerings! You'll find
more links there for "Posh Home" and more. Have a look for yourself
at PoshTots. Find spectacular
treats for your perfectly incredible little someones!

Laughter the Best Medicine of All

Laughter is the best medicine. . . We've all heard that said so often. Just what is the medicine good for? Obviously, if you're laughing you are probably in a jovial mood and stress is being relieved a bit. I became curious today as to exactly what other great side effects there might be to this particular form of medicine. Google led me to a website full of facts on the effects of humor and links to humor as well. Here is there report in a nutshell.

A good hearty laugh can help:

* reduce stress
* lower blood pressure
* elevate mood
* boost immune system
* improve brain functioning
* protect the heart
* connect you to others
* foster instant relaxation
* make you feel good.
Lots more specifices are found at:

www.helpguide.org

miessence Organic Skincare a Great Value

When prospective clients look at the miessence organic line of skincare and cosmetics I represent, they often look first at the price. That's quite a shame, I believe, especially when they are comparing it to the products they are purchasing at the big chain drugstore on every corner. Just the ingredients label alone on those products truly are screaming, "Unless you wish to put totally toxic stuff on your body, don't even take me home."

Much appreciation goes to the miessence representative who took her precious time to compare our prices to the other organic brands on the market. Now we are comparing oranges to oranges here. The truth is that ounce for ounce miessence comes in pennies higher than two other brands, but in many cases dollars less than some of the most well-known. miessence quality is tremendous.

You will find the entire miessence certified organic product line by clicking here. Thank you for visiting. You'll find gift ideas that are truly a treat -- pampering and healthy as well -- and ordering information, too.

His Handprints

A man leaves all kinds of footprints when he walks through life.
Some you can see ... others are invisible, like the prints he
leaves across other people's lives.

-- Margaret Lee Runbeck

As a reflexologist perhaps I could better say I leave handprints across the footprints of another's life. . . . in any case reflexology at its best is loving, caring, supportive touch. I pray the invisible prints I leave may be seen as the beauty of THE CREATOR and His awesome touch -- A touch that He allows to flow through me as His humble vessel and thereby becoming His life touching the life of another.

Reacting Like Mary

In my email box this morning . . . a devotional from one of the links we include on this blog . . . and dedicated to any of you reading this that are feeling the pressure of the season . . .


Super Mom Has Left the Building by Marybeth Whalen
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Devotion:

I just have to insert something in the midst of this busy season we call Christmas:
“You can’t do it all.”And I don’t think I can say that enough.

I found this entry in my journal from years ago, and I thought you might like to read it…

Someday…
I’ll remember to order those cute Christmas return address labels for my cards.
I’ll bake real gingerbread houses like Martha Stewart instead of buying those cheap, cheesy kits.
I’ll finish my shopping early instead of waiting to the last minute.
I’ll hand make gifts for all our neighbors, teachers, postal carriers, and garbage men.
I’ll wrap presents that look like the ones in the magazines, not like a kindergartner did it.
I’ll actually do all those service projects that look like a worthy thing to do.
Someday… is not now.

Whatever season in life you are in this Christmas, embrace it. There will be other times to do all those things you want to do. Or not. Whatever your situation is, trust that God is sovereign and He ordained for you to be where you are at this time, for His purpose. There is something to be gained from every season in life. The trick is to find that piece of wisdom God has for you in the midst of each season.

When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her some pretty shocking news about what was going to happen to her. His message ushered her into a season in life that included confusion, rejection and some pretty extreme transition. And yet, her response was “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

I want Mary’s reaction to be my own reaction. I want my attitude to be one of complete surrender to God’s will, no matter what the circumstances. I want to be able to say with confidence “May it be to me as you have said” instead of whining to God, “Why did you let this happen to me?” like I usually do.

The first step in embracing every season is to let go of our own expectations—even when it means learning to love our limitations. Whether you are struggling with illness, or lack of energy, or a marriage situation, or money problems, or family issues—whatever it is, that is where God has you. Stop trying to be Super Mom or Super Woman and trust a super God instead.

Dear Lord, help me see You this Christmas. Help me keep my focus on You and not on my to-do list. And would you please remind me when I forget that You love me not because of what I accomplish but because I am, simply, Your child? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.