Dropping By

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to drop by and say "HI". I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. We had a small Christmas. We have not had Christmas with the grandkids yet; going to do that this weekend. It just didn't work out to have everything together this year. But that's ok, I wish we had stayed home on Christmas when my children were small. Seems like they did not get to enjoy their gifts because of all the rushing and going to different relatives homes. Oh, well....

I'm ready to see the babies too! Feels like I haven't seen them in a long time. They are only small for a little while, then they are off and gone. I told Terry next year I want to do a trip with the family at Christmas. We have everything we want, really. I would love to take them somewhere and enjoy a good family time. As you know I love to go to the mountain here in NC. Its just so much fun and family friendly. I don't know, we will see what everybody schedules look like. That's going to be the hard part, lol.

I am looking forward to a new year. 2019 was a little bit difficult, but also had it's blessings. I usually start a new personal bible study every year. On January 1st I get my journal from the previous year and look through it to see all the prayers that were answered and the ones, that were not but still praying for. I love to do that. To see what God has done throughout the year. Some small, some big, and some; like I said, still waiting.

My family knows me well. They got me some new reading and studying material for the new year and I can't wait. I love to study as a group, the thing about getting alone with your Bible and God is a whole different experience. To be honest, I was slack on that this year. I didn't spend as much time in my study or making time for Him I should say. I could tell it too! A relationship with God is like any other you have in your life. You have to spend time, ask questions, tell what's going on in your life. I know God knows this stuff already, He still wants to hear it. It might sound elementary to some, but I can be elementary a lot of the time.

I am the type of person that has to stay in the Word. My life would be a chaotic mess if not. I've lived that way before, I don't plan on going back. I am amazed by God's grace and mercy He has shown this woman. I did my best to mess her up, thought I succeeded one time, maybe two....but God....He has His own plan. It wasn't easy and some days they still aren't. God shows up every time. I will always praise Him for it. When we(I)get busy with whatever is going on in our lives at the moment is when we (I) lose focus on God. Like at Christmas, we get busy and lose focus of why God sent Jesus.

I went a LONG time and didn't know Jesus, knew of Him but not Him. And girlfriend, I want everyone to know Him. He is my everything. I will tell you one day all the mess He had to clean up. It was a lot of piles, but He can do it. Only He can clean like that.

But not today. Today I want to encourage you that a brand new year is coming. Full of potential and promise. A new start, new habits, new goals. Oh, I'm so excited!!!  I hope you all are too!

I am so humbled by each one that stops by and reads my blog. I have a few ideas for the coming year. Makeup, fashion, trips and of course the Word. Thanks so much for being a part of this community. I love you all!

See you next year!!

Blessings,

Dawn

It's Christmas Time

Hi everyone!

Christmas is just a few days away. The countdown is officially less than 5 days!!! It happens just as quick every year. Although this year I did finish my Christmas shopping early; and as in finished, I mean I ordered my last present from Amazon this morning after church, lol! I am one that makes sure everyone has the same amount of gifts to open, so I was lacking one and I fixed it. Praise the Lord for Amazon Prime.

I get really excited about Christmas. The kids come over Christmas Eve, opening presents, watching the little ones with the new toys and outfits. Just being together. The older I get the more I want just my family. Being with them during the holidays is more special to me than any gift they could buy me. We do the same thing every Christmas Eve. Brian and Brittany come home from Wilmington and spend the night. We watch Christmas movies and eat, usually too much! And yes, even though they are grown my kids get stockings and Santa still comes. It's tradition, right? We open gifts Christmas morning while Terry and I cook breakfast. Simple, just the way I like it.

This year we will see the grandkids, Allan, & Melisa at different times. Our schedules just did not work out this time. I don't want the kids to feel like they have to be everywhere at once. They need to be home at Christmas.

Speaking of home, there are some of us that will be missing their loved ones at home this Christmas. Whether it be a death, sickness, serving our country, or a conflict in the family. Some spend this season feeling totally alone. I want to encourage you that you are never alone, never. God is always with us. With us at all times and all situations. God sees us EXACTLY where we are. Nothing goes unnoticed by Him. So whatever it is you are going through sweet friend, tell Jesus. Tell Him how you feel. Give it to Him. He is the only One that can mend the broken-hearted, heal the hurt and comfort the lost. Jesus, He is all you need.

During all this busyness the next few days, stop to thank Him for all you have. All He's done and going to do. It's Jesus birthday let's celebrate Him. Smile, hold the door, buy a cup of coffee for the lady behind you. You will be surprised how far these little acts of kindness go. Bless someone and you will be blessed in return. We all have stuff, things we are going through; serving others helps us heal and show Jesus at the same time.

What are some of your Christmas traditions? I would love to hear some of them. Just leave a comment below. I will try to do another post before Christmas, but if not; have a Merry Christmas!

Blessings and love,

Dawn


Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV)

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”

Weekend Getaway

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all have had a good Monday. I'm just getting home, I was at work all day today. Playing catch up, which wasn't bad. I have some great co-workers that helped out so I could have a day off last Friday. That was such a blessing.

My husband, Terry and I took off to Boone, NC for the weekend. JUST US! We haven't done that in a while. We had the best time. Terry bought us tickets to Tweetsie Railroad to ride the train and see the Christmas lights on the mountain. It was just magical; all those lights. But it was also cold and drizzling. We didn't care though, we were like to two little kids looking at all the lights and activities that were there.

The park had all manner of activities for every age. Human snow globes, Gingerbread Houses, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Christmas show plus the Train Ride. Also, food and shopping; which was right up my alley. We really had a good time. I normally don't like a lot of crowds; my anxiety gets up some. I guess it may have been the weather that keep some people home. Although the train ride did get my anxiety up! The sounds that train would make going around the mountain, in the dark, not knowing what was coming ahead of us. I kept saying, "God's got this, I'll be fine", and I was. Sometimes it is crazy how we let our minds runaway like that.

Saturday we drove up to Banner Elk to shop a little, but that was stopped because it started snowing. Terry and I stopped at a coffee shop to get a cup and wait it out. It was so pretty. Just the picture of the mountains with that snowing falling; watching it with my coffee. I don't know if it was because it's Christmas season or what, but it was just so special to me. Like God was putting on a show. I could have sat there and watched it all day.

I am a home body, I don't like to leave my home much. Especially since we have our fur babies, Elliott and Lucy. Both are rescue kitties. I just love them. Terry's brother usually comes by and takes care of them, but it's not like being home. I told Terry I was kind of disappointed that we were going home Sunday. I would have liked to stay longer. He was so surprised, it was kinda funny. I'm always, ALWAYS, ready to go home. Like way early, like 5 in the morning ready, ready yesterday kind of go home, lol. So saying he was surprised is an understatement.

We did have a great time. I don't think we would have went if we waited until the time was right. We booked and bought tickets only a few days ahead of time to leave. Those are the fun trips. Besides, if we wait around until we have time to do things; we may never do them. Make time for your loved ones. Especially your spouses. Its so easy to get in a rut, same ol', same ol'. We are creatures of habit and I like my comforts, but I love my man more. Weekends like this past one does a marriage good. We had no agenda other than the train ride, but we got to do that early. You never know what you might learn about each other if you don't spend time together. Raising kids and taking care of parents has to be done too, I completely understand; been there done that. You don't want to look over one day after the kids and the parents are gone and wonder who you are married to??? Take time for each other. Do date night. Go to Lowe's with your man, (I can't stand that place), but I go because I love Terry.

I heard this saying one time that marriage isn't 50/50 its 100/100. Both of you giving everything you have. I can't remember where I read that, I'll to find out. Relationships are hard work, no one is easy to live with. But if you love each other, it's so worth it.

Below are some pictures from the weekend. If you ever get a chance to go to the NC Mountains, please go. They will not disappoint you.

Have a FaBulouS week!!

Dawn

Psalm 89:10 (CSB)
10 Faithful love and truth will join together;
righteousness and peace will embrace.

Christmas Shopping

Good evening y’all! I’m a little late putting my post up. I’ve had an extra full day. Not at all what I had planned. Although I did have my day planned out it just was a little fuller than I was expecting. But it all worked out, it always does.

After church this morning my husband and I drove to Smithfield for a little lunch and Christmas shopping. We had the best time; looking at all the decorations and Christmas trees. Everything is so beautiful this time of year. We ended up at Walmart shopping for our grandchildren. It’s hard to buy for them sometimes because they have some much already. I was stressing because I don’t know what they are even into. We have a teenage girl, grandson that is 9 and into Fortnite (insert eye roll) and a precious 3 year grand daughter that wants in her words “any and everything”, lol. She is a hoot!

Well, Terry and I decided on a gift to get “lil mama”; that’s what we call our youngest grand daughter because she is bossy. Terry put extra of that same gift in the cart along with a few more things. I’m thinking  the whole time this isn’t fair. Lil mama is going to have more gifts than the others. I said something to Terry about it. He calmly said they aren’t for her. There is another little girl we mutually know that may not have a Christmas this year. Let me tell you, God checked me right there in the toy department.

There are people all around us that are struggling and having a hard time; would never ask for help. It is our job to seek, serve and love on these folks. By no means are Terry and I wealthy, but what we do have we will share. You don’t have to have a bunch of money to show God’s love. We are to be His hands and feet. To serve the needy, whatever that may be.

Anyway, I already had a wonderful day and this just topped it off. To help, to meet a need, out of love for others because He loves us first. Love on your people and others. Kindness and a friendly smile doesn’t cost you a thing, but will mean the world to the other person.

That’s all I have for today friends. I hope you have a FaBulouS week. If you see a need please meet it. This old world needs it.

Blessings,

Dawn

Hello December

Good Morning sweet friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Full of laughter, love, friends and loved ones. We had a great Thanksgiving. We were missing a few family members and of course the ones that are no longer with us, but we had a great time. I need a couple of days to rest from the week. It sure was a busy one. I guess everyone is busy this time of year.

It's finally December 1st and I actually went with a girlfriend of mine to Raleigh yesterday; in the rain I might add, to do a little Christmas shopping. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. People were really nice and wanting to help customers and such. Funny how the Christmas season will change some of our moods. Most people are happier around this time of year. I think its the gift of giving that helps us get in the mood.

Pastor was speaking on letting our light shine all year long this morning. He was referencing the lights at Christmas. Around here we put lights on anything that will stay still! But anyhow, the Pastor was right. God sent the Light into this dark world on Christmas so that we may be light also. We are to share our light with others. I always talk about having a purpose. People are born with a mission for their life. Some great that stand out for everyone to see and others are kind of behind the scenes. You know, the kind of serving and sharing your light that only God sees. I think, this is just me, but the "behind the scenes" serving is the most important. That's the one on one, really getting to know the needs of someone or ones.

There are some hurting people out in this ole world. Some may or may not show it. We all have our "ugly", as I like to call it, to go through. Coming from experience, its the ones that just sat and let me walk through that ugly to get to my purpose. Never judging, never condemning; just loving and praying. Folks, that is what matters. Loving on people while they are hurting and helping along the way. Knowing that I wasn't alone through those dark times was important to me. That's what I hope you all get out of this blog. Encouragement and laughter, with a dose of what Pastor called where we live this morning "Realville"

This world is hurt and hard to live in at times. Let's pray for each other, love one another, no judgement. God loves each and EVERY one of us.

So let you light shine, girlfriend and guyfriend! You never know who needs to see it.

Have a FaBulouS week😀

Blessings,
Dawn