CONTENT TO THINK ABOUT

Strange, the content for this New Year's Eve post came to me as I was thinking about the past year, and I remembered Steinbeck's novel The Winter of our Discontent and the lesson found in that story.

Strange because I looked back at my New Year's Eve 2007 post, which also contained Steinbeck and Scripture.

I think I can sum up my biggest lessons from 2008 by quoting the apostle Paul:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
~ Philippians 4:12-13

Happy New Year! I wish you joy and contentment in 2009!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things.

Philippians 4:4-8

HAPPY THOUGHTS

turtleneck sweaters; reminiscing with girlfriends; caroling around a Christmas Tree; an unexpected compliment; Handel's Messiah; snow globes; making new friends; twinkle lights; Christmas movies; peppermint bark; bedtime stories; Frosty the Snowman; Wiiing; singing Silent Night at a Christmas Eve candlelight service; scarves; Twenty-four-hour-a-day Holiday music; freshly baked bread; wishing; puzzles; fires in the fireplace; hot chocolate spiked with a touch of cinnamon liqueur; festive hats; sister time; watching kids open presents; playing; luminaries; family photos; a baby sleeping on your shoulder; Christmas cards in the mail; new puppies; Christmas cookies; Champagne; old friends; traditions; falling snow; a Holy Night; a star brightly shining; a thrill of hope; a weary world rejoicing; a new and glorious morn; angel voices; the night when Christ was born. . .

YOU MIGHT NEED A JACKET

It's snowing! Big, beautiful, fluffy snowflakes!