The 'credit might be frozen', but our hearts are not!

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Yesterday, we enjoyed a genuine celebration of our 6th Wedding Anniversary. We enjoyed a glass or two of chilled white South African wine, with one of our kind neighbours, in the evening. Our other dear friend was 'under the weather'; so, we look forward to a fun celebration with 'bubbly' with her, in the near future. Plus, also when 'things' stabilize a bit; we will 'extra appreciate' a bottle of champagne; because currently, not many of us are in a 'purchase mode' eventhough, it is Christmas.

Our neighbour appeared to be a bittidz 'sad?'; however, when she set foot in our tid home, her eyes literally lit up when she saw all the Christmas decorations! We had a major party in 2006, celebrating our move here; ie honouring the memory of my parents, their Wedding Anniversary of Dec 10th as well as ours, our 'new home', the 'festive' season, friends, the whole 9 yards! We invited also, a number of our neighbours (whom we have since come to know; and they are lovely people); and the whole evening was wonderfully remembered by ALL! 'When you have fun at your own party, that is a sign of a good party'; as the expression goes! With our neighbour, we reminisced about that particular party, our anniversary, our friendship; and she left our house, feeling much happier in spirit!

We are in the tidbitz 'thick of things', as in a 'perfect storm', (remember the movie, 'Perfect Storm?') and undergoing '11th hour battles' (as per yesterday's post). We ARE placing our TRUST and FAITH in Him, to Provide Solution (in His time and in Accordance with His Will). Alas, we have been 'let down' by others; as well as experiencing the impact / repercussion of the current 'global financial crisis'; as the 'press' deems it in the newspapers and on the news. The banks are sorely affected too; 'scared stiff' of taking ANY risk, whatsoever; and enforcing credit crunch freezes to most people, thus creating a HINDRANCE; thus exacerbating the problems, as opposed to being of genuine 'help'. Ironic that they advertise, wishing to help small business. NOT!

As mentioned earlier, we asked (that is a hard thing to do) a local handful of 'those', whom we KNOW to have the resources. However, 'they' are 'frightened' (fair enough) of taking ANY risk; and the banks have certainly not helped here!

We are 'survivors'; and doing the 'energizer bunny' bit as best as possible; with the Prayer that He has a Purpose, all to the GOOD. As Robert Schuller Jr ('Hour of Power') says, 'When you are down to nothing, you know He is up to something'. It would appear, that most people do not 'live outside the box'; thus perhaps, it is extremely easy for some of 'them' to throw 'darts' at those with 'entrepreneurial spirit'. Nonetheless, we must 'keep on trekking'; and think totally in the positive mode; regardless of all the negative 'stuff' that is floating about!

We just returned from taking some clothing to the 'Union Gospel Mission'; a Christian organization; and we are glad we did; as it helps others in far greater need than ourselves. Also, we literally saw a 'street person' on route; and Alan gave him his outdoor jacket, because the poor man looked absolutely frozen. The 'credit might be frozen', but our hearts are not! There is always someone who is in greater need than ourselves. Love the above photo image; very true!

Guess that is the tidbit (of giving) I want to share with you today. I will also add, we should all follow the Spirit of Giving, especially at this time of year, to those less fortunate than ourselves. Christ tells us it is better, to Give rather than to Receive! Let us just DO that!

Just received a phone call that a very dear old friend of my parents (and ours), passed away today. A total 'downer'; a loss of an 'era' if you will. However, save for the last few years, she lived a rich full life! She knew she would not last til Christmas; but we know she is finally at Peace in Heaven. God Bless her and her family. They are having their annual Christmas Party; and all the more to 'rejoice' in the 'celebration of her life'. 'Absent Friends' is an old Norwegian toast; and I now raise my glass to her. Most likely, the same will happen at the Christmas party; if not, I will encourage a 'Skal'. She will appreciate that cheer!

Good Night and God Bless.