Be a Blessing to others!

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

Just six more days til Christmas Day! The tid time goes by quickly enough, but the next few days will just fly by. We are thankful that we have done most of our food shopping for our turkey Christmas meal and the various subsequent left overs! Just have to buy some groceries (sprouts, carrots, potatoes) and that should be plenty!

As mentioned, we have 2 little dogs staying with us and they will be celebrating the Birth of Christ with us. At the bittid moment, we are looking after another wee pup, as of earlier this morning, til later tomorrow (or Sunday) as the young couple (one of our neighbours) were able to get reservations for a 'getaway'. She is expecting their first child in mid February; so this is a holiday, 'away from it all' for them.

Right now, as I type I am listening to Kenneth Copeland's DVD ('Christmas Every Day') and the Christmas Carol, 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' is just booming forth. And then there is 'O Holy Night' and Kenneth's wonderful gift of a voice He has been Blessed with, is awesome! The 2 wee 'lads' just love the music! Very calming, joyful, and peaceful. One of the 2 dogs, is a 15 yr old pug and he is on his last legs. We are Prayful that he will still be alive when picked up later in the month and we are doing our bittidz best to make him as comfortable as possible.

However, the owners and us agree that 'they should not put their lives on hold' as one does not know the eventual timing. So a bit of tidbitz, is to simply go for it! It was a 3 week trip that had been planned for a long time. The little dog who just recently arrived, will be a good pal with the younger dog and most likely they will wear each other out with their playing!

Yesterday when we were at the little Produce Store, I met an older lady. For whatever reason, I smiled at her and she smiled back. (It costs nothing to smile and a smile can be a 'door of hope' to someone else. You just never know). I discerned that she had a sadness. As it happens her husband, at age 83 years, is in a care facility and she is now living on her own (which is a major adjustment). She does her best to see him every other day, if not every day. She has 7 grown children (2 sons and 5 daughters) and a number of grandchildren and she was at a Christmas School Play, cheering on her grandson. I asked her what Nationality she was, as she spoke with an accent. She told me and I immediately replied, that we were brought up in a 'European household' and that we are all the more appreciative of what goes into Christmas. She heartily agreed. Not knocking anyone, but there are tidbit similarities in European style and of the 'old world' way of doing things. She knew what I meant and she nodded appreciatively. In fact, her eyes totally lit up; they shone!

While at the store, we picked up a bag of sweet potatoes (they were 'on special' in the dollar bin) and I offered to give her a couple of the potatoes but she gracefully declined. However, it did not stop there. I sensed she needed a hug (I did phrase it by saying, 'I think you may need a hug, but maybe you would not like a hug?' Her immediate reply was: "I certainly do need a hug, more than ever!'). So we gave each other a genuine hug and the whole store noticed it and they ALL smiled; and everyone said "Merry Christmas!' to each other. It was quite a neat experience. And it all started with a simple smile AND to a total stranger!

I hope to run into this woman again, as I had an empathy and a compassion for her. Our parents went through their hoops with unwell spouses; so Alan and I both have the understanding of how it feels to be without a loved one. ie. a Spouse.

Tidbit - Have compassion and empathy for others. Also, when you become a 'certain age' it could be you, who is in need of a hug and a kind word of comfort, along with uplifting encouragement. Actually at any age, at any time is good!

Bittid - As Christ says: "Love one another as I have loved you."

Our kind neighbour, the one who arrived on our doorstep with 'dinner' (as mentioned in the earlier post), brought us a delicious homemade dessert as a thank you. Alan helped them with their garage door, as it was not closing. Alan makes various soups and always gives them batches and they love it. So, 'Love thy neighbour, as thyself.' 'Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.'

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and may 2015 be the best year yet for us all! This is a time for families and close friends to get together. However, it does not always work that way. Regardless, continue and endure to be of good cheer and to have a joyful countenance! Be a Blessing to all those you meet! And do not forget to say THANK YOU to Him; particularly at this special time of year!

I am including these wonderful bittid photo images and may these pictures encourage more tidbit sharing and caring of both the Christmas Spirit and celebrating the Gift of GRACE, and the Message of the GOOD NEWS!

Peace and God Bless.