Tis' This Season of Giving

Congratulations to Joyce
on her Anniversary of reaching the 200th edition of
Wednesday Hodgepodge
I first participated on April 12, 2012 and have loved being part of this large community of bloggers.
Thank you, Joyce for helping to bring "peace on earth" by bringing us all together week after week.

1. What is something in your life right now that feels a little 'hodgepodge'?

My shoes!  I am still not able to wear a regular shoe on my right foot since having foot surgery two months ago.  I know it will get there, but right now, my two feet are shod very hodgepodgie.

2. What does 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' mean to you?

For this answer refer to my random thoughts below.

3. Which edible treat you are most looking forward to sampling this December?

Sampling?  How about inhaling!  I love our DIL's sausage balls and caramel popcorn that she makes every Christmas.  Also, I traditionally make and take Peanut Butter Squares to our son when we go north for Christmas.  These are always a favorite and I only make them this time of year.

4. It's that most wonderful time of the year...do you agree, and if so why is it so wonderful?  If not, what would you say is the most wonderful time of the year?

I absolutely agree!  I love the fall and find the winter months invigorating.  I love being able to wear winter clothing; snuggling with my faux fur throw; reading in front of a fire; parties and get-togethers with friends; the music of the season; anticipating a lengthy time with family in the north, etc.  But most of all, it is the time we really concentrate on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and what His coming into our world made possible for each of us.

5. What was the last word you looked up in a dictionary (actual or online) and why?

I did a little study on contentment a few weeks ago.  It was spurred by a friend who is going through a lot right now mentioning that she has learned to be content in whatever state she finds herself, then my daily Bible reading including that very statement made by Paul in Philippians 4.

6. Besides a Christmas tree, what is your favorite thing to decorate this time of year?

I usually try to decorate my mantle according to the major seasons; however since we are usually gone most of the month of December, I haven't done any decorating for the last several years.  This year, though we are leaving a little later, so Hubby and I decided to bring in some seasonal decor for us to enjoy.  I didn't do much, but we are enjoying the simple touches.

7. Share one thing you've learned (about yourself, people, or anything at all) in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, or through blogging in general.

I think the thing I have enjoyed most about participating in the Hodgepodge is getting to know other women and what interests them.  I have enjoyed and looked forward to reading their answers on Wednesday to the same questions I have answered; the varied and yet so similar answers.  I love the sense of community I feel with this particular group of women most of whom I will never actually meet.

What I have learned most about myself through blogging is my enjoyment of expressing myself with the written word.  I may not be very good at it, but I do enjoy writing and spending time doing it.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

This week, after fighting a two-year battle with brain cancer, our neighbor across the street died and his funeral was this morning.  Last week I shared with you the beautiful short-lived colorful leaves on our neighbor's trees.  Well, these are the same neighbors.

This morning I looked out my window to see the following sights.

This mother and her children were raking up all the fallen leaves in our neighbor's yard while she was at the funeral.  You can tell by their precious faces that they loved doing this because it was the least they could do for someone who was hurting.  This is how you home school!

This is what 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' means to me.  There was no racial divide in this giving act.  There was no religious or age difference involved in what this family did.  They loved by giving.  They gave because they could and wanted to.  They showed the true meaning of

'peace on earth, goodwill to men', because they know the Prince of Peace and sharing that love is who they are.