I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas celebration with all my dears. Then we had a wonderful Christmas Eve service at Mt. Bethel which included communion and the lighting of the last candle for the season. We all picked up a small candle as we left the altar and then a fellow Methodist came and lit them as we sat. Our pastor gave a sweet meditation, not a sermon but just as warm and encouraging as usual.  The service began at four, which suited me as I’m not too good at driving after dark. As we left the parking lot I noticed the time on the Camry … 4:45. Wow! I enjoyed a wonderful ritual, some good songs, heard a heartfelt message all in forty five minutes.

  I already had an interesting and warm event happen to me at Publix just a day before Christmas Eve. As the customer in front of me tried to reach his wife, he finally laughed that he was going to see if she needed anything else but since she wouldn’t answer, she’d just have to come back if necessary. I mentioned to him that I don’t always hear my phone, as it stays in my purse. I then invited him to come worship with us for our Christmas Eve service. He thanked me, but said he goes to Shiloh and he already had some Christmas Eve plans. He moved on ahead, and then the clerk began scanning my groceries. I took out my card but she told me not to use it, because the man in front of me was paying for my purchases. Another wow! Of course I was in the ten or less line (as I usually am) so my costs weren’t too expensive, but I was so impressed to have a total stranger reach out to me with that generous blessing! 

  Move on to the neat New Year’s Eve programs on television, plus we had a tasty snack supper. I also enjoyed the sound and the sight of a great fireworks display going on nearby as midnight approached. I already had my black eyed peas soaking, along with the rest of my New Year’s Day food traditions. Besides the black-eyed peas, I cooked some corn, opened a can of collard greens, peeled green onions and baked the ham and cornbread while the veggies steamed. I prepared way too much food for just the two of us and with all my dears off on their own January the first, I had to get out the Tupperware.

  I have been waffling about making any New Year’s Resolutions and then I saw a neat post on Facebook from a friend and co-worker that she would not start 2020 until February, as January is a trial month. So, I decided that I will wait until February eve to write my list of vows. I always plan to give up something for lent, and this year, it’s going to be … sob … Reece’s Pieces. I almost told a previous pastor that he shouldn’t be eating those since he also has diabetes. And then, one day I picked up a package at Food Depot … Another wow! I had no idea they tasted so good.  I believe I will go ahead and stop that addiction the first day of February. I haven’t decided how many pounds I want to lose this year, but saw another neat idea on Facebook. Instead of putting down the total for the year, I just need to make a small plan for each month. (We’ll see how that works.)

  I will keep the prayers going for our first responders, military, plus all the elected officials, for the good old USA to stay safe and happy in 2020 and for years to come, AND for peace on earth.