Family Christmas dinner

[PJBinMI]

Today was the only time we could get four households together for a holiday meal, 7 of us, hubby & me, my brother-in-law, two daughters, 1 son in law and 1 grandchild. My dear husband got up early and got the oven full.

When I woke up, by the time I got to the bathroom, I'd created quite a mess in my pants, not a great way to start a day like this!

Once our kids were here, we were able to enjoy having them here and everything went really well!

Now, Hubby and I are alone here again, tired but happy! Such a reminder of how important our family is to us and how much we want to be here for more holidays, birthdays, and just plain old day to day loving them and being loved!

I hope everyone here has good times yet this year, with loving family, good food and good times that become good memories! (without lousy time in the bathroom! )

[Bettybuckets]

lovely to hear the full report… the good and not too bad… and see how resilient you were and grateful. I bet the families really appreciated that!

[PJBinMI in reply to Bettybuckets]

Thanks! and yes, our daughters really enjoyed the chance to be together!

[Godbeforme]

Merry Christmas! This was in my "Our Daily Bread" for today and posting for those who might not be able to be with their family for dinner! Great idea I thought.

Our Daily Bread for December 17, 2023

Bible in a Year: Amos 7-9; Revelation 8

CHRISTMAS DILEMMA

For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 3:32 READ Proverbs 3:5-18 David and Angie had felt called to move overseas, and the fruitful ministry that followed seemed to confirm it. But there was one downside to their move. David's elderly parents would now spend Christmases alone. David and Angie tried to mitigate his parents' Christmas Day loneliness by posting gifts early and calling on Christmas morning. But what his parents really wanted was them. With David's income only permitting an occasional trip home, what else could they do? David needed wisdom. Proverbs 3 is a crash course in wisdom-seeking, showing us how to receive it by taking our situations to God (vv. 5–6), describing its various qualities such as love and faithfulness (vv. 3–4, 7–12), and its benefits as peace and longevity (vv. 13–18). In a touching note, it adds that God gives such wisdom by taking us"into his confidence" (v. 32). He whispers His solutions to those who are close to Him. Praying about his problem one night, David had an idea. Next Christmas Day, he and Angie put on their best clothes, decorated the table with tinsel, and brought in the roast dinner. David's parents did the same. Then, placing a laptop on each table, they ate together via video link. It almost felt like they were in the same room. It's become a family tradition ever since.

God took David into His confidence and gave him wisdom. He loves to whisper creative solutions to our problems.

By Sheridan Voysey Reflect and Pray

What dilemma are you facing? What loving solution might God have for you?

Father God, please whisper to my heart Your creative solution to my problem. Scripture Insights

Proverbs 3 contains a father's instruction to his son on the vital importance of wisdom and how humility plays a key role. In verses 11-12, the father highlights the importance of accepting discipline from God. These verses provide a classic example of how the New Testament engages with the Old. The writer of Hebrews quotes this passage while emphasizing the father-child relationship we enjoy with God. "Do not lose heart when [God] rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son" (Hebrews 12:5-6). The writer then notes, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" (v. 7). It's fitting that an earthly father should offer his son advice with our heavenly Father's correction of His children in view. By: Tim Gustafson

[PJBinMI in reply to Godbeforme]

Thank you for posting list!

[Lilywallytootsie in reply to Godbeforme]

That was lovely. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Hannah

[Tolife_18]

thank you for posting the lovely report of the family Christmas dinner. The holidays is all about family and we’re fortunate to be here.

Wishing everyone many holidays and happy occasions to be together with their loved ones

[PJBinMI]

You're welcome!

[SwedishSissi]

Glad you had a nice time!

I have no contact with my family, and my husband's family never want to have Christmas with us because we don't have kids (we have the space for all and we cook well), so as I can still travel, we are escaping from Europe to Indonesia/Australia and celebrate by ourselves. Last long-holiday comes to mind, but trying to stay positive.

Wishing you a lovely holiday! Sissi

[PJBinMI in reply to SwedishSissi]

I hope your trip is wonderful! And not the last.

[NPmary]

Happy time and memories for you.🌺❤️🌺 Mary

[mariootsi]

So happy you had such a wonderful get together! It means so much!

[jersey-jazz]

Thank you! I too am lucky enough to have family to spend the holidays with. I have a long story about this year which I have mentioned I call my Götterdämmerung and decided my personal 2024 started Saturday. I am totally done with 2023. May it Rest In Peace!

[13plus in reply to jersey-jazz]

I feel exactly the same about this year! I am SO glad it is coming to an end! And hoping 2024 is a miracle redeeming year!!

[jersey-jazz in reply to 13plus]

Dear 13plus - - -What is it about 2023 that has been so bad for so many people? I would like to know what the astrologists have to share about this very strange time.

Anyway, here's to 2024! May it be a healing year for us sufferers of MBC!

[Watjo]

Family and friends are so important. Making memories, you did good!

[13plus]

Happy Holidays to you! It is a blessing to be able to get together with our loved ones at this time of the year. I'm happy for you that you had a wonderful gathering.

[love2golfwell]

I'm so glad you were able to get together with your family and have an enjoyable time despite the way the day started out. Every day is a gift and all we can do is to hope we make the best of them. Please take care of yourself. I hope and pray the New Year will be good to you. Sending hugs and prayers.