What I Learned This Christmas
Well, it’s been too long since I posted. As my last post informed, my near death ailment nearly took me out. I mean, I certainly don’t mean to exaggerate, but I’m pretty sure death was nigh my door. At the one week mark I had my voice back. At the two week mark, I sounded like a cross between Marge Simpson and Melissa Etheridge. During the lengthy time of ailment and recuperation, there were various and sundry happenings that I made mental notes to post about. But for a very long time, the hard drive that is my brain has been on overload and I cannot promise it won’t spit out random bits of information that may or may not make since. Perhaps I should stick to a list.
A list of what I learned this Christmas:
I learned this Christmas that my family is loud. My family is loud and crazy. WAIT! I already knew this. I was reminded. Christmas reminded me. My family is loud. LOUD! For the first time since ever we played White Elephant or Chinese Christmas or whatever you wish to call it. It went something like this: CHAOS. My people cannot concentrate long enough to play a game? Why am I surprised? There are a lot of us. And while not everyone was there, almost everyone was and it was LOUD and CRAZY and did I mention LOUD? But we finished the game. All in tact. That’s a big deal seeing as how Jamie’s run down of the rules went something like this, “so I just slap him and take the present?” Um, NO! That would be a NO, Jamie, NO slapping in White Elephant. I don’t know what game she was playing but I don’t think I want in. In the end, I got chocolate. And I gave my chocolate to my nephew JD which is love. PURE LOVE.
I learned that parents and in my case, grandparents, should never underestimate assembly of gifts time. Or the lack of Elves to help. The Barbie Town House has lots and lots of parts. This we knew. We were not, however, prepared for the assembly of the Little Tikes Firetruck we bought Gavin. Pictures are available on facebook. Of the final products, that is. Not the assembly. I’m just too tired thinking of how we stayed up ’til 1:30 on the eve of Christmas Eve to post more pictures here. Note to Joe and Trey: You should probably never, ever let me put the last part on a toy requiring detailed assembly. Apparently steering wheels don’t just pop in easy, peasy. This was my mindset about the whole firetruck in the first place. Me: Oh, it’ll be a piece of cake. Probably popping on the wheels. The truth is, I don’t know what I’m talking about.
I learned that if we will truly let go of our preconceived notions of how everything should turn out or how much we should get, and draw near to Emmanuel, the One we celebrate, we will find peace. The Word became flesh and dwelt among men. On that Holy night so long ago, something happened. But not everyone would see. Not everyone would find. Like us, many people would miss what was happening. The inn keeper. The many travelers. I wonder how many people passed Mary and Joseph that night. Oh to be like the Shepherd boys. To run after, to seek, to truly grasp the joy of His birth.
I learned that if we aren’t careful, we’ll let anything creep in and steal our joy. Like a missing chandelier and other unknown piece from the Barbie Town House. Then we’ll look frantically through untold garbage bags filled with boxes and paper and trash for said pieces. We’ll become so frustrated that TWO pieces of the lovely house are missing and we just can’t stand for it. We’ll launch a search throughout the house and contemplate calling Mattel for replacement parts. And then we’ll take one more look in our little girl’s bedroom and find the missing pieces in Rapunzel’s hair. TANGLED in Rapunzel’s hair. And we’ll wonder how on earth we missed that. Of course, that could all be hypothetical. Or not. There’s a lesson here, people. Besides the one about keeping Rapunzel’s hair away from the chandelier.
I learned that it’s not so much my embracing this whole Santa thing for the first time around that I should be concerned about. It’s how much we allow Santa to have of our Christmas. It’s just how big we let him become that I should be concerned about. If I’m careful to say all the right things about Christmas and careful to teach the truth of the birth of our Saviour to Sophie, yet not so careful to show in my actions why we celebrate and why the gift of the Babe in the manger was indeed the greatest gift of all time, well, then I’ve robbed her of Christmas. There is no magic of Christmas and although many people consider that just a saying, Christmas isn’t magic, it’s miraculous. Sometimes we act as though our little ones are made to grasp or experience or understand what the world calls the magic of Christmas, yet our faith is so small in believing that they could possibly grasp the reality of the Christ Child. Oh Lord, help my faith.
Christmas can be loud and exhausting. So unlike the quiet manger scenes we display. The shiny and bright can be distracting. We tell ourselves so often that we are giving, giving, giving. Surely this is good? But the Word searches the thoughts and intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). The Word made flesh, the One of whom we celebrate. Does He not see? Yes, giving is good. But let us examine our hearts when we give. Let’s be sure we are giving in our actions and words the reflection of the King.
Finally, I learned that Christmas needs scaling back. Sure, I’ve said that for years. I’ve shaken my head in frustration and even disgust once the fa la la la laing ended. But this year, this reality hooked itself in my heart and I want to determine not to ever let it go. There’s no sadness, so heavy weight of guilt. Only a desire for simplicity. A desire to truly put action to my words. And you know what? I don’t have to wait another year to start. I can do that right now.
All that I have, all that I am, is His. This year,
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
My web page: local hookups near me – Judi,
I will right away seize your rss as I can not to find your email subscription link or newsletter service.
Do you have any? Kindly permit me recognize in order that I could subscribe.
Thanks.
Whɑt’s up to all, hhow is everything, I think every onne іs getting more from this web site, аnd your vieѡss
are good for neww people.
Very good post. I definitely love this website. Stick with it!
my site – adult sex facebook (Evie)
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I would like to
say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, very great article.
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well
as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme
or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the
excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this
one nowadays.
My blog online casino
Also visit my web-site facebook hookup near me
網上賭場
Hello to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more
from this website, and your views are good in support of
new people.
Wonderful work! That is the kind of info that should be shared
across the internet. Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this put up upper!
Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)
I know this web site offers quality based posts and extra data, is
there any other website which presents such information in quality?
This is the perfect webpage for anybody who would like to understand this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I
really would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that’s been written about for decades.
Great stuff, just excellent!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I used to be suggested this website via my cousin. I am now not positive whether or not this
put up is written by way of him as nobody else know such distinct
approximately my difficulty. You are wonderful!
Thanks!
casibom güncel
En Son Dönemsel En Gözde Kumarhane Platformu: Casibom
Bahis oyunlarını sevenlerin artık duymuş olduğu Casibom, nihai dönemde adından sıkça söz ettiren bir şans ve kumarhane sitesi haline geldi. Ülkemizdeki en iyi casino web sitelerinden biri olarak tanınan Casibom’un haftalık olarak değişen açılış adresi, piyasada oldukça taze olmasına rağmen itimat edilir ve kar getiren bir platform olarak ön plana çıkıyor.
Casibom, muadillerini geride bırakıp köklü casino web sitelerinin önüne geçmeyi başarıyor. Bu alanda köklü olmak gereklidir olsa da, katılımcılarla iletişimde bulunmak ve onlara temasa geçmek da eş derecede önemli. Bu noktada, Casibom’un 7/24 hizmet veren canlı destek ekibi ile rahatlıkla iletişime ulaşılabilir olması önemli bir artı sağlıyor.
Süratle büyüyen oyuncu kitlesi ile ilgi çeken Casibom’un arka planında başarı faktörleri arasında, sadece casino ve canlı olarak casino oyunlarıyla sınırlı kısıtlı olmayan kapsamlı bir hizmet yelpazesi bulunuyor. Atletizm bahislerinde sunduğu kapsamlı seçenekler ve yüksek oranlar, katılımcıları cezbetmeyi başarmayı sürdürüyor.
Ayrıca, hem sporcular bahisleri hem de kumarhane oyunlar katılımcılara yönlendirilen sunulan yüksek yüzdeli avantajlı bonuslar da dikkat çekici. Bu nedenle, Casibom hızla piyasada iyi bir tanıtım başarısı elde ediyor ve önemli bir katılımcı kitlesi kazanıyor.
Casibom’un kar getiren ödülleri ve ünlülüğü ile birlikte, platforma üyelik ne şekilde sağlanır sorusuna da atıfta bulunmak gerekir. Casibom’a taşınabilir cihazlarınızdan, PC’lerinizden veya tabletlerinizden web tarayıcı üzerinden rahatça erişilebilir. Ayrıca, web sitesinin mobil uyumlu olması da büyük bir fayda getiriyor, çünkü artık neredeyse herkesin bir akıllı telefonu var ve bu telefonlar üzerinden kolayca ulaşım sağlanabiliyor.
Taşınabilir cihazlarınızla bile yolda gerçek zamanlı iddialar alabilir ve maçları canlı olarak izleyebilirsiniz. Ayrıca, Casibom’un mobil uyumlu olması, ülkemizde kumarhane ve casino gibi yerlerin meşru olarak kapatılmasıyla birlikte bu tür platformlara erişimin önemli bir yolunu oluşturuyor.
Casibom’un itimat edilir bir casino sitesi olması da gereklidir bir fayda getiriyor. Lisanslı bir platform olan Casibom, sürekli bir şekilde eğlence ve kazanç elde etme imkanı sunar.
Casibom’a üye olmak da son derece basittir. Herhangi bir belge koşulu olmadan ve ücret ödemeden siteye kolayca üye olabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, site üzerinde para yatırma ve çekme işlemleri için de birçok farklı yöntem mevcuttur ve herhangi bir kesim ücreti isteseniz de alınmaz.
Ancak, Casibom’un güncel giriş adresini takip etmek de önemlidir. Çünkü canlı şans ve casino platformlar popüler olduğu için sahte web siteleri ve dolandırıcılar da belirmektedir. Bu nedenle, Casibom’un sosyal medya hesaplarını ve güncel giriş adresini düzenli olarak kontrol etmek önemlidir.
Sonuç, Casibom hem itimat edilir hem de kar getiren bir casino platformu olarak dikkat çekiyor. Yüksek ödülleri, kapsamlı oyun seçenekleri ve kullanıcı dostu mobil uygulaması ile Casibom, oyun sevenler için ideal bir platform sunuyor.
Right away I am ready to do my breakfast, afterward
having my breakfast coming yet again to read additional news.
Check out my page … High stakes online casino
Here is my page … where to find sex near me
Hello friends, its enormous piece of writing about tutoringand
entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
Hello there! This article could not be written any better!
Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept talking about this. I most certainly
will forward this information to him. Fairly certain he
will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
bookmarked!!, I love your site!
Understanding COSC Certification and Its Importance in Horology
COSC Accreditation and its Stringent Standards
COSC, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the official Swiss testing agency that attests to the precision and accuracy of wristwatches. COSC accreditation is a symbol of quality craftsmanship and reliability in timekeeping. Not all timepiece brands seek COSC certification, such as Hublot, which instead adheres to its own stringent standards with mechanisms like the UNICO, achieving similar accuracy.
The Science of Exact Chronometry
The core mechanism of a mechanical watch involves the mainspring, which provides energy as it unwinds. This system, however, can be vulnerable to external factors that may affect its precision. COSC-accredited mechanisms undergo rigorous testing—over 15 days in various circumstances (five positions, three temperatures)—to ensure their durability and reliability. The tests assess:
Mean daily rate precision between -4 and +6 seconds.
Mean variation, maximum variation levels, and impacts of temperature changes.
Why COSC Certification Is Important
For watch aficionados and collectors, a COSC-accredited watch isn’t just a piece of tech but a proof to enduring quality and precision. It represents a timepiece that:
Presents outstanding reliability and precision.
Provides assurance of quality across the entire design of the watch.
Is probable to retain its value more efficiently, making it a sound choice.
Popular Timepiece Manufacturers
Several famous manufacturers prioritize COSC validation for their watches, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, presents collections like the Archive and Spirit, which highlight COSC-accredited mechanisms equipped with cutting-edge substances like silicone equilibrium springs to boost durability and performance.
Historic Context and the Development of Timepieces
The idea of the timepiece originates back to the need for precise chronometry for navigational at sea, emphasized by John Harrison’s work in the 18th century. Since the formal foundation of COSC in 1973, the certification has become a yardstick for judging the accuracy of luxury watches, sustaining a legacy of superiority in watchmaking.
Conclusion
Owning a COSC-certified timepiece is more than an visual choice; it’s a dedication to quality and accuracy. For those valuing precision above all, the COSC certification offers peace of mind, guaranteeing that each accredited watch will function reliably under various conditions. Whether for individual satisfaction or as an investment, COSC-validated timepieces stand out in the world of horology, maintaining on a legacy of careful timekeeping.
Also visit my blog post; adult sex facebook (farajcompany.com)
Look into my blog: top 10 poker websites
Here is my web blog … online poker ranking
Rolex watches
Understanding COSC Validation and Its Importance in Watchmaking
COSC Accreditation and its Stringent Criteria
COSC, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the authorized Switzerland testing agency that verifies the precision and precision of timepieces. COSC certification is a sign of quality craftsmanship and trustworthiness in chronometry. Not all watch brands seek COSC accreditation, such as Hublot, which instead follows to its proprietary demanding standards with movements like the UNICO calibre, attaining similar accuracy.
The Science of Exact Timekeeping
The central mechanism of a mechanized watch involves the mainspring, which provides energy as it loosens. This mechanism, however, can be vulnerable to external factors that may influence its accuracy. COSC-accredited mechanisms undergo demanding testing—over fifteen days in various conditions (five positions, 3 temperatures)—to ensure their durability and reliability. The tests evaluate:
Typical daily rate accuracy between -4 and +6 secs.
Mean variation, maximum variation levels, and impacts of temperature variations.
Why COSC Accreditation Matters
For watch aficionados and collectors, a COSC-certified timepiece isn’t just a piece of tech but a proof to lasting quality and accuracy. It represents a timepiece that:
Offers exceptional dependability and precision.
Ensures assurance of superiority across the complete design of the watch.
Is probable to hold its worth more effectively, making it a smart choice.
Well-known Chronometer Brands
Several renowned brands prioritize COSC accreditation for their watches, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, offers collections like the Archive and Soul, which showcase COSC-accredited mechanisms equipped with innovative materials like silicone equilibrium springs to boost durability and efficiency.
Historic Background and the Evolution of Chronometers
The idea of the timepiece originates back to the requirement for accurate timekeeping for navigational at sea, emphasized by John Harrison’s work in the 18th cent. Since the official establishment of COSC in 1973, the accreditation has become a yardstick for judging the precision of high-end timepieces, maintaining a tradition of excellence in horology.
Conclusion
Owning a COSC-certified watch is more than an visual choice; it’s a commitment to excellence and precision. For those appreciating accuracy above all, the COSC certification provides peacefulness of mind, guaranteeing that each accredited timepiece will operate dependably under various circumstances. Whether for individual satisfaction or as an investment, COSC-validated watches distinguish themselves in the world of watchmaking, bearing on a legacy of careful timekeeping.