(Repeating a post from last year -there were some terrific suggestions in the comments and I’d love to have more feedback on this topic.)

If you’re still running around trying to find the perfect gift, here’s a few suggestions that I’ve found to be helpful:

• Car Wash coupon booklet –  I don’t know about you, but we never seem to take good care of our cars and keep up on the car washing deal. Having a convenient booklet of coupons makes it so much easier.
• Personalized address labels – Yes, it’s too late to order labels. But you can buy special holiday/winter return address labels at your local Office Max or Staples store. It’s easy to set up the matching template and run them off. I’ve found this to be an ideal gift for two friends who have recently moved to a new address.
• Warm gloves or mittens – Okay, I admit I tend to lose gloves very easily. Surely I’m not the only one with this problem.
• An Entertainment coupon book – Especially for your family and friends who love a good deal and are a “saving” kind of people.
• Gift certificates to their favorite restaurant – I visit a local tearoom a lot and often receive gift cards to it – love it!

If you want to avoid the malls, sometimes you may find gifts at your local grocery store: favorite teas or coffee, food items or lovely Christmas flower arrangements. Visit your local downtown area and check out the specialty shops and quirky boutiques – you may find that perfect, unique gift! 

Please leave your own suggestions in a comment to enter the giveaway for the Christmas dvd, “A Holiday to Remember” with Connie Sellecca and Randy Travis. May also gift a Christmas novel…check back next week!

No, I’m not a grinch or a scrooge. I love the Christmas season with all the bright lights, holiday cheer and most of all – the opportunity to turn others to the reason for the season, Jesus. Yet it is sometimes hard to celebrate while missing loved ones who are no longer with us. Since my mother departed for Heaven several years ago on Dec. 3rd, Christmas now brings bittersweet memories.

I am so thankful that Jesus is our light! Through every darkness, every hard pathway. Christmas is still a beautiful time and if we focus on the Lord, He will shine His glory through all the pain and loss bringing comfort that only He can give. With all the sparkling lights around us in this winter celebration, I’m thinking of the lights of home and those waiting for us to join them someday. Love this old song from Dottie Rambo:

“Is that the lights of home I see?
Do I feel a breeze from the crystal sea?
Is that the Lord standing high on Heavens balcony?
If that’s the lights of home, then it’s a welcome sign to me.”

Are you missing loved ones this time of year? Look to Jesus, focus on the lights of home and remember we have a grand celebration in our future!

IN MY WORDS – As a writer and a musician I value the use of my hands.

Have you ever had a broken wrist or broken hand?

Any suggestions on therapy after the cast is removed?

It is interesting to discover the most simple things can become difficult. Putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, squeezing shampoo out of the container, opening a bottle of much-needed ibuprofin…!

Any funny stories to make us laugh on how you managed one-handed?