It started out as a simple riddle......

It started out as a simple riddle:

Can you detect the Christmas Carol?

 
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

It is a clever riddle, but see if you can figure it out.

It didn't take too long to work it out:



Hmm...  a letter is missing - the letter L



So, there's 'no L' -



'Noel'!


But, in true Maher style, it didn't stop there.  Before I knew it, every word we spoke had 'no L' - and the games began!

First, Lizzie entered the room to thank Daniel for cooking lunch, and wanted to know if she could have some leftovers:

'Daniel, what are the rest of the noodies in the pot for?' 

'Noodies?'  And we were gone.  The rest of the day we spent in giggles and hassling anyone who said a word containing the letter 'L'.

Margaret and Aimee's names were safe, but the rest of us became 'Inda', 'Danie", 'He_ena', 'Emi_y', and 'Izzie'.  And of course, Dad became 'Bi'.

Ah, that old Christmas Carol will never be the same again!

 Merry Christmas!

Inda.

Merry Christmas!

As I was walking
Down life's highway
Many years ago

I came upon a
Sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store..

When I got a
Little closer

The doors swung
Open wide

And when I came
To myself

I was standing
Inside..

I saw a host of
Angels.

They were
Standing everywhere

One handed me a
Basket

And said 'My
Child shop with care..'

Everything a
Human needed
Was in that
Grocery store

And what you
Could not carry
You could come
Back for more

First I got some
Patience.

Love was in that
Same row.

Further down was
Understanding,
You need that
Everywhere you go..

I got a box or
Two of Wisdom
And Faith a bag
Or two.

And Charity of
Course
I would need some
Of that too..

I couldn't miss
The Holy Ghost
It was all over
The place.

And then some
Strength
And Courage to
Help me run this race.

My basket was
Getting full
But I remembered
I needed Grace,

And then I chose
Salvation for
Salvation was for
Free

I tried to get
Enough of that to do
For you and me..

Then I started to
The counter
To pay my grocery
Bill,

For I thought I
Had everything
To do the Masters
Will.

As I went up the
Aisle
I saw Prayer and
Put that in ,

For I knew when I
Stepped outside
I would run into
Sin.

Peace and Joy
Were plentiful,
The last things
On the shelf.

Song and Praise
Were hanging near
So I just helped
Myself.

Then I said to
The angel

'Now how much do
I owe?'

He smiled and
Said

'Just take them
Everywhere you go.'

Again I asked
'Really now,

How much do I
Owe?'

'My child' he
Said , 'God paid your bill
A long long time
Ago.'

This poem has
Been sent to you
With love and Blessings.

May your Christmas be filled with joy, hope and peace, and may

the love of Jesus Christ fill your heart.

Linda.

Friday's Encouraging Expressions

God hears our hearts, our prayers and our thoughts.  Is there someone in your life that to whom you need to say the words, 'I love you'?  Is there someone around you who needs a smile, a hug, or a kind word? 

Brighten someone's day today.  Take some time out, and in, in whatever way you are able, let them know that they are loved.

Have a wonderful Friday!

Linda.

Games Night and a Party!

After we had arrived and unpacked most of our belongings, we made the exectutive decision that we would host a 'games night' at our house once per month, inviting the various people we meet along the way for some time out and some fun and games.

Our first such night was held last Saturday, and as it was our first, we decided to put on a combined party, making it a house warming, a games night, AND a birthday party for our girl Helena, who was turnining seventeen!  Wow  - seventeen.  How the years are flying by.  It's so hard to believe that her days as a homeschooled student are mostly over - although we do have a few things to finish up next year, most of her time will be spent at TAFE and at the Conservatorium of Music.  I've not yet grasped the fact that she'll be out and about as an independent young adult, but I'm sure the reality will hit come February.

Anyways, back to last Saturday.  As always, there's nothing like a stack of visitors arriving to inspire some extra cleaning, and by 6pm, we were ready!  Our living room / dining room at that point looked something like this:

with the poker table set up and ready to go!

Soon after, our guests began to arrive, and the games were well and truly underway.  Poker was, of course, very popular, as well as spoons and 'Billionaire'.  As well, there was plenty of time to sit and chat out on the patio, and the dads enjoyed relaxing by the river.

I think the count was around 28 guests, and it is good to know that 28 extra people can fit in our house without too much drama!

Later, it was time to cut the cake for Helena's birthday.  As always, the Mahers were in fine spirit, with Dad posing for a lovely photo with his beloved daughter:

And one of sisterly love:

.
All in all, it was a great night, and a wonderful welcome for us to our new home.  Thankyou to all who came along and made it such a special evening.  We hope you can join us again next time!


Linda.

I am blessed!

I've seen better days,

But I've also seen worse.

I don't have everything that I want,

But I do have all I need.

I woke up with some aches and pains,

But I woke up.

My life may not be perfect,

But I am blessed!*

To all my family and friends, just wanted to say:

I love you!

Have a great day,

Linda.



*From 'Riding the Waves of Life' Online.

Our Giveaway Winners!

Thankyou to everyone who entered into our 'Return of the Business Giveaway'!

Sorry for the late reply - I'm afraid with house warming parties and birthday celebrations, the time simply got away from me, but I get there, eventually!

Here our our winners:

Package #1 Goes to:  harvestingjoy (Missy)!

Package #2 Goes to:  The Handmaden!

Thanks so much for all the entries - please email me with your address, and I'll have them in the post to you asap!

Linda.

Friday's Encouraging Expressions

Have a wonderful Friday!


Linda.