It's Christmas Time!

Thanksgiving turkey sits cold in the fridge.
Gravy is congealed in the bowl.
Mashed potatoes are in a lump and the squash is all squished.
Half eaten pies clutter the counter.

Bellies are full.
Naps are in order.

Visiting and conversation abound.
An uncle is sitting on the couch with nieces and nephews surrounding.
He entertains with his voice and guitar.

The men are all happy.
Feel the buzz in the air.
Their hunting adventures a success.
Blessings are pouring down.

Christmas music is playing.
Happy and sweet.

A Christmas wreath adorns the front door.
Soon the tree will be in it's place
Covered in ornaments, tinsel and lights

Black Friday madness is avoided.
A sigh of relief!
Shopping for special gifts.
Finding the perfect one.
Merry Christmas greets young and old.

Cookie dough is rolled.
The oven is baking.
Treats for one and all.

We think of each other with love.
Family and friends gather around us.
Christmas carolers spread cheer.
Christmas spirit surrounds.

The joy of Christmas swirls, spins and envelopes
Like the swirling and swarming of snow on the wind.
Spinning and encircling each one.
Filling us all with Christlike love and kindness.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Red Cup Hullabaloo

This morning I was pondering all the chaos and craziness that is spreading across Facebook, and I imagine other social media as well.  In fact, I had NO idea what in the world people were talking about.  What's the deal with Starbucks red cup?  I decided to look it up.

I read a little about it and watched a video that has gone viral, which I'll talk about later. Basically, as I understand it, Starbucks has brought out a two toned red coffee cup for the holidays.  They wanted their product to encompass all beliefs.

I am not a coffee drinker.  I never really have been.  Even still, my first thought was, "that's pretty". I'd drink a yummy hot chocolate from it. It's red. I like red.  I don't find it offensive.  It works for Autumn leaves, or Santa's suit, or Christmas or whatever you want it to be. There are no words on it.  There are no Christmas symbols.  And in my opinion, that's perfectly fine.  It's simply a red coffee cup.

In my reading and searching to figure out what all the hullabaloo was about, I found a link to a video created by a Christian man.  It all would have been just fine, parts of it were even a bit comical, except for this one part...he intended to offend Starbucks.

I can understand if people want to make these coffee cups "their own" when they purchase the product and have the Starbucks staff write "Merry Christmas" on it.  Heck, why not just bring a sharpie and write your personal message on the cup yourself.  But don't do it with the intention to offend.  Do it with the intention to spread "Christmas Cheer" or make others happy or to put a smile on someone's face.  Intentionally choose goodness!

Whatever you do each day...choose to be kind.  Choose goodness. Choose to be Christlike. Choose to be an example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Spread happiness and kindness.

Satan loves to use little things like this to distract us from what is truly important.  And what IS truly important?  Goodness, happiness, kindness, LOVE, a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ, family, friends,joy, peace, and serving one another.