Christmas Arrives a Month Early! (Believe)

Do you believe in the magical wonders of Christmas? I do…. because on a cold November evening a little Christmas magic came to me a month early.

I was freezing as I walked down the snowy sidewalk with its array of restaurants and shops in a small town 25 miles from where I live. I was looking to go someplace where I could warm up.  Most of the shops were already closed and I didn't feel comfortable walking into a restaurant to eat alone so when I turned the corner and saw a display of Christmas decorations in a store front window I was delighted to see a sign that said "Open."

The shop felt like Santa's workshop with it's variety of toys, crackling fireplace,  and an employee dressed like an elf who gave me a complimentary cup of hot cocoa. I could hear bells jingling and sweet Christmas music in the background. Off to the right was a beautiful Christmas tree and just behind it hanging on the wall was the word 'BELIEVE."

After enduring a year of mental and physical pain the simple word 'BELIEVE" inside a mesmerizing shop made me feel warm all over. It gave me encouragement not to give up no matter how big my troubles are. 

Perhaps your Christmas wish will arrive soon. BELIEVE in the endless possibilities that await you in your moments of life.

                          BELIEVE in the endless possibilities that life has to offer!

The Candy Store

This evening as the snowflakes came falling down from the sky I walked into an enchanting candy store that was decorated in Christmas cheer.

I was the only one in the candy store besides the owner who was busy filling a tray with chocolate truffles. There were so many chocolates from around the world displayed throughout the store and I felt like a special visitor to Santa's candy world in the North Pole.

The owner and I began to chat and she gave me generous samples of chocolates from the bins to try. They were all so divine tasting and those sweet moments spent in the candy store made me feel as if Christmas had already arrived.

My favorite chocolates were the small gift wrapped ones from Belgium sitting in vibrant colors in a Belgium linen basket. I grabbed a handful to purchase. Christmas for me had arrived a month early.

We never know what our moments hold but when you do get those sweet moments enjoy them with all your heart.

The Church

 
It was a cold and windy Friday afternoon in the town of Frankfurt. The white church with it's steeple was beckoning to me and I was delighted to find the church doors open so that I could pray. It was warm inside the church and so very quiet. I played the piano for a few minutes, said some prayers and read a scripture from the large Bible resting on the pulpit.

Afterwards I wandered downstairs where I found a dining area and kitchen. There was also a little library with several spiritual books written about faith and hope. It was nice to sit down and read some of the spiritual books. Before heading back upstairs I noticed a huge basket of chocolates. There were hundreds of pieces of gold and silver wrapped chocolates inside that basket with a scripture that read:

May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing; so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Stumbling across that idyllic church in a town I had never been to before was truly a blessing. I had been feeling so cold and lonely but GOD changed all that by letting me enter his church and finding love and peace during moments that I really needed that feeling of "faith."

In moments of doubt how wonderful it is to find "the church" doors open.

The Free Ride

Frantic because the bus didn't arrive at it's usual stop I walked the extra distance to the bus station to inquire what was going on. According to the agent on duty as of the first of November many of the former bus stops were no longer existent.

I was already running late for work and another bus wasn't scheduled for almost an hour. One of the managers overheard my conversation with the agent regarding my frustration of not knowing that the bus company had suddenly changed its routes. The manager volunteered to give me a free ride to my place of work since he was going in that direction anyway.

It was because of the kindness of Jeff the manager that I made it to work on time. Jeff was truly a genuine manager who went the extra yard to turn a negative situation into a positive one. In moments of frustration it's certainly refreshing to have a stranger reach out and help out. That free ride to work by wonderful Jeff was truly a blessing.

When an opportunity arises I will return the favor by helping a person in need. Moments of helping others are moments to embrace.

Man's Best Friend!

She came into my life the month of "November."She was a rescued greyhound from the country of Spain. The moment I adopted ALBA I knew she'd be my best friend. 

My dear ALBA passed away a few years ago but there isn't a day that passes by that I don't think about my devoted ALBA. The two of us shared many adventures together and I loved spoiling this beautiful dog who had a dear and kind heart. As I look back at all those precious moments we had together I'm so thankful that I had the honor of owning such an exceptional dog as ALBA.

Take those everyday moments to cherish your dog for a dog is truly "Man's Best Friend."

                                       
                                         The beautiful and magnificent ALBA!