The falling leaves

It's November already! Hard to believe...but I've talked before about time flying and all of that, so I'll spare my readers.

Yes, the Red Sox won, and yes, the Cardinals lost. I was mostly disappointed for Casey, who didn't even watch Game 4. I said, "Hey, you never know, they might be in the World Series again next year!" I've got to encourage where I can!

I never mentioned what a great time I had seeing my family weekend before last. What a blessing it is to have family members that will take time out of their very busy lives -- probably all busier than mine -- to see me and Casey. It was so heartwarming, and so good for my overall wellbeing. I got lots of wonderful hugs, especially from my nephew and my two nieces, and I'll take all I can get once again at Christmas. I came back refreshed and more content than I've been in a long time. We always want these little blocks in our lives to fall perfectly into place, and we think that until they do we cannot be fully content. So what is the answer? I love reading Paul's words in Philippians chapter four:

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

What wonderful and true words. And God blessing me with my family, and their taking the time to come and visit overrode any other thing that was not "in its place" for me. How could I complain about anything else when I had so much love coming my way in those couple of days? It was so nice, and I now know that twinge of really missing loved ones and realizing all the more how precious they are. But with God as my strength, I can be content, even miles and miles away.

For those concerned about my "caffeine fast", as one named it (I think I'll stick with that one, Lori!), I am doing alright. I have to laugh at myself, and you may as well, because I've already made a trip to the coffee shop -- yesterday! -- for a vanilla latte. Mmmm! And those chocolate-covered coffee beans are incredilicious! But then I woke up this morning and knew that I would be having juice instead of coffee with my breakfast hot pocket. And actually, it wasn't so bad. After all, I have been on decaf, so it's not like I'll get the big caffeine headache. Some have asked, "But why are you doing this?" Oh, I don't know...I guess some people can drink coffee for years and years and never get tired of it. As much as I love a great cup of coffee, it was really wearing on me. It was even yucky sometimes. Yes, yucky. I was drinking it every morning out of habit, and I'd get to the bottom of the mug and just not feel good. I know that this may sound ridiculous to some, who are out there asking, "Why in the world didn't you just stop drinking the coffee?!?" Well, how many habits do we have that aren't helpful or productive in our lives, yet we continue them day after day? I guess it just became a habit that I had tired of and was finally going to take action. Yes, I will probably continue to visit the coffee shop on occasion, and you know you'll keep on (insert old habit here).

I mentioned the knitting earlier. I am thinking of starting a knitting club early next year. There are a couple of other girls interested, and I don't know exactly how it all will work, but it sounds like so much fun! And if we don't get much knitting done, we'll get lots of great visiting and fellowship with one another!

Happy November!