Fun With Friends
We had a very special guest arrive in town this week. It is none other than the mastermind behind our site here at Light Love Hope, Gregory C. Johnson, aka The Quiet Computer Guy!
He arrived with a big bag of goodies, and when I say a big bag, trust me it had to be for this baby to fit inside!
After we recovered from our sugar high, we went over to a little town that we have been frequenting lately as it’s known as Horse Country! Aiken has a lot to offer with little shops down town. While we weren’t really shopping for deals on Black Friday, we just meandered down the street and made our way through little shops here and there just looking around. We ended up having the best time by taking random pictures, laughing and giggling at the silliest of things (okay, that would be me … I’m the silly one in the group, but I’m perfectly fine with that!)
Yes, I made them suffer through these pictures. There might have been a few groans that were heard, but they did it any way … because they love me! 🙂
After horsing around a bit, we went to dinner at The Willcox. This is actually a hotel that was featured in the top 100 list in Travel Leisure Magazine. We were surprised to learn that the little town of Aiken, South Carolina, was mentioned in there and actually this hotel has won many awards for their service and excellence! You can stay there, of course, or you can just join them for dinner. We have only been once before, but we liked the atmosphere so we decided to take Greg over to see what he thought.
We walked in to find a fire burning in the fireplace, and shortly after we were seated, beautiful piano music began to play. I looked around and directly behind Greg was a beautiful tree that they were putting the finishing touches on. As soon as they stepped away, I snapped a few pictures. They are dark since we were basically seated close enough to the fireplace to feel the warmth and hear the sound of crackling coming from it.
After dinner, we went over to The Aiken Community Playhouse to see It’s A Wonderful Life … because it is. It truly is.
We encourage you, especially during this holiday season, to take time to be silly with your friends and family. Take time to slow down a little and just enjoy the moment surrounded by people you love and who love you. Savor the moment, have fun with friends, laugh and play with your family, and make precious memories together. That’s what it’s all about!
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Today is the day for Black Friday Shopping!! I’m sure you’ve checked the ads and some have already been shopping in the wee morning hours. Then there are others that were camped outside of the stores that had the biggest deals. They are the real die-hard Black Friday shoppers! Wow. I can tell you that certainly isn’t me, but to each their own! But never fear if you’re not a Black Friday Shopper like myself. Cyber Monday is on it’s way!
A few years ago, we purchased a Little People Nativity Set from Family Christian Stores for our youngest daughter. I used to play with the little people, although not this particular set, when I was growing up, so when I saw this set, I had to get it for my daughter. Not only did it allow her to play with the characters, but it also helped to teach her with a visual aid all about the real reason that we celebrate Christmas. I enjoyed sitting with her telling her of the Christmas story and seeing the delight in her eyes as she set the manger scene up just right.
Right now Family Christian Stores have a lot of deals for the holiday season. Be sure to take advantage of the sales for Black Friday & Cyber Monday!
Recently when we were in our local Family Christian Store, we came across an audio of the Jesus Calling devotional book by Sarah Young. While I enjoy reading out of a book that I can hold in my hand, or one that I can view on my Nook Color, my husband enjoys the audio books that he can listen to on his long commute to work and back. This audio book was just perfect for him, especially after he had expressed an interest in it just a few weeks prior to us finding it in the store. This would make a perfect Christmas gift for someone on your list!
If books aren’t high on your list of gift ideas for your friends or family, Family Christian also has a wide variety of prints to choose from. I love art, beautiful pictures with moving quotes, inspirational pieces, etc. Look at a few that we found at our local store:
Here’s to you and your Black Friday & Cyber Monday shopping! Enjoy!
Happy Thanksgiving
From all of us here at Light Love Hope, we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!
As you gather around your table for the big feast today, think of those that may be struggling at this time of year. Pray for them and lift them up before our Father in Heaven.
Be sure to thank God for all of your many blessings in life. God has been so good to us and has blessed us all much more than we deserve. Yes, there will be trials and struggles in this life. But, God will never leave you nor forsake you. Rest in that comfort and reassurance.
If you haven’t already done so, think of all of the things that you are thankful for – write them down if you would like to have something to reflect back on later after Thanksgiving Day has passed. Take time to thank God and show your gratitude for the multitude of blessings that He pours out into our lives. Then, keep on doing this long after the holiday has come and gone. Better yet, keep that attitude of gratitude all year through!
Blessings to you and your family from all of us at Light Love Hope!
