Friday, December 23, 2011

Going Off the Grid

We will be headed out of town after our Christmas celebrations. We're going to see an NBA game (part of my present to hubby- Spurs vs. Clippers- good seats, too) and I will be enjoying shopping at some of my favorite places to shop (part of hubby's present to me). I have almost worn out my kitchen with the cooking frenzy that precedes Christmas family celebrations and will enjoy some relaxing down time. Teenaged Daughter has proven to be worth more than her weight in gold just for the wrapping she has helped me accomplish. Whew.

I said all that to say I will be away from blogland till the new year, and I will miss all of you.  I didn't want you to think I was neglecting you if I don't get to comment on your most enjoyable blogs. I think one of the best things that's happened to me in the last six months is discovering this new blogging universe that is now so close to my heart. I consider you all family, and I hope and pray wonderful things for you in the coming new year. I treasure your friendships.

I want to leave you with timeless words from Luke 2:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord...
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Peace and goodwill to you all, my friends.

26 comments:

  1. Oh, Shelly, thank you for your beautiful words here and in your comments on my blog. I am blessed to have found a great blog friend like you this past year. I will repeat what I wrote on my blog because it means the world to me. You reached out your hand to me in friendship weeks before I reciprocated. That's something that I will never forget. It's the mark of a true friend to give your best repeatedly and wait patiently to receive. I shudder to think that I might have missed all that we have fostered and shared in the months we have known each other. You are a superstar in my book!

    Enjoy your holiday break. I'm still in the midst of mine. I'll see you back here and over there after the first. In the meantime, may God bless you and your whole family and may all your Christmas wishes come to pass.

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  2. Shelly I sincerely hope you and your hubby have the most wonderful time enjoying each other's gifts and the special time you will have being together. I will be waiting patiently for your return. It was a joyful day when I saw your first post and have loved reading your words ever since. Have safe travels and know that you are sooooooo appreciated.
    Odie

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  3. Beautiful words for us today Shelly. I so agree with you about all our friends in bloggyland. I am so glad that I have met you. It really is a joy to meet so many wonderful caring people from all over the world. I certainly look on them now as my 'real' friends. Happy Christmas to you and all your family and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year. Blessings to you.

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  4. Shady: What very kind words. I so appreciate them and always, always look forward to your posts and comments. You've really taught me so much about proper blogging that I think you could teach courses on it.

    You've touched my heart, friend, and may this Christmas be the merriest ever for you and your family!

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  5. Odie: I have so enjoyed your posts, and the ones you've done about Vietnam have really been so moving. You've always got good things to share and your big heart comes through in all of them. Have a wonderful Christmas, good friend!

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  6. Thisisme: Isn't it amazing this whole blogging universe exists out there, and for so long we weren't even in its orbit? I consider you a dear friend already and am always blessed by your kind and gentle comments. When I read them, I imagine them being read in a delightful English accent. Enjoy your loved ones with you this holiday season, my friend, and may God's blessings be abundant in your life.

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  7. I'm so happy I found your blog and love reading your wonderful posts, Shelly! Have a very blessed Christmas and happy blogging vacation! Will look forward to seeing you back here again after the New Year!

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  8. Dr. Kathy: Thank you! I always look forward to reading your very informative posts. They really do help so many people. Hope your holidays are filled with peace and joy!

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  9. Making close friends like you in blogland has been a gift from God to me. Before I came here I was praying for something to fill my life. I was bored and lonely. I no longer feel that way and it is all because of my new friends. God bless, and have a wonderful time during Christmas.

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  10. Belle: I count it a blessing that I have made friends like you. It is a wonderful world. All blessings and peace to you, my friend!

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  11. Hi! Dearest Shelly.
    Oh, have a wonderful and merriest time with all of your family♬♬♬
    Thank you very much for the BEAUTIFUL WORDS!!!
    Merry Christmas and happy wear end to you, and you are the wonderful gift as a friend frm God, my friend♡♡♡
    Hugs to you, xoxo Orchid*

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  12. Orchid: Thank you, sweet friend, for the lovely wishes. Have a merry holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous new year!

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  13. You are an amazing woman. Love you so much .

    Have a good time ,babe !

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  14. izdiher: I saw this just as we are about to leave- thank you! You are so kind- hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!

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  15. Have a great Christmas and New Year!---and enjoy your time away from your bloggin' labors. We will miss you but I really look forward to your return!

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  16. Clint: Thanks so much, and the very same good wishes to you and Cindy!

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  17. Shelly, you might not get this until after the New Year, but thank you so much for being my friend! I think you're an amazing person, a truly great writer, not to mention an inspiring teacher and friend. My life is enriched by you. Have a wonderful holiday...I look forward to your return!

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  18. Have a wonderful vacation! Can't wait to read your writings in the new year! :)

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  19. I loved the verse, Shelly. I hope you are enjoying your time away from Blogland. We look forward to your coming back. :)

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  20. Well, better late than never - I too have been busy and away. I hope you're enjoying all the fun times and I wish you a very happy new year! And of course I'm looking forward to more of your wonderful stories.

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  21. Enjoy your time of the grid. Read you next year!

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  22. Jenny: I consider it a wonderful blessing of 2011 to have gotten to know you! Viva la 2012!

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  23. Crystal: Thanks! I hope your holidays with your kids home and with family around have been stupendous!

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  24. Kelley: Thank you! I look forward to getting caught up on all I've missed. Hope your holidays are great!

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  25. Karen: Thank you- they've been terrific! I hope yours have been the same. Onward into the new year!

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  26. Missed Periods: Thanks! Have a wonderful new year!

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