It Came Upon the Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

No. There was a time when I did, when I was younger and had more energy! LOL The living room and den are the focal points this year.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Probably Norway. It's just always sounded so quaint and beautiful. Sweden would be a close second. In fact, I almost got to go to Sweden with my man a number of years ago on a business trip, but then it was canceled.

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

Maintaining my belief in God and His promises/power/provision/protection, etc. and acting on that belief "even when. . . ." Trusting when I cannot see.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I have no idea. Maybe the summer I was about to turn 11, during the week I spent with my brother and then-SIL. My brother took the week off to be with me and we played dominos and swam and ate peanut butter sandwiches & watermelon every day for lunch and had the best time.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

Probably in August at a wedding. I haven't made punch in years, so I don't even have a recipe that comes to mind. And my punch doesn't have a punch to it.

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

Yes, we do stockings. Generally, they've been opened after the bigger gifts because we've always traveled; we've always had our family Christmas early before we leave and then just had stockings on Christmas morning at my MIL's.

7. What takes your breath away?

Love, shown with abandon.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love the old carols of Christmas. They have such incredible words. And as so often happens, many times the third (or next-to-last) verse is rarely sung. The fourth verse (of five) of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear has been on my mind the past few days. It's such a wonderful reminder of the hope Christmas brings.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!