Hello from Ohio!
I just flew in from NYC this morning! And here’s a word to the wise…if you’re traveling for Christmas this year, GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY!
Oh my gosh, it wasn’t even 6:15 am this morning, and the back up just to get off the highway at the Newark Airport exit was outrageously long! Literally 20 minutes to get off the exit ramp, And then once at the airport, the line for Clear with TSA PreCheck had about 75 people in it! The most I have ever seen in the Clear/PreCheck line was 3 people! Today was insane! I waited for almost 45 minutes in the security line. I can’t imagine what the regular security line was like! Aye yi yi!
Thankfully I anticipated crazy holiday travel, so I built in a full two hours at the airport. But my gosh, I had no idea it’d be THAT busy!
So please — build in some extra extra time to get through the security.
But gosh, it feels good to be back in Ohio.
I’m going to be honest, I had a really good cry the other night on Steven’s shoulder. I was so sad that we didn’t get to say goodbye to our friends in New York this trip, since we were battling Covid. And it just broke my heart that I didn’t get to honor the friendships that I’ve made and we’ve made over the last 12 years. Steven assured me that people understood: I mean, we had Covid! But still, my soul was devastated.
One thing that I did to shake the sadness in my heart was to take inventory of all the things I’m grateful for, and I’ve gotta say…it really helped.
I think sometimes all it takes to shake you out of a down mood is to remember all the good God has blessed us with.
The friends and family that enrich our lives. The career opportunities we’ve had. The stability we have with shelter, food and clothing. The second chance at life in recovery. The community we have of fellow God-loving people. The hope of Heaven, and the love of Christ.
Those are things that I certainly can take for granted, that I am really going to try to keep in the forefront of my mind, especially as Christmas draws near.
I pray that you have a wonderful week leading up to Christmas. May you feel Christ’s closeness as He prepares to come to earth as a little Babe.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. The beautiful friendships through this blog are a huge blessing in my life, and I appreciate your presence in my life!
Caralyn’s Cooking Corner!
Each post I will share a new Pinterest recipe video! Please SAVE to your Pinterest! Doing so is a free way to SUPPORT THIS BLOG! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for your support on Patreon!! You make this blog possible 🙂
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***Click to order your copy!
Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!!
STAY CONNECTED!
@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram
And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!
10 responses to “An Inventory of Good for Christmas”
I am glad that you guys have recovered! I can understand why you are so upset about your goodbyes, Caralyn, you may have another chance in the future! ❤️☺️
O Holy Night
Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn’
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angels’ voices
Oh night divine, oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine, oh night, oh night divine
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful God has raise we
With all within let’s praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord!
His name forever praise we
Noel, noel
Oh night, oh night divine
Noel, noel
Oh night, oh holy nigh
Merry Christmas dear lady, may the future…be the future. In its discovery, sharing and love. Just as He gave us 😀❤️🙏🏽🎅🏽🦌🕊🎄🎁⛄️
Merry Christmas, Caralyn! Your card is in the IG DM. I hope you have a wonderful week!! 🤗🙏💛
Seasons blessings to you and yours!
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2023
Thanks for the travel warning! We’re driving MR to CA. The weather in MT is horrible right now S’posed to reach -23 this week. Good time to be gone! So sorry you missed your farewells, but glad you’re ok now. Have a very Merry Christmas!
And for missing the momentary “goodbyes,” it helps to keep in mind what C.S. Lewis said to Sheldon Vanauken when the Vanaukens were leaving England for America:
“‘Besides,’ he bellowed with a great grin, ‘Christians NEVER say goodbye!’”]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOnSToVsBz4
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Goodbyes are very tough. Don’t feel bad. The most important thing is you are recovered and doing better. Remember. You can always stay in touch with some friends.
Merry Christmas! What a gift that you and Steven both recovered from COVID. Although, your plans for a goodbye party did not work, no one else got COVID and you may have another time for goodbyes. xo hugs and love!