James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (New King James Version)
Miss Snow brought a great verse this morning, a great reminder at this time of year that earthly gifts are not all they’re cracked up to be.  We could talk all day about gifts, gift giving, gift buying, gift wrapping, gift receiving, and even gift returning.  I am particularly proud that my two kids can’t come up with anything to put on a list because they appreciate what they already have and that my younger sister has asked anyone wanting to share with her this holiday season to please put their gift towards a charity she supports.  Without a doubt, Magalie’s wish, both passionate and selfless, is an example of worldly gifts doing the Lord’s work.
But let’s be perfectly honest: some things here on earth are pretty darn sweet, albeit not heavenly, right?
For instance, SonShine believes that pumpkin pie (like the minis seen here which were baked – while he slept – for an English assignment that includes FEEDING THE ENTIRE 25-STUDENTS-PLUS-ONE-TEACHER-CLASS one’s favorite holiday recipe) with lots and lots of Cool Whip on top is by all measures a good and perfect gift:

Angel Girl believes that girl time, snuggling with someone you love, the Bitty Baby that Santa brought her for her very first Christmas (when she and it were actually the exact same size), and wearing pajamas at home all day are ALL good and perfect gifts:

I happen to believe that Coach, our kiddos, and this life we’ve built together are truly good and perfect gifts:


Of course, ultimately I know where the credit for all these blessings must be given.  I thank Him every single day!!
But while we’re on the topic of beliefs, I also believe that we are given other, less tangible, less holdable, gifts as well.  One of these gifts is that of a sense of humor.  I tend to see humor where others do as well as where they do not.  I love a really dry wit, and I especially crack up at the super nerdy stuff! I believe funny people, natural comedians, enjoy life the most.  Finally, I believe that all jokes and teases are rooted in [at least a sliver of] truth which is what makes them funny in the first place.
I love to laugh!  I love silly sayings, jokes, riddles, political cartoons, the funnies page in a good ol’ newspaper, the gazillion Pinterest quote photos, and a little goofball humor (most of the time).  I especially enjoyed a bit of “Elf on the Shelf” humor that I found posted on a friend’s FB wall yesterday.  In fact, I was outright laughing AT – not with – the poor girl who wrote it.  Of course, I can laugh because I totally and completely feel her pain…
Before I share the link, let me say that Angel Girl and I are having a lot of fun with Miss Snow.  Coach still thinks it’s the most ridiculous thing in the world, but he’s playing along like the amazing Dad that he is, and SonShine is warming up to her…last night, as we sent kids off to brush (during a Duck Dynasty commercial break, of course!), SonShine turned around and questioned with indignant authority, “What about reading our Bible verse together??”
He thought we were overlooking something in which he already finds value.  And he didn’t like it.  That did my heart good!  In fact, his determination to not forget a night of our newest tradition and his sister’s joy at finding our guardian elf each morning make the lack of sleep not only bearable, but very worthwhile.  So, here’s the excerpt; I hope you’ll get a giggle out of this message that hit right at home for me in sooooo many ways:
People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Over Achieving Elf on the Shelf Mommies.
Back to our elf, Miss Snow…we have it on her authority that the mini pumpkin pies turned out just fine…

she managed to steal one from the class set,

scrounge up some whip cream,

and even pour herself a glass a milk to wash it down…

that elf has good taste!!