December 23, 2005

  • Hello USA – Yet another beautiful crisp morning in Iraq – People tend to over look the importance of that piece of furniture – I would call it the bonding table – Too many people nowadays fix them a plate and go get in front of that thing called tv- I remember as a kid we always sat at the table and talked ,made memories and of coarse had our differences – But without knowing each others differences- You don’t really know the person – Yes Tomorrow is Christmas Day and I wish a Merry Christmas to all – Many people will shovel off their table to have their 3rd meal of the yr on it – Thats just not right – I don’t care if its a cable spool with 5 gallon buckets – Sitting down as familly and or friends is some prime bonding time – How many people have sprayed their drink on the table from laughing and sharing precious memories? – I hope alot – I simply can’t wait till this crap is over and I have one in my crib to sit down with my daughters and discuss their thoughts and day – Talking with Clarence on the way to work and he admitted when its just him and his wife and youngest at home they pile in front of the tv – He totally agrees with my thinking and said I just changed some of his habits – So if you are guilty – When you shovel off the kitchen table or cable spool – Leave it for the next day and the next day and the next day on and on – Bonding is a necessary part of any relationship – Even by yourself – Watching tv – You are not thinking of the finer things in life – And heck yes – Bless the food that nourishes your body, the hands that prepared it, over here I add in the people who got it to me and most of all I thank our father for leading this little sheep to a good sit down meal – - As a kid we also had a card table that always had a puzzle on it – My mom really enjoyed doing them – Why?- Because before too long someone else would sit with her and play along and BOND – Thats what makes the world go round – Do it now before its too late – Turn that tv off and talk about anything – Anything always leads to something and its something else to bond with familly,friends or even you need to talk to yourself and our Lord – These things were not made to catch everybody’s dailey pocket full of crap – Fill it with bread and beans and do some serious bonding – Break out that puzzle – Step away from the tv – == Well Merry Christmas eve to all and don’t forget to always HOLD THAT HEAD HIGH AND GOD BLESS ALL!!

Comments (37)

  • Oh, you are so right!  When I was growing up we always had our meals together and a prayer before the meal.  We also had a family devotion every night.  My dad read from The Bible and we each and every one prayed aloud from the youngest to the oldest.

    When I was raising my kids we also had our meals together.  On the nights they had ballgames, we’d go to the truck stop after the game and feed them there, but we’d all be together. 

    Now they’re grown and scattered and their lives are so different from the way they were raised.  Everyone is SO busy.  Well, that’s a bunch of crap.  People choose their priorities.  Three of my five children still do things our family way.  Thank goodness for those that do; and God help those who still need to remember and learn.

    God’s blessings on you, John.  You’re special to a lot of people and I hope your day comes soon to be with your girls in your own warm, loving home.

  • Good day Sir John!!!!! My family makes sure we bond daily. Weither it be around the table or on the floor playing board games. So your message is very clear. Merry Christmas Eve.

    RYC: There will be NO drinking and driving here. We are celebrateing at home and everyone who walks in our front door gives up their keys automatically.

    Stay safe and stay sane. Great big hugs from KC, MO. Hugs and loves, Tami and family.

  • Great Post.
    May you be blessed this Christmas

  • Merry Christmas Sir John!!!!

  • You are absolutely right John!  We have a dining room table and a table in my kitchen.  I prefer that the 4 of us eat in the kitchen because it is a smaller table but I cook a lot and I insist that no food goes into the den in front of the TV except for popcorn .  Your mom sounds like me (boy do I feel old) but I love to do puzzles and if I had the space I would keep one going all the time.  Tomorrow we (or should I say later today) we go to the in-laws for lunch and gifts then to my parents for supper and gifts then to my girlfriend’s house for coffee and gift exchange then home for sleep and Santa.  On Christmas everyone then comes to my house and I feed them here.  So there will be no drinking and driving around these parts.  Anyway I will be thinking of you my friend.  Take care of yourself and may God’s peace be with you on Christmas Day.

    Debbie

  • Yes siree john! 

    Love

  • We don’t sit at our table too often. Instead we sit at the coffee table or Jayden’s little table! It’s kinda’ funny actually. Not that we are watching tv, no cable, but we just sit other places! We also eat out with family A LOT! So that is a lot of bonding that we do outside of our home.

    Anyway – have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Stay safe & we’re thinking of you!

  • Merry Christmas Eve!! I must say I am guilty of not eating at the table, haven’t done it in years unless it was a holiday. Guess it doesn’t make much of a difference because I never eat at the same time as my parents anyways. Hope you enjoy your Christmas Eve!!

  • Hey John just wanted to stop by and wish you a Merry Christmas…My computer is really acting strange and so I’m not sure if you will even get this! But my thoughts and prayers are with you ! Happy Holidays Stay safe!…Linda

  • Hey Bro….What wise words you have there….As  child we always sat together….Mama and daddy, whom I miss so much especailly this time of year, well anyway, they made sure that we ate together….I must admit I have been remiss in that area….My family is falling apart right now, but I can not say that I did not try with Howard….Pray for us okay John?  Savannah is always saying how you make her feel so good when she reads your entries to her…Thank you for that…..MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS DAY MY BROTHER IN CHRIST AND MY FRIEND HERE ON EARTH….GOD BLESS YOU…SIS PRIS

  • I love you sooo much.  I hope you have a Merry CHRISTMas we will defenitley be thinking about you.

  • Wow…you sound like me. We make a point of having BOND time every single day. And here’s a funny for your memory bank….the table and chairs you use to example is sitting in my dining room waiting for our dinner later today, but I keep it cleared and we sit there often. It is our GATHERING post. We also gather nightly on my bed to chat about absolutly NOTHING! I agree bonding is a major part of living. We also have a kicthen table we can eat at if we choose. We make a point of family dinners at least 3 times a night we eat together. I could throw out all the TV’s in my house and I wouldn’t care…lol I don’t even have one in the LR any longer.

    I HOPE everyone remembers to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend JESUS! Have a great day!   love & hugs! teri

  • sounds like you just want to be “home for the holiday” lol… i can sure see why! i would want to be too! yes, im sure ill have a great christmas…. today me , mom , and case are gunna do our dinner then watch its a wonderful life….. a xmas classic!…. then later on we’re going to my friends house to hang out … then tommorow just hanging out and spending time together! so yeah it will be nice…… ill be wishing you happy thoughts for the holiday so far from home!

    take care on this christmas

    Alina

  • Thanks for great encouragement…we are running in different directions a lot of time and need to just SIT DOWN –and not in front of a TV or computer… Have a Merry Christmas, John. JoAnne and Steve

  • Please know we are thinking of you today. I’ll even have an extra helping of something JUST FOR YOU! I just read Alina’s comment. She is so darn cool! I’m so blessed! Have a happy day!

  • Thanks for reminding me of things like that. It made me think of the “kids table” at holidays when you sat with all your cousins and laughing and talked while the adults did the same. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas-filled with laughter and good firends even if your far away from home.

  • You post on one of my favorite pet peeves, eating in front of the tv or not fixing meals to even eat as a family.  Like you we bonded at the table over dinner every night.  We would squabble, fight and manners were always a favorite topic of my dads.  I think it’s very important to sit, relax, reflect and be thankful and what better place than over a  nice meal.  thanks for reminding me how much I love that tradition…God bless and Merry Christmas..marilyn

  • Merry Christmas to one of our American Heroes!

    I really wish you would take that little umbrella out of your cocktail, take your sunglasses off and get out of that lounge chair when you write to us.

    ; )

  • you’re right. that is the bonding table! you are so wise.

  • This is Chmas Eve.  The big dining table is read with a lace tablecloth and a beautiful Christmas center piece with candles.  My two children, plus DIL and Grandaughter will be here.  Not a big crowd, but when my children come home, I’m a happy Mother. Dad will do his special thing with steak on the outdoor grill, we girls fill with veg & deserts.  I’m thinking of you at this time too, John.

  • May you enjoy the Presence of the Lord this Christmas, as we celebrate His birth and all He has done for us! What an awesome God we serve!

    God bless you richly this Christmas! Love and hugs,Mrs H

  • I’m with you John. I live alone so I only have my “babies” to share the meal times with, but I do think it is really important for “families” to sit down at the the table for meals. At least once a day. My children and their families are so busy they hardly have time to do that. Its such a hurry,hurry world we live in. I pray for you each time you come to mind and I find that has been quite often as the Lord reminds me that you are still in a dangerous situtation. 

    Have the Merriest Christmas possible & the Most Blessed,Safest,Healthiest & Happiest of New Years.   HUGS   Love   Miss Eve

  • no i knew you wer there sorry i have not commented you in a long time just been playing arond and have not been in this thing but yea im happpy 4 you i hope you have fun lol ook well im out with a hug and a kiss like dis lol

                                        ~xox~savannah~xox~

  • Merry Christmas to you too!

    Stay Safe over there.

    ~ Amanda Kail ~

  • merry christmas and happy new year

  • My kids have never been aloud to sit in the family room and eat!!  I can’t stand the spills.  I  guess i kept them at the table just with that rule!!! 

    Merry Christmas to you!!!

    Spazzzzzzzzz hugs!

  • Merry X-Mas! I’ll email you later.

  • MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Love heading your way from Florida!

  • Hey John,

    Just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and an safe and happy New Year.  Take care and stay safe!

    Hugs

    Becky

  • Merry Christmas from this side of the ocean. Its great to know that the Lord we serve is in Iraq as well as the US and everywhere else in the world. May the Lord bless you, keep you safe, as well as your fellow soldiers and friends. God is good, no doubt, may we begin a new year with Jesus at the center, His light to our path, His word directing our hearts, our minds and our actions…..in Christ…yer ol bro..mike..

  • MERRY CHRISTMAS JOHN! Still up here …on my way to get some shut eye but wanted to stop by and wish you a blessed day my friend! Your friendship has been such a blessing to all of us thank you.

    Take care and “Hold that head high”

    Debbie

  • Have a Merry Christmas, or as best you can away from your family and especially your girls.  Will you be having something deliciously tastey at least?

    Happy day, Pershz.

  • Merry Christmas to you my very dear friend. May your day be blessed in the way of the memories you carry in your heart and in what memories the future has yet to make for you. Hugs and love on this day that our Savior was born. Love, Tami and family

  • RYC:  You are most kindly welcome, dear.  I too have enjoyed your site and your comments.  Merry Christmas, darling!  Your present sounds nice..understatement, I’m sure.  LOL

    I ditched the television ten years ago.  haven’t owned one since.  Nell and I don’t sit at the table very often because it has become the desk the majority of the time, but we have matching trays and we eat together.  We have Friday night game night (Board games) and her friends are always welcome.  Lots of love here.  I’m so glad to hear that you think relationships are better than television.  So many are shocked when I say I don’t own one.  LOL

  • Merry Christmas!

  • ok, glad you are havign a merry christmas, i just got  TONS  of pink bedding lol, yea!

    ttyl

    Alina

  • So very true…so important to take time to communicate with our children..and loved ones…it can make all the difference in the world…that is a special time indeed…great post..!hugs…Lee

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