Merry Christmas

This Christmas I did not get the cards out (again). I desire to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. I strongly desire to urge everyone to focus on this great moment in history when God entered humanity. I deeply desire to see those I love turn to the Life-giver either for the first time or in a new, deeper way. I just don't seem to have words to express that in a card.

I used to be afraid of offending, or having family who do not believe as I do think me a fool. But I now understand that this is foolishness. I am very likely considered a fool already, so why worry about that? I guess the one thing I am truly concerned about is offending in the sense that my actions and words would make people turn from Jesus instead of to him.

So, for anyone reading this who does not know Jesus. Please understand that his followers are not perfect, wonderful people. They are only forgiven and free from the slavery to sin. (And slowly worming our way out from under the influence of that sin.) We are free to have that relationship that was severed by sin so many years ago--a relationship with our creator. It is the one you are hungry for and you don't even know it. This hunger is why none of the things you've pursued in this life has ever been completely satisfying. Look to Jesus--he will satisfy your soul.

My prayer for my family and others who do believe is that we would be able to demonstrate that soul satisfying, eternity-heading life that makes all sacrifices become nothing compared to the joy we find in Jesus.

Merry Christmas

Eggnog is better...

After seeing the comic above, Sam decided he had to buy a Santa hat and see for himself. Can you tell by his reaction what he thought?

My Birthday

What a wonderful few days I have had, I was showered with gifts, got to feast on my favorite foods. Some wonderful folks, the Mattoxes, came all the way from Equador to share my birthday with me--now that's friendship. You see Elizabeth and Hope, Rob left before we got the camera out. We had a wonderful time.

Only 2 more days of school (science day and math day) before we break for Christmas. Maybe just one more gift errand. Sam has joined us in our decorating bah humbug mode, so don't come looking for a tree (we will have lights, a nativity and stockings, but very little else). Maybe we're just minimalists (except when it comes to computers).

We had a great thanksgiving. Yannick's family now feels like a part of our family. Chieko rocked at Dutch Blitz; she out maneuvered me many times. I just wish someone would have remembered to take pictures. Our camera lay forgotten in the drawer.

We are saving the fruitcake making for a visit from Sabrina. We are also trying to get one more week of school done before all the Christmas stuff totally swamps us. It will be a close call. We're trying the one subject a day style again. I think it goes faster without the change of books so often, but Sam gets tired of the same subject, too. He does like when we do this, but that may be just the novelty.

We wish you a relaxed and non-frantic holiday with the focus on the real reason for the season!!