It's Really Here!

I just completed the last thing on my Pre-Christmas activity list but I'm not slowing down.  Putting a post online has been a serious longing this entire month.  While I can't navigate the labyrinth of photo complexities today, I do want to offer some words.

This month rolled in like a major cruise ship and swept me up for the ride. If I've stopped to take a break, I've found myself napping.  So Frank and I have combated that problem by standing until time to be done each day.  Hard to fall asleep while on your feet.

We usually plan our Christmas events to be spread out and paced a bit more slowly.  But somehow this year got the better of me.  That's why I'm finally doing my first post for December one week and a day before the END of December.

Since my last post I had a delightful time with lots of different groups.

• We shared a Christmas party with 90 parishioners.
• We enjoyed a dinner with 100 other ministers in the area.
• We attended a concert at our alma mater.
• We celebrated a wedding.

And that list was only the first week of December.  I won't belabor the point.  I'm pretty sure your holiday calendar has been full, too.  Suffice to say, blogging has not just been in the back seat; it has been stored in the trunk with the plethora of gifts begin hidden from thieves and nosey family members.

Deep Cleansing Breath!

As I take in the lights on our pre-lit Douglas fir, I can hardly believe Christmas is two days away.  Or two days ago if you're part of the Hawley, Schreck, Smith, McGhee clan  Our group celebrated this past Saturday.  We decided to name the 21st Christmas in order to accommodate travel plans for everyone. 

Working together, we managed another delightful, un-rushed time.  Everyone brought food and gifts and laughter and all of us focused on helping the nine perfect grandchildren grow better acquainted with the purpose of all the celebrating. 

• We read the Christmas Story from Luke 2.  
• The grands created a nativity picture that elicits a smile from the saddest faces.
• The older ones led us in multiple Christmas carols before and after dinner.
• We all sang "Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus" for the little ones.
• And spoke words of blessing over each person.

A Lovely Time was had by ALL!

I have some precious pictures to share from decorating and programs and our Christmas day.  Hopefully, I can get those on tomorrow. Mostly, I wanted to send you a quick greeting before all your festivities reach their zenith.

Merry Christmas to All and God Bless Us Every One!