Still A Wonderful Time of the Year!

This is the cast from Donna's Children's Christmas musical - December 14th. They did an awesome job.

I've been trying to figure out why I haven't really felt much like it was Christmas yet. We've been busy, but that's typical. The weather has been a mess - much colder than any Missouri Decembers we've had since arriving four years ago, and it has kept me from getting to hunt as much as I would have liked. All our shopping is done and we are excited about what we have prepared for all our loved ones, and that's definitely Christmas-like. I think it's because we haven't decorated any at our house. No one is coming here - we're going to Nashville next week, so it was hard to find the motivation to dig everything out of the packed basement store room and put it up. As usual, our neighbor across the street has such an incredible light display that our house shines at night like a spotlight was on it. Why try to match that? I'm sure the biggest reason is that we both are so concerned about Donna's Dad. Dean is clearly in his last hours in this life, and while we praise God for where he's going, the sadness and empty feeling is already there - as much for her Mom as her Dad. We may have to reschedule our already rescheduled Christmas plans, and that's no problem. Still, I know that when we get to be with family, the warmth and love that we share all the time, will make it special, and will make it Christmas - whenever it happens. Right now we're busy doing our usual church stuff, trying to get things done early, and we're enjoying our church family, because we love them dearly. We're also praying a lot, but that's always a good thing. I hope all your Christmas plans go well and you get to be with those you love the most. God is good.