Christmas 2007

Wow! It's over... all the hustle and bustle, the parties, the gift exchanges, the decorating, the fancy dresses, the presents, Christmas cookies, family dinners, family pictures, surprises, and even the turkey!! But, I must say, I'm a little relieved this morning. What a busy holiday season this was!! With a move literally as the season was beginning and just the normal busyness that Christmas brings, I'm very thankful this morning that it's all pretty much over. Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed all of these things, but I found myself sick for about a week and just fatigued. I tried very hard to just savour the moments with my girls and my husband and to love each get together as though it were the first. My oldest sister and her husband were with us, which was a treat. It was the first year in about 3 that he had joined us. We did have to miss out on our youngest sister, which was very disappointing, but her choice.
We made sure at every possible opportunity to thank the Lord for sending Baby Jesus to the earth in such a simple yet beautiful way so that we could have the precious relationship with Him that we do. It was so special this year to be able to share the joy of that story with our little Ella, who seemed to hang on every word. I can't tell you how many times she would take something, like a soap dish or a book that she thought looked like a "manger" and she would look at us and say in her silly voice, "oooh, Baby Jesus". It's amazing how she is so drawn to Him at such a young age and how she talked about Him so often. It reminds me of a quote by St. Augustine, Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless til they find their rest in thee.
I read that quote some years ago in a Bible study that I was doing with some friends in Texas and it struck me so, that I just can't forget it. It's so true. I hope that you find rest in Him today!

Shewwwww!

Well, it sure has been busy this past week. We've packed up the apartment and moved into a lovely home. As any move is, it was filled with a whole lot of packing.. and then unpacking. But, the best part of all was the way our family and church family loved on us. My entire kitchen was set up by sweet friends, the beds were made and snuggly for my girls and us to go to bed that first night and my girls were well cared for. We had a few meals brought to make life a little easier during this transition, and about 20 people in my new kitchen all at one time, which was pure joy for me!! We just sat back after it was all over and praised the Lord for the dear friends He has brought to us and this amazing church, Southbridge.

A couple of nights later, we sat in the living room of some dear friends who helped us start Southbridge and rejoiced with our leadership over all that God is doing here. To take us from a few little families to almost 500 people, we're simply floored. It can only be explained that God is doing great things among us.