Merry Christmas

The days around Christmas are always filled with so many things different from the other days of the year. Last week during the day we simply did a lot -- well, not a lot, just some -- of the usual office and church stuff. However the evenings were different. Wednesday Family Night was out at Dave and Leanne's. They have a barn with a couple sheep and a couple alpacas, lots of hay, and typical barn stuff. So we all went on a field trip. The kids fed the animals and Trevor told the Christmas story while we stood around in a "manger-like" setting. Then we went into the garage where Leanne had set up hot chocolate and cookies. It was laid back and fun. It wasn't real cold and didn't even rain on us.

Thursday evening, Joyce and I went out to Kay and Fran's house for dinner. We have been there before and she is a good cook. And she made cherry pie! Ummm. Good. Friday was my birthday and Joyce said I could do whatever I wanted!!! So we drove to Independence and Dallas (about 40 miles away) to look at some duplexes for sale (look from the outside). The area is fine, but the houses weren't. My niece, Kandy, lives in Dallas so we called her and had lunch together. Nice day, but it wasn't over.

That evening was the annual Church Christmas Party. We expected about 35 and close to 45 came. It was one of those gift exchange parties where everyone draws a number to determine in which order they get to choose a gift. Number one goes first, number two gets to take number one's gift or get his own from under the tree. Number three gets to choose from either one or two's gift or from the tree. Etc. It gets interesting when there are a bunch of  people with gifts. The person whose number is up, takes a gift from someone, then that person takes a gift from someone else, who takes a gift from someone, etc. There is a 20-second time limit on this. The person left without a gift goes to the tree. Anyway, it's a lot of fun. Joyce brought out a Birthday Pie for me (cherry, of course) -- covered with candles. Looked like a bonfire.

Saturday Shanette graduated from George Fox University. Shanette is our co-pastor's wife and she is also our Associate Pastor, if you don't recognize her name. So we went to the graduation in Newberg -- about 70 miles away. It was interesting and not very long since it was the December graduation. After, we were supposed to go for dinner at Trevor's mom's house. But Ginger wasn't feeling well so went to check on her. She is fine but we went out and did some grocery shopping for her and brought home Chinese for dinner.

All three of preached Sunday. Trevor spoke about Joseph, Shanette talked about Mary, I presented Jesus and that led into Communion. I think it was a good day. This coming Sunday I preach using the Wise Men (or Magi) as my theme.

We will spend Christmas Eve with Ginger and her clients at what they call "Christmas Camp" at the Shilo Inn in Salem. Joyce will help with craft and I'll hang around in the hot tub. I'll tell you more about Christmas Camp in my next blog. Speaking of which... I don't when that will be posted. We are going to Grants Pass after church Sunday. I have to find out why we don't have any water. There are a few things I can try, then I'll call a pump man if necessary. I think we'll be there until Wednesday or Thursday. I don't have internet connection at our GP home now so I'll have to find a WiFi spot to even check my email. Oh yes, and to blog, of course!

So... Joyce and I wish you the best of Christmases. Have a really great day. And don't forget the reason we even have a Christmas is that there was a Christ. So include him. Thanks. Merry Christmas.