MERRY CHRISTMAS

Snow , snow, snow. I used to think I liked snow.

right now I'm very tired of it. Beautiful to watch, but so annoying when the plow piles it in our driveway. and then there is all the shoveling.

I work tonight (Tuesday). Wednesday is Linda's birthday, we usually go out for lunch or dinner. I work Christmas night. We get together with my parents and brother Sunday afternoon.

Hope to see some of you at the Christmas Eve service.

Shalom

Carol

fallen world

I've been saddened by some things lately. I've been called a pollyanna at times, and have a hard time coming to terms with this fallen world. So my song for today is Charles Wesley's Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all-sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne

Shalom

Carol

Family Outing

Sunday afternoon our entire family went to a G.R. Ballet production of the Nutcracker. Mark and the kids had attended several times when Steven had a middle school friend who performed in it, but I always seemed to be working. I had various thoughts as we went in with many other family groups, mostly with young children. How many more opportunities like this will we have? Where will the young adults scatter in the next few years? So we enjoyed the ballet, but to me it was a bittersweet time. A reminder to treasure the time we have with family, especially at this special season.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday.

Shalom

Carol

Work

Back in October I was thinking about work and the garden and the way the Lord meant things to be. This week I have been thinking about paid employment. Not a day goes

by without hearing on the news about layoffs, plant closings, business bankruptcies, and so on. I have always been thankful for my nursing career and the flexibility and security of my job. I haven't heard of any friends or relatives losing jobs lately, but in this economy it wouldn't surprise me.

I am always sad to hear about job loses right before the holidays, and wonder about the effect an families at Christmas. Perhaps this year we will be more aware of the true meaning of Christmas, instead of the material aspects.

As the congregational meeting is tonight I think about what the Church, and we as Christians, can do to help those around us celebrate Christmas appropriately.

Reminder: This is the season for lamp oil--Keep it Away from Children

Shalom

Carol