From Christmas to Christmas
“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary . . . Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. . . . Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:1,2 and 6).
This is a passage from our Wisdom Search this morning, December 30, 2010. We look back to just over a year ago, when we were winding our way through a blinding snow storm on the way to Florida for Christmas. The surprising weather change, the awareness of God’s protection and our loooong time in the car together strengthened us as a family. At the time it seemed to be a meaningless interruption and yet it became a year-long reminder of God’s ways at work in our lives and a story for everyone we visited on that trip.
Since then have come many more valleys and mountains and unexpected turns, each one making us more grateful for God’s faithfulness and for friends He calls to walk the path with us.
And what better way to end the year than with another trip to the South! At the Stelzls’ and Neelys’ we rejoiced at the opportunity to share with those of like heart and hear of God’s ways at work—friends and neighbors being given vision for their families, young people turning towards lasting things, and most of all being a part of real life which comes from acknowledging the Lord and rejoicing in what he brings in each new day.
Some of the most memorable activities included participating in the showing of The Bethlehem Star, making gingerbread houses, spending Christmas morning with the Stelzl Family, shoveling a neighbor’s driveway with the Neely Team, hearing their new CD, having snowball fights, and singing together the great songs of the faith.
Now that we are back home and looking forward to 2011, we are grateful for the examples the Lord has given us from others who praise Him, who have His joy as their chief source of strength. Let us praise the Lord with our life year by year and day by day!
Thank you Neelys and Stelzls! You made the time so relaxing and enjoyable for all of us. We still can’t stop talking about all the great memories that were made. Happy New Year!
I love the pictures!! They successfully captured the emotion of some very enjoyable memories.
My, what a time we had! It was a joy to see both of your families pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. You’ve been examples for the world to follow, demonstrating the rewards of faith toward God.
🙂 Totally awesome! I loved the idea of blowing up the gingerbread house!
Esther, seeing the pictures of you make me want the months between now and June to fly by so I can see you sooner!