Counting My Blessings

Even though my last post was kinda sad, Christmas vacation (and I have been on vacation from work) has been good! One of the fun surprises was being able to see my friends Ben and Bethany Weaver for a short visit on their way through town, along with Bethany's mom Patty. It was a fun blip in my life, as they live in Tennessee so I don't get to see them much. It is amazing how friendships persevere over time and distance. It was fun to notice how intentional Bethany is as she met Rachel, and some family and friends that were hanging around my place. She's a good hugger too!

Many of you know about my love of going to my brother David's high school basketball games. He is a senior this year, and at 6'9'' he isn't too shabby. His team had a tournament Thursday-Saturday, where they were undefeated. David was even the tournament MVP! What is neat is that David is such a solid guy. Last year his team had a miserable season with an abusive coach, and he has had the same humble attitude through the ups and the downs of his basketball career. He is such a hard worker. I have never dedicated that kind of energy and focus to anything in my life. He's a fun guy to be proud of!

They other neat thing was the Christmas Eve Service at church. It was a candle light service that went through scriptures and song that followed the Creation, Fall and Redemption of mankind. It was peaceful, and easy to follow.

I have realized that I can make a choice to loose my joy in life. In church yesterday we talked about "counting our blessings," and I need practice the idea of praising God for what He is doing, that I may be too self-consumed to notice. As I look toward a New Year I am amazed at all God has done this past year that I would have never expected. I am interested to see what the New Year holds but I must say, I know God is in charge. May He have his way with us!