A Wonderful Christmas

I had a wonderful trip to Texas this past weekend, my heart is still full of thanks to my God.

I left my office around 1:00 Friday afternoon and began the journey across Missouri. About an hour into my journey I called Elder Adam Green for a visit while on the road. While visiting with him he invited me to stay over at his home on Friday evening. At first thought I said no, thinking it was too much out of the way. After I hung up I began to think about it and realized I'd save an hour on Friday and add it on Saturday so it really wasn't out of the way at all. So I called him back. It'd been about 3 1/2 years since I'd last seen the Green family and I'm ashamed of that! Adam and I have been together a couple times during that time, but I haven't seen his wife and children. It was such a joy to be in their home again and to catch up.

On Saturday morning I awoke bright and early, had a wonderful breakfast of french toast prepared by Adam. I had fun with the kiddos one last moment before I had to hit the road.

I left their home around 9:00 and drove across to Dallas and arrived at Mike Montgomery's about 3:00. I learned on the way that David and his family wouldn't be able to make it until after my departure, so I was a bit disappointed. But since I had the nice surprise of seeing the Green's I couldn't complain too much!

I had a wonderful visit Saturday afternoon/evening/night with Mike, Judy and Caitlin. We laughed, told stories, recounted memories of times past in the great state of Texas. We watched a Dallas Cowboys game, talked more, ate, then went to bed. On Sunday morning their son Daniel arrived and he and I rode to church together. Daniel is a lot of fun and it was good to catch up with him!

Services at Old School were refreshing. It was good to see folks that I hadn't seen in half a decade! I need to get out more! Actually I need to get back to Texas more. Alas, there's no time for that though!

The singing was wonderful, good old gospel standards that I raised singing. Then I attempted to preach on God's faithfulness to deliver us out of all our afflictions (Psalm 34:19). I was thankful that several were encouraged from the message, two sisters in particular have suffered great burdens recently and their minds were comforted and relieved. I love when that occurs, it makes all effort worthwhile. May the Lord be praised.

I ate lunch with the folks and had a fun visit with Mike, Caitlin, Daniel, Mark Rowell & Carol Strayhorn. We heard more stories (very funny ones) from past times, and it was great!

Then I departed and headed to my Dad's. I arrive around 4:00 and we went shopping! Then we went to his house and spent the evening together with my brothers, sister and niece. We told stories of my Papaw (Dad's father) and it was very touching to remember him again.

Monday, my sister, brothers and I went and had pictures taken to give to parents and grandparents. It is the first time ever that the four of us have had a picture taken together. It was fun and I'm glad to have them!

After the pictures I went to my Grandma's and loaded my Great-Grandmother's things to bring her back to IL. Then we headed to Mom's for Christmas dinner with all her family. It was a very good evening of food, family and gifts. I went to bed around 11, then Grandma and I left at 5:30 to come home. We arrived around 5:30 in the evening and were thankful to be home safe.

It was a wonderful trip, but as always, it is good to be home. I was happy and thankful to be back with my flock last night for services, and look forward to the weekend of worship together with them!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and look forward with joy and optimism for the year to come.