Where to begin.

We are so blessed. We had a wonderful Christmas week and were able to see all but two sets of family members. That is huge! The girls have been absolutely wonderful and up to this point, we haven't had the after Christmas melt down. (Does this happen at your house too? I'm curious if it's just us!)

Thursday morning we enjoyed Santa and then headed up to my parents to spend Christmas with my side of the family. It was great to see my sister and nephew along with my brother and sister in law and their daughters. My poor grandparents just sat and watched their 5 great-grandchildren open moon shoes and stilts and baby dolls and Wii games..oh brother you should have heard me trying to explain the Wii to my 91 year old grandmother. She was so confused. Anyway..it was a wonderful day that ended with Chad, my sister and I taking the three oldest to the movies...so my parent's could rest.

For several weeks I've been struggling with some sort of chest cold/cough/fatigue "thing". It wasn't bad enough to go to the doctor I thought, so I've just dealt with it at home. It has gradually become worse and listening to me cough and carry on...Chad and my dad decided I was going to the doctor. So Saturday morning that is where we went.

I've only got bronchitis, but they have fixed me up with some mighty fine drugs and I can already tell a huge difference. I didn't realize how bad I felt until I slept through the night last night. It's amazing what 6 hours of sleep will do for you! I'm still not 100% but we are getting there.

The amazing thing was the pharmacy where we filled my prescriptions gave me all sorts of discounts and coupons and we wounded up getting all my medicine at a much more affordable price. :) Thank you Lord. Just one more way He continues to show me that He is alive and active in my every day life.

We had an incredible church service this morning. Dad brought the Word and I'm telling you the Holy Spirit sat down on that place. One came for salvation, another who has been living away from the Lord came to rededicate his life..the front of the church was full of people on their faces praying. Dad lost his jacket in the middle of the invitation..we thought oh boy...he's going to preach again! Just kidding!

I have to share with you the sweetest picture for me today. When the man came forward to express his desire for salvation, my dad put his hands on his head to pray with him. The young man started out with his hands on my dad's arms...but the longer they stood there, the higher this guys arms went and by the time they were through praying his arms were totally extended in the air. It was the most beautiful thing. Complete surrender.

It was even more special to sit behind some of his friends and family..they were so happy. This family has experienced great loss this year and for one that they care so much about to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ was quite a gift.

As we sat at Aubelo's for lunch, dad told us that next week he would be baptizing FOUR! That little church is growing spiritually, and I really believe God is fixing to do a mighty work in those people.

It was an awesome way to end our weekend.

We are home, unpacked and Chad...is sick. So I get to return the favor and take care of him.

I'm looking forward to catching up on your Christmas story!

Blessings,
steph.