Late

 

There sits part of my Christmas card, addressed, nice words written inside the card, enveloped and ready for stamps.  There is no reason I did not get them done and sent other then I put everything else before the task.  After years and years of doing this because I wanted everyone to think I was a super woman at anything needing done.  

The last week and half has been a reminder that some deem Christmas card sending still important.  Two days before Christmas and we have gotten six cards and I have sent out none.  I especially did the personal one first, you know close family, close friends and thought how loving I was being to these people thinking of them first.  Then came the churches that has supported us all these years.  They usually post it on top of the last update on a special board especially for missionaries.  

What is happening in my mind that I would let this good thing slip and come to this place.  I think my priorities are changing as I age. Lord knows I had enough time to do this.  Yet there they sit, no stamp, a reminder of my failure. 

There sits part of my Christmas card, addressed, nice words written inside the card, enveloped and ready for stamps.  There is no reason I did not get them done and sent other then I put everything else before the task.  After years and years of doing this because I wanted everyone to think I was a super woman at anything needing done.  

The last week and half has been a reminder that some deem Christmas card sending still important.  Two days before Christmas and we have gotten six cards and I have sent out none.  I especially did the personal one first, you know close family, close friends and thought how loving I was being to these people thinking of them first.  Then came the churches that has supported us all these years.  They usually post it on top of the last update on a special board especially for missionaries.  

I know I am not alone in this for we have only received six cards and half of them were just a family picture, which I love, I keep those but the card I throw away.   

This is about all I can say on this subject, but I want to leave you with a good thought.  Jesus not only came to die for our sin but from the guilt of whatever we feel guilty about.  Thankful for His unconditional love and mercy this Christmas.

                                                           MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Trip!

 

Laughter is so good for us.  

Two and half weeks ago we took off on a trip to the south.  Not because we were seeking some beach to thaw us out from the cold and snow but a trip to encouraged others and get some encouragement.

  First to a family member 30th birthday party outside of Kansas City.  Then next day we went to Illinois for Thanksgiving with more family. 

On a still full stomach we left the day after Thanksgiving headed back south to St. Louis to pick up a car belonging to a longtime friend who needed someone to drive it to Phoenix, Az. We left our car there and drove the most southern route hoping we would miss any bad weather.   

This is where it got even better for us.  This route took us too close to our sons and family who live north of Dallas to not stop in.  Seeing the surprised faces of our Grandchildren who did not know we were coming and feel their arms hugging us was the highlight of the whole trip.    

Traveling always means saying goodbye and after two days and night we went on our way heading to Phoenix through some awesome remotes' sights. There was some snow on the mountains but none on the roads.   El Paso was an over whelming huge city and at times we could see the border wall.  It saddens our hearts to think of the chaos going on there. 

After two days and one night on the road we made it to Phoenix to my brother place where we stayed for a few days resting up from the drive.  Another goodbye and off we flew back to St. Louis and picked up our car and started our drive to Blackduck Mn.  That cold and snow was still there but praise the Lord the roads were cleared off.  

Ace and I have traveled all over the world in our ministry which has meant lots of flying and driving.   My favorite way to travel is by car though because I read a lot and Ace and I reflect on each visit.  Kind of a time for a heart check to see if we actually encouraging others or were we getting all the encouragement.  

Everyone needs some encouragement, especially this time of the year.  To think daily on what God did for us through His Son is encouragement.