My Merry Christmas post to you 2016!

Christmas Greetings! This is my Merry Christmas post 2016.

I hope things are going well for you this busy season. Fighting a cold/congestion for 2 weeks has put me behind.

I love Christmas, especially Christmas Eve, because it is so beautiful. As my kids are older and all moved out and I have no grandkiddos yet, there are not as many gifts to buy, so it is not as hectic as it used to be. So, there’s extra time for peace, quiet, and reflection–until all the kids show up, that is. 😉

Our tree and the outside lights are up along with a few choice decorations around the house. Christmas music plays practically nonstop! 😀

Colorado road trip!

But wait! Before we celebrate Christmas, Luke is graduating from Colorado State University on Dec. 17, so his grandparents, 3 sisters, 2 brothers-in-law, and Rick and I are all headed to Fort Collins for a couple of days.

Luke will get a degree in Computer Information Systems. He’s looking for a job out there and will stay in Colorado.

After graduation he and Calie, our Marine out in California, will be home for Christmas! This will be only the second time she’s been home for Christmas since joining the Marines in 2011.

Hawaii, anyone?

Therefore, we’re looking forward to a very festive time this year!

In January, Calie reports to Hawaii for 3 years! Rough, right?

⇓ Here are a few Christmas images to get you in the spirit. (I didn’t have any festive pictures of Lacey.) ⇓

Elf Calie

Reindeer Calie

Mrs. Claus!

Rick and soon-to-be college graduate Luke!

I like to keep it simple: clear lights, red and gold bulbs, red and gold tinsel, gold wrap-around, and red bows.

Look out the window! 🙂

One night a Viking named Rudolph the Red was looking out the window when he said, “It’s going to rain.”

His wife asked, “How do you know?”

“Because Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear.”

Annie napping under the tree

Oh no! My ear!

In case you don’t have a white Christmas, enjoy this one!

Poinsettia Christmas tree at Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City

A favorite Christmas pillow

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water (flesh) and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” ~John 3:3-6

My deepest wish and prayer for you this Christmas is that you have the best gift of all: Salvation. If you have not given your heart to Jesus as forgiver of your sins and leader of your life, please consider it. I know it may sound strange, but when you finally understand it, it does make sense!

The Best Gift

Consider this: if someone offers you a beautifully wrapped gift and holds it out to you, it is not yours until you receive it, until you take it from their hands into yours. God offers His gift of salvation to everyone, but we have to accept it, receive it! I would love to chat with you about this if you have any questions.

From Jesus Calling~As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility.