A year ago I went to Florida for Christmas ’round this time. I then spent the holidays with my daughter and her family. Oh what fun it was! Quite a difference from my home in northern California. The kids made Graham Cracker gingerbread houses. They had so much fun. We went to a Christmas service. Everything was well done. I enjoyed it very much. How beautiful it all was.

The Christmas day was as exciting as you would expect. The kids opened their gifts and we opened our gifts. It took awhile. I loved going through the gifts and helping wherever. It was so fun to be with them all. Everyone was loved and cared for in a special way. God was there too. I sensed His presence throughout the day. He made the day turn out right. With seven kids, that’s saying something!

Their dogs behaved well too. Titus’s cat, as well. We were well protected. The dominant dog, Duke, a German shepherd, keeps a good watch over everybody and everything. The other dog, Stryker, was fuzzy and warm. He took it all in time with a big family. Lily, the cat, is smart, and manages to stay clear of the children and to bring in a few treasures that she finds outside (I’m sure you can imagine what). As I write this, I am feeling sort of sad cuz I miss them. I last saw them in August when they came out my way.

However, best of all, I like the emphasis they put on teaching their children about the Lord. They want them to know Jesus as their Savior and blessed Lord and God as their Almighty Protector and Vigilant Keeper. The kids all belong to their parents now including the adopted siblings. It’s not easy, but they are willing to go the extra mile to make sure these children are a meaningful and important part of their family unit.

I was a little nervous at first, as I expect you would be as well. God made us to love and to love well. Once we learn how to love, the love has the power to grow, and to grow meaningful. I love the kiddos very much. I am excited when I hear from them. Their lives have such interesting twists and turns. You never know quite what to expect. But all is well. I’m so glad.

The visit came to a close but with a delay. The flights were canceled a couple of days. Then I became ill and my sister flew out to Florida in order to fly home with me. She was a big blessing. Best of all, she got a brief visit in my daughter’s home. I am very fortunate to have three loving siblings, loving grown children, five of them, and two loving Son-in-laws, and seven loving grandchildren. I thank God for every single one of them. God has blessed me. He abundantly blesses. I truly am thankful for God’s part in bringing everyone into my life.

I end this Christmas missive with gracious and abundant well-wishes for you and your family and whomever happens to read it. God bless you. He loves you more than you can imagine it. He will keep you regardless of what strange, unexpected and exciting things happen to you in your life. Really! It is wonderful.

God reigns. God keeps. God sustains.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

God bless YOU.