Christmas so was so fun this year! We went to Michigan and got to meet some new family members-to-be. Lowell's brother, Darrick, and his fiance Julie were there with her children and Zachary. We had not met Julie and her children before. It was nice to see them and be able to place a face with the names. Zachary is such a cutie-pie. He and Allie had a great time playing, and playing some more even though they both had colds. (You would have never known it though.) Jake also enjoyed having a little squirt following him around and asking him questions. Kyle stuck mostly to the older kids. (Keith and Chelsea are 14-years-old) It will be nice for him to have some older kids to be around when we can coordinate schedules again. We also had a nice time with Lowell and Donna. We were able to go to church at Lighthouse Community Church on Christmas Eve morning and for the candlelight service. The church is just gorgeous! It was very nice to see the church thriving and everyone doing so well. On Christmas day we were able to spend a short time with my brother, David, and his family. Those kiddos just keep growing and growing! :-)
The kids got tons of great gifts. We opened gifts at our own house before going to Michigan so we wouldn't have to drag it all with us. It took about 20 minutes to undo the many nights Lowell and I spent wrapping. Our kids are so blessed and I think they realize that for more than just the gifts they receive. That will be our family goal for 2007. To make sure that every day we give God praise for all the blessings He so richly gives us.
Recently at work there have been people commenting on how I am always happy and smiling. It's true. I am a very happy person. :-) I was able to talk about my faith and how I believe that God gives us the strength to overcome all that is handed to us. Most of my stress comes from outside sources that I have no control over. I have learned that being happy is a choice. Our family is so blessed. I can fret over the small stuff or I can have an attitude of gratitude for the many blessings God has given me. There are many hurting people in this world and they have reason to be sad and even depressed. But there does come a time when one must decide that your attitude toward adversity is going to change. God tells us to rejoice in all things. He will turn our sadness to joy. Trust in that. Make the most of the life that God has given you. Tap into the power of prayer by living as obediently as you can to God's plan for your life, and ask Him to bless you. Even if those around you seem intent on making life harder than it needs to be, you can make the choice to be happy. It's amazing how much of a difference our own attitude determines how we feel and much happier it makes those around us. I read somewhere that 10% of of life is what happens to us and 90% is how we react to it. The power of a positive outlook, obedience to God, and a grateful heart is priceless. I pray that everyone who reads this will have a wonderful 2007.
