Christmas Day!

I am behiind with posting, but what is new?! I have been wanting to "write" about this day, but I hadn't found time to sit down and put it into words. Yesterday, after uploading Christmas pictures to Facebook I realized I really needed to get the memories and thoughts down of this day.

Christmas Day this year was spent in Washington with Byron's family. After thinking this has been our first Christmas together in 4 years! Seriously! The last time we had Christmas with the family was December of 2006. Jaycee was 19 months old, Jackson was in my tummy, and Phil and Amanda only had Lukas and Evalin. Lots has changed in four years. We have moved to Oklahoma and the family has grown by adding Jackson, Kate, Isaac, and Gwendolyn. I am so thankful for the precious time that we were given to spend with our family. Truly only God's knows when we will be able to do this again. A part of me is deeply saddened by that and brings many tears to my eyes, but the other part rejoices because no matter the time length here on earth we do not see each other I know that we will have eternity together in heaven. Even better than that will be us rejoicing and worshipping Jesus together for His sacrifice, for His death, and for His resurrection to rescue us!!! What a beautiful picture that is!!!

We had Christmas dinner around Noon on Christmas Day. After eating and cleaning up the kitchen we all gathered together in the living room. Papa had all of the kids sit in the floor in front of him. He read to us the birth of Jesus out of Luke 2. Then he went on to share with the children why we celebrate during this time and also played the song "Redeeming Love". I have to say this is one of the most precious memories of that day and I will cherish it as long as I live. I have never witnessed anything like this. To see my father in law pour out his love for His Savior and for his family was beautiful. I really have no words to describe those moments we had together. I am so thankful God gave that time to us!

The rest of the day was filled with laughter, gifts, food, coffee, and conservation. God has been so faithful to our family even when we haven't been faithful to Him. He has continued His work in each one of us and as we gathered together multiple times during our visit to Washington He truly blessed us all with His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and hope. I can not thank Him enough for that!

Christmas 2010 is one of the best I have ever had!!! Maybe next time we can get one picture of the entire family!!!