| 'Tween Christmas and New Year, 2013 |
The Christmas feast was in preparation.
A duck and stuffing with orange and
cranberry was in the oven.
The phone rang and a dear son,
traveling in the area to see family,
asked if he could join us. Joy invaded
as we anticipated his arrival. More
good things to eat arrived with
him, and for two hours or more we ate,talked and toasted -- celebrating God's
goodness and the love of our family -
in process of reconciliation.
The next day, we had another visitor.
Mr. Squirrel had often checked out
our porch where plants grew in the
warmer months. Several pots were
now inside for the winter.
This curious fellow actually leapt
upon the door latch -- his weight
causing the door to open a crack.
Then he leapt up to the window and
hung on the screen. Not once, but
several times.
Seeing a photo op, our staff
photographer positioned a chair,
Sure enough, Mr. Squirrel came
again and lingered on the window
screen, as if to check out the last
gerbara blossom of the season,
blooming inside.
Sunday lunch saw our yearly reunion
with the family group from
Christiansburg, Virginia. What a fun
time we had as we caught up on
their news!
Earlier, our church had a major breakthrough as the Family Pastor
led a special service centered on Water Baptism (for the remission of sins).
Children and adults, one after another,
were baptized in the tank by their parents,
their youth leader --
and the Senior Pastor baptized his youngest son.
The Presence of God increased as the people glowed with His joy,
clapping and shouting.
To top it off, the leader invited anyone else in the service
who wanted to be baptized, to come forward.
As we sang "O come, all ye faithful",
a young man and three girls accepted the invitation.
They were dressed for the water,
and given towels. Oh! the rejoicing!
Have you ever seen a minister sparkle?
