What to leave behind in 09

I just got back from a few days over Christmas with my family in Colorado Springs. I was blessed to have a few days to relax after a very stressful trip out there.

We had our original flight canceled and placed on Standby. Standby on Christmas eve with just a few other people all wanting there names to be called. We waited through 4 flights and after 6 hours and gate jumping we all made it to Denver. We made it our bags did not. Had to make the trip back to Denver airport on Christmas Day. That trip is about an hour and half from my parents home in Colorado Springs.

I attended their church on the 28th and got to see their new building. I can honestly say that it was a great Sunday. I was blessed by their worship team and the ministers message. He spoke on "Forward Moving Faith". I got a little jazzed because our theme for 2009 is Advance - which means to move forward.

We were challenged to be believers that will leave behind immaturity, hypocrisy, and the past. I like that. Leave behind the past. I can't change it, only learn from it. Time to move on, move forward. I pledge in 09 to leave the past behind.

Have a great New Years eve and day. Let's all watch some football and eat well. My resolutions always start a few days after Jan 1.

Its a New Year, lets make it the best ever.

J

Christmas magic

How many of us are trying to find that Christmas magic every year? Maybe it is getting harder, it sure is for me. I am constantly trying to slow down, but look up and see that its Dec 23rd. I got my lists done, shopping done, etc. So at this point I have had some, but I am still looking for more.

Here are my top 5 so far. 1. Yankee Candle store - Williamsburg. Very nice to visit their Dept 56 store and a very winter village setting. 2. Snowing outside of Kohl's - Christa and I went in with an overcast sky, and came out with snow.. very nice 3. Watching Christmas movies by candlelight. - a couple of times this year 4. Hitting the mall and watching people visit Santa - had a flashback to all three of mine getting their picture with Mr Claus. Still get to do that with Chloe. 5. Candle light service singing Silent Night. It always gets me to see all the candles lit.

Now tomorrow I am the family are headed to Colorado Springs to visit my parents. My two brothers and their families will be joining. Quotes from Christmas vacation will be flying and I am looking for that sweater that Randy wore with the dickie underneath. I still die laughing when you see him.

The mountains are always nice at Christmas time and I hope to get the special feeling in my being once again. Merry Christmas to all - Happy Holidays, travel safe, and see you in the New year.

J