We woke up this morning to snow! Well, actually it was frost on the ground - but when you are in Florida and it's this cold, it sure seemed like snow.
We decided to visit the church we went to the other night for the Christmas light show - Grace Church in Sarasota. I really liked it. The message was about "Immanuel" - the name that means God with us. He is with us in all things - when broken, lonely, depressed, hopeless, shame-filled, addicted, rejected, helpless, confused, misunderstood, indifferent, ignored, weeping, guilty, sick, disrespected, heavy-hearted - we are never, ever, ever alone. Jesus was born and was with us and is still with us always. In the very moment I need Him, God is with me. I already know that but I can always use the reminder!
During the message, the pastor mentioned being from Western New York, so we talked to him after church and found out that his mother is my uncle's sister. Does that make us cousins? What a small world! We knew many people in common - he used to live in Clarence Center where I lived when I was little and live near now. I'm still shaking my head over it!
After a quick lunch, we had an hour to spend at the pool and then it was time to pack it all up and head for the airport and home. I'm always very sad to say goodbye to my mom and dad, but it will be good to get home for Christmas and to see Brandon and Alicia who arrived at our house while we were gone.
It really seemed weird to have Brandon and Alicia waiting at the airport for us - usually it's the other way around!
I love seeing all the happy reunions at the airport. I couldn't believe how many people were there after midnight! It's great to be home!!
Gifts so far today ~
the reminder of what a small world it is!
on time flights and upgrades!
the time we had with my parents
the reminder that God is always with me - the birth of Jesus is the biggest reminder!
seeing Brandon and Alicia (and remembering that at this time last year they had just gotten to Kuwait from Iraq)
Have a gift-filled day!
How great to find out the pastor is semi-related. Small world. So glad you got back home okay and the kids were there to meet you. Now have a great Christmas with them.
God is so good and having him with us all the time is the best gift of all.
Posted by: Deb J | December 24, 2012 at 08:47 AM