adventures of december.

at the strike of december 1, the tree at barwick street is trimmed, the lights are in the windows, and the wreath is on the door. a favorite part of this month is the coziness of having the lights on the tree while enjoying christmas movies on the couch with pjs and hot chocolate!

but december also brings with it many adventures. i will name three. perhaps the top three. but these events made me smile

and brought joy to my heart.

first, our annual caroling trip to laurel crest.

each year, our bible study (and many others!) gathers together for a sweet night of fellowship, including caroling, followed by chili and potatoes at the foster's home. the residents at laurel crest are precious, and always beyond grateful for our visiting them. we are blessed by this time, as we sing songs of promise and hope given to us at the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. we are reminded of this hope and

the blessings He gives us in this life.

the group singing together.

our monday night bible study, minus jess.

a favorite: marshall and her father. the highlight of the night!

second, our annual christmas cheer and a beer.

sounds strange. but this is no new thing to barwick street. in fact, 2009 was our 5th annual "CCB", as we so endearingly call it. each year the roommates gather together to deliver "christmas cheer" to some of our friends in columbia. at it's origin, a six pack of beer was purchased, meaning a delivery of cheer to six homes.

our stops for this year are as follows:

dibiase.

foster.

henderson.

adam and trey.

shannon springs.

duncan street.

the highlight of CCB 2009 is the addition of santa claus, aka ryan. however, he will not appear next year, as he must take our mary elf to be his wedded bride. but we were grateful to have ryan join in on the fun this year and are eager to reveal our plan for CCB 2010.

stay tuned...only 365 days!

third, the marriage of jill spork and ben harling.

since january 2009, we have been anxiously awaiting this precious day. jill is a longtime friend of mine, but our friendship is unique because we've shared a childhood in greenville, some college years at pc, and life as working adults, both teaching children with special needs.

that was God's doings. obviously.

but so fun to see the beginning of it all and to know that He knew all along that we would be deeply connected this many years later.

thank you, Lord, for your grace. your love. your blessing. you give in abundance and we only recognize glimpses of it. we are thankful for the month of december, and what it means to us as your children.

we are thankful for the promise and hope that comes with the birth of your one and only son. thank you for salvation. the gift of redemption. and you give out of your abundance.

we know you give ONLY good gifts. and we praise you. Amen.