Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone is ready for the big day. Mind you, if you work with the spirit of Christmas, or Christ Mass, then this should be an all year feeling. We should be looking for ways to share God’s gifts in June as well as in December.

My daughter and grandson popped in Saturday evening. He is learning to drive and they decided to come over and visit us. Needless to say I was delighted. I was feeling a little down because my family is so scattered, and no one but Shane and the kids were going to come for Christmas. I annoy myself at times because I am so easily disappointed. I think Christmas changed for me after my mom passed away. Special moments became more important. Memory building became a priority that moved to the front burner. I have tried to live my life so that when the bad moments came I would have done my best to be good and kind. That probably sounds weird to some, but if you bring flowers to your mom, or call your dad, make time for your siblings, and communicate with your friends, then you have good memories to sustain you. I know many of you are struggling this year, but may I suggest that you draw on those happy memories to brighten and lighten your sadness. Jesus said that He would never overburden us, and if we would trust Him, He would lighten our load. I pray that your load will be lighter during this wonderful season.

The toy drive is going very well. Other than last minute requests, I think all those who have applied will have gifts under the tree. Our VFD personnel have worked hard to gather, wrap and deliver all the gifts. They are a great group of people. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the VFD, for your dedicated and loving service to our community.

The First Baptist Church had a touching candle light service Sunday night, followed by a meal of heavy hors d’oeuvres. That’s another word for good hearty finger food. I personally would love to sing Christmas carols all year round, but not everyone feels that way. Ginger Skelton wasn’t there. She was in Cherokee taking part in a Christmas musical titled I believe "O Holy Night." I’m sure she and Christie did a wonderful job. No doubt the folks in Cherokee were blessed by the performance.

The next week is going to be a flurry of visits for everyone. If you want your visitors put in next week’s column just give me a call and leave a message. Please spell the names clearly since I am always getting them wrong. Last week I renamed June McPherson and called her June Gossett. That was her name at one time, but not just right now. Valerie just laughed when she told me what I had done. I’m very grateful to all the people who patiently correct me when I put their names in wrong. That’s why I don’t write a column like the one from the Bend. I would constantly be writing corrections and apologies. If anyone out there wants to take over this column and write a more personal local one, please feel free to say so.

I can’t believe another year is almost done. Russ and I moved here in 2005. It just doesn’t seem that long. I wake up every day thanking God for the place He has made for me. I wish we could have moved here while Russell’s parents were still alive, but that didn’t happen. I’m just thankful we were able to live Russ’ dream.

It’s about time to have a community prayer for rain. We’ve been several months now, and the land is hurting. Everything looks dry and barren. We need to get serious about praying for rain. I see the price of beef is staying high for now. Winter crops are going to need some moisture if there are to be spring crops.

Maxine Robbins will be home by the time the paper comes out. She stayed with her daughter in Temple to make sure her surgery went well. We need to keep Gladys and Wayne Powell in our prayers. It seems he had a tussle with a bale of hay and he came out on the losing end. He is scheduled for an MRI to determine the depth of damage to his leg. Kay tells me two people on walkers make things a little hectic. A light in the midst of this mess is the fact Gerald is off school, so he can help where needed. He told me the stock show the kids had on Friday was a success, and he was very proud of all the participants. I love the fact kids that couldn’t keep animals before can now participate because of the new barn. We are developing such well-rounded students. They compete in academics, sports and animal husbandry. Plus Valerie Gossett and Paula Miller put the star on top of all this activity with their 4-H projects. We’re just too good.

Christmas blessings everyone. Please pray for our precious troops and their families as you stop to enjoy your festivities. Our government officials need our prayers as they work to straighten out the national budget. God bless you and God bless America.