Goodness, another year has flown past, and I haven’t had time to sit down and process this year’s happenings. Russ and I had to run a quick errand Saturday, and I moaned a little about this being my least favorite time of the year. It didn’t help that we were in a deep freeze. The trees are my main issue. They look so bare and ugly without their leaf coverings. It seems as if every little twist and gnarl is exposed for viewing. My strange little mind went to deeper meanings. I imagine our public and/or Christian life is like the trees in full green. When life gets tough, or people get ugly with us, the real us comes out to be seen. I would like to think, that as a Christian, I am an evergreen tree, green all year, and only Jesus sees my gnarly parts. Unfortunately, that is not the whole truth. Praise God, I’m loved even if my crooked branches and bumps are showing.
Christmas is wrapping up, the presents have been distributed, the cooking and feasting complete, now to prepare for the New Year. I wasn’t sure how church services would be on Sunday since it was Christmas Day, but church attendance was up due to visitors. Jesus the child is a fleeting story, the rest of his life is the part that most concerns us. I found out that The First Noel is one of the oldest carols written. Originally, church leadership turned it down because it was written by a peasant. They did not deem it proper for a church worship service. How ironic. The King of all kings came to earth as a peasant child and was first announced to the shepherds, the lowly ones. All are welcomed by God.
My lemon trees have been safely brought into the house. I really don’t want them here, but neither do I want them to die. Russ and I struggled to get those big pots into the house. I am now searching for something strong enough to hold them and mobile enough, so that I can move them. My aloe is under a homemade PVC pipe green house. I will unwrap it tomorrow and see if it survived. I’m looking forward to our warming trend this week.
As soon as the kids get back to school, they will have to have their entries for the Youth Fair ready. There is no Wednesday Church on the 4th, but for those of our students who want to make a food entry, the ladies and ovens will be available to guide them. If you want help, let Mrs. Starr know the first day you get back, then bring your ingredients and recipe to school. The bus can pick you up and bring you to the church. Wednesday Church will resume for all students on the 11th.
There is a boil notice for Richland Springs water. Johnny Reeves, Chris Perry, and Mondo Garcia were up most of the night Christmas Eve repairing a large pipe break. So please boil your water until the boil order is rescinded. Part of Richland Springs was without power Friday night. It seems to have been focused on the West side of 190, just outside of town. I want to give Little/Heart of Texas Propane a giant shout out. My propane regulator went out Friday and left me without heat or cooking stove. Fortunately, we have a wood burning stove that saved us a miserable night. Our regulator was replaced before one o’clock on Saturday. Everyone at the office was extremely busy handling emergencies. Way to go Heart of Texas.
I wish Christmas was happy for everyone, but I know a dozen families in the area who were missing family members for the first time. They can rejoice in Jesus, but the pain of losing a loved one dampens that joy. Many soldiers are away from their families for the holidays. Sales staff and essential business employees did not get a break. My nurse granddaughter, like many others in the medical field, worked through the night. Please pray for them, for our country, our politicians, and our border. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Pray for our precious troops and their families.