Is it ever white...

A friend had been inviting me to attend with her the lady's night at her church. Tonight was the 3rd year I've gone with her. And for the 3rd time each year, I've come home feeling blessed, free, and loved.

Tonight I brought home the gift of baby Jesus, shared by a lovely mother. As Christmas time becomes more of a commercial enterprise and less of a celebration of life and family, the lovely mother found a way to bring Christ back into Christmas...with an empty manger. For each secret kindness done, one places a piece of hay in the manger. By Christmas day, it was hoped that there would be enough hay added to welcome baby Jesus and provide Him a comfortable crib to lay on. This was their gift to Christ. Amidst all the lights, the spending, the overextending, find a way to remember why we celebrate that day...

Of course, she told it better.

Little Taal

I'm like the little volcano back home. Only a little bit of the top visible, the rest under water. Very deceptive looking. Beautiful view all around. Nice blue placid lake. Surrounded by bright green trees. Calm. Peaceful. Serene. Then without warning, she blows. Never giving anybody warning. No chance to prepare. Red, hot, spewing lava suddenly running over, destroying everything in its way. And just like that volcano, I appear normal, then without warning I suddenly erupt.

First White

Winter is knocking. Showed us her apron just this morning. It was beautiful. You could stand out there and catch a big wet flake with your tongue. It's rarely the case. I'm feeling good.