First Snow

 We had our first snow of the winter today.  It didn't stick around too long because it warmed up too much, but it was a real snow.  We were watching two young boys who are on vacation from school, and it was fun to watch their excitement.

Building the train track with Grandma's new bridges.

The strong winds that moved across the Midwest in the middle of December caused some damage to one of my hoop buildings.  It's an old building, and not used much anymore, but still too good of condition and useful to just let it deteriorate.  I am still waiting on the insurance company to tell me how they will help me.

We had our two Christmases the week before Christmas.  Friday afternoon and evening was our immediate family, and Saturday was the extended family.  D#1, seven months pregnant, was in the hospital with Covid complications, so we did not have 100% attendance.  She is back home and recovering.  Three nephews and families were unable to make it to the big bash on Saturday, but we still had a good turnout.  The KC contingent brought Jack Stack brisket for the main meal, which was a big hit.

The Patriarch and Matriarch with the grands and greats.

We had a quiet Christmas eve with the oldest farmer, Mom, and Pearl.  The old farmer's wife made her traditional oyster stew for them.  We had a quiet Christmas going until the oldest farmer was taken to the hospital.  It turns out he has several problems going on at the same time, including testing positive for Covid.  I spent a few hours in the hospital with him in the evening, but since then have not been able to visit because of Covid protocols. We stayed home from church Sunday out of precaution, so it was a pretty quiet weekend overall. 

And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.        Exodus 4:31

Blessed Christmas

A business partner sent me this message this morning and I will share it.

 The First Witnesses

After the birth of Jesus, angels announced it to shepherds who were out in the fields caring for their sheep.  Salvation had come!  Yes, that's right, the good news about the arrival of the Savior was first delivered to a working-class group of people outside the city walls, in a field and in the middle of their shift.  

These were essential workers needed for the city's food, milk, wool, hide and even sacrifices.  It was no mistake that God chose to enter our world through a humble, working-class family.  He did not parade into town surrounded by armies, jewels, exotic animals, dressed in fine linen and silk.  No.  Immanuel, God with us, arrived as a vulnerable baby, wrapped in cloths, and surrounded by stinky farm animals.

The first to visit Him were shepherds who were not regarded as esteemed in society at the time.  Yet in God's perfect plan to save the world, He saw fit to include a humble, hardworking group of people as the first to witness His arrival.  They were also among the first to spread the joyous news of what they had seen.

Yes. Hope, Joy, Peace and Love had arrived!

Go out and join in the herald of angels and everyone declaring the wonderful news.  Share His Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love with all your loved ones.  Share it with the world.  Celebrate the season!  It is true: God loves you and He sent His one and only Son to save us all.

Today, you and I have Hope.  We have Joy.  We have Peace.  We have Love.  It is more valuable than anything found in this season.  You are part of it!  Have a Merry Christmas enjoying all of God's wonderful blessings!

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.            Luke 2:20