December 16, 2005

Dear Loved Ones,

Today is our Open House here at the parsonage! Our counter is full of delicious food, some healthy and some not so much. If you happen to be in the area, do stop by for a chat. The children spent all week doing chores extra well so the house fairly sparkles. Nearly all of the presents reside under the groomed tree and even some of the stockings are looking a bit plumper than a week ago (evidently I'm not the only one to gain weight in the Christmas season)! Soothing, familiar tunes float from the stereo and finish off the perfect ambiance. So, company is welcome to come and share the joy of the day!

The weather continues to delight and excite my children as each day seems to bring just a few more flakes to rest on the ground. Perhaps in a week it will amount to enough to be officially considered the elusive White Christmas! Either way, their hope is infectious.

Obviously, my mood has vastly improved as I've read the old minor prophets. God wanted so much for His people just to return and worship. He didn't require anything more than a broken and humble heart. I can do that. And God heals the blahs and replaces it with a peace with Him, which is of utmost importance.

Do not be alarmed if you don't receive a Christmas card or letter from us this year. We do try to keep in touch all year through and it is seeming like just a bit too much to do an additional thing this month. I hope you will forgive my selfishness of time. Although there is still one week left, so perhaps... hey... Do you like New Year's cards? Or how about Epiphany cards (Jan. 6)? Valentine's cards?

Some more guests are arriving and so I must play the hostess. I love this!

Love,

Marcia for the Swann's