Before I forget...

 With Christmas Day only a few days away...I wanted to stop and wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas before it gets too late...life gets hectic...I get too busy and forget...this time of year that is so filled with magic and faith all bundled up together has away of making you stop and think...of the present ...the past and just about everything in between...

 I suppose it's because another year is about to end...and we wonder if we've lived up to the task at hand...did we become that better person...eat right...exercise more... become a better person on the inside...or are we thinking of Christmas past...when we were young and carefree....

 Waiting for the magic of the season...perhaps our minds wander back to that first Christmas with our spouse...or children...we try so hard to re-create those memories...or forget...

 I am thankful for all my Christmas's past...they helped shape me into the person I am today...warts and all...

 I think of the loved ones I spent so many holidays with...who are no longer here...but in my heart...and happiest memories...I scatter pictures of Christmas past all over my house...to keep those memories alive...

 I look forward to the minute my children walk up to my door...to spend a little of their precious time with us...after a long day and a long drive they are tired...but happy to be here with their Dad and Mom...knowing that they have fulfilled my only real Christmas wish...to be a family on Christmas morning...in our house...like we have been for so many Christmas mornings before...

 So...while I still have so many things to get done to prepare for a perfect Christmas morning....

 I take the time to think of the true reason for the season...and what Christmas really means to me...it is love...the love of our Father...who made all things possible...to send His Son to us...out of love...for each of us...

 I think of the magic of Christmas...the people who make wonderful things happen for each other...

 Who pass around envelopes asking only a dollar for someone who might need a lot more...for those who pay off lay aways for someone else who hasn't quite got the money...for the food that goes to the food banks...and those who drop a couple dollars in the Salvation Army pots that help so many...

 I think of our soldiers...who are so far away from home...serving us...our country...

As quicly as the memories arrive...I am snapped back to reality...and the long list of things I must get done today...but before I go... 

I want to wish each and every one of you a Joyous Christmas holiday! May it be filled with good times and wonderful memories!!

Until next time...enjoy the day!!!