Date night!

The first few years that Lani and I were married, we had "date night" once a week (or more!). Usually Friday night, but sometimes on Saturday. Somewhere in all the hustle and bustle and four kids, we lost the habit. But, tonight we had a nice dinner out with no kids! We both had wonderful steak dinners at the Pecos Mesquite Grill (thanks to Willie for a gift certificate that helped out). It made for a relaxing time to enjoy dinner and just talk.

Best & Worst of today

Best things that happened today:
Got to sleep in (again); no alarm set, got up at about 8:00.
Had a nice phone call from a preacher who's church is looking for a worship minister (in Colorado!).
Found out I may have a little extra money owed me at work!
Heard after dinner that Harold Hillegeist's brain surgery went well. PTL!
Had fun playing "Hate Your Neighbor" card game with my kids tonight.

Worst things today:
Struggled with kids this morning -- whining, fussing, bullying. When do they go back to school???
Heard mid-day that Harold Hillegeist was going in for brain surgery this afternoon.
Cleaned out my office files and desk piles today. (I was surprised that my stomach actually felt a little upset as I cleaned things out; this must be bothering me more than I consciously realize.)

"Don't worry about tomorrow, today has enough trouble of it's own" -- Jesus

King Kong!

Tonight (well, actually from 4:00 to 7:10) we took all our kids and Elizabeth and Hayden Woods to see "King Kong". That's a pretty intense movie! And loooonnnng! Levi got scared only about 30 minutes into it and so Lani took him out then and never got to return (so I guess I'll have to take her again sometime). I liked all of it except the yucky scene with huge bugs and things -- that part had me really squirming.

The last two nights (and we're about to make it 3-in-a-row), Lani and I have put on a movie and then "processed" my CD collection. We're taking all the CDs and putting them into little slip cover jackets (so we have to take the CD booklet out and then sometimes take out the back liner and trim it down to match the booklet size; also we take the two little end tabs and pull them off at their perforation and then slide them into each side of the new slip case). In the end, we get rid of all those bulky (and often cracked or broken) "jewel" cases. We got these cool boxes from Target that will hold about 90 CDs each in their slip cases. Hopefully, when all is done, my CDs will take up a lot less room. I've done all my Christmas ones (about 90, a full box), and most of my Praise & Worship and Kids music. Along the way, I'm trying to decide which ones to just totally get rid of too; at some point, I've really got to thin out a bunch of these! Lani thinks I should adopt my friend Ike's idea of "for every new one you get, you get rid of two old ones".

Reality check

I started cleaning out my office at church today. . .
I hadn't thought about it much, but as I started sorting and packing some things, it really hit me in the gut that I'm done here. I've moved out of offices twice before in my working years, but each time before I was excited to be headed somewhere else; this is a little different because I'm not sure what I'm doing or where I'm going next.

Lani noticed today that there are a couple of music teaching jobs in a local district posted in mid December. I'll see what I need to do to get ready to sub or be able to apply for any mid-year openings.

Merry Christmas to all!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve

Normally, I'm the type that would never allow opening our Christmas gifts on the night BEFORE Christmas. But, this is a bit unusual when Christmas morning is a Sunday morning, so. . . tonight we opened presents! Mind you, tomorrow morning there will still be stockings to unload and "Santa" presents, but tonight we did all the regular gifts. Pretty fun family time, but it is our first time ever to not be doing Christmas with extended family either in Oregon or Montana.

As I think about past Christmas Eve's I'm overwhelmed with a flood of memories of joyful childhood anticipation, of my grandpa (and dad) seeing who could stay up the latest to do their "Santa" things after everyone else was in bed, of my first Christmas Eve service I ever attended (went with my Uncle Doug to a mostly hispanic Catholic church in Abilene that was packed to the walls), of my pre-teen years when I'd try to stay up past when my parents both were asleep so that I could then get up, and on and on and on. . . Christmas time is special like that, isn't it? Of course, some may have difficult memories tied to the holidays, but for me it's a time of treasured memories.

So, what am I doing now? Waiting for everyone else to be asleep in bed so that I can sneak in and do all my "Santa" things!

A "Griswald" House?!?!?

Here's proof that we qualify as a "Griswald House" candidate! We got an award from the city as "Best Decorated in our Neighborhood" (a nice certificate actually arrived in the mail yesterday -- I told Lani I might have to frame it and hang it by the front door! Ha!).

My first missed day

So, after 23 straight days of posting on my blog, yesterday I missed. I didn't mean to, but we just had a full, fun day and by the time I thought about it, it was 12:45 a.m. and I was getting into bed.

Last night we went up to College Station with some friends (Linda, Hayden, and Elizabeth Woods) to see "Santa's Wonderland", a huge, drive-through lights display. It was really fun, the displays were great (I think I got some ideas for my house!), and our timing was perfect. We got there just as it really got dark and hardly had any wait (whereas, as we were leaving, there was a long line backed up onto the feeder road). After the lights, we went to eat at Freebirds (one of those places where you pick your tortilla and what goes in it -- yum!).

Today there's a little more shopping and wrapping to do, laundry and house-cleaning (isn't that just "daily"?), and I'm still trying to finish a Christmas letter. Some of you may get my letter for New Years!

First day of Winter?

I guess today, Dec. 21, is the first day of Winter. Hah! I think we had a high today of 67 and we're supposed to reach 70 or so in the next couple of days. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. . . (and it's just dreaming!)

We had a lovely day today. First, no one got up early (and I actually got a nice 8-hour rest). Then we had breakfast all together as a family -- a very rare occurance. Lani read aloud a Christmas story from one of her Mary Engelbreit Christmas books (Believe, I think); the story was called "The Three Skaters". Later, Lani and I went Christmas shopping without any kids. Hannah made glass candy while we were gone and apparently the boys all played together peacefully. When we got home in the late afternoon I made one final batch of Christmas goodies and then we all had dinner together. After dinner, Lani and I filled 13 plates & tins with holiday goodies to give away tomorrow (I'll mention below what all I made). At 8:00, I was checking to see if any decent Christmas special was on and I came across "Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" on PBS; I knew I'd enjoy it, but had no idea that the entire family would gather and peacefully watch the whole thing. Now, while I'm writing this, "Christmas with the St. Olaf Choir in Norway" is on. Such lovely music for two straight hours!

Here's the Christmas goodies I made over the last few days:
Peanut Brittle (I made two double batches!)
Chrenlich's Christmas Candy (easiest to make and my favorite!)
No Oven Peanut Butter Squares (a new one for me this year; Hannah made a batch and I made one too)
Salted Nut Roll Bars
Glass Candy (Hannah made a green, mint batch and a blue, vanilla batch)
Peanut Butter Fudge
Fantasy Fudge (the one made with marshmallow creme)

When we were filling the plates, Lani said "everything's brown, either peanut or chocolate or both" (then we added the glass candy to the plates last).

It's been a nice day! Now, maybe to start writing that Christmas letter. . .

Can't sleep. . .

Can't sleep. . . went to sleep by 11:00, awoke at 1:15, went back to sleep until the 3:00 hour. Got out of bed at 3:41 and took two extra strength Tylenol. Layed restlessly in bed until 5:04, when Levi got up to go to the bathroom and came to our bed.

Funny how I'm sick and I know my body really needs to rest to get well, but it's the last thing that I seem to be able to do right now.

Looked out my front window and noticed that three houses in my cul-de-sac have their Christmas lights on -- at 5:00 a.m. (mine come on at 6:00 -- maybe I should change that). Saw my next door neighbor leave for work. Didn't realize that so many people were up this early. I'd like to be back in bed sleeping!

The last two hours have provided lots of time to pray for people that come to mind (Mark Moran, Jennifer Hamilton and fam, my wife and kids) and for things that I'm anxious about (like not having a full-time job soon, seeing how we can reduce our living costs, current job applications). There's always blessings amid our adversity.

Divide and conquer!

Lani and I took our kids Christmas shopping today. Lani went out with Micah and Levi; I had Hannah and Caleb. We had our kids draw names for who they would buy presents for in our family and then this grouping seemed to work best. Do you remember ever doing something like this? Or do you just go shopping with your spouse or whole family and try to hide your purchases from each other? Ah, the creative fun of shopping!

I've got a nasty cold today -- congested, runny nose, body aches, the works. What a way to "enjoy" a day of vacation!

Special Christmas Worship today!

Just wanted to share a few pictures from church today. We did a lot of Christmas singing, including a 12-minute long special called "The Story". It is from IntegrityMedia.com and includes video, narration, and songs of the birth of Jesus. It went pretty well. Hannah also did a solo verse on one of our communion songs! I was proud of her.

The first picture here shows the whole Praise Team singing. We had ten singers today. Lights were dim to accomodate the video.

Here are Claire & Emma Gist, who opened the medley with "Tell Me the Story of Jesus" and then also did part of "Silent Night" as a duet.

And here's a picture of my family taken right after the service was over.

A FREE day!

Today we had nothing scheduled all day (until a party tonight). What a nice feeling! Lani and I both spent several hours cleaning and straightening up things, including some areas that get cleaned maybe once a year. I'm getting ready to make a couple of holiday goodies from favorite recipes (miracle fudge and salted nut roll bars). I put on Christmas music at about 10:00 a.m. and now it's finishing up the tenth CD -- hopefully we'll get through about 15 by the end of our time today.

Lani and I are going to her teaching team's Christmas party tonight. Besides an hors d'oeuvre, we're supposed to bring a bottle of some type of spirits. So, earlier today I went to the store and walked through the wine section, all the while thinking. . . "I have no idea what kind of wine to bring to a party." I don't mind an occasional glass of wine, but know so little about wine that I never know what to order at a restaurant, or in this case what to bring to a party. I picked up a bottle of "spumante" and thought maybe that sounded good. Then I saw a "sparkling white zinfandel" and decided that fit the bill (since white zinfandel is one of the few wines that I know Lani and I both like and a sparkling version of it sounds like it's more fit for a party). I guess I'll see tonight what regular drinkers and party-goers bring to this type of occasion! Cheers!

Remember the excitement?!?

Today my kids all have a half-day of school and begin their two-week Christmas vacation. So, I'll be picking them up soon and going out to lunch, then perhaps Christmas shopping, etc. Do you remember how exciting it was to be out of school for Christmas break?

Family notes:
Lani came home sick from work yesterday, but felt like she could make it through today and went to work (plus, they'll be having parties, getting teacher gifts, etc.!).
Micah called me after school yesterday and was excited to tell me that there is a sign in our yard proclaiming us the best decorated house in our neighborhood! Fun! Lani already asked, even in her ill fog, if I was going to take a picture of it and send it out and post it here. Ha!
We rehearsed last night for this Sunday's special music at church. Hannah will do a little solo on one song. Things went pretty well with the team and I look forward to Sunday.


Just thought I'd share a favorite Dickens quote before going.

Here's Levi last night at our Children's Musical and party. We had a fun time and had lots of parents from our JOY School and church there. 

Hidden dirt!

When was the last time you cleaned under your washer & dryer? If you're like me, it was either when you moved or when you last got a new washer & dryer! My plugged sink adventure this week led me to clean places that seldom if ever get attention, under the sink and under my washer and dryer. Of course, no one usually sees these places -- not guests, and not even us. I should not have been surprised at how totally gross it was back under there!

Is life like that sometimes, too? Does it take some calamity to make us examine and perhaps clean out an area of our life that we might normally just ignore? For me, I'm thinking that maybe my loss of my current job is doing that. It definitely has caused me to examine some deep recesses of my heart, of my giftedness, of my career path(s), and perhaps even of my faith walk with God. I don't like it much, of course. I'd rather not have ever had to get into this mess. And just like I struggled and grimaced as I worked through my plugged sink ordeal, it's tough going to face some of my buried personal problems. But. . . when it's all said and done, things are better off. At home, I've got a cleaned out drain line along with a clean under-sink cabinet, and even clean laundry room floor under my washer and dryer; in my own life, I don't know the final outcome, but I know that my character & my faith are getting cleaned up and strengthened through my struggles.

The concert was great last night! It's fun to sing to a packed house!

Still have a plugged up sink and now I know that the plug is far enough down the drain system that we can't run our washer either (I found this out this morning when I tried to put in a load of clothes and later heard the sound of water gushing out on the floor of the laundry room. . . ugh!). I ran about 17 or so of my new 20-foot snake into the drain line, but didn't reach the plug (or perhaps moved it down further???). Someone at the concert last night suggested I try putting in a big bottle of drain opener and then filling the sinks up really full so that the weight of the water would help push. Hmm. . . I got more drain cleaner last night (after the concert) and put it all in, then filled both kitchen sinks up to the rim. . . awoke this morning to still find two sinks full of water. Today when I go home, I guess I'll stop and rent a big, long, heavy-duty auger, bail out all the standing water, and then see if I can open up the line. At what point do I give up and call in a professional???

I led some carol singing at the Tomball Christian Business Assoc. luncheon today. I played carols on my keyboard for awhile beforehand while everyone was just visiting. I heard some people saying, "HE's from the CHURCH OF CHRIST!" (with a tinge of surprise in their voices). One guy came up while I was playing beforehand and asked what keys my carols were in. I handed him a copy of the book and then he asked if he could bring in his harmonica and play along. I'm thinking. . . "this will be interesting. . ." Turns out, he was really good, and he had a case full of about 15 harmonicas (one in just about every key)! Jack Fry is his name. So, Jack and I played together the rest of the time and on 2-3 songs we let Jack do a solo verse while I played some accompanying chords. We did a bunch of requests later after the lunch with everyone singing along. It was a good experience.

Up and down times. . .

Today, I woke up to Lani telling me that our kitchen sink was plugged up. We'd been thinking that something in our fridge was smelling (even have that happen, but not have enough time to check every container to find out the source?), and this morning Lani got up and had to find out what it was. Then she did the logical thing and put the culprit -- a bowl of pinto beans and ham from who knows how many days back -- down the disposal. Only it didn't all go down and that's when I was awakened. Not exactly how I'd hoped to start my work week! Anyway, I tried several things this morning before taking kids to work, like plunging, putting drain cleaner in, running the disposal more, even taking apart the two drain traps and cleaning them out, etc. Lots of mess, but to no avail. Next, after taking Caleb and Levi to school and stopping by work for an hour, I went to Lowe's and got more drain cleaner, a new plunger, and a "snake" (or "auger", as they call it). Back home, I tried double-plunging the sink (both at the same time) and then poured a whole bottle of drain opener in. While I let that work, I fixed some other things around the house (now all my Christmas light timers work!), but still no luck. So, now I'm at work and dreading going home and draining all the water (again!) and using my new snake. . .

BTW, I didn't mention that all this while, my daughter Hannah woke up ill and has thrown up several times. While I was in our kitchen this morning working with yucky, stinky water, I could hear her in the kids' bathroom losing whatever was still in her stomach. And while wrestling with my plumbing, I'm thinking about how bad it will be for Hannah to miss school today before her finals begin tomorrow. . . Lani knew what I was contemplating and said, "they don't allow someone to come to school who's throwing up!"

Life is so up and down and unpredictable! And these things this morning are just very minor bumps along the road. We're going over some bigger hills right now with my job search and all that uncertainty (along with Holiday busyness and financial stress). Yet, a bigger hurt is in my heart today because last night we learned that our good friend, Jennifer Hamilton, had just lost her dad this weekend; he, Don House, was in a traffic accident Saturday night along with his wife, Molly. He had severe internal injuries and did not survive. She is in the Stanford Medical Center with a fractured vertebra and broken wrist, but is stable. I'm praying today for Molly, Jennifer and her family.

So, what do we do with these little and big life events? Well, for one thing, we will have some emotional responses. That's normal! So, I'm feeling some dread of my next step with my sink, some pressure on behalf of my daughter, some sympathy with her illness, some heaviness of heart for my friend, Jen, and her family. Yet, I'm at peace. . . I'm confident that God is in control. . . I'm not overwhelmed with life (just a little surprised with each event), but I just continue on, perhaps going down a little bit different path than I'd hoped for today. When I stop and check my soul's pulse at this mid-day point, I find that I'm not too stressed out. I guess I've learned that life just has these ups and downs and I know who carries me through it all.

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Tonight I'm singing with the Texas Master Chorale in our Christmas Concert (7:30 pm at Tomball United Methodist Church, if you're reading this and live nearby!). We'll sing Rutter's Magnificat -- a truly lovely work -- and a Christmas medley of familiar carols, all accompanied by a full orchestra. I look forward to singing!

Meaningful Christmas Party with Kids

This afternoon we had our church's Children's Christmas Party. Of course, we do something like this every year, but I thought today's was extra special. First, we met to go caroling to a nursing home before doing anything else. As it turned out, two of us had booked our group at different locations (I had been asked to schedule us at a place about a month back and actually did it two weeks ago; then another lady called a place just last Friday). So, just as we were all loading up in our cars to go, it became obvious that we had two different places in mind. What to do??? We decided to go to both! It was cool because the old folks at both places really seemed to enjoy the singing and the little kids -- more the little kids, I'm sure. We had about 27 kids and a dozen adults. One lady said she'd been in the home there since March and that we were just the second group to come by. I was a little surprised (and saddened) because I sort of assumed that they were probably getting flooded with group after group at this time of year. Boy, all their kind smiles, handshakes, and words sure touched me -- and I hope our kids too.

When we got back to our church building to do some crafts, eat, and do a book exchange, one of the moms suggested that maybe at the close of our party that we could go sing some carols at the home of one of our elders who's been very ill and just got to go home after being in the hospital over a month. So, after we'd had our fun time together (we actually had four very cute little crafts that they rotated around and did), I announced that -- after cleaning up -- anyone that would like to could go sing for Irby. While several had to get on home, we had a caravan of seven vehicles head over to Irby & Shirley's place. When we got there, Irby was sitting up in his hospital-style bed in their living room and had a few other visitors there. We sang for about 15-20 minutes and he sure seemed to enjoy it. I even saw him give a wink to one of the little girls! I hope these kind of experiences create some meaningful memories in our kids. I know all of us adults were touched today.

Aslan!

We just got back from seeing "The Chronciles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". Lani & I, along with our three boys, all really enjoyed it! We have been anticipating this movie for months now and decided during last Summer to read the book aloud each night (which was a real hit with our whole family).

I won't pretend to be a critic, but I think young and old alike will really like this movie. And if you're looking a little bit, you'll see some parallels between Aslan and Jesus (which Lewis intended, I'm sure). There are some little deviations from Lewis' book, so watch carefully.

I didn't quite catch all the credits, but I thought the White Witch sure looked alot like the main being in the center of the Borg (for you Star Trek fans); eerily similar, if you ask me.

Tomorrow we're doing a tie-in with the Narnia movie at church. The sermon and our service theme is "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah".

In other life news, I found out from the Glenwood Church in Tyler that I didn't get that job. I'm totally OK and at peace with that because I believe that God is directing things. I suppose I felt a twinge of "rejection", but I really was thinking that I probably wasn't a good fit there (since I'm probably a bit more "progressive" than they'd be comfortable with for awhile!). They did say that I caused quite a bit of "fervent discussion" when their committee tried to decide who to go with.

Kemper Crabb

We just finished up a "Medieval Christmas" concert by Kemper Crabb and Mysterium. It was oh so lovely. Peaceful and lively at the same time. They shared many of the stories behind the old carols and songs they played. I sure enjoyed it! You can see who Kemper Crabb is at: http://www.kempercrabb.net/

Christmas Lights!

Call this post "Christmas Lights" or "Why My December Power Bill is Always So High!"

I love to brighten our house with lots of cheery lights. Just thought I'd share how things are looking this year.

Before you think I'm going way crazy with this, you have to understand that our whole culdesac does it up pretty good. And my neighbor to my immediate right got a city "Best in the Neighborhood" award last year. I'd love to add a big star right up at the peak of our roof and also a sign that says "Peace on Earth! Good will to men!" I've been dreaming about how to make just such a sign, but I just don't have the time to do it. Ah. . . maybe next year.

Wintery Mix!

Today I drove back from Tyler. I think I had a good interview there. I'm wondering if it's the right place for me to serve. It did seem like a good place for a family. All the people -- staff, elders, other search committee folks -- seemed really nice and were both inquisitive and positive with me. I've committed my way to the Lord on this one and trust that He is at work in this and other job search prospects that are going on.

It was kind of fun to see on the weather in Tyler that they might be getting snow, sleet, or a "wintery mix" tonight! I'll have to check the weather tomorrow and see if it panned out there. Even here in Tomball tonight it's dipped into the 30's and there's a little bit of precip coming down. Tomorrow morning could be interesting. I love the cooler weather!!!

From Tyler, TX

Well, I'm now getting in such a habit of blogging each day that I don't want to miss it!

Today I'm in Tyler, TX to interview with the Glenwood Church of Christ for a Worship Leader/Equipping Minister position. If you're reading this, I solicit your prayers for a good, honest time of communication during my interview tonight at 7:00.

The drive up from Tomball to Tyler was BEAUTIFUL! Lots of Fall colors and pretty scenery. Small towns and several lakes. I rolled along praying and listening to Christian radio (I could hear KSBJ over halfway here and then found KVNE up this way and really liked what they were playing).

That's all for now!

A Sunny, Cool Monday 12/5/2005

Today it feels more like Fall, not really Winter yet, but Fall perhaps (which is nice since two days ago it felt like late Spring or early Summer!). We're looking for a high here in the mid-50's.

Tomorrow I drive up to Tyler, TX to do an interview with the Glenwood Church of Christ. I really don't know alot about things there, but look forward to visiting with the church staff and search committee.

Here's one of my favorite Christmas poems, called "A Christmas Carol". I always thought it was called "In the Bleak Midwinter" as it's first line begins (and indeed as a published song, it's usually titled this way). It's by Christina Rossetti and was written sometime before 1872.

A Christmas Carol
In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak mid-winter

Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty

Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim

Worship night and day,

A breastful of milk

And a mangerful of hay;

Enough for Him, whom angels

Fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel

Which adore.

Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air,

But only His mother

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise Man

I would do my part, –

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.

The third and fourth stanzas are not familiar to me, but I love the last one as it delivers the message to present our hearts to Him.

Sunday, Dec. 4

I love Christmas time! I love putting up Christmas lights and a fresh, good-smelling tree! I love decorating our house (most of which Lani does! It's looking quite festive now!). I love listening to Christmas music and going caroling. I dream every year of writing at least one original carol and this year I've started four (but not completed any yet). I love Christmas movies old & new, animated or really acted (tonight I watched "Christmas with the Kranks" for the first time. Fun! And with a nice redeeming virtue for the main character.).

And I really love Advent & Christmas worship times. I love planning and leading these seasonal services. It's such a joy to celebrate the coming of Jesus.

Today I led worship at the Spring Woodlands Church of Christ and we celebrated Jesus! We sang several carols during worship, had two "presentational" songs, had live and video drama, and heard a great message about remembering what Christmas is all about (the "big picture" is about Jesus and about God's "presence" - Immanuel - with us). I sure enjoyed my time there and hope it was a blessing to the folks there too!

Tonight I'm worn out and drained from a busy week and full day, but I feel good because of what has been done. God is good!

83 degrees on Dec. 3!!!

Something's wrong! It shouldn't be 83 on Dec. 3rd! This is one of those days when I'm really "longing to be up North" (as the line in "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" says). I saw this week that in Portland they were flirting with snow showers in the forecast a couple of times. . . I'll bet the reporters were out on the Sylvan Hills overpass just waiting for a few flakes!

Today I have no scheduled commitments! It feels nice. Lani and I plan to get our Christmas lights and decorating done. Maybe that'll bring on a little more of a December feel!

TGIF!

Don't you love Fridays! I know when I used to be a teacher, I always really looked forward to Fridays (I guess Lani probably lives in that world now!).

Still listening to KSBJ's Christmas Open House. Great Christmas music!

So, my favorite Christmas recordings are:
Harry Conick: Harry for the Holidays
Amy Grant: All three of her Christmas albums (and I hear there's maybe something new out there).
Michael W. Smith: Both of his
GRP Christmas, Vol. 1 & Vol. 3
King's Singers: A Little Christmas Music
Acappella Christmas Party
Bing Crosby: White Christmas (I think that's the title)
Nat King Cole: (a collection that has "Chestnuts Roasting. . .")

Hmm. . . there's a lot more that I like, but that'll do for starters.

Now, to get some work done! Lani and I have both really wanted to finish Christmas decorating at home (her inside, me the lights), so I've got to finish all work projects today so that tonight and tomorrow are free.

Dec. 1

It's DECEMBER!

I'd love to stop and share my favorite Christmas recordings, but I can't take the time. Maybe tomorrow. . .

Our cable modem crashed yesterday, so the arrangment that I'm madly trying to finish for a rehearsal tonight couldn't be retrieved at home to work on (hidden blessing: I slept a little more than I would have if I'd have stayed up working on it).

I love the angels' words when announcing Jesus' birth: "Peace on Earth, goodwill to men. . ."
(I'd sure love to have that displayed on my house along with all my Christmas lights.)

Last day of November!

Can you believe that November is nearly gone???

Hurricane "Season" ends after today! What an unbelievable year. And there's a named storm out there right now.

December starting means I'm in the last month of my current ministry job in Tomball. . . where we'll be after that only God knows! And I'm talking to Him about it more and more.

These scriptures keep bringing me comfort amidst my anxiety:
"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Philippians 4:6
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Planning at Spring Woodlands went pretty well. Now to get everything ready for rehearsal tomorrow and then for Sunday. I stayed up late working on an arrangement of "Emmanuel" after it came up as a good song to use; I've got about six pages in Finale with maybe a page to go (and then lyrics, missing slurs, proofing, etc.).

I'm enjoying listening to the "Christmas Open House" on KSBJ radio. You can log on and listen too at www.ksbj.org

Here's our family on Nov. 12 at our church's annual hayride. BTW, we're sitting in current height order (Lani has now been passed up by two kids!). 

Lani & Levi this last Summer at Disneyland! 

The Dalzells all together last year at Christmas time in Bend, OR. 

The "Mak-Wag-Zell" Clan all together at Camp 18 during last year's Christmas vacation. 

Caleb & Levi at our favorite local park (we call it the "Wooden Park" because they have a huge area full of play structures). 

My first blog post!

Well, I finally did it. I started my own blog. Actually, I just wanted to post a comment on Ike Graul's blog and then I had to register and next thing I knew I was creating my own blog page.

Maybe this can be theraputic. I'm kind of stressing out a bit lately since I'm about a month from when my job ends and I don't have any job offers in hand yet. This might be a good place to just share my hopes, fears, wonderings, prayers. . .

I go today to plan a worship service at the Spring Woodland Church of Christ. I'll meet with Mark Moran, their preacher, this afternoon. Thursday night I'll rehearse with their Praise Team. Then, on Sunday I'll lead worship at three services. This will be my second time there -- sort of a "call back" thing. I'm just praying about this (and several other possibilities) and trying to walk faithfully each day.

I worked out last night after taking about a week off during Thanksgiving (I was busy with family stuff and painting the outside of our house). Ouch! It was really hard to run on the tred mill; I thought I'd have to quit at about the 14 minute mark, but gutted it out to my 20 minute goal. Life lesson: don't drop your good habits when you get busy; you'll pay for it later!

Enough for now. I'll see if I get in a habit of writing here or not.