Merry Christmas!!

It's a gray, cloudy, rainy, windy day--what we call a "white Christmas" for Southern California!! The gas logs are "crackling" in the fireplace, the Christmas lights are all lighted, the traditional sticky bun pull-apart has been consumed, the gifts have been opened--we are all in a somewhat vegetative mode--and loving it!! Janet (my sister) and I are in our new comfy slippers while we decide what movie to see. Lonnie is talking to old hunting buddies from Kansas and reminicing about the past. I miss the excitement and craziness of the grandkids--that was yesterday! But at the same time I am enjoying the quiet, soft Christmas music playing in the background. My prayer for you all is a peaceful day, filled with the love of family, good food, warmth, and most of all the knowledge of the greatest gift ever--the arrival of a tiny baby boy in a stable in Bethlehem 2008 years ago. A baby that would change our world forever! Happy Birthday, Jesus!! And Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!!

Make a Joyful Noise!!

Wow! I can't believe I haven't written since November!! What on earth have I been doing? Something I didn't know how much I loved and had missed--singing!! No, I'm not a fantastic singer, I don't do solos, I don't even take voice lessons. I'm just a choir singer. For years I sang in my church choir--often wondering what I would ever do without it!!
Well I've been without it for several--like 10 years now. It was a process--first I was in school 2 nights a week for about 5 years getting my clear credential and my Masters. Then my parents moved to California--and that took up much of my so called free time, even though I loved having them here.
Also during that time, my church was in transition. Our fantastic choir director moved back east. A couple of substitutes just didn't cut it. Then the church seemed to follow the way of so many with the worship team concept.
Anyway, this fall, I "happened" upon a Barbershop Class which "happened" to meet at a time that was convenient with work and all. After the first day, I was so excited, that I joined the Chorale group as well. So now, two days a week, I race from work to these classes.
These past few weeks, we have been having extra rehersals for our performances. We did the Vivaldi "Gloria" last Tuesday with an orchestra. It was amazing. I had forgotten how much I loved classical music! Then Monday night, we participated in a "Messiah" sing-along with this same orchestra--again, such a blessing!! Now tomorrow we have our dress rehersal for Saturday's performance of the "Holiday Hits Concert". Because it is community choir, we are doing several Jewish pieces, secular holiday songs, as well as several religious pieces. My whole family is coming!! I do believe I have rediscovered my personal passion.
Also, I truly believe God has placed me in these groups--I have made friends with several older women--I absolutely love them--and they me! Even one little man has stolen my heart--he is all bent over and walks with a cane--just like my Dad did. Thank you Lord for bringing me new love into my life--when I thought I couldn't be more fulfilled!!