It has been several days since I wrote a blog post. I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. My parents, sister and brother-in-law all came to Ohio to celebrate with me this year. It was the first time in eleven years that my parents, sister and I were all together on Christmas day. Of course it would have been great if the rest of the family (Kathy and Gary’s kids and their families) could have traveled to be with us, too, but we still had a good time. I was so excited that they were able to be here for the Christmas Eve service and the Christmas program at Smithville UMC! My mom, sister, and brother-in-law even participated in the Christmas program. This was Kathy and Gary’s first time singing together in public and they did an awesome job!! We had a wonderful weekend together.

Yesterday, I did some visits with parishioners at Smithville. This is really one of my favorite aspects of my “job” as pastor. I love talking with people and hearing their stories. After the visits, my friend Joanne (the organist at the church) and I had dinner together and went through Upper Sandusky’s Fantasy of Lights display in the Harrison Smith Park. It was great!! Then we went to see a few other light displays around town. The Harbor family on Johnson Street does an amazing synchronized light display. I shot a few videos of it, although they don’t do it justice. I posted them to YouTube and have embedded them here. Enjoy!

Blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Until next time, peace …

From L to R: Gary, Kathy, me, Mom and Dad celebrating Christmas together