Blessings of the week, December 13, 2010

1: First Christmas Party of the Season

Normally I always feel like the Christmas season starts too soon. I got in the spirit early this year, however, on the first day of Advent. It wasn't about shopping, but it was driving to church on Sunday morning, listening to the radio, I really had a moment of recognizing the importance of Advent and preparing for the coming celebration of Christmas. My Christmas tree still isn't up, and I may be behind in some of my other Christmas preparations, but I'm excited about this "pre-Christmas" time.

I went to my first Christmas party of the season, and oh what a party it was! There was quite the spread of food, both normal dinner type food

and desserts.

The beauty of this party was that it gathered friends from all different parts of Texas that I rarely get to see.

It was a great way to celebrate the start of the Christmas season!

2: Chris Perry's Birthday!

As we all do each year, my friend Chris Perry had a birthday. Chris started volunteering with the youth group this summer, and he quickly learned that when you have a birthday as a youth group volunteered you have a lot of people who are very excited to sing to you (though it might be loud, and it might not always be in the right key).

It was fun to sing to him with the youth group and watch the expressions on his face!

Michelle and I got Chris a Harley shirt (he rides a Harley) for his birthday, and he had gotten us Harley shirts over Thanksgiving - and we had all worn them on that day.

Had a great time celebrating him, and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with him in the future!

3: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader:

This past week, another movie was released based on the writings of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia series. It has gotten mixed reviews, but I was impressed with the movie. I was impressed with the way they handled the spiritual themes of the book. I thought they cast Eustace well. If you are a Narnia fan, I definitely recommend seeing it.

4: Marshmallow guns and good worship:

What do those two things have in common? The answer - the FPCA youth group. Had a great last night of youth group (last night of the fall semester. We still have our Christmas party, but that was our last "normal youth group"). Had a great time of corporate worship, and a fun time playing with the marshmallow gun. Great way to spend a Sunday evening!