First and foremost, this time of year brings back so much for Jim and I. On top of the joy of the season, and the traditions and watching the wonder in our children's eye's, we also have the added blessing of a very special birthday. That is, the birth of our salvation, in Jesus Christ. I recall living with Nancy and Jim's father when we became Christians. As we sought answers, Grandma Nancy was there with answers, direction and generous smiles. We were baptized on December 12th, 1993. We only had two children at the time. We were baptized by our friend Chris and our youth pastor, Aaron. I had a personal fear with water and that made things a little easier for me. That day our church was decorated with all of the greenery and bows and for us, it enriched our Christmas experience, as the meaning of what was being given to us held weight and value in our hearts and in our lives. It seems as though Christmas is a gift from God to me personally sometimes. As although there were many troubles when I was little, Christmas always was an enormous highlight of every year (thanks to both Grandpa Wilson and Grandma Abrams!). I grew up to experience the even more joy when I was baptized. It was if God was saying to me, "You think that was great, Wanda? Wait until you see this!" Then I was able to experience Christmas as a saved soul, and have every since. From the quiet "sound" of snow falling on blankets of snow that lay beneath, to the brightly lit neighborhoods, I find joy. I can only say Thank you to God for giving me my salvation and for always giving me a blessed Christmas, gifts or no gifts, just the season, and the birthday of my salvation and the memories of my childhood are gifts in themselves!
The kids are very excited as we have this house adorned in traditions and decorations. We have three trees up so far and we have a fourth if we can find a place for it 
No lights are up outside because we don't want to draw attention to our half sided home The plans to get fella's from church to help put it up fell through, so now we are not sure what we will do. Truthfully, I am in prayer for a couple of warm days (or just one maybe) and God's deliverance of a few men from church to help at least make things sturdy until winter is over. God can do many things! He surly can give us one more warm day! If it is His will of course....
