MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Hear these words of good news once again from the gospel of Luke:

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What else could I add? Have a blessed Christmas, everyone!!

MONDAY MUSINGS!!

A few thoughts as another week is upon us:

What a great Christmas program last night at the church. The kids did great. Thanks to all who helped make it such a great evening.

We received some much needed moisture this past week. A little rain, a little ice, and some snow to top it off on Friday. Thankfully the ice wasn't as bad as it was to our east. Because of the weather 2 basketball games were postponed. Will make one up at Oakley on Tuesday night.

My folks celebrate their 50th on Thursday. ML and I are going to make a quick trip Wednesday to take them out to eat in McPherson. Will return that night. Congrats to them. See......., it can be done.

Kyle finishes classes this week. He'll be done Wednesday at noon with two semester tests in the morning. He finished his college algebra class last week. Hallelujah!

We're working on a new web page at the church. The address is www.leotiumc.com but we are having a few little mishaps. Bear with us as we work to correct the miscues.

Only a week left until Christmas. Are you ready? Not talking about shopping and presents and all. I'm speaking of your heart. It's so easy to get caught up in all the busyness of the season and before you know it, the 25th has come and gone. I hate when that happens to me- most of the time it is my own fault. So when you all get together with your families why not take a moment to read Jesus' birth accounts in Luke and Matthew before you open presents. That's what we do every year and it helps keep everything else in perspective.

If you live in Leoti or are coming to town to see family I invite you to the Christmas eve service on the 24th at 6:00 pm. It promises to be a special time.

Hope to post once more before Christmas. If not, have a most blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

"PICKEN AND GRINNIN"

Todd and Melissa came out this weekend with some of the youth group from their church (and a couple dads) to go pheasant hunting. Had a great time although it was cold and icy. Saw a lot of birds and bagged quite a few. Lots of fun. The first night saw a little video game entertainment at our house. Note the following pictures.







Ever played Guitar Hero? Neither had Melissa but she certainly got hooked. It became addictive. She's not quite ready for the expert level but look out Eddie Van Halen.

Todd ready to rock and roll with Eric Wilson in his favorite position. Ironically, Eric's mom was our neighbor in Aulne in the 80's.

Kyle and Corey playing the expert level. They were awesome with Corey taking home the high point trophy. Browniew won the "crumbs on the floor" award.

My brother Rod and his boy Evan came out to hunt with us. Craig Sheppard was our "hunting guide". Brock was the designated "pheasant gutter". A great weekend together.

LOCAL OUTREACH PROJECT!!

I'm so glad you all enjoyed my last blog which was like the Seinfeld show - all about nothing. Now for something of more import.

I've been trying to be able to post all day but had some computer gliches. Anyway, some of you know that Marge Davis has macular degeneration and it has been a real struggle for her. However, tomorrow she and Dale are going to Oberlin to be fitted with a new type of glasses that will enable her to see faces, possibly read musical notes for the piano, and give her some new focus in a world that has been quite blurry for several years. These glasses however are quite expensive - over $3,000 so many at the church wanted to help by giving a donation on her behalf. If you would like to do so, please make your check out to the church and designate it "Davis". We'll make sure it is used to help offset the expense of the glasses. We tried to get the word out over the weekend but not all were made aware so now you know.

Marge is so excited and I am excited that we can be of help to her. Thanks for your help!

Keep checking!

Don't worry - I'm thinking.......................................... hmm........................... okay................... what do you think about......................no, wait a minute.........................not that............................how about when..................................

I'll get back to you.............................