Well folks, Christmas 2008 is coming to an end! I'm actually sad, wish we could extend it...

This week started with a tremendously good Christmas service at The GBC. Heather and I have been swamped with positive feedback about how God touched people Sunday morning. It's amazing when you have a team of gifted people who have a sincere passion to share Christ with others. We seem to have just that..and God's sending more like-minded individuals all the time. It's exciting! My own voice was down for the weekend but it was perfectly ok, God moved/moves far bigger than any one of us.

I am the typical "scrooge" during Christmastime. I don't know why, it just seems I'm usually down. I'm happy to say this WAS NOT the case this year! I have completely enjoyed this season. And by being so positive, it's probably allowed others around me to enjoy it more too. This past summer, I was diagnosed with depression and put on Celexa. It has been a really great thing for me. It doesn't "pick me up" but it definitely keeps me from "crashing" ..for lack of descriptive terms. My world has been better for it. Just thought I would mention that..I know this is my Christmas blog..but maybe someone reading this could be depressed and need some help, I'm here to say help is available and you should talk to your doctor about it.

Back to Christmas,

Here is the aftermath of unwrapping this morning

Kaitlyn is kicking it on the Wii.

A funny story that I hope will translate in the text- Heather had gotten Christian a stocking stuffer gift of a picture frame with a "friends theme", perfect for him to frame a group pic of his crew. The frame, like all other, comes with a display picture. Christian open the box, pulls out the frame and says completely seriously: "Who's this?"

Christian with his picture frame..pre-loaded with "friends".

We enjoyed a dinner and hangout with good friends Pastor Steve and Janet Akins..Chicago area natives who threw down some serious Italian beef for us! We watched the kids play assorted Wii games and talked nonsense for 3 hours. A great way to end a great day.

With 2009 less than a week away, I'm sitting here wondering what the world will be like this time next year. The world as a whole as well as my own small world I live in. 2008 has been one of the bests years ever for us in many ways...I hope we continue to ride that wave!

Much love to everyone...Let me say it one more time:

Merry CHRISTmas!

jamie

twitter.com/jamierowe

¶ 12/25/2008