This Christmas Eve we decided to go to the church I grew up in which is the Lutheran Church. Years after getting married I joined Todd's Methodist Church which I love but I do miss being at the Lutheran Church sometimes. As I was sitting there last night in the pew with my side of the family I realized the last time I was in the church was for my Mom's funeral in September of 2004.

I have no idea how long it has been since we were there for Christmas Eve but it has been quite awhile. Ever since Evan has been involved in the children's program at our church we have usually been there on Christmas Eve since their program was always on that night. This year they had his program on the 23rd instead.

Anyway - as I sat and looked around I saw some familiar faces and a lot of kids that have grown up a lot since I last saw them. The funny thing about the service is that it was pretty much the exact same service that they always have but with a different sermon of course. The pastor gave a very good sermon and it wasn't too long for the kid that was sitting next to me who was anxious to get home and upwrap gifts.

This year Todd and I did not get each other gifts. We decided not to since we have spent money on other things for the house over the summer. I got a couple of neat gifts from Evan that he bought at the Little Shepherd Shop at school. He got me a Chrstimas mug full of Hershey Kisses and a beautiful cross necklace. I loved them.

I did get, though, a very special gift at church. To explain this gift I have to go back a few years in time. When I was 17 I found out that I had a tumor at the base of my brain (Pituitary) that was the size of a lemon. It was benign which I'm very thankful for. Before the diagnosis I had to go to Lima Memorial Hospital which was about 30 miles away from home and be admitted and have some very painful tests done. It was a very scary time for me and although my parents were there a lot I had to go through the tests alone. Many of the tests used iodine which they would shoot though my veins and arteries to take pictures. Not until a few years after the tests did they realize that I was allergic to it which made the testing procedures a very painful process for me. After 3 days of tests they diagnosed me with a Pituitary tumor. Surgery was the next step.

I had people send me cards and I still have the huge stack of them. I also had two ladies from our church that sent me notes and letters of encouragement several times during my hospital stay and afterwards. I will never forget these notes because they sustained me through some very difficult times. They would include Bible verses and just such uplifting words for me to read over and over again. Those notes brought me a peace that I cannot ever explain to anyone. Only God knows.

When it came time for my surgery my Mom was visibly upset that morning and I believe that the peace that came over me from reading those notes transferred to her. I think that for her to see me so calm really helped her and I told her I was not afraid and I wasn't.

Well to get back to my gift. Last night as we were leaving the church I looked up in the balcony and saw Mrs. C. Several years ago (I know I should have done this much earlier) I wrote her a letter and told her how much her words of encouragement had helped me when I was 17 and that I will never forget what she did for me. I told her that she has no idea what that means to people to have that in a time of darkness. Anyway - as I saw her in the balcony we made eye contact and waved at each other. She mouthed to me that she would meet me in the back of the church. I found her there and unfortunately by the time we met each other we were in front of the doors that everyone was trying to exit so we couldn't talk very long. We hugged each other and I felt that connection that we shared from the love that was poured out for me those years ago. It was a connection that nobody else would ever understand. I know she felt it too. So that was the wonderful Christmas Eve present that I received. To be reminded of God's love for me. He used Mrs. C and Mrs. H to show me His love and His peace.

So this Christmas and always - I wish you Peace that can only come through the gift that is there for all of us lying in the manger that night in Bethlehem years ago. The gift is free. Just accept it!

Last night was the kid's Christmas musical at our church. Before the service several kids got up and either played the piano or sang. We have some wonderful talent in our church and all of the kids did a great job.

Evan has been taking piano lessons for about 15 months and this was his first time to play in public. To be honest, we had been a little concerned that he would end up getting cold feet. When his teacher told him that he would be playing that evening he came home and told us that he wasn't going to do it.

Now I can totally relate to him not wanting to do it. I used to play the piano in public quite frequently. I used to accompany the chorus in school and also play along with the orchestra. I played for the youth choir at church, the preschool Sunday School class, and along with my Dad when he sang solos at church. I also played solos once in awhile. Now when you are playing along with a big group it is not really all that bad because you don't stand out too much, but playing alone can be quite frightening. I used to get nervous and no matter how well I played at home I seemed to get so worked up about it that I wouldn't do as well in public.

Evan, however, didn't seem overly nervous and he did a great job. I know he is my son and all and I have a biased opinion, but he truly has a gift for music. He has great rhythm and picked up reading music very quickly. Even his teacher says so. I was just so proud of him for doing his best and trying something that he was afraid of. Way to go Evan!

My husband has written his first book called Trying To Lose My "Self" In Israel. It is about a trip he took to Israel with a group from our church. It is a very well written book that chronicles his adventure on a trip that changed his life. It is very easy to read and includes funny thoughts as well. Check it out here if you are interested.