and baby makes 6!

Joseph was a hottie

I love our little church. The people in it are so very sweet and have welcomed us in with open arms. We love how, after the service if over, the pastor says “now lets all go have some gooood cookies!!” and we all file out into the large narthex and enjoy homemade cookies together.

Last night was the first ever, in the 12 years since our church was founded, Christmas pageant. See, almost all of the members are older retirees, and when we walked in the door one Sunday morning in August, every member turned to stare at the children. We quickly noticed that ours were the ONLY children in this church. But it felt like home when we went, so each Sunday we returned, and were greeted every time with love and enthusiasm.

Back in late October, one of the members approached me and asked if we would like to participate in a Christmas pageant. I was all for that! So, the ladies of our little church went to action. They hand sewed beautiful costumes for us all, and made all the props and organized everything.

Today, I am thankful that Mia and I were feeling good enough to be there. It was very stressful when we got so sick close to the day of the pageant, as our family made up 1/2 of the participants!

Bill and I were Mary and Joseph, the boys were shepherds and wise men, Cory read the scripture, and Mia was an angel. There were also 6 other children participating.

Lots of people came to see this Christmas play, and afterward there was spiced cider, cookies and everyone was so happy. The ladies sewed all the boys stockings, and made the little girls each a special pillow. They also hand sewed all the children Christmas bags with bells attached and filled them with candy, an orange and an apple. It was a true celebration of the Christmas story and everyone was just gushing about it.

Back in October, after we had joined the church, we started to receive the church bulletin, and one day we read something like this in the pastors note at the front:

“Our church family has wanted children, for years we have prayed for children, and now the Lord has blessed us with children!!”

Yes, he has. And He has blessed our family with the loveliest church family ever. Because you know, that is really what it is all about. People loving people. It is why Christ came. It is why we follow Him.

To be like Him and to bring love to each other.

It is as simple as that if you believe and live it with all of your heart and soul.