I was home for Christmas...

I've been in the US for about 10 days now and it has been wonderful to spend the holidays with my family. After 15 months away, kids have grown, the town has changed, but precious time with family has remained the same. I've had a blast playing with my 7 nieces & nephews. They range in age from 5 to 14 and are lots of fun. They've taught me to play their Playstation and we've played many rounds of some type of card game (Pit, Phase 10, Uno, etc.). For Christmas my brother got me the game Deal or No Deal. I'm bringing it back to Belgium and it should be lots of fun to play with students and friends. For all you Star Trek fans, my sister & family got me the entire Deep Space 9 series on DVD. I can't wait to bring it back to Belgium to watch.

However, the key to this season is that it is not about the presents or food we eat, or travels we take. It's that Jesus came into this world and became man. He showed us His love and gave us the greatest gift ever...his love in our hearts and eternal life with Him.

As another new year approaches, I'm once again reminded that Jesus' return is getting closer each day. I can't wait for the day that I can stand in His presence and live eternally. My prayer for the new year is that I have a greater impact on the lives around me. That I love and show love each day, that I spread the news of Jesus to everyone I meet, and that my life can be an example of that love. I hope that you find His peace, and that it fills your heart in the year to come and forever. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(I also wanted you all to know that my cat came back, and she's watching my apartment while I'm away!)