that we may ponder

The fire is still burning and the tree is still lit here at the Cleland home. It was good to be back in Georgia today after a wonderful Christmas trip to be with our children and grandchildren.

God is so gracious to give us traveling mercy for all of the time we spend on the road.

Tonight we will go out to celebrate the coming of the new year a little bit early. In many ways it is hard to believe that this year has passed......so much has happened.

We left a very sick little boy in Louisville this morning. Eli , bless his heart, is really struggling to get over an ear infection. I always told Amanda that I could tell when she was sick by looking at her eyes. Eli's eyes told just how bad he felt. I hope he is better this evening.

Jake is getting over his tonsillitis and was delightful to be with. Mark has a bad case of bronchitis, but he arose early this morning to fix waffles for us.

Amanda and Mark did get to go out to eat by themselves last night, but by the time they had administered all of the medical treatments, I doubt how much they were able to enjoy their meal. Oh, I remember those days in the dead of winter when it seemed as if our little ones would never get well.

We'll be praying for you guys!

Tomorrow we will leave to go home to Savannah. I hear it's going to be cold down there for a few days. That's okay......I'm looking forward to resting and doing nothing for a while.

Luke 2:18 "But Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart."

Oh what wonderful things Mary had in her heart after the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ......this tiny little Son that God entrusted to her keeping.

Oh that we too would keep all of these "Christmas things" and ponder them in our hearts that we may know joy all through the coming months.

To God be the Glory great things he hath done.