Yesterday was New Years Day, which means one thing... It's time to get back to reality. I had a really nice Christmas break. I preached on the 23rd, and then did not have to do one work-related thing for a whole week. It was a thing of beauty. I went in on the 31st, got New Years off & began today with a 6:45 am meeting. During the meeting I was trying to figure out if Panera was really cold or if I was having the chills.

As for the highlights of my break (in no particular order).

1. I got to spend lots of time with family. I played a lot with my boys, and was able to spend time with extended families.

2. On Christmas Day we spent the day at my uncle & aunt's house in Carthage. It's always great to get to see my cousin Josh. He showed us a movie that still has me laughing. Beth & I also pranked my cousin, Jonathon. We gave him a gift certificate "from Santa" that was for a free session at Glamour Shots. Jonny sports the woodsman-look, and we had lots of fun with that.

3. I got to connect with people that were in the youth group back when I was the weekend YM at Galena, and with people that were in my first youth group in Tulsa. It was really great to have that time with them. I loved it. I heard some stories that really encouraged me too. It's good to hear that I've been used by God to help some people that I didn't even know about. Pretty humbling.

4. I got to witness David Laughlin baptize his mom this past week. That was awesome.

5. Beth I played computer games & watched some funny videos for New Years Eve. Yes, I know that you might think we are lame and old (and you are right), but we had fun.

There were plenty of other good things, and I'm very thankful for the break. And now I've got to go to work.