We got up at 7:00 AM and the snow didn't look too bad.  The wind, however, was roaring like a demented monster, flinging ice and snow into every crevice.  We called the Kansas Highway Patrol.  "Interstate is completely snow-packed, icy and drifting between Junction City and Kansas City."  We called sister in Lawrence.  She had a foot of snow already and ice underneath.  We went to plan C.  We will drive to see her on New Year's Eve instead.   The rest of the family, those not from out of town, gathered here for waffles, games, chili, games, silliness and finally birthday cake in honor of His birthday.  It was a good day.  And now we get to string it out for another week.   God willing, of course. 

It is my prayer that you all had a lovely Christmas, surrounded by loved ones, and that the grace of God was poured out upon you.   Merry, merry Christmas.

Today's scriptures:  Haggai 1-2 and Revelation 16

Thanks to CZ Scrap I did put up the Christmas tree.   That meant getting out the ornaments.  That meant remembering DH's Mom, and mine.  DH has three brothers and a multitude of cousins.   When DH's mother died. his cousin gave him and each of his brothers an ornament, called Heart of Gold. 

The tag reads "You will always have my heart".  Karen, the cousin, said that the ornament was an acknowledgment of the special bond between boys and their mothers. 

It comforts me to know there will be a reconciliation one day, and the "circle will be unbroken by and by". 

Today's readings are the last two chapters of Micah, chapters 7 and 8; also Revelation chapter 12. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death."  Revelation 12:11

I am not asking for sympathy though.  It's my own fault for not doing more prep before vacation!   I don't even have a tree yet!   My list is lengthening but I think it's doable.   Frazzled but doable. 

Here are a few more photos:

St. Kitt's, in front of the black lava formations.

Beach Day.  Also St. Kitt's. Those are our travel companions walking ahead.  We went with two other couples, one of which was DearSon's in-laws.  How we love them. Black and brown volcanic sand.  Cool.   Did toe fishing.  This is when you stand in the ocean and pick up whatever feels interesting with your toes.  Got some great shells that way. 

Sunset from the ship. 

Well gotta git on my list.   While these photos downloaded, I put in a load of laundry and dusted off my nativity scene.  Two things to cross off!   So glad to be back with you, but so glad we went.   Happy Thursday, all.

We've nearly read through the Bible this year.  Today's Scriptures are the book of Obadiah (only one chapter) and Revelation 8.  "He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand."   Revelation 8:3, 4