2014 Coming Up

Impossible to think that it soon will be 2014 - the year seems to have flown so fast and yet sometimes the days seem to drag on. Christmas has come and gone - the time to take down the decorations for another year. The outward signs of celebration are almost gone, but the inner reason for celebration should remain with us all year long. Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, was sent to earth by His Father to die for the forgiveness of our sins! We, who are sinners and unworthy of such love have been given salvation by the grace of God. Let it live in our hearts every day of 2014.

 

our neighbors will soon be taking him in for another year

part of the almost life size manger scene at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan

This is so beautiful - we try to see it every year

another part of the scene

the Basilica with it's hundreds poinsettia's and a Mariachi band makes for a beautiful Christmas service

Our park had it's usual Christmas dinner, except this year it was ham instead of turkey. It was really a nice change. Chaplain Bill's wife Ali and I hosted a table this year, and invited some people we barley knew. It was a truly enjoyable time getting to know others while enjoying all the wonderful food!! One lady brought chocolate covered strawberries, another a strawberry rhubarb pie, and still another a raisin meringue pie.
We even enjoyed a pineapple cheese topping for the ham which was delicious.

 the kitchen crew preparing the ham

 sharing Christmas dinner at our table

new and old friends fellowshipping together

 

 

Our park really goes all out for Christmas celebrations, from a fun Christmas program to a Christmas parade of golf carts and vehicles. The most touching and beautiful celebration of all was our candlelight Christmas Eve service. The Church @ Alamo Rec Veh Choir performed a program with song and readings, reminding us of that first Christmas so very long ago. The final portion of the program was the lighting of the candles and singing "Silent Night" as we all proclaimed the reverence of the night. I did so want to take pictures of the candles held high in adoration of the Baby Jesus, but was not accomplish it. It was truly touching and beautiful. I just pray that I keep that feeling in my heart all the time.

 

 Our neighbor Don and Chaplain Fred, posing together, as they are often found drinking coffee together

 Now there are two helpful elves ( do you suppose their wives had anything to do with this)

 is this Minnie Pearl?

 Just a few of our many talented musicians paying Christmas Carols for us

 a very funny toy store story - notice the jack in the box who was hilarious

 

 Just one of the many golf carts in the parade

 as you can see, it was pretty chilly

some of the participants who really enjoyed themselves

 

 

As we come to the end of another year and start making New Year's resolutions, include in them the desire to become closer to God - to establish a relationship with Him by reading just a few verses from the Bible. Find a good devotional to help you read every day - take the time to read and think about God's Word - His road plan for you. Check out John 3:16, I Peter1:18-19, Revelations 1:5 for assurance of God's love. Make 2014 the very best year of your life by understanding where God is leading you; you will be pleasantly surprised.