The old song says, "I'll be home for Christmas! You can count on me... I'll be home for Christmas... if only in my dreams." It's an emotionally charged song written during the 2nd World War for military men that could only dream of being home for Christmas. And may we not forget our many brave men and women that are still out there risking their lives for our protection!
Well, I have been privileged to make it home each Christmas in recent years.
And who might drive the 200 mile round trip to pick me up at the San Francisco Airport? I was delighted to see it was my two grand-kids, Michelle and Evan... who both have their drivers licenses now. Wow!
But how do you do Christmas when your family is scattered over many miles? Answer: You get in the car and go visiting.
This year I started with Tim and family who are closest to home. Sunday before Christ-mas Evan (green sweater) sang with the worship team and even did a lead part in "Come Oh Come Emanuel."
Also we enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve service at church where Michelle, on break from her first semester in Azuza Pacific University, played the keyboard and Tim led the worship. They also sang a duet called "This is Love" relating how God stooped down to become a man to bring us salvation.
At Tim's house I joined in the fun for Christmas Day along with Cheryl's parents and their extended family.
Then I headed north.
My first stop was Portland, Oregon where, on Sunday PM, December 29th I ministered in Family Worship Center, the church where Frances and I were married 62 years ago. Dan Hatton was a young boy in Sunday School back then. Now he is pastor of this exciting, thriving church!
On my 82nd birthday, December 31, I couldn't resist climbing to my secret "Bethel," a hilltop on Mount Tabor where I met with God many times as a teenager. Now the city has provided a nice bench to sit on while you pray.
Then on New Years Day we had a family Christmas celebration. These are my two remaining siblings. Carol, in the red jacket, is 91, healthy, still driving and very active. Joanne is 84 and has recently been facing serious health issues. And I'm the kid brother in the middle.
My youngest sister Joyce and my older brother Mel are now with the Lord.
The family celebrated at Joanne's grandson's home in Gresham. We had a truly blessed time. Joanne's son Dan played the piano and we worshiped as we sang all the great Christmas songs. Our three sons were not able to be at this gathering however.
From there I drove to Seattle, visiting my brother's widow Ruth Alice and some nephews. Dan and Nancy Hiatt, who spent 5 weeks with me in Argentina recently, gave me a comfy "bed and breakfast" while in the Seattle area.
Our son, Mike and his wife Mary joined me for a delightful dinner in downtown Seattle. I still have to visit my oldest son, Ron and his wife Elisabet, who live in Felton, California. We have the date set for January 19 to get together with them.
On my way back to California I drove the Oregon coast highway, staying overnight at Oceanside.
I hiked below this cliff where, at 13 years of age, but for the mercy of God I would have fallen to my death while climbing it.
Erosion over the years has changed its face drastically.
I still love the Oregon coast with its raging ocean dashing against the rocks. It speaks to me of God's great power.
I can remember once fishing from that rock behind me. I had just caught a nice flounder and had unhooked it and set it on the rock behind me when I heard my sister yell something. I looked behind me and a seagull had just swallowed my prize fish whole! How do they do that?!
Psalm 136 says "He gives food to every creature." But, hey, that seagull didn't even squawk a "Thank you!"
Have a wonderfully blessed 2014!
Ralph
