Yesterday morning's sermon was good for me to hear. Dad talked about the cost that comes with choosing to follow Christ a second week in a row as we looked first as Mary's life and then at Joseph's. I think this theme comes up often because we need to hear it a lot.

Following Jesus does cost. It has cost me in the past and sometimes I have been upset by this.

And then other times, like yesterday, I look at exactly what it has cost me... and what it has cost looks like very little compared to what I have gained.

* * * * *

Our tree is beautiful. It's my favorite that we've had yet.

Our house is also beautiful. Perhaps I feel that it was made for Christmas because I moved in last year on December 13th so I knew it first as a holiday-home, but I must say that when I see it from the outside with electric candles in every window and wreaths adorning the windows and doors, it looks like something straight from Colonial Williamsburg.

(I love Colonial Williamsburg.)

* * * * *

The countdown has begun:

6 days until Louissa comes home.
14 days until Christmas.
21 days until 2007 begins.
34 days until Jackson turns 1 year old.
77 days until Gabriel no longer attends nursery.

This helps me see today as a gift. I will never have this moment again.

* * * * *

Coffee from the SLU bookstore is the best coffee to be had in the North Country.

Officially.

* * * * *

Good night.