It's Christmastime!

It's Christmastime! Yea! I absolutely love Christmas. Everything about it gives me warm fuzzies! All the lights, the music, and the smells of Christmas just make me feel so good inside. And thinking about Jesus and His birth just makes the season even greater.

I don't know why anyone can think about Christmas without including Christ. I mean, that's why Christmas exists. There have been several stories lately about Christmas celebrations in different cities...the one that come to mind was in Chicago...where they wouldn't allow the movie "the Nativity Story" to air during the festival because they didn't want people who weren't Christians to be uncomfortable. I really don't understand how you can differentiate between Christmas and the birth of Christ. Because the way I see it, if you didn't believe in Jesus, then why are you celebrating Christmas anyway? That's like saying, I don't believe Nicole exists, but I'm going to celebrate her birthday anyway. Christmas is just a big birthday party!

Okay, I'm off my soap-box. So, I had a wonderful visit with my family over Thanksgiving. I went to my dad's and my step-brother, Chris, along with his wife and baby, flew in from Chicago. It was the first time I got to meet the baby--he's 14 months old--and man, is he cute. His name is Raphael and he just took to me like white on rice. I went with my step-mom to the airport to pick them up and when I said hello, Raphael just fell into my arms. I had him in my hands before I could even ask if I could hold him. And it was like that all weekend. He was constantly with me. It was great! I hated to say good-bye. I love children so much, and I cannot wait until God blesses me with a couple. The weekend was also nice, because I got to know Chris's wife, Francoise. In the past, we had a really hard time communicating. She's from Paris, France, and her accent is really thick. Plus, with my thick southern accent she had a hard time understanding me as well. But I think both of us have gotten better with our English ((I didn't speak English, I spoke southern before (lol))) and we were able to enjoy each other's company. I'll post some pics next week.

I'm going to be busy this weekend...
Tonight, we have our first performance with our drama group at church. We are ministering at the Singles Bible study tonight. I'm kind of nervous. I just pray it goes well, and God uses us to minister to someone.
And tomorrow, we have our company Christmas party. I have the most awesome outfit I'm wearing. The dress code is semi-formal, and my outfit is "the bomb"! And yes, to everyone who's wondering, I'm going alone. No date this time. But that's okay...I"ll have fun with my co-workers, I'm sure.
I also plan to hang my Christmas lights on my balcony at my apartment...That should be fun!

Well, I have to get to the gym...kickboxing! Have a great weekend everyone...and don't take Christ our of Christmas.