I send [my word] out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into song,
and the trees of the field will clap their hands! – Isaiah 55:11-12

There really is nothing quite like the craziness of Christmas with small children.

David is three; he says “thank-you” for absolutely everything, every time; he asks “excuse me, please” when he goes by; he says, “Oh, Grandaddy, it’s so good to see you!” when he arrives. He is so genuinely happy, and so genuinely excited about his little life that I may have to make him the “poster child” for my Live Like You Mean It campaign. Joy, joy, and more joy.

Beks, now 18-months, is less polite (much less!) – but more intense. Everything is cause for potential drama. Fortunately, mostly it’s because she’s happy. She embraces all experiences at one-hundred percent, and she lets you know exactly how she feels, the moment she feels it.

That adds up to one powerful combination of children to create a memorable Christmas day at Maul-Hall!

Of course, Rebekah and I loved every minute of it, and we’re looking forward to more family time today. So I’ll limit this post to a “My cup runneth over” declaration, and then share a handful of pictures you can browse if you’re interested.

My prayer remains that each one of you will embrace the spirit of Christmas, and the beauty of faith, with all the enthusiasm, the fun, and the love that we are enjoying here around Wake Forest.

God is so generous, and we are so grateful – DEREK

Gallery of Christmas Day pics (go to yesterday for the church)