Finally ... an updated blog posting

I can't believe it has been over 20 days since I have updated my blog. To say life has been hectic is an understatement. Here are a few thoughts about the past three weeks and the final blog of 2009:

Sharron and I took a quick trip to Charlotte to visit family and received BIG news from Danielle. She has verified that she was 20 weeks pregnant and the ultrasound indicated that she is having a BOY! We are so excited about our first grandson! The projected due date is May 6, 2010

Sharron has wanted to visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC for the Christmas Candlelight Tour. I surprised her with a trip on Dec. 17-18 to Biltmore. Here is a little info. about the house:

Be inspired by the relaxed elegance of George and Edith Vanderbilt's 250-room family home and country retreat in Asheville, NC. Discover original art from masters such as Renoir, magnificent 16th-century tapestries, Napoleon's chess set, a library with 10,000 volumes, a Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless antiques. Opened to friends on Christmas Eve 1895, this French Renaissance chateáu remains America's largest privately owned home.

It was a wonderful evening! We enjoyed the trip with our friends Phil and Joanie Richards.

The rooms were filled with the lights and sounds of Christmas. We enjoyed a meal at a restaurant on the property then a two hour tour of the house. As we departed Asheville on Friday morning the snow was falling. Sharron was able to see snow for Christmas - more that I could have imagined!

At the church we had a great time at the student led Jingle Jam. The meal was fantastic! The students did a great job in the program for the day. I really liked Pastor Jordan and the students leading us in a time of worship.

Our Christmas Eve Service was well attended. I was surprised that the ushers added chairs to accommodate those coming late to the service. The attendance cards indicated several new families visiting and four people making the decision to accept the personal gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ!

Christmas Day well celebrated as we travelled to Charlotte and spent time with family.

Danielle and Jessie were surprised by their family gift:

Josh seemed very happy with the family gift we gave to them:

Sharron and I returned to Raleigh the day after Christmas to be at church. I concluded the teaching series on Simply Christmas. The worship was led by Melissa Cordovia and the worship team using the i worship series. The worship was so authentic. It was evident of God moving in our midst.

I caught this picture of Alyse as she enjoyed a snack at the Connection Cafe. She was very thankful as she prayed.

Stephanie shared her BIG news with us on Christmas day. She is about 20 weeks pregnant and her ultrasound has verified that she is having a GIRL! Do you think Sharron and I are excited?