Christmas Eve: electrical problems, food, cards, and love.

Today has been quite eventful.
It is Christmas Eve & I am loving life.
Tomorrow is the day to set aside a celebration of a loving God who sent His Son.

Tonight.. well.. it was interesting.
At 4 our electricity went off in McIntosh Hollow (holler) & we had to cook, bake, and wrap by candle light. It was beautiful.

The night also included a candle light service at Cow Creek Baptist Church. It is a small church. But is so precious. It was dark, and had a few christmas-ee decorations in the front of the sanctuary.

My family and I sat on a pew together and were given our candles. We all passed around the flame and took the time to say what we are thankful for. My dad's statement made me tear up. I am oh so thankful for him. When my turn came.. I almost let the moment slip by. But I knew I would regret not giving thanks for what the Lord has given me multiple times this year. Many opportunities to be involved in missions and a way to be a part of ministry. It has been amazing to develop a heart for God's will in just a few short months. After I said my thanks I passed on the light.

My family and I came back to the McIntosh Hollow celebration. We passed out gifts and laughed over many different things. When our little party was over, my parents and I headed back to our house - gifts in hand.

The electricity was still off - so we found all the candles and oil lamps we could and set them around our small house. It was such an amazing sight. We then found some cards and gathered around the kitchen table to play a game called, "31". I mix of Rummy and 21. I beat them with an awesome comeback & after our game was done the lights came back.

I almost wish they had stayed off. I would have been journaling about my night by candle light instead of blogging - but it would have been even more special then. My dad and I cracked jokes on each other and my mom & we decided that tomorrow would be "DD day" (Daddy - Daughter day). We are going to drive my mom to work and then go see Four Christmases at the New Richmond Theater. It will be a precious time!

It is officially Christmas & I am so grateful for the night that will be remembered as one of the Best Christmas Eve Nights. Just me and my family - slowing down and enjoying the blessing that each other is in our life.