Happy New Year!

One of the best things about being a teacher is Christmas Vacation. Two weeks of "freedom". It's hard to keep track of what day it is. Friday? Oh NO! I still have about 200 papers to grade. Not to panic...at least my first day back on the job - January 5, is not the student's first day back. I will be glad to get back to work. It is such a blessing to love one's job. And January also brings the start of the Passion Play rehersals. I'll be doing children's ministries for PP this year. I doubt I'd get another chance to play Mary. That was a once in a life-time blessing. I've actually directed the Children's Block 7 times in the past. This year, Art and I are helping plan the Navajo Presentation of Passion Play as well. I know it's a little soon to be thinking of Easter and at least it isn't as early this year as it was last year. But the older I get (I'll be 58 next month), the faster time flies, and although there is still snow on the ground, spring is right around the corner. I'm reading a Psalm a day, if I break 119 into 22 parts, it will take me until mid-june to get through the book. Psalm 1 reminds me of the Children's church lesson I've taught a few times, that when we say "God Bless You" we are saying "Be like a tree". Psalm 2 is rather political in nature. I am anxious to see just how things will unfold in this country and globally once Obamma becomes president. And I'm glad that the psalm ends with a promise of blessing on those who trust in the LORD. As a ministry, we are looking to build up our prayer partner and doner base. I have news letters and flyers to get ready for mailing. I just found out that Pastor Art will be gone most of next week. Helping a friend. This may give me more computer time. I'm working with Tziporah's other grandmother on a baby shower. Navajo tradition has the "shower" after the baby arrives. We're having it in the fellowship hall, and it will be a good chance to build relationships and encourage the "family" to come to church. Well enough rambling for now. Just wanted to post a New Year's greeting before I start grading mid-terms and Holiday Essays. "Do homage to the Son, lest He become anry and you perish...For His wrath may soon be kindled...but How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! Psalm 2:12