I had hoped that yesterday would be a comfortable day at work, where I would tie up any loose threads in preparation for my Christmas vacation (I’ll be back at the office next Tuesday). Unfortunately, as Ken (my carpool-mate) and I approached Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham, where I am gainfully employed at Logos Bible Software, a police car and a number of fire engines blocked our way.

We found a place to park and walked to the office, where we found out what had happened – the Italian restaurant right next door (a few feet and a fire wall from my desk) caught fire early yesterday morning. (The Bellingham Herald has a few details this morning.) The fire didn’t make it into our building, thank the Lord, but enough smoke and soot crept in to our side of the building that the smell was too much to work there and soot could be found around the exhaust of our computer fans. (The computers are still working fine for the moment, fortunately.)

So, those of us that work on the affected side of the building either took the day off, or moved our computer into another room, or used someone’s computer that was on vacation, or whatever. Not the most productive day, to be sure, but we made the best of it. Hopefully the stench will be gone by next Tuesday, my computer will still be working normally, and I’ll be able to get back to work. Perhaps in a few months, the pleasant smells of Italian lunches will return.

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:32-34)

Wow, it has been a while since I’ve written here. I should try to catch up on everything, but considering I had to ask Julie to remind me what we did only yesterday, that would be a fruitless exercise. So, I’ll just hope that you all had a nice Thanksgiving and move right along to this weekend.

Well, first I should mention that Sarah had her Christmas program this past Wednesday, and Bethany had her Christmas program this past Thursday, and they both sang very nicely.

Yesterday morning, we went to Sarah’s first real piano recital. What, I didn’t mention that Sarah is taking piano lessons? Well, she is, and she’s doing exceptionally well. She played two Christmas songs for her recital, and I’m sure she’ll play them again for my parents after they arrive for the holidays later this week.

Yesterday afternoon we went to pick out our Christmas tree – our annual Christmas tradition is to go to Alpine Meadows with Julie’s parents. Alpine Meadows is a “you cut” Christmas tree farm on Highway 9 between Bellingham and Lynden. They’ve got great trees and a nice warm cabin to drink hot chocolate in when you’re done. There was hardly anyone there this year; apparently the Saturday before Christmas is a bit later than normal. In any case, we found a very nice tree, and it looks lovely in the corner of our living room. Oh, and I should mention that I was very happy that we had to drive only one vehicle to the tree farm – in years past, I would have driven my pickup separately from the minivan, but now that we have a roof rack, we could just strap the tree to the top and go!

Today I had choir practice before church and choir practice after church, because this afternoon we had our annual Candlelight Service. The choir and the Sunday School kids were involved, and I think the service went really well. Julie did most of the planning for the service, as well as directing the kids, so she deserves a big round of applause. Julie’s parents came down to enjoy the service as well, so we hung out with them at our house this evening and had some tasty snacks, all provided by Julie, of course. She’s amazing, isn’t she?

Before the service, we finished decorating the Christmas tree, which is now beautifully covered with lights, ribbons, berries, and ornaments. I’m looking forward to all of the festivities, and I hope that you’ve got fun plans as well. Merry Christmas!