Rubber Duck Dynasty

This morning our elf grew long facial hair and decided to go rubber duck hunting.  He's a part of the Rubber Duck Dynasty.  Jingle Bell has been busy this month with some epic surprises in the morning - each time eliciting a gasp or giggle from Madison first thing in the morning.

Today was a REALLY rainy day.  This was the sort of rain that pounds on you from above.  We had church this morning, so Daddy dropped Mommy and Madison off at the door, and walked quite a ways with his umbrella protecting him from the elements.  We had a LOT of presents to give out to our friends today, and quite a few to receive too.  It was a wonderful Christmas Eve morning service for all of us, especially the kids.  Madison was so moved in her service that we heard she was crying, and praying for others.  They were happy tears, this was the best she could do to describe it.  Daddy told her how happy he himself was to hear this.  As for the older kids, that service looked nice as well:

There is such warmth in stopping our regular sort of service, and simply singing worshipful Christmas songs together as a family.  Mommy joined Daddy in the auditorium, and we stood with the other staff members for our "candlelight service."  They weren't candles so much as glow sticks, but the point was there about being a light for all to see.  It was a really nice service.

After church, Madison spent some time with Nana and Hannah and Aunt Shain, as Mommy, Ye-Ye, Jonathan and David Austen went with Daddy to see "Saving Mr. Banks."  This was a great movie.  Of course, we're Disney fans here and Daddy is a huge fan of that era.  But the emotions in this movie are strong - there is a story of healing within that will leave you never looking at Mr. Banks the same way again.  In fact, we're anxious to see "Mary Poppins" as soon as possible now!

It was a longer movie - either that, or it was because there were a billion previews in front of it.  Whichever the case may be, it was dark when we left the theater.  All five of us really enjoyed the movie.  And yes, it was still pouring outside.  And now foggy as well.  Ugh!

We did get home, and rather quickly it was time for certainly little ones in the house to get some sleep.  Only three more sleeps 'til Christmas!

Before turning in for the night, here's another entry in our Christmas devotional series:

DECEMBER 22 - "The Bells of St. Mary's"

Sister Benedict’s prayers have been answered! In “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” it is apparent that the school she runs is in need of some serious help. They need a new building as soon as possible, but have had no money whatsoever.

The miracle that follows fills everyone’s hearts with Christmas joy – a businessman actually gives them his building to use! But the celebration is bittersweet for Sister Benedict: she cannot stay to run the place. Despite all her prayers and enthusiasm and love for St. Mary’s, she is reassigned to a place far, far away.

Why do bad things happen to such good people? There are some answers that we may never know, but the point of this movie is to trust God throughout all seasons, even those where things aren’t going your way.

At the very end of the movie, she rejoices when she discovers the truth: she did not know this, but her health was failing. She was reassigned, not because of politics or any personal grudge. She was reassigned to another climate so that she could recover, and eventually return. There was a reason she had to go, and it was for her own good.

Bad news may come to all of us at one point or another. And somewhere down the road there’ll be answers to the questions. But until that moment, we simply have to trust in Him, and know that everything works out for the good of those that love and serve God.