Happy Boxing Day!

In addition to this being the traditional holiday in Great Britain, I want to add to this Boxing Day by encouraging you to go see the new film, "Rocky Balboa."

I admit to being an avid "Rocky" fan (primarily, the first two films) and I was very eager to see the latest version, "Rocky - AARP's Athlete of the Year". Don, Billie and I made our way to the mall (what were we thinking???) to catch a late matinee on Christmas Day. Even the crowds didn't bother me, because I really wanted to see this film.

Mr. Stallone once again, wrote and directed this incarnation. And he did a fine job. In fact, there are quite a few interesting cinemagraphic features that really heighten things. And yes, the script is classic "Rocky" talk and a bit sappy at times, but it was a great homage to itself. Hiding my already red-swollen, weepy eyes from the boxing bits, I really enjoyed it as a film. Of course, it made me think of how the original so inspired me back in the 70's. (The 70's??? GULP.)

A select few know that the "Gonna Fly" theme from the movie is one of my special favorites. And for several of my first years as a new minister, I had a special ritual of playing the music before I would present a Sunday service. The music still stirs my soul. And this year, is no exception. Feeling older and and in a place of transition myself, I felt oddly comforted by Rocky's triumph. Now, I,too so want to run up the steps in Philadelphia and jump up and down in celebration.


I trust y'all had a good Christmas/Hanukah holiday so far.

This holiday was different for me. It was the first time in 9 years that I was not ministering to a church during this sacred season. Certainly it was less stressful even though a bit melancholic. Simpler. I did the Sunday service on Christmas Eve morning at the Light of Life Church. This church is still in the process of drawing to them their new minister, so it was a special privilege to be with them on this holiday. Adding to their congregation, were some of my friends there to support me. We had a lovely service together. When their choir sang "Silent Night"- there was a solo sung by a mother while she was holding her sleeping infant daughter. If you think of the words of the song and envision a human replication of Mother & Child you will understand why you could hear a pin drop and there was not a dry eye in the house. It was probably the sweetest and most profound rendition of the song I have ever heard; and I shall treasure it for a long time to come.

That evening, I attended Christmas Eve service was held at the TierraSanta 7th Day Adventist sanctuary combining five churches for the first annual Global Heart Christmas celebration. It was S.R.O. for the service and the amazing music. The combined choirs, the wonderful solos created a special evening for over 450 people! It was very good to see so many dear friends--to get a chance to say hello/goodbye and Merry Christmas.


At the risk of sounding inordinately corny, this Christmas was truly more about the gratitude for the basics of life; the simple blessings. My friends, my family, health, being with the ones you love, Christmas surprises, homemade (not by me) goodies, swell prezzies, too, of course.

The best presents I got this year were in some ways intangible. My beloved made a special music CD for me; my dear friend brought over a bag filled with 50 rolled tubes. Each was made out of Christmas wrapping paper and rolled up with a heart on the outside decalring a quality or expression of God and each included a special affirmation gift inside. I was so touched by the creativity and thoughtfulness this showed. Oh and then there was this really COOL Starbucks giftie....

An extra holiday bonus I have is getting to house sit and take care of two dogs for friends who are out of town. I loved waking up on Christmas morning to being the middle component of a canine sandwich of love. And the loved their presents. When I arrived each dog, went and got the toy I had given them and showed me their delight. I know that they knew those gifts were from me and that they were thankful and happy. These dogs had gotten other new toys, too but did not pick up those toys when I came in--they knew. And I was a very proud Auntie D.

This Christmas I was gifted with more JOY and what else could anyone ask for????

So I shall simply say Thank You.