From our family to yours…"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"

Every once in a while, you come across a group of people that know how to make you feel special. Julie and I found one of those places here in Orange, Texas!

From the very first night, as we pulled into the parking lot, we knew we were around "real" people.  Two very unusual men were awaiting our arrival. Clothed in "less-than-fashionable" suits, and what appeared to be extremely over-sized and plain ugly dentures, these guys were certainly entertaining. Although we had our suspicions, we were not sure as to the authenticity of these nice parking lot attendants. Let's just say that these guys were awkward looking. Thankfully, within moments from stepping out of the vehicle, we noticed the video camera, and realized that we had officially been welcomed to the First Church of Orange! (They happened to be the entertainment for the Christmas party that had recently concluded).

Although the "welcoming committee" was unconventional, they were so funny and personable.  What an enjoyable first impression. We love these guys! Please don't lose your sense of humor, nor your willingness to be "real".

The services were geared toward spiritual transitioning.  The presence of the Lord was overwhelming and the response of the church was inspiring! Julie has enjoyed spending time on the keyboard during service. However, that has limited our pictures.

After the second Sunday service, we attended a banquet for their Leadership team.  We had a wonderful time. The Crunch and Munch duo was back in full force. Yet another fantastic time!

One of the highlights of our time here has been getting to meet the Wheeler's youngest son, Hayden. He is one of the most energetic, and hilarious guys we have ever met.

Led by Pastor Gary Wheeler, and his precious wife, this church has become so special to us.  We feel like we have made several new friends, and look forward to returning in the Fall of '09. From the kind words, encouraging smiles, and friendly conversations, we have grown to love First Church. The elders of this church are so awesome, and have a rich heritage in living for God!  They have truly been a blessing to us.

I know this is an unusual title, but you have to hear the story.

While in Orange, Pastor Wheeler drove me around to see some of the devastation from Hurricane Ike. I was amazed as we pulled into a cemetery to see tombs that had opened or floated out of the ground because of the massive amounts of water. Many of the vaults had opened and refrigerator trucks had been brought in to store the bodies until they could be identified again and reburied.

To say this was one eerie sight would be an understatement. However, in the midst of this sad scene, I was reminded of a wonderful promise to come: 

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

What's wrong with this picture? It's not supposed to snow in southeast Texas!! 

After a great service last night with the Wheelers and the kind church family at First Church of Orange, we headed out to eat.

Afterward, we stopped by the store and noticed the rain on the windshield was changing to sleet! By the time we got back to the guest quarters at the church, it had changed to snow!!!

Julie found it very funny that the schools here in Orange were delayed today. Growing up in Ohio, there would have to be a blizzard for school to be canceled or delayed!

We enjoyed the early Christmas present. The great part about Texas snow…it's in the 50s today and in the 70s again this weekend!

With a forecast like that, let it snow… let it snow… let it snow!!!