i almost forgot...the fish has a name...JAMAAL

I am the champion. I started my Christmas shopping Sunday around 1:30 and finished by 5:30 that same day. My shopping included: Target, Toys'R'Us, and the Mall. i did excelent, i think. I bought a few little things at good ole' Super Wal-Mart last nite but other than that, i did it. i really enjoy gettin people gifts at Christmas, but this year just didn't do it as soon as i would have liked. the Lord really changed my heart about Christmas. i know since i am a believer i should probably be filled with excitement about the season, but sometimes i just get warn out. my attitude is kind of like, "Here we go again..." but this year something happened. It wasn't the commercialism, materialism, or even the damn traffic that bugged me about Christmas. it was me. i so desperately wanted it to be fun and exciting, to be filled with anticipation. so i decided to do something about it. i started reading the story of the birth and realized that Christmas should build my anticipation for another year with the Lord. when i look back over this year, and my life really, the Lord has done great things. so this year, i remember birth and celebrate the baby who brought joy not just for Christmas but for ever. i am renewed...and excited. i can't wait to see how this tiny baby continues to help me develop character, strength, wisdom, and all sorts of fruit. in the words of POD..."I FEEL SO ALIVE"

Merry Christmas!!! :)

contrary to popular belief i have not fallen off the face of the planet. i have had a rough couple weeks, beginning with a car wreck and ending with a pretty good assassination attempt by the enemy. but all is good now and i am better than ever. i have recognized that God really does turn all into good. i hope to write more tomorrow. slater