Here it is, Christmas Eve, 2008! Time has surely gone by faster than I could've believed. I think the cartoon character, Maxine, is right: "Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" I do relate!

It's time like these that you begin to reflect on all your past experiences and anticipate all the new your looking foward to.

Christmas Eve was very special for me today. I shared a Christmas Devotional thought with the sweetest group of people you would ever want to meet. They live in a senior living center near here and I do a short bible study there each week.

I was afraid no one would come today, with it being a Holiday- (I'd rather say, "Holy Day!") They faithfully came.........and they were wonderul. I began teaching there as a favor to the director. I went to help out..........right! Everytime I go, I fall in love with these precious people all over again. They never fail to "lift me up." They never complain, and are always wearing their best smile and never let me leave without a hug. My favorite part is when we sing old favorite hymns. Their sweet, soft voices ring out for the Lord and it is inspirational; their faithfulness is encourging; and their conintued interest in learning God's word, even when most are in their 90's, is such a boost to my own spirit.

If you've never visited a senior living center, do it! You won't regret it. It will make you stop and think and then count your blessings. You'll walk away feeling loved, appreciated and accepted. So truly, "when you give to others", you get back 100 fold.

My Christmas Eve Gift was being with my special friends at Hefner Mansion and sharing the Christmas Carols and Christmas Story with them.

Share with someone this Christmas. Give yourself away and be blessed.

Merry Christmas, and may God's favor shine on you now and in the coming year.

Phyllis A. Poe