Long Time No See

So it's been a while since I've checked in here. I've only been able to get the internet on my Dad's iphone and I can't blog from there. Lot's is happening and yet somehow I feel like I wasn't there for any of it. I don't think it's even hit me that I'm in New York yet.
I have so very much to say and my mind has been racing like mad these past few days but it's really hard to think at all with my new cousin yelling and giggling right next to me. She's trying to get my older brother to drink a diet coke she prepared for him that he's not interested in. Oh, there she goes, forcing chex mix at him now. Joy. Aren't the holidays great?
I'm trying to be nice, really, and it's hard. I think I've disappointed my Uncle Bill. He must think that I'm a spoiled brat and not at all interested in getting to know his kids.
Well, I think that I'd better go.
Samia
Merry Christmas.

Christmas is Coming

"I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents by the tree

Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams"

I can hardly wait for Christmas. Just twenty days away. I'll be visiting family in the great state of New York. I haven't visited in three years and I've not bee there for Christmas since I was ten, so I'm really looking forward to it. It will be nice to see family and old friends, ohh, Grandma's fudge and lemon bars. :) It will be nice to hear the story again as well. It's sad. The way the world has made Christmas such a huge deal that even those of us who know what it really means have trouble focusing on the real "reason for the season". With God's grace we can remember, however. I pray that I will.

"O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim."