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I hope everyone is gearing up for a terrific holiday season. As my uncle said at our annual family before-Christmas gathering, when people wish him a happy holiday, he responds, "Happy holiday? I hope you have a RIOTOUS good time this season!"

*laughs heartily*

I've been on the road quite a bit myself. I was supposed to be away from church this past Sunday, but because of weather complications and power outs due to Wednesday's ice storm, I had to come back to get stuff done for the service. Glad I was here, though. It's the first time that I've been able to just be a part of the congregation here without doing something in the service. And surprisingly enough, I wasn't uncomfortable at all. I usually am, in that I have that instinct to be leading the worship and music. I was perfectly content to stand there and sing. It helps that the people covering for both myself and Patrick (who was also out) did a terrific job.

So I've been back and forth to Aiken, oh, at least twice now, and once to Raleigh. Not so long a trip though when you have a laptop computer to watch DVDs and alternate playing Starcraft with your brother. Not so cool when the inverter freaks out in the middle of A Beautiful Mind and the battery won't last the rest of it. Bah. Oh well. I'm just glad to see Jennifer Connelly. *whew* Scary. And Russell Crowe. Just watched his role in Cinderella Man last night. A good watch. Had me sucked in at the end of the movie. I was nervous during the final fight. Funny how that happens, getting pulled into a movie emotionally like that. The power of good storytelling. Love it!

Anyway, I'll be headed back to Aiken once again after our Christmas service here. Hope everyone drives safe, stays warm, and drinks deep of holiday cheer wherever it can be found. Riotous wishes and God bless!