December 28

Hi everyone. I wanted to get one last blog out before the end of the year. Since our last blog we've been super busy. I told Mary I wanted a little time to enjoy Christmas. It seems with her at the university and us both at church, we've been constantly meeting ourselves coming and going.

December 21, we did a "parranda" with some of our church members. A "parranda" is basically Christmas caroling on steroids; lots of instruments with even more percussion noise makers. We went for just three hours. Most "parrandas" go on till the wee hours of the morning.

Earlier in the month, the 15th, our church enjoyed a Sunday with a young troubadour presenting a great Christmas concert. At ten years old she did a wonderful job.

Last Sunday, the 22, we had a church supper and a Christmas presentation done by 12-15 of our church members. Originally, it was to be a living manger scene, but we had to move it indoors since the weather did not cooperate. It still turned out quite well.

That same week we hosted, along with Chad and Chandi Mayes, an intern from Montana State. The young lady, Tracy, did a good job of all we asked her to do. It's our hope she'll make a return visit this summer.

This week has been a scramble to get a cantata ready for this coming Sunday night. Our Fine Arts director produced the script and selected the music. Mary and I have a part in the cantata so we are practicing at every opportunity.

In the middle of all this was Christmas shopping, birthdays and our anniversary along with, Christmas parties, a family "get together", a Christmas day pitch-in dinner among friends, two weddings, scenery construction and yes, a little bit of sleep. Mary commented that after this coming Sunday night we might be able to  relax a little.

The year was good with blessings abounding. Certainly there were/are many reasons to serve the Lord with gladness in 2013 and 2014. Thanks for your friendship and interest in what we are doing. Blessings.

Johnathan and Mary Reece