WOW...what a week!

Yep, it's been a good week.  Joe has been tiring of an evening, but other than one afternoon of a little 99 degree fever, he has been sick free.  He finished his antibiotics for the c-diff infection on Wednesday so he is down one pill to take.  He's had piano lessons, wonderful choir practice, lunch with PGUMC staff, lunch with me, lunch with friends as well as accompanying me to my office holiday party.  So there haven't been any real negatives and those weeks have been few and far between since August so I have been very pleased.

Joe has his next chemo infusion on Monday, November 17th so he's a little pre-occupied with that day looming.  Fortunately, he has the Christmas program at church to concentrate on.  Tomorrow morning the choir will have their last rehearsal before Sunday's two performances.  Saturday's rehearsal will feature the full 11 piece ensemble he has put together along with the choir singing.  I'm really looking forward to seeing how well it all comes together.  If Wednesday's rehearsal with just a handful of the instrumental ensemble present is any indication, everyone should be there on Sunday at 11:00am for the full production.  It should be beautiful.  Possibly better than last year and that is saying something because that one was great!

Then of course he is also preparing for his "Christmas Piano by Candlelight" piano concert on December 23rd at the church.  We just have our fingers crossed that he doesn't have a bad reaction to this weeks chemo and the effects have worn off/subsided in order for him to get through the concert.  It would be a shame for this traditional concert to not happen this year, so say a special prayer for that.

The concert is at 7:00pm at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 4415 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Raleigh, 27613.  If you need directions, let me know and I'll send them your way if you don't have a GPS.  It's very easy to get to and it's a fantastic way to really get into the Christmas/Advent spirit.

Speaking of PGUMC, this week the first monthly "Ask Jay" podcast began.  It is only 19 minutes long but I think everyone who goes to PGUMC should hear it.  If you don't attend, I think you'll enjoy getting to know Jay Minnick our minister.  His personality really comes through in the podcast.  Also, Dave does a GREAT job as the host (but then he is a professional)!  Here's the link if you want to take a listen.

Podcast of "Ask Jay"

Now if Joe & I can just get our family visits during Christmas arranged and lined up all will be good.  Since Joe has his concert on the 23rd, two Christmas services on the 24th and then we leave on the train for Old Town Alexandria on the 28th - and all this coming the week after chemo - we aren't going to be able to travel to Hope Mills or Greenville.  So if the families want to see us, they are going to have to travel and it's been difficult getting timing arranged given everyone's different schedules.  But it will work out and all will be good.  I have faith.

Thank you for all the Christmas cards that are coming in along with the emails, phone calls and prayers during this Advent season.  Joe and I are both so grateful for our friends and loved ones.

I just keep repeating my mantra for Advent:  "Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All"