Well Brad,
         I believe that McDonalds is closed on Christmas, so work
probably wouldn't keep him away on that day.  I do believe that they
are still open on Christmas eve, but our community Christmas eve
service is the one that has a more powerful message and, to be
truthful, I'd rather he attend that one, if I had my
druthers.  Unfortunately, if he attends the Christmas eve service,
then it looks like I have him for the night.  I don't sound like I'm
overly excited about this do I.  Well, I'm not.  I'm almost dreading
either senario.I know, I'll go visit my folks in Michigan!  No, that
wouldn't work.  I need to be there to accompany all of the music on
Christmas eve.  Oh well.

         By the way, a small P.S., which I know that you will
understand.  We've ordered a few things from the Packer Proe shop for
Chris for Christmas.  When I didn't know that he was coming, I didn't
really care when it arrived.  Now that he may be here, I pray that
his gifts from Wisconsin will be here on time as well.  That might
sweeten things a little.
Kathy


At 10:56 AM 12/17/2005, you wrote:
>Kathy,
>
>I certainly understand your concern and would have same myself. As I read
>I, having a suspicious mind anyway, was sensing potential for a butter job.
>Let me just interject this thought, or rather perhaps invite you to do a
>little forward thinking for which there is no need to reply at all, just to
>project in advance. Let's say it is Christmas Eve and Chris is on his way
>to spend the night, church or no church, even, just that he is coming to
>spend the night and next day with you guys. How does that make you feel?
>Then let's look at the fact of it is four days before Christmas Eve, Chris
>calls and says he can't make it  cause he is scheduled to work and won't be
>able to spend the night but can only come on Christmas day for an hour or
>two for dinner and exchange a gift or two. How does that make you feel?
>Now  having looked at two possible scenarios, which can you live with and
>enjoy the holiday the most? Which can you find less intrusive of the
>celebration and time with family? Again no need to answer here, but I find
>that sometimes when dealt with a situation or potential situation, it is
>easier to just  visualize the day is here in any situation and that
>sometimes help gives time and insight to prep or handle the situation. That
>doesn't mean it is completely settled as guilt of not wanting Chris there
>or feeling relieved he can't make it might be present if he doesn't come,
>or the opposite situation would have it's own conflicted emotions. I like
>to look at two extremes in a situation, find a solution to each, and then
>look at a probability between them when ever possible.
>
>Brad
>
>At 07:32 AM 12/17/2005 -0500, you wrote:
> >         Hi guys,
> >
> >         Well, we've heard from Chris again.  He called yesterday evening
> >from his girl friends house.  We discussed plans for Christmas.  He
> >said that he would like to come home for the night, Christmas
> >eve.  He also said that he is willing to come to church with us for
> >our traditional Christmas eve service and he may also be interested,
> >or willing to attend church with us Christmas day.  He also
> >apologized, again for the way that he used to treat us.
> >           I know that all of this sounds good, but I'm not getting my hopes
> >up.  Chris can be a really smooth talker and very manipulative.  He
> >may be sincere, he also may be trying to sweet talk us into
> >something, or he may be in real trouble and is trying to smooth the
> >way before we find out.  He was suspended from school, for a day, on
> >Thursday, for swearing at a teacher and throwing around his
> >things.  I think that it is starting to get rougher out there for
> >him.  He doesn't have us to take his stress out on any more.  To my
> >knowledge, his wallet has still not been returned and that has to
> >continue to bother him as well.
> >         This must sound like such a sick and twisted message.  I guess that
> >most people would think that I'd be thrilled to have all my children
> >home for Christmas, and maybe all in church.  However, HallMark isn't
> >writing the script for my Christmas gathering.  "Anything could
> >happen and that's why I"m letting you guys know.  I need prayer that
> >my Christmas will be okay.  I mean, I think things like, if Chris
> >doesn't go to church with us next Sunday morning, do we let him stay
> >home alone with the presents?  What a mess!  I want to rejoice, but
> >it will take a lot of prayer and leaning on the Lord for this one.
> >         Pray that I will hold on to the belief and hope that this will be
> >another opportunity to show Chris God's love, as I did before he left
> >by washing his clothes and keeping his room neat and clean.  Please
> >pray that the Lord will protect the day, in our house, that the
> >prince of peace will truly reign here and that steps will be forged
> >toward reconciliation between us and Chris, and Chris and his
> >savior.  Wouldn't the repentant heart of a wayward son be a wonderful
> >Christmas present?
> >Kathy
>
>Brad
>
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