Today has been a good day so far. We woke to pancakes and bacon, and Mom and Dad did some shopping too. We skipped lunch, and had zuchini for dinner...yum. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and we plan to stay home this year. Traffic and weather are two main reasons, but also due to my low stamina. I've gotten a little better, but my back can't handle sitting for a long period without breaks. It's still going to be a nice Christmas either way. We'll gather Monday to open gifts and have dinner.

I've been praying for a lot of people this weekend. And in the prayer, I have discovered that my new passion is helping children, teens, and adults deal with all kinds of painful situations. If I can be of help to them or someone they know, may it have more meaning than the gifts under the tree this year. There are several places in Houston and The Woodlands where I can go to volunteer. I think I'll give it a try. I've been looking for a support group anyway, and even if I can't be involved on my own, I hope to help others in some small way.

Today, I found more music for iTunes. I found a Barry Manilow classic. Mandy. Then, I found If That's What It Takes by Celine Dion. No matter what language, French, Spanish, or English, I still relate to all the music.

Healing happens all the time. And may this art form continue to heal me, as well as my other art, writing and painting. January will bring about new changes for me. And I'm happy to know family will be there every step of the way. Like my friend Jerry once said, "Some of us don't have a family with a mom and a dad to lean on. It's another thing to be thankful for." She's right. I am so blessed. And I told Mom how much I appreciated her help the other day while Abby was here. That alone, meant something.

No matter what friends, co-workers, or doctors do, family will always be there, even if in spirit. In the last year, God has shown me ways to enjoy moment by moment. Even in the bad moments. Each of those makes me grow. Good and bad just means you're well rounded. You aren't as sheltered as you once were, yet the arms of love can still wrap themselves around you, and hug you when you need them.

I know death is in the air...yet I know that God will keep us safe and sound when our time comes to enter His kingdom. We will be judged, yes. At the same time, we will also be loved, and all of our iniquities washed away as we are clothed in white.

This is my vision of Heaven. God forms a place for each of us. Then, when your time comes, you arrive at that place, free from every burden you ever had on Earth. You live a peaceful life in servanthood, all the time.

This is my vision of Heaven. The people you knew on Earth, like you, will be made new. And those that you didn't get to know, well, they are here too. You can form yet another good circle of friends. From old friends and family to new, the kingdom is ever expanding. It is without boundaries, and without end.

"They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not be faint."--Isiah, NIV Bible

This is my vision of Heaven.