The 2018 Keeping It Real Allison Christmas Letter

So Stacy I were taking a walk in our neighborhood when a car pulled up next to us and asked for directions. As Stacy gave directions, I knew she was mistaken. A newly married man might say she was “wrong.” I’m sticking with “mistaken.” After a “lively discussion” with her, I convincingly showed her why she was wrong… I mean mistaken… about the directions she had just given. A “conversation” ensued. When she finally realized I was right, she quit talking and kept walking. I said, “Go ahead and say it.” She said, “Say what?” I said, “Say that I’m right. I would love to hear you say that I was right.” Stacy kept looking ahead and said, “You’re right. However, I would have been right had I explained it another way.” There you have it. Thirty years of marriage in one story. And I love her all the more for it. Have I ever mentioned we’re both first-born children?

One morning before school, Sadey, our favorite 17-year-old, and I were quickly taking a minute to read Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men.” I asked, “What is your greatest challenge in living a Colossians 3:23 way of life?’ Sadey responded, “Probably not being a turd to everyone.” I said, “I love how you keep it real.” Sadey replied, “I do have a way with words.”

Ivy, our favorite 7-year-old, and I were sitting on the couch. Ivy tooted. I heard it. She looked embarrassed. I said, “That’s okay. Lots of living things pass gas.” Ivy replied, “Well, there’s proof that I’m living and yet also so very deadly.” Ivy really enjoys Child Evangelism Fellowship’s Mailbox Club where she reads Scripture, answers the questions, and sends the lesson back to be checked by CEF. She was working her way through one of the lessons and came to the question: What part of the Bible tells us about creation? Ivy responded, “The Old Testament.” The next question was: “What part of the Bible tells us about Jesus?” Ivy replied, “The New Testament.” Then she stopped, thought for a moment, and added, “Technically, the Old Testament tells us about Jesus too because of prophecy.” Touche’ young ninja Bible warrior.

On a very rare occasion, I found myself shopping for clothes with Stacy. I love Stacy. Shopping for clothes? Not so much. (You may have noticed I’m a big fan of concert T-shirts. Classy. I know.) Once I got into the changing room, Stacy began to give me nice clothing she thought I might like. I didn’t. But she kept trying. Finally, I said, “I don’t need you to dress me. I’m a grown man.” It was only two days later, I was getting ready to preach at church, I asked her, “Does this match?” Like a Venus Fly Trap, she said, “You don’t need me to dress you. You’re a grown man.” Even I laughed. Well played love of my life. Well played.

We're not joking when we say: We hope this is your best CHRISTmas ever! Thanks for tracking with us via Cup O' Joe with Bill.

More Christmas Fun...

* Why we don't write regular Christmas letters

* How NOT to tell your kids about Santa

* It's NOT a wonderful life

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