Merry Christmas, everyone!

I wish you all a very merry Christmas this year. May Jesus be first and foremost on your minds as you celebrate.

This year I took the plunge and returned to school. I am taking classes part time in the evenings at IU South Bend and applying for entrance into their Transition to Teaching program. This accelerated program would make it possible for me to graduate with a graduate or master's degree in elementary education in December 2010.

In anticipation of this career change, I did some substitute teaching in the spring and accepted a paraprofessional (special education assistant) position at Goshen Middle School for the current school year. I am working with one student on a one-on-one basis. I get him from the bus, then go to breakfast and most of his classes. I help other students when I have time, especially during two periods when he is elsewhere.

Since my job is not at an elementary school, I began volunteering at my church, Tri Lakes Community Church, once a month in Kids Ministry Zone (KMZ). KMZ takes place during the sermon on Sunday morning. I am enjoying this small way of connecting with this age group.

Once or twice a month I help lead worship at church. I sing as a part of a three- to four-member team (leader, guitarist and drummer).

God has been good again this year. I have been in my own home for 18 months now and really love it. I am not home much but it is so nice to have my own place for studying, relaxing and hosting friends.

If you want to know what's going on in my life, visit this blog or find me on FaceBook. Email me at bp95ccs@maplenet.net. I am the sports information director for my alma mater, Clinton Christian School. If you are interested in Clinton Christian School athletics, go to clintonchristiansports.blogspot.com/.

As 2008 comes to a close, I pray that God continues to bless you and your family. Don't forget the miracle that He came just for us so that we could live for Him and not for ourselves.