As I’ve said before, I really enjoy the Christmas season, a time to reflect not just on the waning year, but upon the tremendous gift all mankind received…eternal salvation through the ultimate sacrifice of His son, whose birth we celebrate at this time. I like this time of year because despite the commercialism, the hectic pace, etc…people, friends and family especially, seem happier and closer to each other.
The 3 Wise Men: Senseis Peter, Wayne and Wes
NHPC Shotokan Karate Christmas Party
@ Krazy Karaoke, December 24, 2005
Today was a great time spent in fellowship and karate-camaraderie during the morning, followed by more fellowship and karaoke-camaraderie, not to mention consumption-camaraderie. I think everyone really enjoyed the time spent together…I know that I certainly did. I gotta apologize because, although I’ve only been to a karaoke place a handful of times, I enjoy singing so much…I think I can be a mike-hog at times. Please forgive me…we should have forced everyone to sing into the mike at least once (good for building mental/emotional/physical fortitude, haha).
I want to thank everyone for the terrific karaoke mike you folks gave me for Christmas…yes, I opened and tried it already. I was at my Dad’s house and used it there, since we had a couple of hours prior to Saturday night church service. The system actually rates each performance. I was feeling rather egotistical since the system was awarding me 91’s and 93’s on some classic rock and pop songs from the sixties. My sister’s family came home from shopping and I encouraged her to sing something. She very softly, sang “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” (hardly the stuff of billboard hits), which the system awarded her a 96! Then my brother-in-law (whose wandering humming, we often find so cute and tuneless) gave it a try and achieved a 95! I think Someone was trying to tell me something. Thank you all for giving me something that I will enjoy immensely and yet taught me another life lesson…it’s about the heart, not performance. I really do appreciate it, the truth is, you never have to give anything…I am so totally blessed by your fellowship, friendship, and accountability. Thanks again.
Merry Christmas!
P.S. Thanks for welcoming Senseis Peter,Wayne, and Trisha. No wonder they enjoy helping us when they can. Was so nice of Pastor Nando to take the time from his busy schedule to drop by and grab a bite/talk story with us. He has always been nothing but supportive to the concept of karate-do as a viable Christian ministry.