barrel 12 gauge Shotgun in my hands. In fact, one particular morning I went out I was sitting next to the tree and as the sun came up I began to hear the turkeys gawbling back and forth. Soon one flew above me from the roosting tree to the field behind me. Before I knew it there were about 20-30 wild turkeys flying like bombers over me into the field to feed for the morning. I couldn't believe what was happening, so I tucked my head down so they wouldn't see me as they flew by! Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to get a good enough shot at one, but I saw some big ones and hopefully next time I will get enough to get one! I laughed thinking to my self, "here I am waiting hoping to shoot a wild turkey, while soaking up the beauty of God's handiwork in creation! I can definitely say though that if I take home a turkey this season or not the times of quietness and eager anticipation out in His creation in the early mornings have been well worth it. Going back to my first thought of the moments before the sun comes up and all the earth is still, I feel as though this in a sense is where my life is at right now. I am waiting in eager anticipation for what may come in the future (as the time of waiting seems long, I know that in eternity's time it is a mere blink of an eye that this time here will be). Like the Christmas song says about the night when Christ was born, "Silent night Holy night, all is calm and all is bright..." I wonder if the hours before Christ was born if the world was still and quiet? Then at the right appointed time the Saviour and Lord of this world became flesh -- Emmanuel, God with us. The biggest adventure of Mary and Joseph's life began, but it was only after the still and quiet night that the Son was born. I guess you could maybe say the best things come with time and moments of quietness.
A friend recently encouraged me to look at Philippians 4:6, as I explained how I am waiting to take the NCLEX (Nursing Board Exam). When I looked it up I was not surprised to read this verse that I clung to during many moments in my life. It says this, "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus." 
One final thought. As I was reading in our living room the other day I came across this thought from Oswald Chambers in his devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest. It is so fitting for this time that I am working and involved in the community of Butte Falls. It is my prayer.Chambers writes on December 2nd, "I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself."
I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! I pray that this season of being with family and friends will be filled with warm and joyful fellowship as we celebrate the greatest gift of all -- Jesus Christ.
In the Joy of our Lord and Savior,
Victoria
