I Saw Three Ships...

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas Day in the morning!

And what was in those ships all three

On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day

The virgin Mary and Christ were there

On Christmas Day in the morning!

And all the bells on earth shall ring

And all the angels in heaven shall sing

On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day

And all the souls on earth shall sing

And let us all rejoice again

On Christmas Day in the Morning!

Tonight we went on a Harbor Cruise in Newport Beach off of Balboa Island. Our dear friends and one time neighbors, the Hobbins, have a yacht there and invited us and a few other families to go sail the harbor and see all the Christmas lights for family home evening. Here is our Captain for the evening, Mark Hobbins with Christine.


Mark let Christine take the helm for awhile. He showed her all the instruments and what they were for, etc. He stood right by her, but let her guide the boat as he told her where to go. She did a good job under his direction! Way to go Captain Christine!

Matthew Hobbins and Christine in the galley. They are the same age and have grown up together.

Carter Hartmann and Davis Shields. Love these boys! Two of the best Primary helpers ever!


Carol Starr (left) with her children. Luke, Shera, Holly, and Noelle. Swabbin' the deck: hubby Jeff and son Drew.


Madonna (Donni) Shields, Diane Hobbins-our Cruise Director-, and Jan Pingree.
Jeff and Madonna Shields cozying up in the cabin.
Some of the Drasso family: Joe, Kathy, and John.

When I was at Costco earlier in the day, the thought kept going through my mind that, "...all things bear witness of Christ." So during my self-talk while shopping, I decided I would play a little game and see what I could find that bore witness of the Savior as I went up and down the aisles. It was AMAZING what I discovered in what is usually a very mundane chore. I guess the difference was my focus.

So while on the cruise last night I found myself sub-consciously doing the same thing. There were lights everywhere so bright and clear against the dark night-time sky, and the black of the water. I thought of the New Star at Christ's birth. Christmas music was playing, I thought of the Choirs of Angels. Laughter and happy conversation, I thought of the 'Good News' of the gospel made possible because of this sweet baby's birth and life. Food (okay--we had pizza and root beer), the 'bread' of life that Christ is.

The water was very calm last night, and the air uncharacteristicly warm. Usually, the air is frigid cold, especially if you are up front with it blowing in your face. While I was up on the deck for a while, I noticed the sound of the gentle lapping of the water against the boat. I thought about His teachings at the water's edge. Of calming the sea. What it might have been like being on a fisherman's boat with Him.

We had a lovely evening. Balboa Island is such a quaint place. Little one of a kind shops, and very unique ocean homes. It took me back to my childhood when my dad's parents lived in their duplex at 441 21st Street in Manhattan Beach, CA. Narrow tiny streets. So full of personality! I thought of both sets of grandparents and the sacrifices they made in their lives so I could have the gospel in it's fullness. Funny, how one thought will lead to so many others.

So, all of this from a simple harbor cruise. Thanks Hobbins Family for a wonderful treat!