Merry Christmas ! From Bill's Adventures In Life

In this video Bill from Bill’s Adventures In Life wishes everyone Merry Christmas From Bill’s Adventures In Life. Enjoy the special footage and a look ahead to 2018.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !

Christmas Presence 2017

Growing up my parents helped make the Christmas season a special time of year for me. From the incredible decorations and tree put up with artistic precision by my father to getting Christmas cards sent out by mom to the wonderful smell of fresh baked apricot and nut cookies to delicious mushroom soup made by my father. The Christmas Eve service at a packed church with a beautiful rendition of 'Oh Holy Night' that took you back to the manager. Having friends and family over after service at my parents house was joyous. Cookies, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, music and laughter ruled the evening. Christmas morning was incredible. The magic of opening gifts wrapped with the utmost care by my father brought a big smile to my face. And when I got older the joy of giving mom& dad gifts equaled then exceeded what I received. Then I enjoyed going to church on Christmas morning. Later in the afternoon we would head up to my aunts with what one could only describe as a decadent feast. My aunt could out cook anyone on the Food Network. Ham melted in you mouth. The most moist turkey you ever had. Chicken soup with homemade noodles. Apple and pumpkin pies that made you always want a second piece. After we went home I always fell asleep with a smile on my face. I was blessed that all three of my children were able to experience this as well. With all that being said my parents always made sure the focus was on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fast forward to today. My parents and my aunts and uncles have passed away. Unfortunately the last time I spoke with my cousins was three years ago when my mom passed. I have resigned myself to the fact that we probably will never get together again and that saddens me a great deal.

In 2011 my life took the best turn possible when I met and married my soul mate Valerie Geis Horosz. Soon after that God blessed me with employment after looking for three years and in 2014 God saw fit to bless me with the best job ever in IT with Publix Supermarkets. We also were blessed with Will & Peter moving to Brandon and enjoy seeing them.
I can't say enough about Valerie's parents. I see both my parents in both of them and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They really do make me feel loved and a part of the family.

My wife truly enjoys decorating the house for Christmas. Lights, decorations, garland, battery candles, and a beautiful tree with ornaments made by my dad. It looks fantastic !
But for myself the past couple of years it's almost been a chore for me. Decorating, music and the season felt hollow. Gifts are nice and my wife does exceptional with what she gets me. But something was missing.

Last year at this time I found out through a Facebook post that one of my cousins passed away. It really hit me hard. When I sent a sympathy card to her husband I remembered what he told me three years ago when my mom passed away - "we never hear from anyone anymore". It all makes sense now.

I wanted so desperately to recreate what my parents had. But I've come to the realization its gone. For one reason or another my family has splintered into their own units - with brothers and sisters only. Despite attempts to reach out to my cousins they have not responded.

It's up to Valerie and I to make memories for our children to enjoy and remember.

Last year we had Will, Peter, and Jessica over to exchange gifts, enjoy some great food, and watch several classic Christmas movies. It was probably one of the best Christmas Days we have had in a long time. But unfortunately that changes this year as Will and Peter moved back to Ohio. Very happy for them but that leaves a couple of empty places at the table and in our hearts as we miss them. 

This Christmas Day we will exchange gifts with Jessica then go out for Christmas dinner - we are blessed that she wants to share part of her day with us. 

The best part of Christmas to me is not presents but presence - the presence of Christ in our hearts and in our home.

Merry Christmas !

Enjoy this short video we made at Christmas last year  !

Newsboys United

Few groups to me bring as much passion and energy for the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the Newsboys. They have been a personal favorite and I have been to see them in concert at least 10 or more times. 

Recently they announced a "Newsboys United" tour that will include former and original band member Peter Furler along with former member Phil Joel. I was hoping they would possibly be in the state of Florida. To my surprise, they will be in Lutz, FL which is about a 30 minute drive for us. 

Needless to say I purchased two tickets the day they went on sale ! The concert is on a Friday so I am planning on taking the day off, treating my beautiful wife to dinner, and then going to the concert (she very much enjoys them as well). 

Their live show is incredible. I strongly encourage you to go see them if they are in you area. You will be able to hear the new Newsboys hits along with the timeless classics.

I put together a playlist of some new Newsboys hits and some old Newsboys hits that I hope you enjoy !

Newsboys Old & New