December 2008
Dear Friends:
I'm just sliding in under the wire to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Tomorrow is Christmas Day, the time we celebrate Jesus' birth! And what a beautiful
sight it is here in Boise! The snow is five or more inches deep and still falling with more snow expected for the next week. So we won't have to dream about a
white Christmas this year! We'll be in the heart of it! Beautiful! I love this time of year and haven't seen this much snow in a long time. It reminds me of
when I was a little girl and my mom had to shovel the walkway for us to get to school. It was waist high to me then and knee high to my mom! But for those of
you who have to drive in it I know it's not such a blessing. Today our son slid into a huge rock in their subdivision and crunched his fender pretty good. So
be safe out there and go slow!
Well, Jack has finished his gift wrapping and I still have to do mine. The trees are decorated, the lights are on and the stockings are hung by the fireplace.
There's still cooking to do and presents to unwrap as we say a silent prayer for blessings to everyone near and far. Christmas is here and the New Year not far
away, and I think of all the wonderful friends and family we've been blessed with! Bells are ringing and songs have been sung, the movies still playing Merry
Christmas to all! And it's all because of that one silent and holy night many years ago, when in a manger a baby boy was born. Do you remember the story of how
He came to save us? It was because of Christ's birth that we have the joy of celebrating this time of year with the one's we love, in remembrance of the one who
loved us so. He came to set us free, that we might have life eternally. Joy to the world, the Lord has come! I hope you have received Him in your heart and
celebrate His birth today!
As the year draws to a close I think back to all the things that have happened this year. Some good, some bad. Yesterday my Uncle passed away, making this a sad
time for my Aunt and family. Many of my dear friends, and family, have had to deal with cancer, fire, depression and the loss of loved ones. And yet in the
midst of it all there has been joy and peace as they receive hope, help, healing and diagnoses of remission. Rebuilding of lives is taking place as good people
reach out to help. With the effects of the economy, our community has stepped up and given many hope with their kind and generous hearts. The Benefit Concert this
year raised over $7,300 for the Boise Rescue Mission! That says "we care" and that God is still in the hearts of people everywhere, especially here in Idaho! This
is what touches me!
So my New Year's resolution is to reach out even more, to listen more, to give more and to love more! Keeping in touch is how we're made aware of other's needs. Life is
busy and it takes an effort to do that. So I hope all of you will join me and take a little time out of your day to think of someone who needs your help and prayers
and then reach out and make a difference. You never know when YOU will be the one who needs a helping hand.
Once again, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support of our ministry and travels this past year. You have encouraged us and kept us pressing on
to do God's work and we hope you will continue to do so, as we expect a greater harvest in the New Year! I hope the songs I sing will lift your spirits and encourage
your walk in the Lord. It's a blessing to share this journey with all of you and I know that together we will win souls for Christ.
Please continue to pray for us as we are flying out the day after Christmas for a mini vacation to Tennessee and surrounding states. This is our Christmas gift to each other,
and we're looking forward to enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas even after the holiday is over. Along the way we'll get to enjoy some of our favorite southern
gospel groups in concert and do some sightseeing as well. Once we leave the airport here we'll be enjoying some warmer temps, in the 50's to 70's, in the five states we'll
be visiting. So just pray all goes well with travels and flights back home so I can share some new songs with all of you when we get back. Until then…...
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May it be a blessed one for all!
Love & Blessings,
