Our Christmas Letter
Merry Christmas!
It’s that time of year again where you receive Christmas letters from your family and friends. Although they tend to be overused, we enjoy reading them and we hope you enjoy reading ours as well.
The year 2015 was a difficult year. My (Becky’s) grandmother went home to be with Jesus in August at the age of 95. We were so thankful with our time with her and she was such a blessing to our lives. We also lost two other friends this year, which was a shock to the family. Like I said, it has been a difficult year.
Josiah (7) is in the first grade. He does well academically, but isn’t a fan of homework. This tends to cause drama in the evenings. He enjoys playing outside with the neighbor kids when the weather permits.
Elijah (11) is in sixth grade, his first year of middle school. He has started playing the trumpet and joined the church Bible Quiz team. But his favorite activity would still be video games.
Noah (14) is a freshman in high school. He enjoyed his first year of marching band, participated in the Fall Short Plays Festival, joined choir, and also is in the Steel Drum Band. He also is on the church Bible Quiz team.
Doug is still employed at Jones Middle School teaching mathematics. This past summer he went on a mission trip to the American Indian Field. I was thrilled to hear he had a great time and wanted to go back! After 17 years of marriage, I have learned once he gets an idea in his head, you cannot get it out. This summer, Lord wiling, we will be spending the month of June as a family serving on the American Indian Field. I am excited for what God has planned for us and would ask you to please pray for our family! We will need those prayers.
I (Becky) have been keeping busy since the boys went to school. Although I’m not working outside the home, I am taking an online course, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, (and learning a lot!); coaching the Bible Quiz team; am involved in Operation Christmas Child; serve as Missionary President at church; and the other usual day-to-day stuff around the house.
We send this letter from our house to yours with love. I pray this Christmas season would be a time that God’s love is crystal clear to you. Instead of being overwhelmed by the evil that seems to be so prevalent in today’s world, turn your eyes to that baby in the manger who is the Savior of the world!
Blessings,
Doug, Becky, Noah, Elijah, and Josiah
Psalm 37:1-9 NLT
[1] … Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. [2] For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. [3] Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. [4] Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. [5] Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. [6] He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. [7] Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. [8] Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper- it only leads to harm. [9] For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. …