Saturday, December 17, 2016

Happy, Holy Christmas!


2016 Blessed Christmas 
And Going Deeper

     Don’t you love Christmas! It seems utterly amazing that the one and only God, the power force behind all that is, would love us without our “goodness” first earning His love. That He treasured each of us before we knew Him and could return His affection seems incredible. He was willing to enter this world with all its darkness and self-absorption to boldly declare “I LOVE YOU” and forever fill the longing within our hearts and satisfy our yearning to be cherished through eternity.

     It’s taken us a lifetime to understand love like this that would endure torture with poise to show the world death cannot hold us and no longer has power.  This is huge! Christmas is the starting point for the Resurrection,  the greatest event that occurred on earth.  Jesus entered as a Babe, became the Teacher modeling the way of truth and life, and the suffering Savior who set us free from fear and emptiness. He infuses us with hope to face any challenge with deep peace. We love and are loved by Him! This is what we celebrate during these sacred days.

     We started Christmas celebrations early in Door County with our sons Dan and David and daughters-in-law Kathy and Stephanie and twins Joshua and Anna. We look forward to having the entire family together for Christmas at Pam and John’s home with their adult children DJ, Steven, Katie and her husband Alex. David won’t have to travel four days by car to attend. He moved his family back to WI last July. Yay! Our daughter Tamara is flying in from Florida and her son Dr. Jack from Michigan. We’re happy to report all is well with our four precious sons and daughters and their spouses and our delightful seven grandchildren.

     We currently enjoy three winter months in Florida and the beauty of Wisconsin the rest of the year spending time with family playing board games, hiking, biking, and golfing. On the writing front, I’m still at it. Never Tomorrow, my third Christian mystery novel, came out this year. The third Tommy Smurlee Christian mystery fantasy book for older kids will be available by spring. My thanks to all of you who read my books and leave reviews. Wayne continues to be my first and best editor. We met many new friends this past year at book-signings in WI & IL and speaking to Christian Women’s Connection groups through Stonecroft ministries.

     Words can’t do justice to saying how much Wayne and I appreciate the gift of our connection with you -whether you’re family, friends of many years or new acquaintances. We treasure relationships more than anything in our life. With all our hearts we wish you the best, most blessed Christmas ever.

      “His love endures forever; His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100, Verse 5.