“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us… In Him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1
Once again I have the joy of sending out a Christmas newsletter and as I look back over the past year I can see that there are so many things to thank God for. He is truly the Light that dispels darkness and gives us hope.
This year has been a full one and I am continuing to get stronger as time goes on. Early this year I had an operation to sever some nerves in my back to help decrease the very strong muscle spasms I get which interfere with many of my daily activities. It worked quite well initially and made life much easier for me. The spasms have returned to a certain degree, but I am coping fairly well. As it is, I manage to keep busy around the house caring for Daniel, sewing, visiting with friends and going out to church activities or shopping. It’s good to have more energy and to be enjoying an active life once again.
Daniel sure knows how to keep lots of activity in our home, even if he makes Ron and I sometimes feel a little lazy! He just turned 3 in October and he has been the source of incredible joy for us as well as a source of aggravation at times. The age of 2 was a breeze with him compared to some of the power struggles we are going through right now. At any rate “this too shall pass” and we still love the little guy like crazy! He enjoys all kinds of activities, but his hammer (“bang-bang”) probably ranks as his all time favorite toy. It has even accompanied him into bed on occasion. He has also been busy memorizing a bunch of Bible verses this year!
We had a good summer and enjoyed lots of picnics and family activities. We even went on a “campout” with some friends and Daniel had a great time playing on the beach while Daddy went out and won the golf tournament on his birthday! (We won’t debate whether they just let him win because it was his birthday or if it was his phenomenal judgment and skill at the game…). Daniel spent many of his summer hours playing in his sand-box, splashing in his wading pool and taking swim lessons with Daddy.
Ron has had a lot of good experience working for his brother’s electrical company this year. He has done a wide variety of jobs right from managing the office to running a job at a large apartment being built here in Kelowna. He did very well at that and will be starting another one shortly. Some of his leisure activities include hockey, volleyball and squash. And of course his all time favorite summer activity – golf! He’s also involved in a singing group at church for Christmas.
We are continuing to enjoy the church we are attending. Presently we are studying the book of James in some depth and there is a challenge out to memorize the entire book! So far I’ve managed Chapter 1 and Ron isn’t far behind on verse 4. It’s an excellent book to study and hopefully I’m learning to “consider it pure joy…when I face trials of many kinds!” At any rate I am asking God for the wisdom which He promises to “give generously” as I attempt to be a good mother and wife. At our home group meeting I am leading worship along with a friend and it’s a good opportunity for me to play guitar again.
I’m having so much fun preparing for Christmas this year and I’m really enjoying Daniel’s enthusiasm about Jesus’ birthday!
