Now unto HIM that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1:24
Christmas Greetings beloved Family & Friends, December 2020
Well, 2020 has certainly been an unforgettable year! Our familiar “landscape” has altered but our “Landmark”, Jesus - the Living Word, remains steadfast and hopeful. He is constantly full of good news no matter what the media is trying to tell us!
I started out 2020 with a trip to Disneyland and Mexico with a very dear friend. Our timing was perfect as we went in January and we had SO MUCH FUN!!! This has been especially delightful to look back on as we realize it might be some time before these sorts of trips will be allowed again.
My personal world didn’t shift much after covid hit, as I was able to host gatherings on my beautiful, big outdoor patio for much of the Spring, Summer and Fall! We just carried on with our Wednesday night prayer meetings, worshiping under the beautiful sky and proclaiming God’s goodness. I had friends and family over for meals and Mom and I spent lots of time outside, enjoying the garden and warm weather. Vic and Marcia came for several wonderful visits as we are all in one very happy bubble, and even Vic’s daughter Becci came with family making the summer feel like a real holiday!
Elsie started sharing the responsibilities of looking after mom when the community day programs shut down in March. She takes Mom for 3 nights a week and I take her for the other 4 which is a wonderful arrangement. Thankfully Mom is still mobile and so very sweet. Her level of confusion has increased but she usually knows who we are and is very happy to sit and listen to sermons and to sing along when I play the piano. Tante Hilda is now almost 90 and is still leading a vibrant life, living on her own and going for long walks to the beach and visiting with friends as restrictions allow. Every Sunday night we all have dinner at my place, often followed by prayer and singing.
Daniel and Nicole are both still working in Vancouver and I didn’t see them much due to their restrictions since they both work with the public. It was a hard year for them. Nicole got her Social Work Degree in the Spring (sadly, without any fanfare) but thankfully she was able to complete that and has continued to work on the downtown East Side with the marginalized. Daniel is loving his job as an occupational therapist which is a very good thing since it took him six years to complete that degree!
Patrice moved into her unfinished Tiny House in the Spring. Its completion has been slow because of restrictions, but her brother and Dad have been helping her get things done as they are able. It’s settled on a lovely piece of property at A Rocha where she continues to work with the Internship program. She also got a big poodle puppy named “Willow” in the Spring!
Incidentally, I got a puppy too, so we have so much fun whenever Patrice comes for visits. Willow and Winnie (say that really fast, over and over!!) spend hours roughhousing outside or playing inside so we have endless, joyful entertainment! The whole “puppy” thing was pretty exhausting for a few months but thankfully they grow up fast and things are much more settled now. Ladybug continues to be a beautiful, faithful friend – she has learned to tolerate Winnie but prefers to lounge in peace and comfort enjoying treats. She is 13 now! Our other elderly queen.
I also had a lovely young lady named “Hannah” move in the house to help me with bigger jobs around the house. She is a great addition to our tribe and is a huge blessing to me. I’m so grateful for God’s purposes and plans and oversight in my life. I can always trust Him and I live in a world defined by the Word of God – especially Psalm 91. Mom and I often pray those words out loud. The Word of God is my anchor and joy!
May you be blessed as we enter 2021 and may you find Jesus to be your source of life and peace. He is the great “I AM” – everything we will ever need is in Him.
sus,
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