Merry Christmas

I asked Joyce if I could be a guest blogger on Christmas Day and she graciously said yes. I hope that I am not a disapointment to those of you that enjoy what Joyce writes. I too look forward to her updates and am inspired by her. I wanted to use this space to wish all of our family and friends a very Merry Christmas and God's blessing for the New Year.

I also wanted to thank you for your prayers and support over the last month. I cannot begin to express to you our appreciation for the love that you have showered on our family. So many people have communicated with us and have expressed their concern and support. I cannot count the number of times we have heard the words "if there is anything that I can do...." and we know that thoses words are not throw away words but have meaning attached to them. Our family is overwhelmed by the love and support we have received.

The first time we were in church after receiving the news of Joyce's illness was Thanksgiving morning. The message that morning seemed to be spoken directly to us. We were encouraged, by the pastor, to focus on the blessings in our life even in the midst of our suffering and disappointment. Even though this past month has been tough, as a family our cup is still over flowing with God's blessings. I woud like to list just a few:

• An intact family unit (Russ, Joyce, Kevin and Kyle) that truly loves each other.
• Family and friends that have shown their love and support in a variety of tangible ways.
• Many phone calls, emails, cards and Facebook messages from friends. Many of those came from peope that we have not heard from in a long time.
• A school community, Hanford Christian, that couldn't be more loving to a guy they have ony known for a few months. Also, former colleagues that let us know that we are not forgotten.
• The comforting messages in God's word. Many people have shared scripture that has personal meaning to them and these have impacted us. I have also stumbled upon passages that now take on a whole new meaning (Psalm 72:12-14).
• A church that surrounds us with loving arms.
• A walker that has recently turned into a clothes rack (Joyce's legs are feeling better).
• The love that my boys show their mother that gives us, as parents, a glimpse of what kind of men they will be (their future spouses are very fortunate).
• Doctors and nurses (and pharmacists) that have been kind and helpful to us.
• People that are praying for us daily. I am amazed by how many people are praying for us. I am convinced that not an hour goes by (who knows, maybe not even a minute) that someone is not uplifting us in prayer.

It feels like that on November 23 everything in our world changed forever. But in reality maybe nothing changed. We never knew from one day to the next how long we will be on earth. It could be one more day, one more week, one more year, six more years or 32 more years. The one constant in our life, God, did not change. His one promise, everlasting life to those that believe, will never change and for that I am grateful.

So, on this Christmas Day and everyday thereafter give your family a great big hug and let them know that you love them. Everyday that God gives you with your loved ones is a great gift.

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow.

Shalom,

Russ