2009 Christmas letter

Tale of Three Trees
There were once three trees. The first tree dreamed of holding a treasure. The second tree dreamed of being a strong ship. The third tree dreamed of being the tallest tree in the world. So that when people raised their eyes to heaven to look at her............they would think of God.
One day, wood cutters came and chopped down the trees. The first tree became a feed box for animals. The second tree became a fishing boat. The third tree was cut into beams and left in a pile. The trees eventually forgot their dreams. One night, a lady used the feedbox as a manager for her baby. The first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure of the world. The second tree was caught in a storm. But with one word, one man calmed the waves. The tree knew he was carrying the King of heaven and earth. One Friday, the third tree was taken from the woodpile. And a man's hands were nailed to her. Sunday, the third tree knew that God's love had changed everything. It had made the first tree beautiful. The second tree strong. And when people look at the third tree, they think of God.
This year in the Leavell household, we have sought to dream big. We now have our own business, OakenBleau Ltd.., which has been a welcome source of revenue, and opened up opportunities to get to know some new people. We were able to accomplish many outdoor projects during the warmer months, along with planting our own version of a “victory” garden this summer. Learning by trial and error that string beans really do need to be unstrung. We were fortunate this year to make a VERY long trip to the Outer Banks for a beachside visit with the ghost crabs. Elijah started his first year of preschool, learning everything from the days of the week to why spiders have 8 legs. Everyday is a new adventure. Gabriel is learning what it means to be an only child 3 days a week, I think he likes it! Elijah is becoming more observant, causing mom and dad to spell everything in code, while Gabe is becoming our little comedian.
John and I are learning to dream big regarding the things that require faith and trust, as well as being challenged to become more thrifty and creative in how we use our resources. We are basking in the simpleness of what this season was meant to be, a spotlight for our dear Saviour's birth.
Like the three trees, we all have dreams. If we trust God and let Him be our guide, he will answer the desires of our heart in ways we never thought imaginable. May God bless you and fulfill your dreams this Christmas season and in the coming year!