Christmas letter for 2010

I have no lofty or impacting stories to tell this Christmas letter. I can say that our family is healthy, we have a roof over our heads, and great food to place on our table. Our focus this past year has been on growing our faithfulness to our Saviour, and growing closer as a family. We developed a family mission this summer which now hangs in our dining room, it goes something like this....”In this HOME, we read, listen, bike, hike and CLIMB. We are travelers. We like Annie's macaroni. We argue, pray and forgive. GOD PROVIDES. We dance, take walks, and sing. We count our trials as blessings. WE DO ART. We like hot chocolate. We like maple syrup from trees. WE ARE JESUS FOLLOWERS. We practice hospitality. We TRUST in the Lord. We delight in the changing seasons. We LOVE!”
Elijah and Gabe continue to find balance in their roles as brothers and sons. We are learning by trial and error, not to parent them out of fear (thank you Pastor Neal). As time allowed this summer, we escaped Mount Vernon for a trip to the Smokey Mountains to rough it a bit in a small cabin. Great times had by all.
John is undertaking another project of restoring an older VW wagon, right now only he can appreciate the hidden beauty! After many hours spent researching, John built his own kiln, and since then has reacquainted himself with his love of pottery. He has starting making and selling clay tiles at a local art gallery. God continues to provide sick people for me to take care of, and the wisdom to know how to meet them where they are.
As we come into this season of Christmas trees, warm cookies, and hallelujah choruses, we are thankful for our friends and family both far and near. We look ahead as a family at 2011, and realize the hope that we have to give, the hope of purpose, and meaning, and love, the hope of Jesus. We remember the reason for this important time in history, a time filled with turmoil, angels singing, and the birth of one who would change the course of history. So I end this letter and ask you to hear the voice of Linus on stage with one light shining.
"'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
"......That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
In this time of need, both physically and spiritually, know that you are prayed for by us. God places each of you on our hearts and in our minds at different times throughout the year. It is during these times whether at work, praying before meals or in the middle of night, that we stand in the gap praying for His mercy and grace in your lives. May you feel His presence in the coming year!
Merry Christmas

John, Jenni, Elijah, and Gabriel