Romans 12:1-2

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Merry Christmas 2011!!!!


Early January some of our dear friends came to visit and both our families went to the Toby Mac concert. We had a wonderful weekend. Shortly after that however, we found out my Dad had cancer. He passed away exactly two weeks later. In July, D (Hubby) had a near miss in his airplane; I did not keep my full-time teaching job due to low enrollment; and we have spent the past three months helping M deal with/make it through two concussions. It has not exactly been a banner year for us and I have sat down many times to write this letter, but have struggled with being real and risk a “downer” Christmas letter or making everything sound “rosy”.

Now, that you know we are a very real family with very real life happening, I can put it into perspective. This was the sermon text at church today” Galatians 4:4 (I’ve included through verse 7 here) But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

So my perspective is the Incarnation – God is with us! He walks with us through each valley and mountain peak and daily pours out His blessing in our lives. We enjoyed traveling this year and seeing so many of our family members – I’ve included some highlights here (minus pictures of Aunt because the ones from Toys for Tots with her in them are still on her camera! The boys get to enjoy many wonderful times with her since she is so close).

Currently – M is starting to feel better. He just finished a semester long project for science and is first chair in band (trumpet). L started competitive soccer this year and is playing indoor 3 v 3 while he is between fall and spring season. I just finished subbing in fourth grade for two weeks and after the break will be in Kinder for six weeks. We are looking forward to having Hubby at home (not at work) from the day before Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

We hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that you daily walk in the miracle of Immanuel - God is with us!

February first we got two feet of snow and a week later got 18 inches more.  We had fun being out of school two weeks and playing all day!

We made two trips to Dallas this year.  This was for a Stars game.
 
New Mexico fromt he air.  Hubby flew the boys there to start their summer with a two week visit.
 
Aunt and I spent the first week of our summer cleaning out Dad's house.  Shortly after we had his side of the family over for a mini-reunion.  It was fun meeting 2nd and 3rd cousins for the first time!

This was from the 2nd visit to Dallas for the 4th of July - enjoyed a baseball game together and then later I stayed a few days with a friend while the boys spent more time with their cousin.

Also in July we visited family in Denver and the  boys and I accompanied Hubby to a conference in Colorado Springs.  Loved, loved, loved seeing Focus on the Family, the Olympic Training Center and The Air Force Academy.
 
The boys would definitely say cruising with extended family was the highlight of their year.  This is the four of us in Puerto Rico.

First day of 7th grade for M and 5th grade for L

Toys for Tots pictures - We have served as a family for three years now. 

You can see some of our ornaments in both pics.  This is the first year that I've had several ornaments from my parents' tree.  I love looking at all our ornaments and remembering.

Merry Christmas!

1 comment:

  1. Dear Annette...such a wonderful year for you and your family...minus the few mishaps along the way! We all seem to have a few of those times that are not so pleasant...through those times, our faith keeps us going! We too, have visited Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs...such a inspirational and lovely place to visit. A Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you and yours! Hugs ~ Teri

    P.S. Such sweet family photos!

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