Christmas 2015

 

DEAR FAMILY & FRIENDS,

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

2015 has been a good year—filled with joys both familiar and unforeseen. Outside our window we’ve heard the calls of sand hill cranes, the chorus of frogs, and the wind moving through the nearby oaks and hickories; we’ve seen twin fawns, flocks of turkeys, and flaming sunsets. Recently, freezing fogs have been changing our morning world to an iridescent white. Around our kitchen table we’ve shared hours of warmth and good talk with friends and family.

It’s been a creative year for me (Ginny). I’m writing a chronicle that begins in 1938 and inspired by a teacher/friend, I began to compose simple songs at the piano. I’ve finished a series of computer graphic designs; and a cousin and a friend have both asked me for paintings, so as soon as there is time I’ll get to it. I’m mostly pain free for the first time in years and since cataract surgery can read without glasses. A small Ladies Bible Study often meets here; Ed makes our coffee and smiles at our laughter; our discussions make God’s word relevant.

Ed reads voraciously—he’s the first reader for all I (Ginny) write, my first audience for songs, my first taster for cooking, and will be my first art critic if I find time to paint again. He fell several times this year but didn’t get hurt; his memory is changing, but he’s still sharp on current events. Despite peripheral neuropathy and thanks to regular exercise he’s steadier on his feet than he was six months ago.

In our bit of earth, peace still rules. We’re grateful for family and friends; for our granddaughters and for the many fine younger people in our lives. We thank the God of Abraham for giving His Son Jesus to show us His Father’s merciful loving kindness. We thank Jesus for His grace and truth, for sending us His Holy Spirit and showing us that death to self opens the door to eternal life and God’s treasury of love. We thank dear Holy Spirit for answered prayers, for indwelling our beings, for guiding us, for teaching us, for comforting us in loss and for helping us learn to love.

May God bless your holiday and give you-all a safe and fulfilling New Year.