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Dear Family and Friends,
This morning I have been sitting here looking at it gently snow big fluffy snowflakes and cover an already white ground. I am amazed at how beautiful this time of year is, and yet I am constantly reminded of how incredibly ugly it is. The world wants so badly to remove Christ from this season. We are trying to be convinced that saying Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings is the politically correct thing to do, that is the tolerant thing to do. What happened to people being tolerant of our religious beliefs? The United States was founded to protect the religious freedom of it’s people. But in reality they are protecting everyone’s rights except those who call themselves Christians. We want you to know that we are proud to celebrate this season to honor our Lord and Savior. Merry CHRISTmas everyone.
Now that I have stood on my soap box and preached my sermon for the day, let me update you on our family and the events of the year:
Our big news is the we are going to be Grandparents. Pammy and Kevin (Scott) are expecting a little girl the first part of April. We are all so excited. Pammy told me after having her ultrasound,"Mom, we’re having the cutest baby in the whole world." I am sure that she is absolutely right, and I proudly say that with rose colored glasses. We are planning to go to Portland to be there when the baby is born, and to help for a couple of weeks afterwards. Be prepared to get lots of pictures from this very excited set of grandparents.
The other big news of the year is that Elaine and Jeff are buying their first home. We are so excited for them. I remember the excitement of buying our home and planning all the remodeling, fixing up, and decorating. Rick has been able to share his mortgage expertise along the way. We wish we lived closer so we could help with all the work. ( |
Kevin is back at Multnomah, majoring in educational ministries. Jeff graduates in June with his degree in Organismal Biology from Portland State University. We are proud both of them and excited about what the future holds. All of the kids are very involved at their church and committed to the Lord. Pammy and Kevin, work with the Junior High kids, Elaine and Jeff work with the toddlers and are very involved with a young married group. We are so blessed to have children that love the Lord and are committed to serving him.
Not much news on the boys front. They found the website this summer, this was an answer to prayer, and we are thankful. They are now able to see a side of Rick that contradicts what they have been led to believe. We are so thankful that we have had this opportunity to share some truth with them. We continue to pray for their blessing and protection, and that God will continue to work in this situation. We know that God is in control and is working on our behalf and theirs. Thank you for your prayers. This has been a very difficult cross to bear and we would not have made it without you. I am constantly amazed at the strength Rick shows, and his unfailing trust in our heavenly father. He is quite a remarkable man.
May God Bless you richly during this Christmas season. Remember to keep focused on our Lord and the wonderful gift He has given to us.
We love you all - Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Rick & Barb
P.S. From Rick: Barb didn’t say much about herself but anyone that knows her realizes how blessed this family is to have her. Especially me... |
