For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
Hello friends and family:
I must start off with God is good! He knows our needs before we ask and he shows us that he knows, by how he provides. This is again, a year of need for our family and has been humbling and even humiliating at times. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to write anything in this newsletter as my employment status hasn’t changed, except that I am no longer in school. I still need to complete 15 credits and I may change those classes to reflect the changing job market. There has been a huge change from hiring people with no experience in IT to a glut of experienced people due to the High Tech crash. However, God knows our needs and is faithful. Psalm 37:4 has taken on more importance to me recently. It says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
This year has been a year of prayer and seeing God’s provision for our family. There have been times of struggle and times of peace. My faith continues to grow, yet at times it still seems so small. Because of our loss last year, I had many worries throughout the pregnancy this year. Each time I would pray in the midst of my fears and God would provide some type of reassurance, whether it be a peace filling my heart or a strong kick from the baby :-). He never failed to respond to my pleas. He also granted reassurance in our financial situation. It has been a long haul and I’m eager for it to be over. Nevertheless, God has provided food at the proper time, funds when we’ve needed them or just a change of attitude to get us through another day. He truly is a living and loving God. We have not gone without a meal, nor has our credit rating gotten bad. We were even able to travel to Oklahoma for Greg’s class reunion and to visit with family and friends. I pray that you too may know the loving provision of our awesome God!
The year 2001 was filled with changes for Ian. In addition to becoming a big brother, Ian was potty-trained (still working on nighttime dryness), moved to a big-boy (twin) bed, went on his first camping trip with Papa and friends, and started a new Bible class at church. He is a very bright boy who amazes us with things he has learned. He can tell us our phone number and most of our address. He can recognize a few words like Ian, Papa, Pooh, Mama Stop, etc. He can even spell them aloud! He is very fascinated by letters, numbers and of course, buttons. He has a great imagination: having a baby Pooh bear in his tummy most of this year, reading to his “goodnight friends”, etc. He loves to laugh and also has a wonderful sense of humor. You would be astounded by some of his quips! He is really aware of Christmas this year and loves to look at the lights and trees and of course the presents. In closing, he wants to wish you a “Merry Christmas!”
Our second son Aidan Thomas arrived on September 7th. His birth was anticipated with much joy and prayer. We received so much support and comfort from our family, including our church family. God answered so many prayers on his behalf. He was born with a hole in his heart and a short frenulum. However, he is growing well. He is almost 3 months old now. He is smiling a lot and babbling. He is kicking his legs and moving his arms around. He loves watching his Mama, Papa and big brother Ian. He is a sweet baby and we thank God that he is part of our family.
We thought we’d include a few requests that you can be praying for throughout the new year.
Greg – a job, finishing up school
Delores – patience with the boys, consistent time with God every day
Ian – learn to play and share with Aidan
Aidan – healing of the holes in his heart, no speech impairment, continued health
SEE PICTURES BELOW