The only constant in life…

Whew! To say there has been a few changes doesn’t quite say it all.
As I sit down to write this newsletter, I struggle to put to words the emotions.  No single episode seems to capture all that has happened.  Articulating the journey from grief to gratefulness is no easy narrative.  When I went to the hospital, Vivian weathered a traumatic emotional storm.  Fear of losing me, her husband, being left alone and with the kids.  Vivian has described those days in the hospital as being of particular grace poured out upon her.  That the staff we encountered were like unto the angels themselves ministering to her and myself.
The outpouring of sympathy, support and graciousness since then has been truly overwhelming.  From family, longtime friends, fellow Christians and even strangers.  Support poured in from a Go Fund Me campaign started by Vivian’s brother allowing me to take a month off.  People coming to visit with food and gifts.  I could go on and on…
Jesus Christ has brought blessing upon blessings to us and has been the peace amidst the storms.  We are a family.  We are all together.  We are surrounded by friends and loved ones.
We simply would not have made it through without God’s grace poured out upon us through so many wonderful people…

It is relatively quiet shortly after four o’clock.  A day off, Papa and the young ones watch yet another Christmas special while the older kids are either at some extracurricular activity or squirreled away somewhere doing their homework.  Vivian is downstairs quietly working by herself.  The doorbell rings and two little white dogs go nuts, barking as loud as they can.
The three kids run to the stairs but know they have to wait for someone older to open the door.  Papa answers the door just as Alexah magically appears to ask, “Who is it?”
Another kind soul brings special treats.  The children, having waited a whole minute on the stairs, now rush down to bounce up and down excitedly singing “thank you’s” to someone they hardly know. Gratefully received is a treasure box of baking and sausage meats.

God has been so good and faithful and wonderful to us this past year. John 3:27 says “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” The highest and best thank you we can give then, is grateful praise to Him who remains constant.

It will be a wonderful Christmas.  Certainly the best one the children have ever known.  Certainly the best Christmas we have ever known.

Praise the Lord! – and Thank You

The children’s Child Tax Benefit came in!  We are carefully putting together a new financial plan to make the most of it.
The young kids, Alexah, (9), Serenity (6), Jayden (5) and Jordan are all happy, healthy and doing very well.
Our financial situation seems to have stabilized.  We have reviewed, re-arranged, re-organized and looking ahead things are looking alright.  We have set new goals, achievable and set new plan in place.  I feel really good about that.
Please Pray For Us

Please pray for our family as emotionally we are all still healing and still have things to be worked out.
Please pray for Vivian and I as parents to be wise in parenting all the kids protecting their dignity and respecting their personalities while teaching each of them how to do the same.
Please pray for Vivian as she needs time to herself that she would give herself time to pursue her own interests, talents and passions