Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all.  I hope the origin of this day, is not lost with you.  For what we celebrate is not Santa, not Black Friday, not after Christmas sales, not snow days, it is the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!  A tiny infant who would grow into a man who would die for all of our sins, that we may be free!  I am working on a Waterquest bookmark this afternoon, and yes I am NOT an artist- so we will see if the rest of the world sees what I do in this primitive sketch. It will be nice to send out something more personalized with my letters.

This past week I ran into an old friend who informed me that they were newly diagnosed with brain cancer. I am sending out a copy of the book "When God Meets Cancer," as others have found faith and hope within its pages.

Another dear person I have known for too many years to mention has pancreatic cancer. So another of the same book is making its way to him.

I see that my copies of "Waterbugs to Dragonflies" made it so Sandy Hook Elementary. I bought all the seller hand (only 8), but hope to send more soon.

I have recieved 2 wonderful hand written thank-yous in the past week.  Beautiful words, straight from the heart; providing me with reassurance that I am doing God's workd. I NEVER expect a thank-you, I do this not for recognition, but to help people in need- and hope that they will one day simply pay it forward.

I lastly ask for prayers for my father. He is struggling as weeks of aspirating food into his lungs has made him weak and lacking an appetite. My dad is my hero- he means so very much to me. I am very grateful to have him only 2 blocks away, and being cared for by an exceptional staff of individuals. I have treasured every moment I have spent with him these last weeks.  That being said, I am not ready to let him go because he is starving. His poor swallowing ability has made it impossible to safely eat and drink regular food.  His liquids are pudding consistency, and his food pureed. The pureed food he overall has tolerated better, but he simply isnt getting the water he so desperately needs.  I had always believed it would be his significantly impaired respiratory system that would send him to Jesus; I could not have imagined it would be weakness from not eating or drinking because, "it just doesn't taste good."  So as I work on figuring out how to best help him, comfort him, care for him, and ensure he is not in pain- please pray for us. I know he doesn't have years left with us, perhaps only months. But, I still need him; and believe he still needs me.  As long as he can hear me tell him he's my hero and that I love him, and he can tell me "I love you too pumpkin"- I will be grateful.

Blessings to all. And thank you God for this wonderful baby who has come to us to save us from sin and sadness. To God be the glory!