We want to continue our encouragement of showing genuine love and compassion to others despite the conflicting/competing social, political, economic, and spiritual positions and the associated heated rhetoric.

It seems like an understatement to call these “challenging times,” because they are so much more than that, and while there is nothing new about human conflict, the proximity and intensity from previously unexpected sources certainly puts things in a whole new light and category.

I know I can find it tempting at times such as these to withdraw, isolate, and basically pull the covers over my head. But that is not what we are called to do. We are called to, “Let our light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

We are gratefully looking forward to the year ahead and to discovering in what new directions our journey will take us. We were so blessed this past year through large and small events/happenings and are so thankful for your interest and for the opportunity to share those blessings with with you.

We pray that you had a special Christmas holiday and were, once again, so thankful that we were able to celebrate it together with dear family and friends. I struggle to find the words to express how wonderful it is to share each treasured holiday or special event this side of the accident.