We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,                                        December 2009

    Merry Christmas!  The birth of Jesus is always an occasion to celebrate, but this year our celebration is especially joyful!  We are soaking in the moments with those we love, realizing that life is fleeting and every minute must be cherished.  We have been given the opportunity to glimpse what could have been lost, and so we have gained new appreciation for the presence of friends and family which is so easily taken for granted

    This past year has been life-changing for our little family.  In May  I  was diagnosed with liver failure and was blessed to receive a liver-transplant which has given me renewed energy and vigor.  Late this summer Thomas lost his job, but was able to find a new, better job just 3 weeks later.  We’ve been fortunate to experience God’s amazing peace and comfort through difficult times and our lives have been forever touched and changed by the love and kindness we were shown by friends, family, and even strangers. 

    But most importantly, the challenges we faced this past year have brought us closer in our relationship with our heavenly Father, who has been ever faithful through it all!  We have seen him answer prayer , experienced joy through our relationship with him when my very life seemed to be crumbling, received peace beyond understanding when things just didn’t seem to make sense, and we’ve seen him provide for our every need.  We can say with confidence that God is good and worthy of praise no matter what circumstances we may be facing.  So the birth of Christ is definitely something to celebrate, for it is because of his life and death on this earth that our family can go through what we have been through this last year and feel only grateful!

                                        Merry Christmas With Love!
                                                 Thomas & Melissa


    The skies don't seem to be as dark as usual
    The stars seem brighter then they've been before
    Deep within I feel my soul a stirring
    As though my hope has been restored
    The shepherds say they've heard the voice of angels
    Confirming rumors spread across the land
    That a child protected well from Herod's anger
    Is our Father's Son, and the son of man

    Love is raining down on the world tonight
    There's a presence here I can tell
    God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
    He's the Savior we have been praying for
    In our humble hearts He will dwell
    God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel

    I feel compelled to tell all who will listen
    That peace on earth is not so out of reach
    If we can find grace, mercy and forgiveness
    He has come to save, He is all of these

    You're the Savior we have been praying for
    In our humble hearts You will dwell
    You are in us, You are for us, You are with us, Emmanuel
            ~God Is With Us, by Casting Crowns