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our 2011 Christmas letter


We love this time of year for so many reasons.  Christmas is all about Jesus!  On Christmas day our family will travel to be with more family in Georgia for the week between Christmas and the New Year. Living so far away from home is tough, but we have great family.  We have had guests in our home this year from Indiana, England, Oklahoma and Georgia, both friends and family, and it has been so good.  Rebecca and Ruth are now part of the Bassett High School Marching band which consumed much of our fall, and they did great.  Ruth is excelling in band being part of all-district middle school band.  Rebecca is ready for another year of JV winter guard.  Julie is working on her Master’s degree from Liberty University and has made all A’s.  The Community Fellowship continues to grow plus our Dream Center is becoming ever more of a reality as we hope to announce soon that a building has been bought.  This year’s back2school outreach helped over 1,000 children with new shoes and socks, backpacks and school supplies, clothes and haircuts (each child’s feet were washed and a volunteer prayed for each).  Ryan is growing and enjoying Cub Scouts.  Traveling is something we enjoy, and this year we went to Washington DC in the spring, the beach in the summer, Michael went to Florida in June for a meeting, to Watkins Glen, NY in the fall with Ryan, returned to Los Angeles last month while Julie and the kids went to Baltimore for the marching band national competition.  When our children turn 13, we plan a special trip and do some other special things.  That meant Rebecca planned a trip, and she and Michael went to Williamsburg, VA to visit historical sites, go to Busch Gardens and have lots of fun.  In 2012 Ruth’s 13th year trip will happen.  As a family we have also served through the church in many ways.  It is awesome to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.  2012 is sure to be an even greater year that God uses.

RYAN – this year was special because of our trip to DC & going to the NASCAR race at Watkins Glen.
Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created heaven and earth.

RUTH – this year was special because being part of the marching band
Isaiah 7:14 - So the Lord himself will give you this sign: A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel [God Is With Us].

REBECCA – this year was special because of starting high school.
Luke 2:11 - Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city.

JULIE – this year was special because of beginning my master’s degree.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.

MICHAEL – this year was special because of seeing lives changed and the Dream Center become a reality.
Hebrews 12:12 - So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.

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