Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas Family and Friends!

Several times this year the Lord has reminded us of all His benefits. Psalm 103 gives us this list: He forgiveth all our iniquities, healeth all our diseases, redeemeth our life from destruction, crowns us with loving kindness and His tender mercies. It continues with, He satisfies our mouth with good things, executes righteousness and judgment. He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, He has not dealt with us after our sins or rewarded us according to our iniquities but has removed our trasnsgressions from us. He knows our frame is dust and his everlasting mercy is on them that fear Him. This year we are thankful for the confidence we have in our wonderful God! How sad it is that children are taught to write letters to Santa instead of taking their wants and cares to a God who cares, hears, and loves to give them good gifts. He gave us the best gift ever when he sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus to be born in a manger. Then Christ lived a perfect life so he could be the sacrifice God would accept in place of our sins. What wonderful news to share this Christmas and all year long!

Mike – I have had a so many opportunities this year. From running VBS, school camp, Coffee Wars, to many church meetings, I have seen God do so many things in our travels and I am excited to see what God will do this year. We have been to many different cities and got to see a bunch of new sights and places. I have been able to work on the farm when we are not traveling and I enjoy being able to help. It was nice having my parents here at the farm for Thanksgiving and going hunting with my Dad. I am so glad to have a wonderful family that loves God and each other.

Carrie – All my life I have wanted to go to Africa and this past year I was able to go visit my sister Holly, who was in Cameroon, for two weeks with my sister Laura. It was an experience I will never forget. We were able to minister in services, took a 3 person plane into a village for a weekend of ministry, and helped run medical clinics. This year has had some really hard weeks as well as wonderful times as a family. We have gotten to enjoy being together and making precious memories. It was nice to be able to spend more time than usual with both sides of our family. I love my husband and boys so much and thankful for the ministry we have together.

Caleb – I am a first grader, and I lost my first tooth this year. I am 4ft 3in and have speed! I love being outdoors. On the farm, I enjoy jumping on the trampoline, running, or playing with guns (fake). In MI my favorite things include riding my scooter, swimming and riding the tube or jet ski. I really would like to be a goalie on a soccer team but with our schedules I haven’t been able to yet. I have made a lot of new friends this year in our travels. It is neat to travel for the fun things we get to do, like candlestick bowling, waterparks, Happy Meals, and the new places to play at and explore.

Titus – I began K-4 this year. I am a slight perfectionist insisting things are in a certain manner. My favorite thing to do is play the Wii. I enjoy being read to, although I am able to read one vowel words now. I love watching movies, and playing with my favorite dog, “Kisses.” I really enjoy going to Chuck E Cheese and Valley Worlds of Fun. I crack up my family often with the things say, the silly faces I make, or with the crazy ways I walk.

Abe – I tuned 2 in September. I had such a fun Tractor party! I had a tractor cake, tractor presents, and a tractor pinata. I love Tractors...and 4 wheelers, trucks, and anything like that. Its a great life for me when we are on the farm. I have really changed so much this past year. Last year I learned to walk on the week of my first birthday and now I run, jump and keep up with my brothers as well as I can. I also love to amaze my parents with the long sentences I use. I really like to be read to, besides playing with my trucks or whatever my brothers have :). I give great hugs and wet kisses.

We are so thankful for what God has done in us and through us this year!