Family

As we finished out November, many families like ours took time to remember the many things we are grateful for. "Family" was the Word used more than anything. People are essential in our lives. We all need encouragers, intercessors, confidantes, and those who keep us accountable.

It was Thanksgiving Day when I received a call from my daughter, Christy, saying my Mom was not doing well. She had spent the night over at her house with my sister. She had taken a fall earlier in the week but didn't want us to take her to the hospital. We honored her request, but now we needed to make a decision, which in our hearts knew would change the dynamics of our family. She ended up in the trauma unit of OHSU. Mom is a fighter; she had cracked six ribs, two broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. We know we are in the final days with our precious Mom. Life will be different without the matriarch of our family. She's been the prayer warrior, confidante, and encourager for our family and so many of our friends.

We are now taking it a day at a time. Forever grateful for a godly mother who has been an inspiration in ministry to me. She is a couple of months short of being 101 years old. Keep us in your prayers as we navigate this new journey.
December is a month when many people get caught up in many celebrations, concerts, and Christmas parties. Let me encourage you to step back from your busyness and remember the reason for the season. Take time to worship the King of Kings, our precious Savior. Don't get stressed over "things" - children will remember your love and presence more than your gifts. Give them experiences of being together as a family.

Remember, as you start a new year, the two greatest gifts you can give are: teaching your children how to pray and helping them know the Word of God. These both take time, but you'll have no regrets. Teach them the principles to live by according to the Bible. I look back at my heritage, and I'm thankful that prayer and the Word were the two pillars we were taught.

My prayer as we end this year is:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, show pardon. Where there is doubt, have faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy Divine Master, grant that I may. Not so much seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. And it's in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it's in dying that we are born to Eternal Life, Amen.

Have a blessed December. Thank you for the honor to lead and serve you.