Merry Christmas

Dear Ones, Christmas 2006
What joy it is to once again sit down and put to paper the things that have transpired over the last year. This annual letter may not be for you to catch up on what has been happening to me but good for me to sit down, take a moment and reflect on the challenges and joys of the year, taking the opportunity to publicly thank God for His love, grace and faithfulness. The saying is that there is a season for everything. This year for me was a season of change.
As you well know I was living with and assisting in the care of Mrs. A., a dear friend. Her family decided it was best that she move to South Carolina with her granddaughter. I had the blessing of associating with Mrs. A for about 7 years. I think of her often. I miss hanging out with her! We had such good times! I am still working at Brightview Assisted Living. I can’t believe I will be celebrating 5 years in January. I love working the 2300-0800 shift. Working midnights has allowed me to participate in other activities during the day. I have enjoyed working with Pastor Mike and the church. Preparing PowerPoint Presentation for our church services and doing special presentations throughout the year has proved to be challenging. The challenging part is to out do what I have just learned. I guess the sky is the limit! This is my second year serving in our AWANA ministry at church. What a joy it is to see these children so excited about hearing, learning and memorizing God’s word. They are so enthusiastic about God that it challenges me to have the faith of a child. The 5-7 year olds that I teach, teach ME so much. These children are our future; therefore, we need to train them in the way they should go! I have also enjoyed working with the Silent Deaf Choir at church. Though we do not have any Deaf in our congregation at this time, but we are all blessed to “sing” with Sign Language. We never know what God has for us. We thank God for Cathy who has patiently taught us!
In April, I was welcomed back into my parent’s house. WHAT an adjustment it has been after living “on my own” for the past 7 years! I am truly thankful for them accepting me back (especially for mom’s sacrifice of giving up her Dining Room). I have had to adjust to the hustle and bustle of being with the family again! There is never a dull or quiet moment! I am very blessed. Dad’s job keeps us on our toes and on our knees, it seems every few months we are told that they will be relocating to Virginia, but within a week or two we hear the move has been cancelled (I think it is the prayers of the church ladies that keep them cancelling the move… this has happened like 3 times!) Mom is doing well, but I will ask you keep her in your prayers as the medication that she is taking is beginning to fight the Red Blood Cells (RBC - the good cells) she received injections of a medication every other week to keep the RBC strong. Rebekah, what can I say about her… she is unbelievable, she works, goes to school and then works the weekend at Kohl’s to pay for school. I am so proud of her and her perseverance. She has taught me so much! Heather, she enjoys working at the hospital, we love hearing her stories, it seems there is NEVER a dull moment over there! She is also going to school to obtain her Nursing Degree. At the moment she is taking Anatomy & Physiology, she is always telling us how things work. Ruthanne has blessed us with her singing talent. Every time she sings it brings tears to my eyes. I am so blessed to be in this family.
May 18th at 0752 was a scary point in my life. I rear ended the car in front of me and it in turn went into on-coming traffic and hit another car. Due to certain circumstances, at that moment I felt that my life had turned upside down. This accident sent me into a downward tail-spin. I praise God for his love, grace, comforting peace, and the prayers of His saints. I want to especially thank God for the support of my family and the Women’s Prayer group and dear friends as they encouraged me and gave Godly advice. It was the support and prayer of these people that lifted me out of what I call the lowest point of my life. It took me about 3 months to come out of a state of “depression”. God revealed Himself in a deeper way to me, teaching me that I can come to Him in ANY circumstance, that He is faithful ALL the time even when I am lost and searching! God is good ALL the time!
In October, I met with several new friends who I had met on a Christian website. We all gathered together in Pennsylvania and had a wonderful time. I am learning to step out of my comfort zone! I look forward to fellowshipping with them again. Hey, I invite you; if you want to get together… let me know! I am learning that we have some great things to do around here!
Trials can be blessings in disguise. After returning from PA, I came down with a severe case of strep throat. Strep throat, a blessing? Well, you wouldn’t think so, and I didn’t at the time. After 2 rounds of strong antibiotics I was feeling better, but the doctor had reminded me that I had not seen her for over a year. She did a blood work up and my White Blood cell (WBC) count was elevated (normal high is 10, mine was 18). My WBC count has rested at 14.2 and the doctor is concerned about the increase especially with Mom’s history of Leukemia. I have just made an appointment with my Mom’s oncologist. The doctor has been such a blessing to our family. At this point even though the doctor’s concerned, she did state it could be nothing. We are resting in the fact that God is in control. Please pray that no matter what happens God will be glorified and others will be drawn to Him.
I want to take this moment to thank the ones that risk their lives day in and day out. To those who are in law enforcement and those who are defending our freedom across the world are often forgotten, taken for granted and criticized, but they have a special place in my heart. Ever since I was young I have had the desire to pray for them. No words can express my thankfulness. We take for granted the gift of freedom, in our world and in our neighborhoods. Please pray for these ones as they serve us.
I end with these thoughts… Ask certain people what Christmas is all about and they respond “Christmas is about presents, family getting together, lights, a warm, fuzzy feeling, a duty of getting gifts for people who have everything, commercialism, and materialism.” I am not saying these things are wrong, I am just saying they are not the real meaning of Christmas. My thoughts go to an annual tradition, of watching Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Before Charlie Brown finds the real meaning of Christmas he is depressed, stressed out and hopeless. Does this sound familiar? Do you feel like yelling with Charlie Brown “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus steps up and reminds us the true meaning of Christmas:
“…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.”
What is the true meaning of Christmas? Christ! When someone offers you a gift it is up to you to accept it. Christ is our indescribable Gift from God. We have the choice to accept this Gift of eternal life and the joy and hope that comes with it. God has given us the Gift of eternal life through Christ, without this we are lost forever without Him. What amazing love! Have you accepted this Gift? He is yours for the taking.
My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. I thank God for you.
May He reveal Himself to you throughout the year.
By God’s Grace & For His Glory,
Gretchen
Keep Christ in CHRISTmas!