Posted by spriggy on November 21, 2005, at 13:15:42
In reply to Re: working on my Christmas newsletter (already), posted by Gee on November 21, 2005, at 9:32:57
and Emily E- I can relate- this one was the hardest one I've ever had to write because it's been the hardest year I've ever had to face. I tried to make it real but hopeful.
Hopefully it worked:
Merry Christmas
Woe and Wow! For us, 2005 can be summed up with those two words.
I find it hard to know where to begin our yearly family update; this year has brought about more changes, pain, growth, trials, and victories than ever before.
The Lord has given me a verse to sum up what we’ve gone through and it is; “I have refined you through the furnace of suffering.” Isaiah 48:10
I personally have battled off and on all year with my health; diagnosed with a disease that has left me in pain and physically fatigued. I have learned that even with a “thorn in my flesh”, God’s grace is sufficient.
Josh endured quite a battle that is too much to place into words but after nearly 5 years pastoring at his home church, we had to leave (with much tears) and seek God for many month’s on the direction He desired. After God brought much needed healing and salve to our wounds’, He directed us to plant/build a new church. Late September, Josh officially became the senior pastor of “Cornerstone Community Church.”
We have been amazed and surprised at the growth we’ve seen in such a short time; both in numbers and spiritually in the hearts’ of the people God has called to this church. We had no strategy for “church growth” and no “formula”- we simply stepped out in faith and trusted God to do the work. He was faithful all the way and has been able to receive all the glory!
In the midst of this, we celebrated our 7th anniversary (and still no itch!). I have decided that with every passing year, I love this man more and more. He is my best friend and my number one hero.
Our every day lives’ never stopped so we did our best to keep our boys’ thriving in the midst of all the changes. Jacob (now 6 yrs), entered kindergarten and loves it. He has adjusted so well and is learning new things each day. He has fully “mastered” his many impersonations; Napoleon Dynamite and Yoda being the most “requested.”
Austin ( 10 and a half yrs) continues to be a blessing and an example to us of how powerful prayers are; he is talking in sentences and for the first time ever was able to complete the entire pledge of allegiance. He loves saying his prayers at night and making his brother (and parent’s!) giggle. He is still in treatment for autism but we are excited for the growth we have seen in him.
I wish I could share all the things God has brought us through this year- for we have come to know the Lord in new ways and experienced His love at new levels… not because all things were “well” but because through all the pain, tears, and testing, He held our hands and walked us through (Isaiah 43:1-3).
I think more than ever we will celebrate this Christmas with a new realization of how grateful we are that He came to this earth to be our Savior, our Friend, our Redeemer, and our Comforter. Without the hope of Him, I doubt we could’ve survived 2005. But because of Him, we are filled with hope and the promise that His love endures forever!
I pray that you will desire to know Him afresh and anew as 2006 rolls in. That this “Jesus” will not just be a baby born centuries ago, but a Savior alive and well in your hearts and lives each & every day.
We love you all and thank you for your prayers, friendship, and love! You are a blessing.
Josh, Sasha, Austin, and Jacob
poster:spriggy
thread:580675
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20051120/msgs/580885.html