CHRISTMAS 2000
We are entering into this festive season with EXCEEDING GREAT JOY.. OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER! This has been a most EXTRAORDINARY year! To begin with, no words can convey the depth of our gratitude for all your love, constant prayers, fasting, letters, love gifts, e-mails, calls etc.. while we have been in the midst of this intense family trials of cancer. How the enemy tried to destroy, but God has seen us through! We KNOW we would never have seen such victories without you, and your constant prayers and support.
Our 29 year old son Todd, who underwent an operation and massive chemo for testicular cancer is now recovering so well.. PRAISE GOD! He was married to CJ during this whole ordeal, and she totally stood by his side and nursed him through. CJ had a daughter, Paige and so now we have another Grandaughter and we love her a lot! We continue to pray for them to have a miracle baby. Todd, CJ, and Paige are going skiing for Christmas, and will be stopping here on their way home after New Year's.
Marty, our daughter Keri's husband, has undergone removal of a cancerous kidney and several bone scan tests have come out negative... HALLELUJAH!!! We had a fabulous time with them in October. Marty, Keri Jeshua and Zach are enjoying the fruit of their labor in the gorgeous house they are building on a lake after a fire had destroyed their home. We also had a great time with Bart's sister Carmen and her new husband, Ben and Bart's niece and son while we were on our trip north.
Mark is going through a separation at this time. Michelle, Mandy and Megan have moved into a new place and Michelle has been busy doing creative house painting for such notables as Mary Tyler Moore. She and Keri and the cousins are very close.
Chip, Suzanne, Colin and Brandon came up after Thanksgiving, they arrived about 15 minutes after Bart had severely cut his hand on a chop saw last week. He and Suzanne took over in helping the whole weekend. We don't know how we would have done it without them. Chip also stayed up night after night upgrading my computer, hooking up video equipment, etc.. We are SO GRATEFUL for them. Chip has been unbelievable during this time of family cancer crisis. As a side light.. he has produced a dynamite Christmas Fireplace Yule Log video with great Christmas music, using OUR fireplace if anyone is interested, for yourself or for presents, let us know and we can get you a discount!!
Donna's sister Gwen has finished chemo for Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Cat scans have now pronounced her cancer free! THANK GOD!! We continue to concentrate our prayers for her husband, Tom who has been fighting colon cancer. He is now gaining weight and doing better under a new chemo treatment. So, as you can see, "The Lord, thy God in the midst of us has been MIGHTY"!
Our children blessed us with an 11 day cruise on Royal Caribbean for our 25th Anniversary last January. We went with Tom and Gwen and had a fabulous time!! We have a terrific relationship with Tom and Gwen and love being with them.
Bart's mom passed away December 9th last year. She was 93. Also, our darling nephew Tom and his wife Jackie went through a loss this past year, her father died. Courtland, Stephie, Kaylin and Shaina have just moved to Fayetteville, N.C. and Tom and Gwen just got back from a visit. Tommy, Chip and Todd still see each other often and go out fishing on Tommy's boat quite a bit. My mom is just loved to pieces by the grandkids, she is a doll. She had several physical upsets this past year, but has come through in great shape and spirits. We plan to be with her for Christmas at a condo near Tom and Gwen's.
Bart is doing contracting work about an hour away, in Kiawah. We have been looking for either land to build, or a home in that area. We have been asked to begin a church in that area. We have been feeling a leading to move ever since Heart To Heart Church closed 2 1/2 years ago, and we believe God has a work for us, but not sure what that is, at present our time has been taken up with family and that has been productive time. We are not receiving any strong word to go forth with the offer of starting a new work, so we will be praying about this area.
A couple whom we love from Heart To Heart opened a church in Charlotte and our bond with them is wonderful. Our past parishioners are still like family and it is wonderful to see them continuing to grow in the Lord. We have been humbled by the amount of pastors who have been seeking one-on-one counsel. God continues to open doors of ministry in prisons, churches, for weekend seminars and retreats etc.. Counseling and deliverance consumes much of our time, and I am involved in intercessory prayer. Our ministry seems to be taking a different direction at this time, we'll keep you posted!
Our toy poodle, Peanut is totally spoiled and adorable. Everyone just loves him. I am still designing collars for him and Bart still has an interest in toy trains.
Hope you get alot of Christmas PRESENCE this year! Wishing you a blessed Holiday Season. May you experience the wonder of Christmas afresh and anew, and in the coming year, may you go forth in God's light and love.
Merry Christmas and love from Dixie!!
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