Marty
(otherwise known as "dad")
This year one of the coolest things in my dad's life was getting a job as an assistant coach. He coached the 7th grade football team at CLP and had lots of fun doing it! He took videos of some hilarious drills his kids did. They provided much fun and entertainment. He looks forward to coaching again in Fall 2009. Dad also worked hard with the bees and with his garden. The garden takes a lot of work, but it's very much worth it. He's considering a church/community garden on the newly acquired church property. It was a tough year for my dad in many ways, although it's really hard to picture that because his attitude is always positive. Looking back, I realize that this year was harder on my dad than you might suspect at first glance. He said some goodbyes to dear people in his life, whether caused by death or departure from this area. He experienced the pain of rejection- not of himself only, but of Christ and His church. This year showed him, and us, the fact that ministry is not easy. We knew this already, but each time a heart turns from God we realize it anew. I admire my dad's perseverence and positive outlook on life.
For the first time this year my dad showed his protection of his daughters not only spiritiually and emotionally, but also physically in a very big way. He has always been my protector, but this year, through certain happenings, I have seen first hand the strength my dad possesses and the willingness he has to stand up for my honor and protection. Any guy can say that he protects and loves the women in his life, but it takes a real man to join action with his words. My dad is a real man.
Another highlight of this year was the hunting trips dad took with Karl. They had a great time filled with fellowship and much chasing...*ahem*...hunting. They have a wonderful hunting party filled with good friends. They enjoy the time together doing their manly things. One more thing that comes to mind about this year in my dad's life is that we spent endless hours at Karl's football and basketball games, some of them quite a distance away from our home. Sometimes it seemed like a bother to drive so far, but we always ended up having such a fun time cheering, getting to know the other families, discussing the games (in a very animated manner), and stopping at burger king or sonic for a "little snack" before heading home where mom had supper ready. ; )
Allie
(aka "Mom")
My mom had another great year serving God and her family. She keeps busy homeschooling Karl, editing my many articles and papers, making our home a beautiful, fun, and desirable place to live, supporting my dad in his work (more editing of bulletin articles), and trying out new recipes as well as old favorites (English toffee, chicken enchiladas, and the wonderful cake mix Christmas cookies topping the list, imo). When she has free time she reads many books on Godly living, raising children, homeschooling, and any other topic that catches her interest. She knows about a wide variety of topics, and is continually educating herself further.
Mom did plenty of work for the church this year. She taught the children's Bible class almost non-stop. She plans and organizes lots of events for the church and is becoming well known for her tea parties. She also started helping out in some areas of the treasury, which has been a great help to the treasurer. A new bulletin board is a sure sign that my mom has been there, and she keeps the building sparkling clean. She also enjoys getting to know members of the community better by working at the post office.
A vacation to Indiana was a fun occasion for my mom. This summer she was able to spend time with her parents and siblings while attending her parents' retirement party. For me, and for my mom too, it was such a neat time because we got to see how much my grandparents were appreciated at Schultz-Lewis Children's Home. They did great work there, and their work with children started something really incredible. Each of their children carried on this love of helping others, particularly children and the disabled.
My mom is a seamstress, and has taken up sewing aprons as gifts and for our hope chests. She has a beautiful collection of very unique aprons. The doll collection also continues to grow. Three more were added at Christmas this year.
Mom is a beautiful keeper at home, and when I asked her about her life this year she said "I love my life. I'm happy. I have a husband and children... How do you explain that to people?" Well, I'm not sure I can explain it in full. But I'll go ahead and try:
Ps 112:1 Praise the LORD! How blessed is the one who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Sarah
Sarah has become quite successful at work. Last year at this time she was a gift wrapper at Sather's Jewelers. This year she is the administrative assistant. She has her very own office in Sather's corporate office. It was exciting for her to be able to pick out furniture and decorations for a personal office only a few months after being hired. She has spent a lot of time getting to know her co-workers and has made good friends there.
In 2007 Sarah was somewhat weak and in poor health. She had ulcers that were caused by a milk diet and too much ibuprofen (after oral surgery). This year Sarah has her health back. This is thanks to her herbalist sister ( ; ) ), a smart mom, and much diligence on her own part. We were able to heal her ulcers using natural treatments. What a success! Not only is she feeling much better, she also has a beautifully straight face.
Another big thing in Sarah's life is the fact that one of her older sisters moved back to the area. Now she has a cute little niece and nephew to spoil, as well as her sister and brother in law to get to know better. We're praying that through our example and invitations, they will become faithful Christians. We're having a lot of fun spending time with them, and I know that's especially true in Sarah's case.
Talk about fun! Sarah was a counselor at Kamp Koinonia for the first time this year. She had the second youngest cabin of giggly girls. A week of prayer, fellowship, scripture, games, and no sleep (even less as a counselor than she got as a camper!) made for some great memories. She enjoyed her time there, and is looking forward to Kamp 2009.
Sarah was excited to vote for the first time this year! It was encouraging for her to FINALLY be able to have a voice in the elections.
Randi
(yours truly)
What a year! As was mentioned before, there were some low spots. This year has been SO exciting, and also stressful in many ways. For most of this year I worked as a nanny for the beautiful little Claire. I miss her very much. But some time off has been good for me. In February I started studying through GCNM's Master Herbalist course. After 5 extensive case studies, 2 papers, an exam, the AWFUL human anatomy coloring book, a fabulous salve-making experience, and lots of study and learning, I'm ALMOST DONE! Soon I'll be Miranda Trujillo, MH. I just enrolled in Vintage Remedies School of Natural Health. I'll be in the Family Herbalist course, gaining the title "FH" in addition to my "MH". This course is going to go more in depth on the specifics of caring for my family's health naturally. I can't describe how much I love learning about herbs and natural living in general. God is so great. He's provided us with our very own pharmacy and all we need to do is walk outside. It's true that He will look after us, as He looks after the sparrows. At times this provision is overlooked, and it's my goal to help people to realize the beauty and health that is right under their noses.
I voted! For the first time! And that was AWESOME! I was involved in campaigning for Ammendment 48. Although it didn't pass, I believe it was a great step and I'm glad I was able to help in a small way.
I also was able to spend some time at Kamp Koinonia this year. I went first week as a counselor- what an experience! The staff was small that week, and I had 13 girls in my cabin. It was challenging, and I was able to lead in ways that I never thought I would. It helped me to grow in my leadership and I'm so thankful for the experience. I've been keeping in contact with quite a few of "my girls" and I hope that my friendship to them is encouraging, and that I can help them in their walk with God. I had another great week at Kamp on third week- my last time as a camper.
I took two trips to Indiana this year. First for the retirement party, then a few months later to spend some one-on-one time with my grandparents. I love it there. I got to know some people in the church there, where my grandpa preaches, and I got to know my grandparents well too. While I was there, Joanna, my second cousin spent some time with me. We had a blast with photo shoots, movies, and shopping! I'm hoping to go back at least once in 2009.
Over the summer I was able to "experiment" with my American Sign Language teaching abilities. Some of my good friends, who are in my homeschool group, were my students.
It seems to me that this year was one of lost friendships. There are a few friendships that I valued so much, but I can no longer claim them as "friendships". I'm praying that those friends will be restored if it's God's will. However, I have seen that God more than fills that void if I allow Him to. Even though I lost some friends this year, I gained even more!
I continue to see God's glory, and He continues to bless me beyond measure. How unbelievable it is that He not only took my place of shame and punishment, but He also chooses to bless me. How awesome is the God that I'm honored to serve.
Karl
Karl. Wow. What an athlete. He played Varsity left defensive end and fullback for CLP Jr. High's 8th grade team. He finished the season with 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks, with 15 carries for 36 yards. He then played with his home school basketball team in the Private/Charter school league on the Varsity starting line up as a power forward. In the last game of the season Karl smoked the old record by making 22 points in one game! He just made the CLP Jr. High 8th grade basketball team's Varsity starting line up and will be playing through January and February. His feet are size 14 and growing (which has made finding basketball shoes quite an adventure for his mom...)! Through all this he spent the summer landscaping, found time to go hunting with his dad, went to Kamp Koinonia for a week, spent some time in Indiana, played airsoft with friends, participated in a basketball tournament fundraiser, and is working diligently at 8th and 9th grade at home. His sports card collection grows and grows...and grows.
Another exciting thing for Karl was that he went to Way FM's Winter Wonder Slam tour! He liked Relient K, DIDN'T like Family Force Five, and ended up REALLY enjoying Tobymac.
Karl is becoming a great leader. He leads singing and prayers, records the sermons, counts attendance, and helps out wherever needed. He also spent a quarter helping me teach a very fun Bible class about Battles in the Bible and the Armor of God. We had a great time teaching together. I'm praying that wherever God places Karl- on the basketball court, football field, in Bible class, at home, in the wilderness hunting- that my brother will use his life to glorify his Heavenly Father and to be a shining light in a world of darkness. Karl has been blessed with great ability and leadership, and I'm excited to see how God will use him.
Roxy and Bossy
Our Poms fill our home with happiness every day. They're always the first to greet us when we come home, and their constant antics keep us laughing. Their buddy, Teddy, came to stay for a week while his people were on vacation. What an exciting week that was!
The Rats
In Rat News- my clan didn't grow at all. It's hard to believe that I went without adding new rats to the family for an entire year. But it's true. I thought that I wouldn't be losing any rats from the clan this year either, but I was wrong. Zebedee, my handsome hairless heart rat, passed to the bridge on the 27th. Donovan is healthy and chubby as ever- a big teddy bear.
Church News
I want to encourage you to take a look at our church blog sometime: http://www.pleasantvalleychurchofchrist.blogspot.com/
The church had a tough year in some ways, but those who love God and are faithful to Him still bring us joy when we meet together. Several young people fell away, and it is our prayer that bad influences will be removed from their lives and that they will return the Christ's Bride as soon as possible. We lost some members- through death, and moving. Each member brings something special to the family, and they are all missed.
A few Sunday mornings back I woke up to my dad, on the phone, saying "Someone robbed our church building!" And someone had. They ripped our safe apart and got away with about $30. We laugh now, because we went through the safe later and found another $400 that the thief missed.
This year was not all bad. We had some fun and encouraging times! We had a fellowship day that was a great success. Our gospel meeting was also successful.
We call 2009 "The Year of Invitation" because we will all be focusing on something seemingly simple, yet actually very difficult- inviting. We will strive to invite anyone and everyone to Bible class, worship, potlucks, prayer meetings, and all other church events. We are praying that seasoned Christians who can help us in the work will come. We are also praying that we can bring new Christians into the flock. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." May we bring in a great harvest in 2009.
