HAPPY NEW YEAR

Goodness - it's almost unbelievable that 2008 is over. A very "different" year for Jeff & I, but we both agree, one of the very best in our 36 years together. Even though it's been one of the "slimmest" years for us financially, we have been reminded over and over again how God does provide and that material things are not the means to a joyous and fulfilled life.

Having the first 8 months of the year just to rest, enjoy time with our Mom's, with the kids and spouses, walk together daily for usually an hour a day, read some great books, and spend quality time with the Lord has been an amazing blessing! Our hearts truly are filled with much thanksgiving!!

And then God gave me the wonderful job at First Baptist - such a blessing. I do love my job and those I work with. Jeff, too has been blessed with being able to write for the church and to develop relationships with many of the staff from both campuses. We love the worship services and our two Pinnacle small groups and are thoroughly enjoying many wonderful new friendships.

The church Andy is pastoring, Metro, is doing very well and we've had some great young couples to recently join the family there. We've rejoiced with new babies being born and/or adopted and several couples getting married (one couple just last night!). It's been exciting!

Good things have happened in our kids' lives as well.......Josh & Erika just bought their first home, a really nice large one in Springdale. Josh continues to work for Lionel Richey (was in Times Square in NY with him last night!). He's back today and the boys/wives and several of their friends/wives are all coming over here shortly to watch football!!

Carman got her Masters in May and is now teaching 3rd grade for one of the Springdale schools and loving it. They plan to also buy a home soon. As I said earlier, Andy is doing well in pastoring our Metro church family.

Rachel & Derek have had a good year too. Rachel graduated from Central Baptist College in May and now works in the church office at Antioch Baptist Church and is enjoying combining work and ministry. She just returned this week from a 3 day youth trip to Texas. Derek was promoted during the year at his job, Conway City Parks & Rec, and continues to do a great job there.

The song, "How Can I Say Thanks For All The Things You Have Done For Me" keeps running thru my heart and head these days. THANK YOU LORD FOR AN AMAZING 2008 and we do look forward to 2009 and Your leading us each step of the way!! I know we can never take a day for granted. The very untimely tragic death of Jill Attebery and other dear friends/acquaintances this past year are a reminder of that. I just pray that whatever lies ahead, my life and my families' lives, will thru it all, bring honor and glory to the One & Only Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are praying for each of you, our dear friends and family, that God will richly bless you and meet your every need and that you, in turn, will serve Him with all your heart!!

Happy, Happy New Year!!