Happy Holidays!

During the Christmas season, I share every year the happenings of our family over the past 12 months.  I call it my Holiday Letter instead of my Christmas Letter to take the pressure off me, so I don't have to worry about the letter getting to all my friends before Christmas, just as long as they receive it before the New Year.

I thought I would share my letter with my bloggy friends as well.  Please enjoy!

Dear Family and Friends,

We are praying that you are having a wonderful holiday season.  Knowing this is a very busy time for everyone, we still hope you are enjoying each other and that you are remembering what a great gift God has given us with the birth of our Savior.

2010 was year of change for us.  In January we had to say good-bye to Jim’s mom, Edith Mae, as she went to be with the Lord.  In November, we welcomed our new son-in-law, Daniel.  Just one week later, Daniel and Janae moved to Oklahoma to begin their new life together.

Life is full of change.  We accept that and embrace it, always knowing that as children of God, He always has His hand on our lives and never allows things to touch us unless it fulfills His purpose.

Every year, we like to share a scripture, a sort of “life verse” for the coming year.  In 2011, we are reflecting on this:

“And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you.  And we pray that God, by his power will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 New Living Translation

He will use the changes that happen in our lives to make us worthy of our calling!  Take great comfort in that promise!

In 2011 Malia will be graduating high school and intends to go on to college to become a legal administrative assistant. Jerri will still be working at the church, and Elissa will be completing her second year of teaching. In January, she will be starting a master’s degree program offered through Egyptian and SIU.

Jim has been doing really well. He is excited that basketball season has started and he can go watch Malia cheer.

We thank God for each of you, we love you, and expect to hear great things in the coming year for you.  May 2011 be your best year ever!

On our way to heaven in 2011 (yes, I’m still dorky!),

Jim and Jerri,

Elissa and Malia

Janae and Daniel 

Here is a couple photos from the past year:

I'm linking up with Susanne's Living to Tell the Story.  Although, technically this is not a Friday's Fave Five post, it still does reflect some of my favorite things:  family and faith.