Merry Christmas Dear April

Well.... here it is finally, my Christmas newsletter. Pretty bad,huh? God has been giving me lots of content since Thanksgiving so His timing is always perfect even though I was feeling like the biggest procrastinator. Now matter how I was feeling, God has been in control all along. Why do we doubt that fact so much? C ry with those who cry O pen your home M ake a meal for the hungry P ray for the helpless A nswer the call to go where He sends S urrender your will for His S eek to be grateful I ncrease your faith by obedience O verlook insults and bless in return N ote your blessings There it is in a nutshell.... what God has been teaching me about COMPASSION since Christmas. It looks simple but we as a family have suffered to gain this wisdom and yes it has been worth it. We have cried over deaths of precious loved ones,opened our home to family and a special friend from Brazil. Meals have been prepared for those who hungered physically as well as spiritually. Prayers and more prayers have been spoken for those we love and those we will never meet here on earth. Madie answered the call to go to Brazil on a mission trip and it was the beginning of many new and rewarding friendships. Delaney surrended her will for His as she agreed to go to GCSU instead of Alabama. Ali was full of gratitude for the great doctors and nurses that took such good care of her during her jaw surgery on her Christmas break. She has healed and is as beautiful as ever. Kenny and I are so grateful to God for her healing and all the people who prayed for her and sent meals and just loved us through her operation and recovery. Sam was obedient to commit to soccer during a rough year of coaching and God was faithful to help him overcome and be victorious and a strong leader on his team. Kenny has been patiently waiting to see where God will lead in his career and it has been a challenge for him because he is such a visionary but God is opening doors and creative options are blooming as I type. As for me personally.... I have realized that hurting people hurt people as I continue to mentor women in Hope at my church. I have tried to forgive and move on by blessing those who hurt me and advising others to do the same. So let me end this "right on time" Christmas newsletter by counting my blessings. 1.Love 2. Peace 3. Joy------ no matter what the world throws our way, His presence brings all we need to show COMPASSION! May His compassion be a part of your life this year! Psalm 103:13- The Lord is like a father to his children,tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Zechariah 10:6- "I will restore them because of my compassion."