Christmas Letter 2019

December 23, 2019 – Christmas Card Letter 2019

Here it is again.  The eve-eve of Christmas. Only one card has been sent. A few people have been reached by a phone call.  I am blessed with so many family and friends it is not possible to keep up with everyone like I wish I could.  For those who have sent me cards, I value and appreciate every one of them.  I thank God for every loved one in my life.

This year we went on a winter vacation in December which was a wonderful blessing. Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona are each a unique winter oasis for us.  I overdid a bit upon my return, but having rested up yesterday, I am trying to do what is most important by way of Christmas preparations in the little time remaining.

I like to end the year by thanking God for the highlights of my life. I haven’t done this for a while I don’t think. So much happens in a year that swoops by faster and faster the older I get. Some of the significant events for me this year are:

• 2/4/19 a vacation to San Diego. We love Sea World so much. Sunshine in February is priceless.
• 6/10/19 Family Beach trip to Arch Cape area.
• 8/3/19 Heintz Family Reunion Picnic
• 8/24/19 a small, significant visit with my brother/friend and some other family at his daughter and son-in-law’s home.
• 10/28/19 Helped my husband through prostate cancer surgery and recovery. It turned out harder than I imagined; but long story short, God provided. We won’t know a long-term prognosis on his cancer until Feb. 2020.
• 12/7/19 Vacation to Sedona and Scottsdale, Arizona-a trip of a lifetime. I hope to begin writing a travel blog and try to explain why I love travel and Sedona in particular so much. I want to provide travel tips for the partially disabled person like me.

And then there are the ordinary, everyday type things I can so easily take for granted I thank God for:

• Being a part of my wonderful church, Sellwood Church, with all its privileges and responsibilities.
• Caring for my granddaughters on most Fridays.
• My Bible Study Fellowship class: now studying The Acts of the Apostles.
• Piano teaching a few students per week (and wishing and praying for more students).
• Became a chaplain with Nursing Home Ministries and started doing piano/singing/scripture programs again.
• Keeping up with the household and never-ending home maintenance projects with my husband often taking the brunt of the work for me.
• Multiple “hospitality” meals and visits with family and friends, enjoying and using our home for others.
• A few short beach trips here and there, especially a couple with my son and daughter-in-law.
• Continued financial provision from God and major overhaul of finances/planning and legal last wishes got accomplished (so hard to do).
• I made a few dents in my goal to completely clean up, simplify and organize all our household and estate items (why is this SO hard to do?) Less often is really more.
• And so many every day opportunities to enjoy and serve others.

I send this little update with wishes and prayers for everyone I know and love to have a blessed Christmas, and to have their eyes opened to how wonderful it is to know God personally. I have rough times and good times, struggling with my health, etc., but God is always good.  How are you and your family doing?  I care.  Love, Beth