Happy New Year!

We open today's newsletter with a story. We have a private coaching client we will call Susan. She is a wife and a mom to two children under 10. Just before Christmas, she was diagnosed with cancer. Susan is due to have a pretty intense surgery in a few weeks. During our phone session last week, she expressed a desire to be able to consult with us regarding helping her children deal with her six-to-eight-week recovery from her surgery. This is when we move big time into what ministry is all about. Of course, we are humbled and committed to being available to this mom and her family to provide support, empowerment, strategies, and lots of love during this time.

Your partnership enables us to spend time loving on parents like these. There are all kinds of scenarios that make up family life. We are called to support parents as they navigate everyday life and troubled waters with children who have challenges. Our hearts are tender towards them.

A tribute. This is Andy. We met Andy in our special needs department at church. Andy had Downs Syndrome. Andy went home to be with Jesus last month. Andy changed our lives just by being Andy. He loved to play "chase". At the playground, he would come up to folks (his preference was the pretty college women and high school girls in the room) and say "boo". You were then expected to chase him around the room. Fun times. During story time, he was so engaging and ready to give answers. He especially loved when Marshall (the story teller) opened the Bible. His favorite toys in the room were matchbox cars and he would line them up like they were ready to take off. Andy was only  20 years old but he made a big impact and had fulfilled what God intended for him to do on this earth. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet and work with Andy has been truly blessed.

Do you have an "Andy" in your life? If you do, you know about the special blessing he or she brings. If you don't, we encourage you to befriend a child who has challenges. The child will appreciate your friendship and you will never be the same. Your life will be truly enriched.

Inspirational Speaker:

Amy's Video

Our Amy has expressed a desire to tell her story more. Her life is all about the faithfulness of God. We are realizing more and more that God has a powerful message of hope to tell through our Amy. If your Sunday School class, Life Group, Bible Study, parent group, women's group, homeschool group, teacher group or any other group would like an inspirational boost in their journey, get in touch with us at [email protected] or call 410-746-4058 and leave a message. Sign up now to have Amy (along with some help from dear 'ol mom and dad) come to speak. Questions? Feel free to email or call.

We enjoy the beauty of a sunset. Our Lord and Creator painted a beautiful picture last week of the sun setting over the field behind our house. This photo is the view from our kitchen window after 8 inches of snow:

Thank you for your partnership in our ministry.