Joy-filled Christmas From our Heart to Yours

Life is filled with joys and sorrows.  2014 had us breathing both.

The year began with the sorrow of the death of Elaine's 92 year-old mother. What joy knowing she lives in Heaven where her every breath is joy.

 Lillian Kate (Sam and Katie's firstborn) took our breath away. What joy! What sorrow as her pre-mature body struggled for each breath. Today she thrives! What joy!

With joy, we traveled to Russia and Bosnia where we encouraged International workers to keep breathing and running their race with joy. Elaine spoke to Russian wives and felt joy as three surrendered their lives to Jesus. Dan preached in a St. Petersburg church and gave his testimony at a men's outreach event.

 Elaine rejoices that We All Married Idiots is being translated into Russian, Bosnian, and Spanish. Yet, she sorrows for the hurting marriages around the world.

No sorrow at all when Lucas Solomon (Elizabeth and Joe's seventh child) blessed our world.  

Elizabeth's seven and Joanna's two = ten precious gifts from God.

With joy and sorrow, Dan retired from the Christian and Missionary Alliance.  We breathe ministry and miss people and churches who shared life with us. Yet, we anticipate new doors of ministry God opens for us. Speaking at marriage retreats brings us joy as God breathes life into suffocating marriages.

We love our new home at 8341 State Route 415, Campbell, NY  14821.  (Phone 607-527-6067) We live in the woods where air breathes easy and the joy of the Lord smells sweet among the pine trees. Joanna and Bob, Elizabeth and Joe, and nine grandchildren live nearby and bring great joy to our new life. 

Whether your Christmas is filled with joy or sorrow, we pray you will seek the Baby Jesus and know this precious truth:

"but the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior —yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David....'" Luke 2:10-11

Jesus — a man of sorrows — Who brings great joy to all people. He really will take your breath away as He breathes splashes of serenity and joy into sorrowing spirits.

Joyful Christmas to all,