Merry Christmas 2015 from our Hearts to Yours!

The Miller Family Christmas 2014

All together for the first Christmas in our new home

In these days where uncertainty looms large and fear hovers in our hearts, I remember the two most written sentences in the Bible: "Do not fear. I am with you." Be comforted. Celebrate Christmas with confidence in God's indescribable Christmas Gift, a baby in a manger, the Prince of Peace, Almighty God! 

With our eyes fixed on Jesus, and not the things of this world, we rejoice in the birth of our Savior and praise Him for the joys of living life in 2015. 

Here's a glimpse of our praises:

 A sibling tour took us south where we laughed until we cried with our brothers and sisters.

  Our two oldest grand girls laughed themselves  (and us) silly as our guests at 

a Broadway show and  a tour of NYC. 

 Dan wanted a boat all his life and 
gave himself a nice retirement gift. 

We parked "Splashes of Serenity" on the shores of Lake Pleasant and  enjoyed a fabulous summer at Camp-of-the-Woods.  

All our children and grandchildren joined us and 
the adventures and memories won't be forgotten. 

 Forty-five years of marriage found us celebrating  
on a cruise to Bermuda.

Happy at  home with all 20 around our Thanksgiving table. 

Yes, we are thankful for all the fun of family.

Still, the first love in our lives is Christ 
and our primary purpose is serving Him. 

Our speaking schedules (together and separately) 
keep us on the go. 
Marriage retreats and other ministries 
have us travelling  many days.

The professional highlight of Elaine's year was attending the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference in Florida. 
There she met women who mentored, and encouraged her through all her writing/speaking career.  
What joy to rub shoulders for a week with the best Christian communicators in the world. Wow!

Chonda Pierce, 
winner of the 2015 Golden Scroll Lifetime Achievement Award

Elaine's  book, We All Married Idiots, was translated into Spanish 

 and Bosnian.

 March 2016 will find us in Bosnia/Herzegovina 

teaching marriage seminars to Bosnians. 

Please pray for this exciting opportunity.

Our children bless us every day. 

Joanna and Bob are going through a sad time as Bob's father died suddenly last fall.

 Having them 12 minutes from our home is a beautiful blessing.

Elizabeth and Joe are expecting baby eight in 2016. 

They live 17 minutes away, but we still don't see them enough. 

 So much sweetness to love!

Sam (now a Major with the USAF JAG) and Katie moved to Virginia for ten months of school. 

and then to wherever the Air Force needs Sam most. 

We enjoy our trips around the country 
chasing them to their latest destinations.

 Thank you always for your prayers for our family.

Ministry,  family, and each other. Never did we dream Dan's retirement could be so fulfilling!  

May you know the peace that passes all understanding, 

the peace that comes from God Who tells us 

"Do not fear. I am with you."

Merry Christmas and may Splashes of Serenity fill your New Year!