Miller's Merry Christmas 2024

 Four years ago, I lay in a covid bed tethered to life-sustaining oxygen attached to a wall. The Lord held my heart during those three weeks in isolation.  Looking back, I realize how delightful was the time. Just me and my Lord. 

In the quiet, He reminded me of Psalm 139:16:

“. . .  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

All of our days are ordained for us before we are born. 

Wow!

 Epiphany!

 “Ordained” means 

“Set apart for a purpose.” 

Every day of my life and yours is set apart for a purpose and ordained by God before we are born.

 As 2025 approaches and Christmas is celebrated, I strive to find God’s purpose     each day. 

Every hour, every breath, every word, thought, and moment is in God’s unique plan for my life.  

I love watching our 15^th grandbaby Evelyn Jubilee discover her purpose.

 Evie has Down Syndrome. 

Her value cannot be denied. 

She brings joy and laughter to every heart. Her eyes twinkle and her whole face beams at her zest for life. So happy to be alive, she treats every moment and each person as precious to her heart. 

Evie sees the world through the eyes of Jesus, and

 just like God,

Evie delights in you.  

As we ponder the birth of the baby Jesus, we realize

 God knit Deity in Mary’s womb for a great purpose:

 To bring us to God. 

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sins

and rose again three days later!

  And what is our response?  

Ask God’s forgiveness, 

repent of our sins,

 believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and 

surrender our lives to Jesus as our Lord and Savior and Shepherd. 

The Lord is our Shepherd as we seek our purpose.

 A shepherd guides his sheep.

 Take hold of Jesus and allow Him to guide you to the perfect purpose God ordained for you when He knit you in your mother’s womb. 

What a precious Savior and Shepherd is Jesus our Lord!

Dan and I and all our family are well. 

We count it all joy to call you our family and friends.

Blessed Christmas!

Christmas 2022 Love Letter

 

Blessed Christmas 2022

   "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

A Savior is born!

 He is our only salvation and the

 Only Source of True Joy. 

In a world ugly with sin, 

God sent a Gift of Love,

 His Son The Lord Jesus Christ. 

 We rejoice this Christmas to know His Joy and His Love.

Dan and I marvel at the miracle of God's care and healing. Covid damaged 40 percent of my lungs, and doctors gave no hope of my lungs being restored. Once again, God surprised us when a lung function test indicated a great improvement from a year ago. Hallelujah! My lungs overflow with praise for God who continues to deliver healing to my body. Whether 40 percent or 100 percent, my lungs runneth over! 

Thank you to my army of prayer warriors who prayed me through cancer and severe covid. God answered in miraculous ways and I am forever thankful to Him and to you. Many of you said God was not finished with me. Looks like you are correct, and I am thrilled to be back speaking at retreats and women's events. I love sharing my story with women.  

Dan fills the pulpit in various churches many Sundays. Hearing my favorite Pastor preach is always a blessing. We are both thankful for opportunities to share God's Love and Joy and Jesus. 

  

Our oldest, Joanna, teaches reading (the best job ever, she says). Her husband Bob continues as a newsman with Family Life Network (and a baseball coach). Gracie graduated and is guarding lives at the Y. Ryan's love is baseball. He grabs any opportunity to swing a bat or pitch a ball.

Elizabeth and Joe didn't have enough children to keep them busy, so Elizabeth began a two-year course for a Masters in Nursing, specializing in midwifery. Joe's JOE Pro Services keeps him as the face you welcome when your house breaks. Connor is a welder. Garrett is in the Army and deployed to S. Korea. Ava attends Corning Community College.  Brenna, Charlotte, Isaac, Lucas, Gunnar, and Sailor are so smart and so sweet. Joyful love is the name of their game.

Sam and Katie serve in the Air Force in S. Dakota. We've enjoyed a couple of trips there and found Rapid City to be breathtaking. Sam has a fly-fishing stream a 5-minute walk from his house. His idea of Heaven! Katie is active encouraging military wives. Lily, Jack, and Holly are too cute to describe! 

This Christmas may your hearts be filled with the Joy of His Love. There is no greater Love and there is no greater Joy. We are forever thankful for Jesus, His Love, His Joy, and His Blessings.

A joyful Merry Christmas with all our love,

Elaine and Dan (and our two sweet kitties, Sunshine and Dandy-Lion)

Merry Christmas Good News and Joy from our House to Yours

Good news! 
Great joy!

"Don't be afraid! . . . 
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. . . . 
(Luke 2:10-11).

What a year! 

The pandemic rushed in and good news and great joy seemed to rush out.
 This new year may we celebrate with great joy the good news of Christmas.

 A Savior has been born!

 When we focus on Jesus, we realize our great joy doesn't depend on the world's good news, 
but on the certainty of the Good News of

God's presence, 

God's power, 

God's promises, 

God's plan, and 

the birth of a baby born in Bethlehem, 

God's Son, 

our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Hallelujah!

 Our family celebrates with great joy this year the awareness of God's presence, power, plan, and promises through some difficult days. 

After twelve months, we celebrate that my covid is gone and I no longer need supplemental oxygen. So many days brought joy and hope as my sweet caretaker husband nudged me toward health. 

He assured me I could climb a mountain. 
And I did. 

He said we didn't need a cart when we golfed. 
And we didn't.

 He pushed me to bike a little bit farther and farther.
 Mission accomplished.

 

I'm healthy and

my heart is filled with joy and 

thanks to Jesus my Healer,

  Dan my husband extraordinaire, and

  all of you who prayed me through. 

With God nothing is impossible.

We rejoice that life has resumed as normal for Joanna and Bob. Joanna's teaching reading remotely was difficult for the teacher and the student. Gracie and Ryan sitting at home on a computer learning was tough. But now that is over, and we rejoice!  All are back in school with Ryan and Gracie on High and very High Honor Roll.   

One has to be joyful visiting the Sliwa farm. Elizabeth and Joe added more sheep and Elizabeth started working at the Pregnancy Resource Center. Garrett is stationed with the Army in Washington state. Connor is a welder, Ava hopes to graduate in December, Isaac believed in Jesus and was baptized, Brenna loves animals, Charlotte raises goats, Lucas is tall, Gunnar makes us laugh, and Sailor keeps up with them all. What a fun farm filled with joy!

Sam and Katie had a joyful surprise when Holly Susannah arrived early. Having a baby in NICU with Lily and Jack at home was a challenge, but ended with all joy. What a treasure for Dan and I to visit them in their home in South Dakota where Sam serves with the Air Force JAG.

Merry Christmas friends and family.
 Enjoy the One born on a starry night and 
shines in our hearts today. 

The One Who brings us Good News and Great Joy!
Hallelujah, what a Savior! 

Our love and prayers,

Elaine and Dan

What a Difference a Day Makes! The Miller's Christmas Letter

What a difference a day makes. One day we're celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary (Yes, Dan fit into his 1970 Navy uniform and no, my wedding gown did not zip in the back. But still.) We had a blast.

The next month covid-19 hit our home and remains three months later.  Nothing could hide our joy when I was able to walk to my second floor hospital window and see my Dan for the first time in three weeks. 

Time. Time has been on my mind a lot these days. It seems like from day one this pandemic season has lost us time. Days. Weeks. Months. Or has it? The Bible (and the Byrds) say ". . . there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven."

Season. Time. Purpose. As I dig deep into memories of  2020, I pray we never miss a day, a season, a time, or a purpose. Time is only wasted when we waste it. For God has a purpose for every good and difficult day of our lives. How we live life, our attitudes, the growth or the grumbles we choose are ours. Today (and everyday) let us fill our hearts with thankfulness and praise to the One who blesses us with time, with seasons, and with purpose.

Thank you to all who prayed during my 25 day stay in hospital isolation with Covid-19. My mind had lots of time to ponder the truth that there is a time to live and a time to die. I thank Jesus for His peace that indwelled me realizing this could be my time to die, but I had nothing to fear. God forgave my sins, Jesus took the punishment for my sins on the cross, and God promises eternal life to me and to all who believe. In life and in death, we have nothing to fear if we know Jesus.

You prayed me home into the arms of my dear husband who is now my caretaker. Dan's kindness, gentleness, patience, and good cooking are a blessing as we embrace this season of our marriage together. Covid damaged my lungs and I remain weak, breathless, and my lungs are unable to produce sufficient oxygen. Please continue your prayers as we trust God for healing in my lungs. My doctors say this is a six-month healing process. I'm learning to live with an oxygen tank and will celebrate with a big breath when a tank is no longer an accessory to my wardrobe. 

Our children make a joyful difference in our days. We are blessed by them.

Joanna and Bob live in a world of teenagers adjusting to going to school and learning at home. Ryan missed most of a cancelled baseball season (sad) and Gracie has a boyfriend (happy). 

Elizabeth and Joe will welcome baby #10 this summer. Connor is engaged to Jessica  (sweet and fun couple) and Garrett joined the Army.

 Sam and Katie moved to S. Dakota with the Air Force where they live five minutes from a fishing stream (God answers his prayers. Ha Ha!). We marvel at Katie's, Lily's, and Jack's ability to adjust and embrace the military family's life.

Today (and everyday) let us fill our hearts with thankfulness and praise to the One who blesses us with time, with seasons, with purpose, with salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, and the day that changed all days — Christmas!  

What a difference Christmas Day made! One day the Word became flesh and dwelt among us as the only begotten of the Father. One day God sent us His Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. The day I believed in Jesus Christ and gave my life to Him. What a difference that day made for me!

 Blessed Christmas dear ones.

Elaine and Dan

My 2017 Christmas Wish List

"'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

What a shock when I opened our Christmas decorations. Instead of thrown willy nilly into a glad-Christmas-is-over box, each ornament was wrapped with care and love. I realized that because of my cancer diagnosis, I had cherished and packed each trinket in the realization that last Christmas could be my last Christmas.

But God, who ordained the day of my birth and the day of my death, allowed me another year. I'm doing great, my blood counts are normal, I'm still writing and speaking and marveling at the ministry and marriage Dan and I continue to enjoy together. 

". . . Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

 Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

 Psalm 139:16 

Cancer has opened doors I would not have opened on my own. For this, I thank God, embrace the gift and the lessons I wish I had learned sooner.  

Now I realize each day is an ornament not to be thrown into the trash or the I-can't-wait-until-this-day-is-done box. Every moment is treasured as a gently wrapped memory in the ornament box of my mind, for every single breath is a gift placed on my tree of life.

What have I learned on this journey? 

Here's my 2017 Christmas wish list:

I wish I had loved more and judged less. 

Judging people robs me of time and joy. 

None of us know the whole story in anyone's life, even our own.

 I wish I had smiled more because 

smiles make me and the people around me happy.

 I wish I never had a grumpy day. 

Grumpy is a waste of time.

 I wish my eyes and mind had never let in negative, immoral, violent, 

God-dishonoring media that destroys mind and spirit. 

Life is too short to dwell in the garbage. 

I wish I spent every day in the eternal instead of the worry. 

God's got this. 

He's not worried and 

He doesn't need me to worry for Him.

This Christmas I choose to make my wishes reality as I thank God for His abundant and eternal joy gifts to me:

I thank God for a blessed life spent

 cherishing Dan, our children and 12 grandchildren, 

extended family and friends which includes YOU.

I thank God for placing a hunger within me for Himself and His Word. 

Reading the whole Bible multiple times and

 looking to Jesus and His teachings as my moral compass protected me.

I'm thankful our travels gave me a world view of, and love for, all people.

I'm thankful I believe Jesus is my Lord and my Savior, and that 

I surrendered my life to Him for He is true to 

His promise of eternal life in Heaven and abundant life on earth. 

A win/win!!!

I'm thankful I know 

The Baby of Christmas, 

The Teacher in the Temple, 

The Savior on the cross, and 

The Lord Who rose from the dead. 

I'm thankful God tells us to not be afraid because 

He is with us always. 

He holds us in our troubles and 

He never lets go. 

I know because He holds me.

Merry Christmas dear ones. I have every plan to see you next year, but if I don't or you don't, that's good too if we love Jesus.

 Hang your ornaments with care. Each one matters.

Merry Christmas love and lots of Splashes of Serenity in 2018!

See Jesus this Christmas — Our Family 2016 Christmas Wish to you

"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby. . . . Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared. . . and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them, 'Don't be afraid!. . . 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 shepherds said to each other, 'Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened. . . . They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby lying in the manger." Luke 2:8-15

This Christmas our prayer for you and for us is that we will see Jesus everywhere in all things. No matter what is happening in life that seems unsettling, may we keep our eyes on Jesus just like the Shepherds who were terrified when they saw the angels, but filled with glory and praise when they saw the Baby Jesus. That's what Jesus does. He brings peace on earth and good will to men. He brings joy and hope to the downtrodden and hopeless. He brings the promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him. For indeed, He is the Savior of the World. We pray He is your Savior too.

In so many ways we saw Jesus this year. He was in Bosnia Herzegovina last March when Dan and I taught marriage seminars to Bosnian Pastors and wives and to the Bosnian Herzegovinan communities. Christian and Muslim marriages came together to hear how God  saved our marriage. Truly two of the best ministry weeks of our lives.

Jesus was there in the miracle of creation as we welcomed two precious grandsons into our family. Gunnar Miller Sliwa (#8 for Elizabeth and Joe), born May 25 on Dan's parents wedding anniversary. 

James Samuel (Jack) arrived early but healthy on November 3 to Katie and Sam and Lily. 

We see Jesus nearly every day in the words and wonder of our 12 grandchildren. We're thankful.

We see Jesus as He leads our children. Joe started his own handyman business , JOE Pro Services (607-583-8111) . Please call him for about anything needing done around your house. He's good. 

Sam (and Katie) serving selflessly at Andrews Air Force Base, moved to Alexandria, VA near where Dan and I rented our first apartment. 

Bob fulfilled a promise he made to Joanna in writing before they were married. They are now parents to Bruno, a bassett hound.

This Christmas we pray that whatever is going on in your life, your eyes will focus on Jesus.    He is the Savior of the world. Our President won't save us. Our money won't save us. Our intelligence won't save us. Our healthy bodies won't save us. Only Jesus saves us. What blessed truth. See Jesus this Christmas and celebrate with great joy!

Merry Christmas friends and family!

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,

A Christmas Surprise From Heaven

My first Christmas without mom, yet she's always here. She lives in my heart and in memories of Christmas past. She's there as I shop, bake her recipes, wrap, and sing favorite Christmas carols. A tear comes as I unwrap Christmas ornaments that once adorned her tree.

My parents' bedroom furniture fills our guestroom. Sometimes, like today, I go there, sit in her chair, and remember.

For no reason, I opened my mother's dresser drawer.

What's this? A small Kaufmann's bag inside contains two credit card receipts dated 1995 and signed "Mrs. Glenn L. Wolford." And this:

A book mark! A Christmas gift from my mother!  Mom's furniture has been with me for nine years, but today, my first Christmas without her, I find her gift.

Why have I not seen this before? Well, for practical reasons, we moved this summer and the Kaufmann's bag must have been jolted lose from the back of the drawer during the move.

Nah! I'm not practical. I don't believe in coincidence.  I'm spiritual. God knew I missed my mom and He allowed me to find this gift from her to me on the exact day He knew I needed her love from Heaven.

How do I know? Well, because that's the way God loves us. He sends what we need right when we need it.

Thank You God for the best two Christmas gifts of all: The Lord Jesus and a book mark of love from my mother. I feel her hugs and kisses and all my Christmas dreams have come true.

 Have a great  first Christmas in Heaven, Mom. Give Jesus and Dad a big kiss from me! And, yes, Mom, I know I need to write another book.

Praying for all those who miss their loved ones at Christmas. The hurt hurts more this time of year.
I pray you know how great is the Father's love for you and that God gives you a Merry Christmas splash of serenity gift of love in His perfect timing.

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:13

Merry Christmas hugs!

My Favorite Christmas Card Came From a Stranger

My Favorite Christmas card came from someone I never met. Who were this mommy, daddy, and three little ones glowing underneath five Santa hats on the family Christmas photo?

Last year they didn't send Christmas cards because there were no smiles, there was no marriage. The parents separated.

Then, in 2013, mommy and daddy received a gift. A friend sent them We All Married Idiots. Mommy and daddy read the book and decided to give their marriage another try. They sent me a Christmas card of their restored family.

I cried. Yes, I cried.

Is there someone you know who needs marriage help? Perhaps that someone is you? Gift We All Married Idiots to someone you love today.

http://www.amazon.com/We-All-Married-Idiots-Marriage/dp/0984765522/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387758563&sr=1-1&keywords=we+all+married+idiots

Christmas. Sometimes its about the tears.

I hope you receive many Christmas splashes of serenity like the one I received in this Christmas card,

Merry Christmas 2013 From Our Family to Yours

I love Christmas letters. They aren't as meaningful today since everyone sees everyone's children and daily lives on the social networks. But Christmas letters are about people and Christmas is about people — all the people of the world.

"For God so loved the world that he gave His only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

 

What a gift is the Baby Jesus to all the children of the world.

 

I pray you believe in Him.

 

Here's our Christmas letter:

 





 

Gifts! Gifts! And more gifts! Searching for the perfect gift to bless my loved ones, I realized how futile is this quest. After all, the only perfect gift was given when God sent His Son Jesus to us. There is no other gift that will fill an empty heart like the gift of Jesus to you. We celebrate Jesus this Christmas, and thank Him for other gifts, of much less value, bestowed on our family.

In August 2014 Dan plans on enjoying the gift of retirement. Hoping that gives some more time for activities like this.



 God gifted us with a beautiful retirement home 15 minutes from both of our daughters.We won't move until Dan's present term is over on August 1.

 

 



 Dan and I look forward to our final six months as the Christian and Missionary Alliance Northeastern District Superintendent and wife. A gift, really, serving the fine Pastors and wives in New York State.We thank Him for the gift of ministry He called us to over the past 27+ years, as we anticipate continuing  to serve Him until He calls us Home.

An added blessing is ministering overseas. For the past six years or more we served as Pastoral Care Couple in Bosnia. In January 2014 we'll speak and bring gifts to International Workers in Russia as well as Bosnia. What joy fills our hearts serving the Savior of the world.





My book, We All Married Idiots, was a gift to me and to marriages around the world. There were weeks Idiots was on Amazon's best seller list. In 2014 the Spanish translation releases as a gift to Spanish-speaking couples.

 



My speaking ministry keeps growing like a sweet gift that keeps on giving. Thirty-six people prayed with me to believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior this year. Each one a gift to God. How can we ever say thanks for eternal life?

Our children are gifts to us. Gifts that bless us more than we ever asked or imagined.

Joanna and Bob are blessed with the gift of creativity and humor as shown in Bob's work at Family Life Network and Joanna's in the classroom. Gracie and Ryan are gifted with strong, healthy bodies, and intelligent minds.  We thank God for them as beautiful gifts to us.

 



Elizabeth and Joe were gifted with a farm this year. Be blessed by her website at www.DandelionsAcre.com  Their gifts abound as baby #7 arrives in 2014. He'll fit right in between the goats, pigs, cat, dog, and 6 lively sibs. Joe was gifted with employment at Family Life Ministries. Thankful. Elizabeth loves delivering the gift of babies at Arnot Ogden Hospital. Their home-schooled brood are sweet-spirited and fun. Check out Lizzy's goat milk products at www.etsy.com/DandelionsAcre. You'll like them. Beautiful gifts.

 

 

Sam and Katie receive a precious gift in 2014 when the Lord presents them with their first child. They moved to Colorado in 2013, and any time we share is a great gift to us. The Air Force will gift Sam with promotion to Major in 2014. Their first home purchase and God providing a good church nearby is a gift a parent treasures.

 

God gifted our family with my mother who celebrated 92 years in 2013. Each day with her is a delightful gift. We love you, Mom, and thank God for the gift of you.

 

Jesus is the perfect gift!  He fills our empty hearts with eternal peace — not a two-week rush of happiness. This Christmas I thank God for Jesus — His Indescribable Gift to us, too wonderful for words.

Merry Christmas Splashes of Serenity,