A Blessed New Year

I got what I wanted for Christmas and I thank Jesus for that gift. My parents and John's parents came over and had breakfast and lunch with us. We had a leisurely day opening presents and spending time together.

Things are going pretty much the same as usual, with my mom eating very small meals, taking 2-3 hour naps during the day and hitting the bed by 7 or 8 p.m. My dad is tired but still getting biscuits every morning and taking small trips to the grocery store (but not at night anymore because he has gotten lost twice). They got a new refrigerator recently because the old one had been leaking, they've had toilet problems and now we are trying to get their attic door fixed (the hardware is bent). Seems like there is a mini-crises every few days, but we get through them. My friend, Laurie, from church goes by several days a week to help out and volunteers from my parents' church pick them up on Sundays for services.

All of us had difficult days in 2008 and will undoubtedly have good times and hard times in 2009. I wish you a healthy and blessed New Year in 2009. I hate the saying "have a blessed day" because it sounds so contrived. But I do wish God's blessings on you this year.

I think the following verse applies to all Christians (James 1:12):

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Happy New Year!

Love, Anita