Greetings,

   There are a couple of times when I am very reliable. The first is taking out the trash each week and the other is writing my Christmas letter. Okay…at least one out of two isn’t so bad.

   It is always with much joy that I write this letter and it is my hope that that joy will funnel down through these words, tickle your funny bone, and find a resting-place in your heart. Whether you are family, friend, or just a casual acquaintance,  we want you to know that you are very important to us.

   In the spirit of political correctness, I have gone to great lengths to be ecologically prudent and health conscious. To begin with, this letter was printed on paper produced from dead trees. The ink is completely free from a high concentration of fructose corn syrup. And even though the envelopes and stamps were made in China, I personally licked each one so you may rest assured that they are now lead free.

   Lora started driving on her own. She has no problem with direction. Normally she travels every which way to get to her destination. Lora has become an excellent photographer and artist. She is most artful when it comes to manipulating us to get whatever she wants.

   Sara moved out and is attending the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She is currently renting an apartment with three other females. Most of the girls are really cute and sweet, however one is a real dog and usually walks around the apartment bra less. Before, you get too excited and run up to Edmond to see if I’m truthful, remember,,, one is a real dog.

   Eric devotes much of his time to Mexico Missions inc. He has been involved with that ministry since he was 14 on a part time basis. It has evolved into full time work. He has become fluent in Spanish. I’m guessing he has done this to increase his chances of finding a wife. Now he can date in two languages.

   Ryan and Carissa are very busy. Ryan is finishing nursing school. Carissa is teaching. I think I might know how they spend their spare time, because I’m going to be a grandpa this summer.

   I promised not to portray Rita as a stressed out mother of four. I keep her plenty stressed  without the help of our children. In reality, Rita is just like one of my favorite cartoon characters…Underdog. She shares his characteristics of being humble and lovable. However, unlike this super hero, she can’t fly and she doesn’t have a wet nose.

   As for myself, I’ve recently decided to become self employed. I teach, mow lawns, and do minor handyman repairs. All this gives me time to do the write thing with my life. I’m finally devoting a portion of each week to writing.

   In fact, as a bonus to the readers of this year’s letter, I’ve decided to include a preview of my first novel. The following is a short excerpt from the beginning of chapter one:

   “Medic!”

    I hope you enjoyed that short piece.

    Speaking of peace…and we do speak of peace, especially during this Christmas season. It is one thing that we all pursue. It is a common desire among mankind. You hear talk of it constantly.

    When was the last time you said “Could I  just have a little peace and quiet?” Think about it.

    And then I’ll ask “ Was it granted to you? How long did that moment of peace last?”

   Usually the scenario goes something like this. Once the grand kids leave, or once the company is gone, it will be peaceful. But, then you have to clean up the mess they left. You finish just in time to sit down and watch the evening financial report which reminds you that your tax return is due the next day. What happened to the peace and the rest you needed?

    When a couple goes to the courthouse they are married by the justice of the peace. Unfortunately for some couples, that is the most peaceful moment in their marriage. They return to the courthouse years or hours later asking for a marriage reversal (politically correct name for divorce). All they want is a little peace in their lives.

    Then there are the common phrases we throw around:  Peace on earth goodwill toward men, Peace be with you, Go in peace , and Rest in peace.. I’m not really looking forward to that last one on the list.

   Even the  terrorists we battle today seek after peace. They just happen to believe that peace is achieved when all the infidels in this world have been eliminated. Of course an infidel is a person that doesn’t agree or accept their beliefs. Which, I figure to be around 98% of the world’s population. If the terrorists continue to eliminate us at the current rate …true peace will be achieved somewhere around the summer of 2915 give or take a thousand years.

    I’d like to close this letter by stating that I am familiar with the Prince of peace. It seems He offers his followers comfort and Peace especially at times when it just seems so unlikely. When maybe an individual has lost a job, or a best friend, or family member. Perhaps they have been seriously ill, been involved in an accident, or their house has burned to the ground. How can one find peace in all that?

    God offers to us a peace that passes all understanding. I can’t explain it. I don’t understand it. But I know it to be true. I’ve experienced most of the above  events. But I had comfort, rest, and peace by knowing that the God of all creation knows my circumstance and is there to take care of me!

    May you have a wonderful Christmas, a blessed new year, and the joy of peace. Please share this letter with family, friends and neighbors. We would love to hear from you.

 

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