MERRY CHRISTMAS,

   I love this chance to visit old friends and new. Let me encourage you to grab the
beverage of your choice, sit down, read, and simply enjoy this letter. I guarantee it is more exciting than a turtle race, less depressing than the stock exchange reports, just as funny as the Sunday comics, and easier than a Shakespeare play to understand.

   Now I always start with brief descriptions of family members. That has nothing to do with the type of undergarments they wear. Boxers or briefs…it’s a personal choice. But keep reading, as I hang out this years’ laundry list.
  
   Lora is a senior this year. She was really excited about that until I told her that senior discounts aren’t available for another 44 years for her and that Denny’s in Norman had gone out of business. Lora is a very good artist and just gets better and better. Right now drawing is her specialty. Occasionally she dabbles with paint. She recently painted her room. That’s probably how Michelangelo got his start.

   Sara is still singing her way through college. She rooms with another Sarah. Next year those girls might add a third Sarah to the mix. All three are singers, which, when they sing together adds a whole new meaning to the word ” Sara-nade”

   Eric spends most of the year as a missionary in Cancun Mexico. He is still one wild and crazy guy. Normally I can write about some goofy thing he has done. I have nothing to report. However, I’m wondering if I should be concerned. He has been watching old Evil Knievil clips, viewed “Jack Ass the Movie”, and mentioned something about helium balloons as a means of upper atmosphere travel.

   Ryan and Carissa had a baby. Aydon Edward was the name he chose. He really is a kid that enjoys life, so much so that he started 2 months early. Those of you that remember Ryan as a child, know that he feinted at the sight of ketchup because it looked like blood. You would be surprised to know that he has completed nursing school and is a nurse in the critical care unit.

   Rita is concerned about what to do with her time next year. She won’t have any children at home. Then I reminded her--I’m her biggest kid.

   As for myself…I’m suffering writers block. I just can’t think of anything to write about when it comes down to me personally. I guess I could use this year’s letter to announce the book I have published. But, I am reluctant to mention, “Twin Motives-deceptive hearts, dark secrets” since it won’t officially be released until January 20. I could easily become excited about the project and ramble. I mean it is so cool
that my co-author Phil Kemp is the head toxicologist for the state medical examiner.

   Now that I think about it… I do have advanced copies of this book. It would make a great Christmas present for somebody that enjoys a good murder mystery. In fact it can be purchased now from the Tate Publishing web site (www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore) or from me personally and be delivered in time
for Christmas.

   But, I don’t want to waste time talking about my book when there are more important things going on in the world. People are really concerned about the direction of our country. The candidates are making all sorts of promises. I wish somebody would come along with a list of promises that would really matter. Offer us things that would impact humanity for the better and last for a time. I mean tax breaks are nice, but they are never permanent. And one can always offer hope, but it needs to actually have substance. I’d like to see the following offered and available to all:

LOVE- compassion, caring, and devotion to yourself and others

JOY- a source of happiness and peace

PEACE- calmness and freedom from strife

PATIENCE- a staying power or tolerance when appropriate

KINDNESS-benevolence or gentleness

GOODNESS-decency and honesty

FAITHFULNESS-authenticity and trustworthiness

GENTLENESS-mildness, tenderness and calmness

SELF CONTROL- self discipline and restraint

All the above qualities are highly desirable for any individual. You can’t purchase them on-line. Presidential candidates can’t bring them about in your life. However, you can pick them up and experience them at no charge. They are freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ and try to live by God’s Word. They are all fruit of the spirit. It’s a gift worth receiving. Remember men’s promises are temporary and limited… God’s promises are lasting and limitless. Have an awesome Christmas and a
very blessed new year.

Love,
 
   Mark, Rita, Eric, Sara, Lora & Ryan, Carissa & introducing Aydon

Email us at markarita@gmail.com,
or ask me about the book at 2writingguys@gmail.com

Order your own copy of Twin Motives from www.tatepublishing.com

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