Psalm 23 is one of those Psalms that I have read many times and for the most part, I have memorized it. But every time I read it, the Lord keeps emphasising something different in it. I can read each line and remember specific times when a verse really spoke to me at that time in my life. That is why I love to read God's word. Each day there is something new, something that gives me hope, something that takes me through a trial and I know that God loves me and wants to take care of me. His word applies to my life right now just as it did to the readers when it was written 2 to 3 thousand years ago. This last week, I have been thinking a lot about Psalm 23:6. It is His goodness and His lovingkindness that will follow me all the days of my life. With the new year before us, it is good to see how God has blessed our family and we look with anticipation how He is going to work in our lives this coming year. God is taking care of us. He gives me strength and wisdom each day to be an effective single parent. And I will choose to dwell in the house of the Lord. The house of the Lord is where ever God is and that is everywhere. In our daily rituals, busy lives, that is our focus. "...choose for yourselves today whom you will serve......but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 That was Susan and my commitment when we got married, while raising our children and it is still my commitment today.
I want to get right into pictures and what has been going on in our lives.
This was our Christmas Day photo. We had 16 people at the house on Christmas Day!! What a celebration. My brother Jim came over from Montana. And my brother John and son Francesco came up from Texas. We all had a great time and visit. Not pictured is our new dog, Kaiser. He is a German Shepherd and so far a good dog.
We have been visited by our Santa for the past 10 years or so. We don't really know who he is but he comes to our house faithfully on Christmas eve each year. It has been fun each year to have him come and make it special. He gives out candy canes, knows our names, makes us laugh and then he disappears into the night, down the street.
As you know, Jake and Hannah are expecting in June. As part of their present to me and the family, they gave a BIG box with BLUE balloons and a BLUE teddy bear letting us all know that they are expecting a BOY! Luke will have a cousin to play with as they grow up. How exciting.
AND LUKE IS ONE YEAR OLD!!! Wow how does the time fly. The year went by so fast. Luke's birthday was on December 27th. We had a grand birthday party at Nathan and Michelles house. Luke is a fine boy. He is happy, content and even learning baby sign language. He is walking now and learning to ask and let Michelle know things through sign language. It is so cool to see this.
What a great looking boy. Hannah and Jake are a great looking couple too! Getting use to holding a baby.
Present opening time. How exciting to watch a one year old open up presents. A new experience of gift wrap and wondering what is inside. He got toys and lots of books.
BUNKO night at Hannah and Jakes house. This was a silly picture after the BUNKO game night. Check out the BUNKO hat that Laura has on. What a classic hat (gift from Uncle Bob last year) for our BUNKO game nights. Nathan, Michelle and Luke had already gone home. We also had Denise Stanton over to play games. She played BUNKO for the very first time.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and the POLAR BEAR PLUNGE!!! Our tradition lives on. Along with hundreds of other people, we jump into Coeur d'Alene Lake on New Years morning. Lake temp was about 39 deg. Air temp was about 20 deg. Sun was shining on us and very warming. We have a fun, crazy time. Jessica came along with us (on the left).
This picture was taken by my brother Johnny on the way back from the Polar Bear plunge. It has been a pretty good winter so far. Most of the snow fell at Thanksgiving time. Of late it has been raining and in the 40's.
Living in North Idaho is beautiful. Here is a great sunset picture amidst the evergreens and lilac bushes in our back yard.
