Quick updates...

[Digdoug]

First, our problem with Sarah has been resolved...she caught him cheating. I didn't have to say "I told you so." I just hugged her and told her how much I loved her and how much the Lord loves her.

Thanks for your prayers.

Brian has good days and bad days. He is really depressed and doesn't want to celebrate Christmas with the families. Christmas Eve we spend with Carol's family and have dinner and open presents and Christmas Day is spent with my family doing the same. Since Brian can't eat he doesn't want to go to either place so we will have our own private Christmas. But, Sarah and Carol will go to her parents Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Sarah and I will go to my families, we just won't stay as long as usual.

Our family would like to thank all of you for your prayers over the years and especially for this year. It has been a long and hard year for us all and I know we have been blessed by your prayers. Sometimes the stress is such that I wonder how my heart has withstood it.

Carol and I were given a nights stay in a cabin in Pigeon Forge by a local, weekly newspaper this past Saturday night and a $25 gift certificate to a restraunt in Gatlinburg. Carol's best friend Amy stayed with Brian while we were away. We really needed some uninterupted time together to... just be together. With our work schedules and maintaining Brian it's like we both have two full time jobs and alone time just doesn't exist. Plus, we got our first full nights sleep in I don't know how long. God is good. He provided us some respite when we really needed it.

I'm falling asleep at the wheel so I'm gonna post this message.

I've got all of you in my prayers. Our wish for each of you is a safe and Merry Christmas!!

Thanks again, we really appreciate you!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Doug for all the updates and so glad God provided you and Carol some time together and were able to get a good night's sleep! So, sorry about Brian's depression and not being able to enjoy the Christmas foods which must be really difficult for him....but you can tell him that God still loves him and Jesus does also and knows all about him and his problems! God is merciful and compassionate, especially to HIs children young or old, and He will move upon Brian in His time and in His own way!

He hasn't been forgotten and prayers go out for him almost all the time! I suffer from depression too, especially in the Winter, when it is dark, dreary and gray weather, but I know sooner or later the Son of God's light shines through the darkness and out comes the sun and warms up the cold weather and shows His almighty and awesome love for His people!

God Bless you, Brian, and keep holding to your faith in Christ Jesus that someday your life will be much better when you are forever with Jesus and give Him praise and glory for Whom He is....Our Lord and Savior, Who loves us with an everlasting love! His angels are all around you for protection and giving you the love of our Heavenly Father!

Congratulations, Sarah, that you have seen this man for who he really is and just keep faith that God has a better plan for you and by asking and praying in Jesus' name, He will bring the right man into your life, at just the right time and then a beautiful marriage and married life you both will have! Do not hurry and choose wrongly but wait upon our Lord, Who will guide and direct your footsteps to the life He has planned for you!
God Bless you and honor God and your father and mother and pleased God will be!

Love ya all in Christ Jesus and have a Very Blessed Christmas!

God Bless! Sister Ma Betty

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Glad to hear that things are resolved with Sarah. That time away for you and Carol was well deserved. May He bless you all this Christmas. God is good, all the time!

 

[Pete in MI]

before she got away from home. Sorry to hear about Brian. I know he has been through so much and not being able to eat the foods now is yet another frustration. I have always thought and maybe it sounds a little weird but I always felt Christmas should be in the summer. Why? When families get together they all don't have to be cooped up in a house...they can go to a park, bring great foods, have a picnic and not have to bundle up like Na-nock of the North (us frozen northerners). Maybe a surprise Christmas in the summer for Brian with all the great foods he loves in a local park...where you guys can go detecting would be an idea to consider.

I used to send out Christmas cards in July. Weird, maybe. But there wasn't a single complaint about not getting a card and everyone remembered getting our Christmas card..in July. And it was funny in that people couldn't tell if it was a late card from the previous Christmas or and early one for next Christmas.

I am glad you and Carol had time to each other. It is hard to feel like "one" with each other when pulled in so many directions. I know how distant Sherry and I get when we spend little time together. I think it is satan's way of 'divide and conquer' to get to weaken us because he knows when we are one we are too strong for him and a double strength cord is harder to break than a single cord.

Thanks for the update Doug.

BTW I was supposed to play Santa at the nursing home. Was looking forward to it and they decided to find someone else and told Sherry who then relayed it to me. Maybe I should go to TN in July and dress like Santa and surprise Brian.

Praying you all have a Blessed Christmas in the name of Jesus, Amen

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t

 

[steve in so la]

are ahead Doug. The Lord sure is good to us, steve in so az

 

[seeker41]

n/t

 

[Jeff SC]

My wife and I were up there two weekends ago. Went to Dollywood for some Christian Christmas Shows. Even got some snow and stand around 38 those days