That night, some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:8-11 ERV

Merry Christmas

Christmas 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

So here we are awaiting the birthday of our Savior and coincidentally the end of another year. It seems like a fitting time to reflect on the year which is rapidly closing. I will try to hit the highs and the lows; but I am sure to leave something out because the years seem to have run together.

Both Mike and Mary continue to work full time, but we do get the occasional opportunity to sneak away on short trips. From October through March we do enjoy watching and cheering for the Gwinnett Gladiators, the only hockey team in Atlanta. When work permits the girls join in the fun. In fact it has become the family tradition to attend the annual Thanksgiving hockey game after, sharing turkey and a nap. We think it is a lot more fun than the nonstop shopping that has captured so many of us.

We made a short trip to Orlando in February, to visit friends and see the Gladiators on the road. We also visited the Jupiter Inlet lighthouse. In July we met my sister Delma with her family and my parents in Daytona. We visited the Daytona Speedway and enjoyed some minor league baseball. We also got a lot of time on the beach and enjoyed our time with the family. Speaking of family, my oldest nephew Chris got married on November 9th in North Carolina; providing another opportunity to see Sarah and more of my family. On the way home we stopped off at the Billy Graham Library and the BMW plant.

The girls are doing well. Sarah continues to teach middle school in Mebane, North Carolina. While the administrators can be aggravating (I am being nice) she truly enjoys working with the children. This year she is teaching Social Studies again and is the cheer leading coach; who would have thought! Rebecca continues to work with the inventory control company. The hours are strange but the work is fairly regular. She is cutting back her work at restaurants for the time being. While she enjoys it the hours and the income are just not stable. To offset that she has started cleaning a local gym; not glamorous but the hours are consistent.

Our spare time is taken up by work at the church and with Clifton Sanctuary Ministries. Mike continues to serve on the board of directors. This amazing organization continues to have an impressive 70% success ratio while operating on a shoe string. We encourage you to visit the web site www.cliftonsanctuary.com and get to know them better.

Mary has faced continued health challenges during 2013. Treatment for breast cancer became the norm for much of the year. Despite two extended stays in the hospital, one in April and a second in October; she remains active and positive. Recent scans indicate that we have been gaining ground. We are truly thankful to all of you in our extended family for your prayers.

Wishing you the Peace and Grace of Christ at Christmas and in the New Year!

Michael, Mary, Sarah & Rebecca

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