And the new year brings....

The new year has brought some sadness at church with the death of a long-time member...at the too-young age of 55.  Robin fought hard - first breast cancer in the late 90's and then developed lung cancer last year.  Her sweet family, friends and church family said farewell to her last week.  Her devoted husband, Jeff, and daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, mother, sister, brother, friends...will all try to carry on without her in their daily lives.

Now, we're preparing to saying farewell to a precious 93 year old faithful member of our church.  Annie Ruth is continuing to hold on to life, though none of us can believe after the many, many days of unresponsiveness and no food and water...but this is God's timing and He will carry this close, loving family through this difficult time of saying good-bye to their "Mama".  She is only about 4'10" (give or take), but the spunk and sparkling eyes, non-stop activity in service to her family and others, will be greatly missed.  She was one of the founding members of our church's Golden Triangle group and has been directly responsible for helping make and provide over 21,000 stuffed bears to our local hospital, and hundreds of lap robes provided to the VA Hospital in Lake City...and thousands of cards mailed to sick and shut-ins, and the list goes on of their good deeds.  Annie Ruth was a big participant in all of these.  We love you, Little Mama!

Other friends are having to prepare for the passing of their loved ones, illnesses and diseases are becoming more frequent in the families of close friends...all we can do is support and love our friends through these overwhelming times. 

Memories past and present are swirling as the new year begins.  We're  having to say good-bye to life as we know it in some cases, and looking encouragingly toward the future in other circumstances.  We brought Mrs. Vinson to Tallahassee in June and belongings from the past are being gone through - difficult and bittersweet, but necessary...life changes.  We brought a precious new "daughter" into our family, but will have to be separated from them for a time (but we're already making plans for a good visit in the spring). 

Much love to everyone in the coming year.  May God grant us "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" in 2012.