Enjoying Winter’s Benefits

..."the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." I Timothy 6:17

I can't tell you in words how wonderful it is to know I have friends who bring my name before the presence of our Father in heaven. I thank God for sending you as a rich blessing in my life. 

This past week, I received several texts asking, “how are you doing?” I am happy to tell you that I am doing very well. You prayed for health and God answered. You prayed for strength and God answered. You prayed that my cousin Arnie and I would both be well enough to attend the Finnish Christmas party and God answered. 

In the midst of this busy holiday season, Glen and I took time to enjoy the beauty of God's splendid creation at Gooseberry Falls on Saturday. Yes, God gave me good health and strength to hike the trails around the falls. It was exhilarating to be outdoors and take in the beautiful, winter scenery. 

A Christmas Feast with Family
“Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” ~Nehemiah 8:10 NLT

The next day my family and I attended our Finnish Christmas party with cousin Arnie at the Holiday Inn. We shared a festive Christmas dinner together, laughed a lot while Steve Solkela performed as a one-man band (ha), and sang Christmas carols with the Järvenpää singers. When the festivity was over and we were all saying our goodbyes, my brother Dean said to the family, "Let's pray together." Then, eight of us formed a circle, put our arms around each other and bowed our heads. Simple and straightforward, my brother thanked God for making this day possible and explained salvation by faith in Jesus Christ apart from works. Here in this noisy place, a subtle quietness hovered over our group and the gospel of Christ's redeeming love brought grace and peace to the hearers. 

Please pray for Arnie and myself. We both have chemo appointments tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic. My chemo is usually on a Thursday, but God re-arranged it for this Wednesday. Amazing!
Please pray specifically that our schedules coincide so we can meet up for lunch.