ETHAN TURNS 9

Every Thursday morning from 10:00 to noon, I am in a planning/evaluating meeting at MMS. Last week, some of the discussion focused on setting priorites and the idea that we may each have different priorities based on our backgrounds, goals, age, etc. What effect do these differences have on MMS as a whole? I think all of us at MMS would list God as his/her number one priority. For us, family is second. Sometimes that involves more traveling than we would do otherwise but we figure the grandkids are only going to be young once and while we have the opportunity to be a part of their lives we are going to rejoice in those times and make the effort to "be there" for them. Yesterday was one of those times. Adam's middle child, Ethan, turned 9. His goal is to be "just like his dad". Adam is a good role model, a son to be proud of, and we're glad Ethan wants to "follow in his footsteps". That brings me back to our number one priority, our relationship with God. Abba Father, mold me in such a way that I, too, become "just like Dad".

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

It's easy to almost lose Christmas in the midst of the busyness of the holiday. This past weekend we were able to join Adam's family for their children's Christmas program in the morning and Rachel's family for their evening program. Both kids live 2 hours from us and about 1 hour from each other so lots of driving was involved. But, it was worth it. Both had wonderful Christmas programs, pointing to Jesus' birth making possible the forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Levi, Ethan and Anna's program was very simple and made me think of the simplicity of that first night when Mary and Joseph found "no room in the Inn". With animals of my own, I can easily imagine Jesus born in a manger with the donkey and any other animals that may have been present. I really enjoy being in a stable, but as a mother of two, I don't think I would want to give birth there. God's values seem so different than mine. Scripture is so full of Christ's life of servanthood and simplicity. In the busyness of this season, I intend to take some time out to simply listen to His voice.

HOLIDAY BLESSINGS

The past few weeks have been hectic (you are probably feeling the same way now that the holiday season is upon us). We enjoyed having our family in Coshocton for Thanksgiving. A special "treat" was the addition of two of their long-term friends from the days Rachel and Adam lived in Coshocton. So much fun to have everyone here. The weekend found us in The Plains, OH giving MMS presentations at 3 church services. What a great group of people. The very next day, one of the members of that congregation surprised us with a visit to MMS (he drove 2 hours so he could see this ministry in action). Visitors are always welcome, and it is always a "joy" to see them realizing the full-scope of the MMS ministry. Yesterday, I sent out our December ministry Newsletter and finished Christmas shopping for the grandkids. Now, it's back to the "normal" workdays, with Dennis in the hangar and me working on MMS bills and budgets. I've been online filing a tax return, recorded receipts into the accounting program, paid bills, and now it is time to begin working on the budget. Perhaps now I can even get back into the routine of publishing this blog :-)