Freeland 2018 Christmas Letter

Greetings to all of our Friends and Family,
      Matthew 2:1-2 says, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."  Many people are well acquainted with the narrative that tells of the Wise Men, from whence they came, their questions to the leaders in Jerusalem and their following journey  to Bethlehem and their journey out of the country.  I just wanted to mention one thing.  When they got there, and most feel that it was some time later, they worshipped Him.  John Piper once said, "Missions exists because worship doesn't."  Many people in the world today do not worship the Lord Jesus Christ.  So, as we enter the Christmas season this year, may we resolve to be found worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.  After all, it is His Season!
     We made it through 2018 without visiting the ER or being admitted for any procedures at any hospital.  That's an accomplishment for us.  At the writing of this letter, we still have about 18 days to go.  I recently had a person respond to one of my videos and said she was concerned about my being out of breath.  I thought about it and then remembered, I am overweight, my heart is stuck in AFib, (not caused by a heart valve problem) hehe, and diagnosed CHF.  So, I get out of breath when I do about everything.  Diane is doing OK in the health department except her teeth, which are her own, hurt a lot.  One wisdom tooth was extracted in 2018 and more may be coming out in the future. 
    Diane still likes to take a trip now and then, mostly short ones, with the senior group from Salem.  That is the same group that sponsors our "Salem Senior Singers."  We are still involved in that.  We practice on the first Thursday of the month, mostly popular songs from the hit parade of 50 or more years ago and round out the program with about 10 gospel songs and hymns.  We then sing on each Tuesday at one of the retirement facilities here in Roanoke and Salem.  They give me a solo each month and still get through it but sometimes wonder how long it's going to last.
    Diane gets her hair done at my old place of employment, Our Lady of the Valley, and so while she is doing that, I still fumble around and try to lead the bell choir.  We have two ministries coming up this week as we take our annual road tour over to another facility to present our Christmas music plus our ministry at OLOV.
    Most of you all remember our children, Elaine and Andrew.  Well, their children, our grandchildren, are what gives us the most enjoyment these days.  They each have their "forte" and are a real blessing to us in what they are doing, their commitment to God and their character.  We are proud of all of them.  Not only are we proud of them, but what the people with whom they are in contact, say about them.  Sarah did marry Nick and they are still in Tuscon, AZ., but are always in touch with Huntsville, Alabama.  Elizabeth is an employee of Sweet Root Village in Northern Virginia where she is heavily involved in flowers for weddings.  People say she is a creative genius with flowers.  Matthew, married to Jude, is in Johnson City, Tennessee.  Matthew and Jude are both excellent in computers and I get to ask all my computer questions to them.  Rebekah is in graphic arts and made me a wonderful drawing in a glass frame for my 80th birthday as well as designing the cover for my latest book which so far has sold 0 copies, except for the one I bought as a proof.  Jordan still plays the piano but not as much as last year.  He also plays good guitar and is involved in the music at their church plus working, plus going to school and studying computers.  I asked my Alexa on my Kindle what she looked like, and she said "a bunch of ones and zeroes."  I guess it's an "it" with a nice voice.
    I think Kara is going to end up be a fantastic cook.  She makes good desserts, especially the sugar free ones.  Grace is doing very well on the piano and plays with the music group at church.  Serena is singing in the same group and is still involved in being a life guard at one of our local county water sports and recreational facilities.  John is not far from being an Eagle Scout and turns out, he is an excellent artist.  He did a leopard's head and the eyes are fantastic.  It is my desktop background.
    Yep, we are proud of our grandkids and the big kids, too.  May God bless them all. When you think about it, John and Elaine, Andy and Michelle have not only their own kids and everything they have along with them, but now they are helping us with doctors, cleaning, bushes, painting, repairing and a lot of advice.  Isn't God just wonderful?
    As usual, if you want to stop for lunch give us a call as you go down Interstate 81 or are in our area.  We can be reached via email at DFreeland7@gmail.com  My daily (five days a week) devotions are found on DFreeland7.blogger.com or on my facebook page.  May the Lord bless you all this Christmas Season and may you have a joyous Christmas as you celebrate the first advent of the Lord Jesus Christ.