Our Holiness. Our Redemption.
“I hope to see you soon,
Jim’s company went through many changes this past year. He is still the Senior Director of Technology for Dow Jones Indices, which is now owned by McGraw-Hill. I am proud of his consistent hard work. He honors God at every turn and for that I am grateful. Our hearts are at rest. “A man of integrity walks securely…” (Proverbs 10:9)
Jim and Joshua served on the Mission Philly Team in June where they ministered to at-risk youth in North Philly. Serving the Lord shoulder to shoulder with our son was a highlight for Jim indeed.
One of my favorite pictures
Jim and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on May 23rd. Two decades! I am so very grateful to share life with my best friend and my two other most favorite people on earth – Joshua and Gabrielle. Though I need do-overs daily as a wife and as a mom, my family’s grace and love for me is a constant sweetness of which I never tire.
Jim is a gift of God’s grace and mercy to me.
Sharon
“I delight in Your decrees;
I will not neglect Your Word.”
Psalm 119:16
In March, the Gather and Grow Bible Study girls whom I had the humble privilege of leading in a Bible study for five years, hosted a SURPRISE BRUNCH for me. I was truly overwhelmed with their love and appreciation! Their love and generous, thoughtful and meaningful gifts still speak volumes into my heart daily. What a fabulous group of women. Though our seasons of gathering and growing monthly have ended, these fabulous ladies still spur me and each other on to seek and abide in Christ. They teach me so much about God’s love, His gentleness, His faithfulness and His grace. I am so very thankful for these ladies and all of our memories! May He continue to bring forth much fruit through our abiding and through the years of gathering and growing in Him!
“I am a friend to all who fear You,
to all who follow Your precepts.” ~ Psalm 119:63
My dear girlfriend of over 25 years, Lori Steeley Cavalier, went Home into the arms of Jesus at the very end of summer after a very courageous battle with cancer for several years. Lori’s faith in God and quiet acceptance of His will truly hush my heart. I have so much love, admiration and respect for her. I miss her and am thankful she is whole and well and casting crowns at His feet.
Lori, Jim, Me – circa 1990
And little did I know when my sweet southern friend Lysa asked if she could share part of a personal email I sent her in her newest book “Unglued” that my 10 little sentences would be part of a New York Times best-selling book! Glory to God and congratulations to Lysa!
We are very happy for Anne and Ward.
I was truly honored to speak at a Christmas Tea
on December 1st in New Jersey. God is so faithful and answered every prayer. His Word went out and He filled in my many gaps. I am SO thankful for amazing friends who love and pray for me through every season and who God uses to fill in many gaps.
Heather, Maria, Moi, Cheryl
“I am a friend to all who fear You,
to all who follow Your precepts.”
Psalm 119:63
I am so thankful to the Lord for the many personal sweet blessings from the Lord this year!
Gabrielle is a lot of fun, and I admire her enthusiasm and her desire to try new things. Finally at the age of 10 she was old enough to zip line at Camp of The Woods. Once harnessed, she climbed right up that very tall tree on metal spikes. She zipped right across the woods!
We celebrated Gabrielle’s 10th birthday in New York City with an early-morning train ride to see “Live! With Kelly”! Gabrielle invited a few girlfriends and their moms! Joshua and his good buddy Andy came too! It was a very fun birthday celebration!
Vacations 2012
Pop Pop and Nana rock!
Go Joshua Go! He’s becoming a pro!
She been waiting to turn 10 so she could zip!
She climbed right up that tree on metal spikes!
I love her spunk and enthusiasm!
Lysa spoke in the morning seminar sessions.
Enjoyed afternoons on the beach together.
(I also supplied her children with pyrotechnics,
but that’s a story for another day.)
Abby Ellen and Gabrielle
Gabrielle mini golfing with the wee ones.
Lots of tennis was played!
Me and Lysa with her
New York Times Best-Selling Book “Unglued”
(I had a tiny contribution on pp 174-175
in the section titled “A Step Toward Holiness”)
The ropes and zip line course!
Campfire and roasting marshmallows
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Lord, You establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished
You have done for us.
O Lord, our God…
Your name alone do we honor.”
Isaiah 26:12-13
I enjoyed reading every word of that. What a special family that loves each other, and more importantly – loves the Lord. Glad I know you!!!!
Hi Sharon, how fun to read the highlights of your year. They all made me smile. What a beautiful family you have. Your investment in your children's lives will reap a great reward.
Merry Christmas!
Carrie