Happy New Year from our family to yours! The beginning of most things, especially a new year, tends to be filled with anticipation, excitement, and curiosity about what lies ahead. At Calvary Church yesterday morning, the message Pastor Jim Samra gave passed along what I thought were some great thoughts on the upcoming year. He mentioned the importance of remembering that 2011 will bring each person both times of joy and times of disappointment. And it is up to each one of us to decide how we will handle what comes our way. Will we only trust in the Lord and praise His name when we encounter joy? What will our reactions to disappointment be? He encouraged each person to stay strong in their faith in Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances, worshipping Him alone. I thought it was a great reminder, and a perfect way to start out the new year. That is one thing I intend to focus on for 2011 and wanted to share!
Our time is Michigan continues to filled with fun. While we are all missing Steve very much, we are enjoying family here in Grand Rapids, as well as some of the places that we can visit here. On Sunday, the Swagmans came over for a Christmas party. A good time was had by all!
Faith and Shane provided some entertainment!!
Once again they received some nice gifts - this time from Great-Grandma Swagman
Shane is walking the Fur Real puppy that Faith was given! She named it Fergie as she has a book about a dog named Fergus! It's been a treat to see them walk or pull the dog all around the house!!
Today was another action packed day as we went to the Dutch store this morning, followed by lunch with Grandpa downtown at the Dog Pit, which is always a highlight and something we try to make happen each time we are in town. After nap time, we headed to the Meijer Gardens to see the Christmas trees from around the world.
Traditional picture in front of the tree from the Netherlands
While the trees are beautiful and educational, the kids liked the Train display the best!
The kids and I
Faith and Aunt Betsy in the sleigh in the entrance to the gardens. We look forward to cramming in a few more fun things before Betsy has to head back to ATL tomorrow!
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