Lessons learned the first 50 years

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I hit a milestone. I turned 50 years old. I am thankful that I don't feel 50.   I am thankful for things God has taught me throughout those 50 years. .  I have learned that God loves mercy and when I feel a sense that justice needs to happen over mercy, all I need to do is remember that I am thankful for when God gives me mercy instead of a just punishment.   (Micah 6:8 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.) ( Luke 6: 36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. ) I have learned that hurt people end up hurting people.   When I am able to see that I didn't hurt them but I am bearing the results of that persons hurt inflicted by other people, it helps me forgive whatever hurt they pushed onto me and move on.  (Romans 12 : 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. )  I have learned that anyone who thinks they have God
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Our Christmas letter to you..

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Dec. 15, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
Another year has flown by. So many things have happened; some good and some ..not so good. January 8, 2010, John-Michael turned 6 years old and had his yearly MRI and there was no significant growth in the tumor. Good news! His next MRI will be 1/13/11 and we expect the same news. We enjoyed 3 different snow storms, well as much of a snow storm as Georgia gets. The kids had fun with snow/ice ball fights, making snow angels, and miniature snowmen. Russell took Noah to see a Braves game, and they actually placed decent ball this year. Aunt Linda and Uncle Carl were able to visit with us…all the way from Oregon. Russell took Noah to Franklin, North Carolina for Noah’s 12 birthday. They enjoyed seeing Steven Curtis Chapman in concert one night and seeing the hysterical, family-friendly comedian, Tim Hawkins, the next night. For several months, our 15 year old Chihuahua, Lupe’, had health issues. She passed away 3 months ago. We really miss her. Russell and I celebrated 21 years of marriage…how is that possible? Time does seem to speed up the older we get. Instead of going to Gulf Shores, Alabama for vacation, we headed east to Folly Beach, South Carolina. The kids loved boogie boarding! We got Mama Joan to come with us. We loved her company! Six weeks ago we got a new puppy, Olivie’, a Papillion-poodle. We found out after having her a week that she is deaf. She is doing great with understanding sign-language and is a very smart pup! We had an unexpected, devastating loss to our family. Our nephew, Michael Pate, will be greatly missed until we see him again in Heaven. Thank goodness we do not morn without hope. I ran my 1st half-marathon, thanks to the encouragement (peer pressure  ) of my good friend, Kathy Lee. Madeline celebrated her 10 birthday a few days ago by watching the movie, Tangled, with a few of her best buddies.
Now doing the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we pray you have good health and feel God’s presence. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
With Love,
Russell and Rachel
(Noah, Madeline, and John-Michael)

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