Late last year we moved into our new home. We have spent a wonderful 12 months making the space ours and loving the freedom and responsibilities that come with home ownership. Denise planted lots of flowers and vegetables over the year; I get regular doses of lawnmower therapy; and the boys love having a yard to play in with the other neighborhood children.
In February, I came to the shocking reality that I am not as young as I thought or felt. The exuberance of youth finally caught up to me and the strained muscles I thought would heal after moving turned out to be a hernia. One medical procedure and several months of recovery later, and everything is back to normal. During the preliminary work for his surgery, it was noted that I either needed to lose quite a bit of weight or gain quite a bit of height. So, a new venture was taken . . . Weight Watchers. Joining forces with Denise and her mom, the three of us now go every week to a Weight Watchers' meeting in San Bruno. We have made so many friends in this group of people that it is hard to imagine we have only known them less than a year.
In the spring, my mom and dad came out for a visit - to see the new house and to celebrate the boys' birthdays. We had a blast touring Yosemite and different parts of San Francisco - even using a bicycle taxi at one point - and really enjoyed their visit. The birthday party was a BLAST! I have never heard so many excited voices as the boys opened their presents. Perhaps the best comment was "Oh WOW! That is so cool! What is it?"
In June, I enlisted the help of my father-in-law to prepare the back of our lot for a storage shed. God worked it out so that we got the right shed at the right time. We did overestimate on the amount of sand needed to level the site, so if you need sand for a sandbox . . .
July brought the normal camping activities. It was a blessing this summer to take 4 children from our church up to Pilot Lake for the weeks of Junior and Teen Camps. The speakers were amazing; and it proved a memorable time for all - adults included.
This fall has been spent in much activity. Denise continues to organize and lead Victory Sports - a physical education group for home schooled students that is held every week at a local park. In January, flag football will commence, much to the boys' delight! I reached a milestone in my weight loss efforts in September, reaching my goal weight; and then in October I received the Lifetime Weight Watchers status for maintaining my goal weight for 6 weeks. Now, as long as I am not more than 2# over my goal, Weight Watchers is free for me to attend. The only problem is that my clothes have all grown too big!
Also this fall, our family increased by one member when Toby, a Jack Russell Terrier joined our happy gang. He is definitely a handful, but is very easy-going and adapts to whatever situation he finds. He accompanies me to work every day and loves making new friends with all the folks who stop by the church office. Tennis balls live in fear of him!
The church has done very well this year, too. We have seen several families join with us over the past 12 months. It is a constant source of amazement to realize that God would allow me the privilege to work with and serve this amazing group of people. Over the year, we have cleaned out storage rooms, prepared rooms for different uses, had the roof replaced (we didn't do that work), and updated the landscaping. Several families have gone through major milestones as well. Death was no stranger to our midst this year, and the losses are keenly felt this holiday season. But God is good and gives us strength and hope for each day.
Our theme this year is "Lift up your eyes ... to the hills and the harvest." The hills are ever changing; one never knows what lies over the next one. The help, however, is never changing. God always provides what is needed and what is best. The harvest, too, is ever changing. As a church, we are exploring different avenues of outreach that will allow us an effective reach into our community.
Our missionary family was a tremendous blessing to us this year. We had opportunity to meet and reacquaint ourselves with folks who live in Albania, Chile, France, Uganda and Spain. Lord willing, we may even get to visit some of these folks in 2009 on their "home turf."
Tired yet? Whatever else you find yourself doing this holiday season, I trust that you will take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. More than toys, tots, rosy cheeks and warm wishes, Christmas is about people. Christmas is about love. Christmas is about God, Who loves people and gave them the best gift - His Son. Jesus was the best gift because it was exactly what we needed: One Who could do what we could not - not even if given a million years and ten million opportunities - live a perfect life that would meet God's demand for perfection. His willing sacrifice of that perfect life makes the possibility of a relationship with God a reality for those who accept it. If you would like to know more about how that is possible, drop me a line.
For now, have the merriest of Christmases. With much love from our family to you and yours,
Pastor Charlie Eldred
