Good News of Great Joy

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Happy December beloved!!! How many times have you been asked: are you ready for Christmas? I get caught off guard, and I wonder, what are they asking me? This month, I had the privilege of getting together with women from my Thursday morning bible study group in our home. We discussed one question: what do you look forward to and what do you dread about this time of year? It was helpful as I examined my own heart, and it also provided specifics on how to pray for these dear sisters. Wherever you find yourself this season: in sickness, suffering, loss, estrangement, pressure, disappointment, etc., we pray that you would remember what the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people'" (Luke, 2:10). Our payer is that you would find great joy in the good news that Jesus came to rescue sinners, as we celebrate this Christmas. May the Lord guide your time, expectations, conversation and heart attitude, especially as we consider the many implications of His birth.  

Praise Reports:

  1. Husband and I continue ongoing discipleship and meeting up with couples from our caregroup; 
  2. We also had the privilege of planning and hosting a Christmas gathering for our caregroup - it was a blessing to hear my husband tie in the Christmas story to our Pastor's message;
  3. I begin a part-time contract position with UCR on January 2; 
  4. Jacob has met up with an elder for discipleship and is off for winter break; and
  5. Zachary finished his first semester at Norco College.


Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):
  1. Husband started his 3rd & last year of bible training on August 28th; he is working on his 60-page thesis;
  2. I am going through the Gospel Primer with my mom;
  3. A new place to live;
  4. The 3 Valadez brothers as they care for my mother-in-law in early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's, selling her home and transitioning her to live with one of my brother-in-laws; 
  5. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, with ongoing health challenges, daily dealings with sin and changes with work (Avi);
  6. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities; and
  7. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.

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