Christmas 2023

           

It was Sunday, June 1^st, my husband’s 59^th birthday. He was teaching his Sunday School class in a portable at church. The class was almost over when in walked 4 ladies carrying bananas like they were guns and shouting, “Don’t anyone move. We won’t hurt you… we just want this man.” They walked up to my husband, put a blindfold on him, and headed out the door. The class broke out in laughter as they saw  their teacher, Pastor Don, and his four daughters leave the portable. The girls kept him blindfolded until they reached the Super Mall and had him on the Merry-go- Round. They were on a mission… to get out of the church parking lot before the crowds …to celebrate their dad with a fun afternoon, and to buy him his first real pair of tennis shoes.

 

  A ride on a horse, lunch, and much laughter as they made him try on every funny shoe they could find, filled the few hours they had before he needed to return for our home group. He came home giggling in his new Niki sneakers. I had volunteered to babysit all the grandkids so the girls could enjoy their dad. He walked in the door, held up his foot, and while laughing said, “I’m wearing the checkmark.” He loved to celebrate…each of the girls and grandkids….and enjoyed it when they celebrated him.

 

 Don was a strong, compassionate, and active man that enjoyed life. No one in our family expected that three years later, he would be in heaven with the Christ he loved and served passionately.

His short bout with cancer shocked us into learning to navigate without the patriot of our family.

I had also experienced a complete “physical and emotional upheaving” of my life at 7 years-old when my 29-year-old father was taken from us in a tragic accident at his job. My heart hurts every time I share the sadness of a friend or family member who is grieving the loss of a loved one. 

 

              As I recently began to prepare my heart for the Christmas season, I was reading some of the prophesies of Christ in the Old Testament. The words, “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6 jumped out at me. I stretched my arms heavenward, and shouted out praise for the promise of a Father who is Everlasting….who will be with us and never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). I felt like CELEBRATING …not a birthday….not a season….but my Heavenly Father who has been with me for 80 years…loving me, comforting me, providing miracles for me, carrying me through the hard times, and being my friend and helper every day. He has also been with my family, for which I thank Him often.

 

1.        January 2^nd I was surprised with the best 80^th birthday party possible. The girls, their husbands, and grandchildren did it up BIG in a 50’s theme, turning the Café Lalague German Pastry Shop into a Hip-Hop-Soda-Shoppe. I was so happy to see loved ones I haven’t seen in years.

2.       My granddaughter, Kirstin Linkem and the twins will have a new house in 2024. Her husband, Josh is in the process of building it now. There’s much excitement as the changes take place.

3.       Grandson, Dalton and Valeria and their 3 children are excited to spend Christmas in their first

own home. They got the keys on December 8^th and their emotions run from “giddy to teary” in gratefulness of God providing their dwelling with every detail they desired. It’s located in Milton, WA. Dalton is also very thankful for his new job, “cable splicer for Seattle City Light”, which started August 16^th.

4.       On July 19^th, Great-grandson, Holston Wayne Hines was born to Preston and Keave. He was 8 weeks early and weighed 4.2 lbs. They were able to take him home on August 25^th, weighing over 6 lbs. He is growing and so precious.

5.       “McAlister Training”, owned by Grandson, Michael and Loren, grew out of their fitness studio. They renovated a larger facility with an open house on March 31^st. At their annual, month-long challenge, “McToberfest” fundraiser, they raised over $24,000 for The Family Care Network which provides support and services to children and families impacted by trama.

6.       Grandson Clayton Hines was able to come home from the Marines for a short visit the week of June 19^th. My heart was so happy since I hadn’t seen him for several years.

7.       Granddaughter, Meghan May went on a mission trip to Uganda, Africa August 6^th for a month of using her teaching and artistic skills to bring God’s love to refugees in an orphanage.

8.       On September 24^th, my granddaughter, Danielle Laycock was commissioned as a full-time associate pastor for Sound Life Church, Orting Valley Campus. Pastor Darren is not complaining about having his “best friend” as his associate for their growing campus.

9.       Daughter, Sandra, and Dominique left December 9^th for a trip to Germany to enjoy family and friends there.

10.   It’s been a joy to watch God work in some of my great grandchildren’s lives this year. Nothing thrills my heart more than to have them accept Jesus into their hearts or be baptized in water. My spirit melted last week when my 7-yr- old came home and said, “Oma Great, my favorite thing in kid’s church is worshipping God.”

 

It seems like December came so quickly, but as I look back on all the happenings, I realize what a blessed year it has been. The bonus of having three great-grandchildren and their parents in the house has brought much laughter, entertainment, and help to me. Since they have moved, it’s not easy getting used to no cute little voices greeting me during the day. Family is a wonderful gift and God has made it possible for all of us to be a member of His family. “…You received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him “Abba, Father.”  For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:15,16

 

I wish all my family and friends a joyous Jesus celebration and blessed New Year in God’s family. I would like to hear what God has been doing in your life and family.

 

Christmas 2022

“And He will be called…..Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

As a young Pastor’s wife, I was filling the vacant teacher’s spot of the teen Sunday School class. Since I had always worked with young children, I was out of my element here.  I was deeply engaged in sharing a story when I noticed a high-school boy pulling the hair of the girl in front of him. I continued speaking as I walked down the aisle to his chair. To not make a scene, I gently tapped his shoe with my foot and whispered “stop”.  He jumped up out of his chair and pulled his fist back to hit me. I grabbed his fist and said, “sit down, JJ.” (not his real name). He slid back into his seat saying, “No one gets by with kicking me.”  With God’s help, I made it through the rest of the class and playing the piano for church; but, fell apart as soon as I was in the parsonage. “I can’t go back to that class,” I kept saying as my husband so sweetly tried to comfort me.

              The next morning a member of our church called and said, “Sister Hintz, did you hear that JJ’s dad (a single parent) was put in the hospital and the kids are alone. I was shocked to hear myself say, “I’ll go check on them.” I think I felt a little like Ananias when God told him to go to Saul, the man known for harming saints in Jerusalem. I knew the LORD wanted me to go but wasn’t sure what to expect from the one who so quickly exploded in anger. I brought the 3 teenagers back to stay with us and our love and trust for each other grew into a deep bond. We had allowed the “Prince of Peace” to take over.

              The prophet Isaiah said He would be called “Prince of Peace” and of His peace, “there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7) Jesus came to bring peace to all who would receive Him and He will bring peace to the whole world at His return.  Jesus said, “I am leaving you a GIFT…..peace of mind and heart. And the PEACE I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:2 NLT.

                  I’m so thankful for the sweet things the “Prince of Peace” has done in my family this year:

1.       Granddaughter, Meghan McAlister was married to a wonderful Christian young man, Brennan May, on July 17^th, 2022. We all love and appreciate Brennan. Meghan May is still my “M & M” girl.

Meghan has a new job teaching 6^th grade at McAlder Elem. of the Cascade Christian Schools.

2.       On 8/23/21, a prophecy on the 700 Club said, “Michael, God is going to give you the house you need. He says, ‘just start praising me and wait. It’s going to be a miracle.’” Grandson, Michael, and I claimed that prophecy. On his birthday, July 2^nd, 2022, he got the keys to his miracle house. PTL

3.       Grandson, Clayton Hines, Our US Marine, and his family were transferred to Quantico, VA this summer. Just this week God has provided a beautiful colonial home on 4 acres for them to purchase.

4.       Danielle is the new Campus Enrollment Manager for the Cascade Christian Schools, a perfect position for her personality and family/job balance.

5.       I’m really enjoying 1 yr-old James, 3 yr-old Theo, and 7 yr-old Ava, and their parents, Dalton and Valeria who are temporarily staying with us. I’m going to really miss them when they leave.

I have so much to be thankful for. I’ve had some health challenges, but God has been faithful in answering prayers and my family members makes sure I am well taken care of. This letter is getting out late because of a respiratory virus that kept me down for a while. I trust you and your family are doing well. I pray God will bless you BIG this New Year. Remember, “God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, whose thoughts are fixed on Him.” Isaiah 26:3 personalized.

 

Christmas 2021

“Every good and perfect gift is from above..” James 1:17

 

              I was shocked!  Don came home from the men’s breakfast with a key. A key to a house owned by Don’s new friend he had just met that morning.  We had always lived in a parsonage next door to the church, and I enjoyed that arrangement. Having to rent a house for our recent move, brought out a desire in my heart I never noticed before… how special it would be to have a home we could call our own.

“Go look at the house and we’ll meet and talk,” the owner had said. The first thing I noticed was how perfect it would be for the daycare I had always wanted to open. It had a complete 2-bedroom daylight apartment with a big family room, tiny kitchen and bathroom.  “We can never afford this,” I complained to my husband. “Keep in mind that God still performs miracles.,” Don responded.

 

 A MIRACLE it was. The owner sold us the house for a low price, with no down payment…..and worked out an arrangement which gave us time to get the daycare going.  I did daycare and pre-school in that house for 19 years.

 

Today Valerie and I went shopping for stocking stuffers.  I was reminiscing all the wonderful gifts God has given me over the years. My mind went again to our home in Renton. Eventually we moved my daycare into the renovated garage upstairs. That little apartment downstairs became a blessing to so many people. Two of our girls lived there with their families for several years while they saved money. Several other people found a haven there when they needed it. God not only gave us the desires of our hearts, but He also gave us the perfect GIFT to meet our needs and bring glory to His name.

 

Our family was given two perfect gifts this year. Sweet Graysen Deene McAlister was born to Michael and Lauren on January 24^th.  She came a little early and spent numerous days in the hospital. We met her this summer, and she is a precious, happy, active little bundle of joy. Opa Dom and Oma Sandra are excited to see her in California soon.

Little James Lee Hines joined Dalton and Valeria’s family on November 30^th. He is so sweet and lets us all take turns loving on him. He enjoys the smooches from his sister and brother, Ava and Theo.  Opa Jim, and Oma Valerie are ecstatic over this precious new bundle from heaven.

 

My family members are all doing well. I had an eight day stay in the hospital with pneumonia in March. Thank you for all the prayers which carried me through the difficult days.

 

“Every good and perfect gift is from above..” (James 1:17) I love getting gifts but

I’m also thankful God doesn’t always give us what we think we want. He sees our everyday lives and our future, and we can trust Him with both. During this Christmas season, I am grateful for the greatest GIFT every given. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16 NIV)  “Thank God for this GIFT too wonderful for words.”  (2 Corinthians 9:35 NLT)

 

              I appreciate the gift of my wonderful family and many friends. I pray 2022 will be a blessed year for each one and you will understand with much clarity Jesus’ words in John 10:10. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (NLT) Let’s keep our eyes and heart on God’s perfect GIFT that never stops GIVING.

Leaving a Hole in your Heart

Written, February 6, 2019

              Recently a dear family in the foster care system had to face the day they never wanted to face. The little girl they have loved as their own for over two years was taken away and given to her forever family. They had big hopes of adopting this little sweetheart which came into their home when she was three days old. My heart aches as I watched the pain these parents and their four- year- old daughter are experiencing. The deep love they have for this foster daughter, along with not knowing how she is doing, has left a hole in their hearts that feels like it will never heal.

              Being on the sideline pain of these precious friends has brought back memories that still hurts deeply to think about. Don and I became a part of the foster parent system after we had been married four years with no children. Two little red headed, freckled face brothers from Germany changed our lives when they were placed in our home. Their German mother and American soldier step-father had left them for a visit with an aunt’s family but never came back for them. After the added stress of keeping them almost a year the aunt turned them over to the social services. They were two and almost four years old when they came to our home.

              Alfred and Peter spoke mostly English but often used a German word in the middle of the sentence. Don’s mom and siblings spoke German so we would call on them to help us know what the boys were saying. Those two little men stole are hearts immediately and easily became our own. They loved to take turns riding the tractor with Don as he plowed the fields…. they spent hours outside on our farm playing Superman with a towel pinned to their shirts…..they enjoyed playing with Gretchen, our German Shepherd…. adored our Sandra June that was born while they were with us….and looked forward to going to church, learning and participating with other kids.

              After they had been with us for two years, Don was called to a pastorate across the mountain in Packwood. We talked to our case worker and she made arrangements for us to take the boys with us.  She gave us permission to use our last name for them at school because we were starting the process to adopt them.  Alfred would share about the abuse he had received in his parent’s home and say he was glad we were his mom and dad now. He told the new case worker, “my other mom and dad were always fighting and this mom and dad are always kissing.”

              Since their parents had never tried to contact the boys, the Social Services petitioned the courts for us to adopt them. It was required of the SS to put a notice in papers across the country that they would be adopted if the parents did not show up in two months.  After they had been a part of our family for over three years, we received the letter we hoped we would never receive. The boy’s mom and step-dad had petitioned the courts for their sons and we had to be in Grant County for the court case. The aunt, case worker, Don, and I shared privately with the judge our concern with the abuse. Alfred also had opportunity to tell the judge what happened to him. To our dismay, the judge awarded the boys back to their parents. We were allowed to take them with us for the night and bring them back with their belongings the next day. We spent that night with Alfred crying and begging us not to make him go.

              The next day we watched our boys being hurried away, both crying loudly. The step-dad was talking above their cries saying, “We have new bikes for you and all kinds of toys when we get back home to Alaska.” Don and I headed back over the mountain with exhausted bodies and a hole in our hearts that hurt a very long time. Our only comfort was knowing, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NLT                                                                 

Christmas 2018

               It was the last day of classes before the Christmas break. Don was walking across the campus at NWU when his eyes caught sight of something lying on the curb in front of the girl’s dorm. He picked up his speed, praying as he went, “Father, please let that be what I think it is.” A big smile covered his face as he walked up to a pile of Christmas trees which had been thrown out after they were no longer needed for a dorm room.  He picked through the pile, looking for one which could last a little longer, and bring joy to two little girls who desperately wanted a Christmas tree. He walked to his car with a new spring in his step, carrying the partially wilted tree.

Don was attending NWU on a GI Bill, cleaning a restaurant in the early mornings before heading out on his school bus route… working hard to provide the basic needs of his family.  We felt bad we didn’t have money for gifts but we decided we would make Christmas special by doing fun activities together. We made the choice to be grateful and celebrate the real reason for the season……Jesus.

 I’ve been thinking how Mary had to make some choices on that first Christmas. She must have been looking forward to a soft bed after the long hard trip; but, her desires were gently crushed when she learned there was no room in the inn.  She chose to be grateful for the cozy hay in the barn. The angel had told her she would conceive a child which would be the “Son of the Highest” (Luke 1:35) but to her quiet surprise, He was not born in a palace but in a stable where He slept in the only bed available, a manger (Luke 2:7) Instead of being attended by royalty, Jesus was welcome by lowly shepherds (vv15-16). Mary didn’t know that someday her child would Himself be the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-21) The Bible says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19). Just as we must do today, Mary chose to trust God with the details of her life.

As 2018 passes into history I look back with gratefulness for God’s guidance, provision, and continual presence. The name, Emmanuel means “God with us”.  This year brought some challenges for members of my family but being conscious of “God with us always” (Matt.28:20) has made all the difference in our reaction to the situations.  It’s a heartwarming experience when I see a child or grandchild walk through dark clouds with their eyes looking up at the Sonshine above the haze of life. We rejoice together in the victory which comes through answered prayer. 

I’m excited to announce the new members added to our family this year.  On May 19^th my grandson, Clayton Hines, married Kristi, a lovely lady he met while stationed in Texas.  She brought two beautiful children into their marriage; 10 yr. old Danika and 8 yr. old, Aden. They were with us for the week of Thanksgiving and won our hearts immediately. They reside in CA where Clayton is stationed in the Marine Corps.

On August 4^th, my grandson, Preston Hines married Keave, a sweet girl from our church that won his heart while at youth camp, his freshman year of high school.  They live close by in Graham, WA.

My grandson, Dalton Hines is presently deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps. We are privileged to have his wife, Valeria, and almost 3 year old daughter, Ava Grace, staying with us for these months he is overseas. Our lives have been enriched by having them here. Ava is a great entertainer to all of us.

Re-visiting our Christmas memories of l972, our family enjoyed spending much time together, taking in many free Christmas activities. We were content with the “gift” of each other as our Christmas present; BUT……GOD HAD OTHER PLANS… A nice couple showed up on our doorstep with a large box. It was filled with all the trimmings for Christmas dinner, stockings filled with fruit, candy, and nuts, gifts for the girls, and tickets to the Science Center for our family. We learned someone had turned in our family’s name to their church “giving tree” We were shocked……overjoyed……and so thankful to God and the people who had put “action” to God’s gentle nudges.  

Christmas has become such a cultural event that it’s easy to lose sight of the personal reasons to celebrate. Whatever your circumstances are this year, the Christ of Christmas is inviting you to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)  Choose to let joy, gratefulness, and celebration of our Savior be your theme.

Christmas is about LOVE. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).  My little grandson at the age of 4 shared it best.  He was getting ready for church and he said, “Mommy, Jesus is talking to my heart.” “Oh really, what is he telling you?” she asked. “Jesus said, ‘I love you, Daniel.’” If only we could all open our heart to the real meaning of Christmas and hear Jesus say to us, “…I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John10:10  personalized).   I love you, my child.

Valerie Joy's Healing

Don was walking the floor with Valerie in his arms.  Sweat beads laid across his forehead, partially from the over stoked wood furnace and partially from the stress and exhaustion our 2^nd born’s sickness had placed on our family.  We had just returned from the Wednesday evening service where once again I had sat in the nursery with a fussy baby, curling her little legs up in pain.

Valerie would soon be turning a year old and a big part of her life had been spent running back and forth to the doctors.  She suffered from severe asthma attacks and could not hold down her food or milk. A trip to the doctor for a shot would temporarily get her breathing better but dehydration was a constant threat to her life. A hospital stay at Mary Bridges Children’s Hospital, as well as one at The Children’s Hospital in Seattle did not give us any answers.  We were told she was a very sensitive child…..with a sensitive stomach and we needed to go home and get her on a strict schedule.

Don pastored a small church in the foothills of Mt Rainier. Thirty miles lay between our home and a small hospital with our family doctor.  It was a hundred miles to a Children’s hospital and specialty doctors. Don’s ministry had been hindered with our daughter’s condition. Every few weeks, Valerie would wake up before daylight on Sunday morning…….her asthma so bad she was struggling to breathe.  Don would call a young man from the church that was pursuing a ministry education to take over the services while we drove in to the hospital for several hours of treatment for Valerie.

With a quick turn Don walked over and laid Valerie in my arms. “We can’t keep going on like this,” Don commented.  “I’m going to go to the church to seek God.  Don’t worry about me.  Don’t call unless it’s an extreme emergency.  I won’t be home until I have some answers.”

Don fasted and spent time before the Lord for three days and three nights before coming home. ”I’m sure God wants me to continue this pastorate,” he announced. “I won’t be taking off any more Sundays to go to the hospital.”  “What will we do if Valerie has another attack on Sunday?” I questioned. “I’ve given her to the Lord, “my husband answered with tears watering his eyes. “I will be in the pulpit God has called me to….and trusting God to take care of the baby he has entrusted to our care.”

The following Sunday the test came.  Valerie woke up wheezing…..struggling to breathe. Don made her comfortable by propping up the end of her bed, looked at me, and said. “Honey, if you are uncomfortable with this decision and want to take her to the hospital, its ok.  You do whatever you need to do.”  He kissed Valerie, whispered a prayer, and left to go next door to the church.  I trusted my husband’s relationship with his Creator; yet, I needed my own time with the Lord. I went into my room, fell across the bed, and poured out my heart, my frustrations, and my love to God until my tears were exhausted….. and I too had given Valerie back to God. I rose up from my bed and walked slowly into Valerie’s room to check on her. To my gratefulness, she was sleeping peacefully and breathing normally.  From that day forward she never had another asthma attack, was able to keep her food and drink down normally, and became a happy, content child. God had performed a healing miracle in His little one.

The Word says, “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me, and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. Jeremiah 29:12-14 (Message)   My husband did not go before the Lord to receive healing for our daughter……he was desperate to know he was following God’s will for his life. In the process of putting God first, we received a “gift” that has brought JOY to our lives for 46 years.  “Seek first His Kingdom, and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Celebrating Darren's 26 Birthday - July 27, 2015

I woke up to the smell of bacon cooking. I could hear the shower running......so I knew Danielle wasn't cooking....am I dreaming?....no.....the yummy smell of bacon was definitely penetrating my bedroom.

The year was 2006.....Danielle was a senior in high school.....and living with me. She loved to go for a run in the early mornings. Since her first date with Darren Laycock on Valentine's Day he had suddenly taken a liking to running in the early morning also.

As I headed to the kitchen, I realized it was Saturday and the two D's didn't have to go their separate ways....one to Roger's High School.....the other to Running Start. Darren was standing in my kitchen cooking away....he had even stopped by his home to pick up his favorite electric frying pan......pancakes, bacon and eggs....for his best friend (she hadn't committed to being a girlfriend yet) and her Oma.

Darren was always thinking of ways to surprise, serve, or honor Danielle. After April 9th, when they acknowledged they were boyfriend/girlfriend......he would come up with creative, non-expensive ways to celebrate their monthly anniversaries. I always loved hearing about the picnic in a grassy field, dessert under the stars....or dancing to the music on his i-pod in the rain.

After they both headed to Southwestern College of the A/G in Texas, Darren still made sure his girl was taken care of. I was especially impressed when Danielle told me how he would take her wrinkled clothes to his dorm, iron them, and bring them back in the morning for her to wear. (She didn't seem sad that I had not remembered to get her an iron and ironing board for college)

I've prayed for God's best mates for my grandchildren since they were young....Danielle and I prayed together for who she was to marry.... we kept our eyes open for any "red flags" of problems ....we studied the characteristics of the Ministry gifts and decided what gift was dominate in each of the D's.....we explored what love language made them function best.....and when Darren proposed to Danielle on June 17, 2007 (on her 19th birthday)....I was thrilled....and convinced..... that this was God's will for my granddaughter.

Why am I reminiscing all this? Today is Darren's 26th birthday.....10 years after he first came by to give Danielle a ride to the youth group.

The D's have been married 7 years....they have two beautiful sons....they are both ordained ministers and serving in youth ministry as a team. I thank God for answering our prayer.

Happy Birthday to Darren Laycock, my son-in-love....God's gift to Danielle Laycock.....to Daniel and Drew..... and our whole family.