Christmas Letter 2011

"Daddy, over here, come look at this one." 7 yrs old Valerie shouted as she peered into the Bon Marche window. "Oh look! The bear is dancing around the Christmas tree, " she chatted on. "I like this one," 9 yr. old Sandra responded. "The baby bear just waved at me."

Our family of four was enjoying all the animated displays that graced the windows of the large department stores in downtown Seattle. When we we arrived at Nordstrom's we headed inside to ride the escalator to the top. "This is so much fun," Valerie laughed as we'd run around to catch the rolling steps to the next floor up. Floor after floor, we worked our way up above the bautiful decorations we could see far below. When we arrived at the top, the girls headed for the line to wait their turn to ride the Christmas train which followed tracks around the top floor. None of us stopped to look at the merchandise. After their ride we just giggled our way back to the escalator for the excitement of conquering all the floors down.

As we headed up the street enjoying the decorations and lights, the four of us held hands and harmonized on Jingle Bells. We didn't notice if people were staring, we just focused on our fun. We ended our day by going into a bank building that housed a beautiful baby grand piano in its foyer. I sat down and began to play Christmas carols. Don and the girls joined me with their voices. Soon others, gathered around the piano, singing along. For a short while we had our own Christmas choir, exchanging their hustle and bustle for a few moments of holiday cheer.

Having traditions were important to our family. Every year we all looked forward to our day in the big city. We didn't go to spend money. We went to build rich memories which would bring smiles for years to come.

This year I begin a new era in my family celebration, as my little great grandson transports us into the 3rd generation of hunting for stockings, and playing our traditional family games. I'm looking forward to the giggles and excitement as the grandchildren initiates Daniel into their familiar jollity.

The biggest news in our family for 2011 was experienced by Danielle and her husband, Darren. They've had three milestones in their lives:
1. They both graduated from Southwestern University of the Assemblies of God: Darren's degree in youth ministry and Danielle's in general ministry.
2. On January 25, 2011, their son, Daniel Thomas Laycock 3rd was born, weighing in at a hefty 9 lbs. 15 oz. This little guy has brought so much joy to our clan.
3. On Octorber 2nd, they became full time youth pastor/ associates at Snohomish Faith Assembly in Snohomish, Washington. They love working with Pastor Rod and Lori Ashley and the people at SFA. It seems to be a perfect fit.

The rest of our family members are journeying down the same paths they were on last year. The adults are working hard at their occupations and the grandchildren are growing older: two married, two in college, two in high school and two in middle school. They are busy with jobs, sports, music, and church events. I am blessed to live close enough to be a part of all their endeavors.

It's great to have family celebrations that are fun and memorable but I believe it is also important to have customs which will help everyone to remember the real reason for the season. Reading or acting out the Christmas story, a birthday party with cake or each family member deciding on a gift to give to Jesus this year; such as, a senior citizen that we commit to help, a school mate that needs a friend, a young family that needs a babysitter so they can have a night out, etc. "And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.'" Matthew 25:40

Every day I am more incredibly thankful that we can "Cast all our anxiety on Him because He care for us." (I Peter 5:7 personalized) Two weeks ago a precious extended family member had a massive heart attack. Family and friends have been in constant prayer for him. Sometimes when the doctor's report was not good, all we could do was say, "Jesus" over and over. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10) Just saying His name puts us in a safe place so we can trust the outcome to Him. Thankfully, our loved one is "out of the woods," says his doctor. Celebrating the gift of Jesus is even more precious to the Hines Family this year.

My wish for you is "that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.." (Ephesians 1:18,19) Remember "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD." (Ephesisans 2:8)
Christmas Blessings, Patricia
"Thank God for this gift, His gift. No language can praise it enough."
(2 Corinthians 9:15 The Message)