Christmas Letter 2012

                                                                   Christmas 2012 

“Daddy, what is that big package tied on the back of our car,” I asked as he loaded our family into the car for the 100 mile trip to North Carolina. “Just part of the luggage for this big family,” he answered as he backed the car out of the driveway. I was turning five in a couple of weeks, my sister, June, was three, and our baby sister was 7 months old.  We were headed to grandmother's house for Christmas. “I hope Santa will know where we are,” I confided to June.  “Don’t worry. I’ve already contacted Santa,” my daddy assured me, with a wink to mamma. 

Christmas Eve I was so excited I could not concentrate on the Christmas story daddy was reading to us from the Bible. I was looking around grandmother’s den at the big oil stove and wondered how Santa was going to get into her house without any chimney.

Christmas morning there were two tricycles by the Christmas tree. June and I were excited to get out on grandmother’s sidewalk to try out our new presents.  Mother bundled us up in our winter wear and dad grabbed our trikes.  When he opened the front door we all got the shock of our lives.  N. C. had received a rare snowfall and the ground was covered with several inches of the beautiful white Christmas gift.  Dad sat the trikes on the sidewalk and we climb on board.  It was too hard to make them go in the snow so daddy shouted to mama, “Hey, mother, we need help out here.” They each got behind a trike and pushed us up and down the sidewalk until they were worn out.

I don’t remember many Christmases with my dad.  He was killed in an accident when I was seven. For some reason this one has been etched in my memory….the love of a daddy who helped Santa get our Christmas wishes to another state, the laughter of him teasing mother as she trampled through the snow to push a trike, and two little giggling girls content with the whole world.  Daddy and mamma gave their girls the valuable gift of spending time with them, building memories that has lasted my lifetime.

Seven decades of Christmases have produced many seasons in my life.  I have enjoyed them all, from my years of being the child, to being the parent, grandparent and now great grandparent. Many changes have taken place over these years.  I have had to learn new technology so I can keep up with my grandchildren who are all teenagers and older.  I have discovered the advantage of texting, and the wonderful world of face book which provides me with information and pictures of family members.  Of course I am grateful that many of my family live close by and I see them often.

The year of 2012 is almost over. It held many joyful times with family and friends, as well as some health challenges.  Through it all, God has been with me, providing all I needed from day to day.  I would like to share some of the blessings in my family this year:

1. We experienced answered prayer on behalf of our daughter, Shirley, who came through a difficult surgery and recuperation for two brain aneurysms. Her daughters, Lori and Shelly played a big part in helping her through this difficult time.

2. Valerie’s oldest son, Clayton, spent a semester in Korea as a college foreign exchange student. This year he is the “Buddy” for a group of Korean students who are doing their exchange program at Northwest University.

3. Sandra, Valerie, their families, and I enjoyed being with about 100 of the Hintz clan at the Hintz Reunion in Moses Lake. It was so good to see everyone again.

4. Meghan and I took a trip to North Carolina to be with my sister, her husband, and other family members.  We spent time at the Week’s farm as well as a whole week with 12 family members at the Ocean.  Meghan enjoyed getting to know family she had never met.

6. It was nice having Michael home from California this summer. We enjoyed getting to know his sweet girlfriend, Lauren, who came with him.

 

7.  Kirstin is learning to be flexible. Due to enrollment numbers she had to move to yet another school 

within the Puyallup School District to teach this year.

8.    Danielle & Darren’s creativity and love for young people are making a difference in the community of    

Snohomish where they are youth pastors.

9.   Dalton will be graduating from High School this year.  His commitment and leadership in the ROTC 

program is preparing him for his career in the United State Marines

10. Quinton and Preston have successfully immigrated back into the Public School System. They are

enjoying new friends and extra curricula activities.

11. Great grandson, 23 month old Daniel, has stolen the hearts of all the family members on both sides. 

His cute ways keeps us entertained.

I have special warmth in my heart when I think of extended family and friends.  You are all valuable to me and I enjoy hearing what’s been happening in the lives of you and your family. 

“Thank God for His Son, a GIFT too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)  Of all my blessings, I am most grateful for Jesus, the reason for this joyful season. He truly is the greatest “gift” ever given.  Wise men (and women) still seek Him.

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)

A Summer Not Remembered

Summer is over. The pipes are winterized, the yard decor put away, and the porch furniture covered. Autumn has colored our world and winter is quickly approaching but somehow my mind returns to the relaxing, sunny days I missed this year.

Life took a change for me on May 25th while playing the piano at our weekly chapel service. A pain swept through my body that bent me over double. I later learned I had gallstones and needed to have my gallbladder removed. I thought I would see a surgeon, set a date, and would be recuperating before the lazy days of summer appeared. Due to a very thorough and compassionate internist, I spent the three months of summer in medical appointments, taking all kinds of test to determine my health status.

The best part of the process was all the time I spent with my daughter, Valerie. She went to every appointment with me, and became my advocate with the medical personnel. Her viewpoints resulted in every area of my health being addressed. The waiting times and trips to and from were spent in good conversation, hearty laughs, and coffee breaks. I always come away from times with Val being emotionally and spiritually refreshed.

One of my concerns for the process was how I would be able to pay all the co-pays for these medical appointments and treatments. Some were only $10 or $15. Others were up to $200. This extra expense, along with added gasoline, taxed my income to the limit. As usual, I went to the One who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10) He provided the needs through an unexpected refund check, and the "giving heart" of my next door neighbor.

Cliff is a very kind and generous senior citizen with a serving spirit. Even though he has some health challenges, he brings in my garbage cans or offers to pick up my mail for me. When he found out I couldn't afford to get the daily paper anymore, he started refolding his paper after he read it and left it on my porch. I've so enjoyed having the paper to read again.

To my surprise, one day lying with the paper was a half box of tangelos. Cliff said they were on sale and he couldn't eat the whole box himself. Since that first gift of food, it is not unusual to find some type of fruit, vegetables, or other food staples by my door. He watches for sales and joyfully shares them with me. He has shared everything from eggs to complete yummy meals he has cooked. I have been so blessed, often with a food item I couldn' have afforded myself.

Recently I was working on my finances and wondering how I had paid all the extra expenses this summer. I couldn't hold back the tears when I realized how much lower my food bill had been. God reminded me that I had eaten a wonderful variety of fruits and other summer favorites while being able to save enough on my food bill to meet the added medical co-pays. I shouldn't be amazed, but I always stand in awe at how my wonderful Father so creatively shows His love and care for this often needed child of His.

On August 31st I had my surgery. With the good care from my daughters, I recuperated from the operation, a painful pulled muscle, and a bout with infection. Before I realized what had happened, it was the end of September and all the usual activities of warm days had passed by me. It was time to prepare for the cold days ahead.

I may not remember having a summer this year, but I will never forget how God met my needs and took care of me. "Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have NEVER forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)

This week we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I could sit all day recalling all the things I'm thankful for but I'd rather spend my time praising the One who has made it all possible. "Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live." (Psalm 146:1)

Three Wishes

Recently my 15 yr. old granddaughter, Meghan and 16 yr. old grandson, Dalton, were asked to team teach their Sunday School class. Valerie and I slipped into the back of the classroom to listen to the kids teach. We were very impressed with the way these young teens took the Scripture and made it personal and relevant for their peers. It brought tears to my eyes to hear my grandchildren share God's Word and speak with personal assurance of God's role in their lives.

To illustrate a point, Meghan shared an experience she had when she was about 10 years old. She had been watching a cartoon at my home about a young girl that was given any three wishes she wanted. The cartoon was still on Meghan's mind as I was driving her home. "I know what you would wish if you had three wishes," Meghan blurted out to me. "I know you would wish for Opa to come back," she continued before I could comment. "No, I don't think so," I responded. "As much as I miss opa, I would never want him to have to come back from his wonderful home with Jesus. Instead, my first wish would be that all our family can be together with Opa in heaven someday."

Meghan sat quietly for a few minutes and then she barely whispered, "I know what my three wishes would be." Can you share them with me?" I asked. "First, I would wish that we would have the money to buy some oil so we can have heat in our house," she volunteered. "Second, I would wish that my mom could buy some grocieries so she could make us meals, and third, I would wish for blinds on our windows so my brother, sister, and me wouldn't be scared at night when mon and dad are at work." My heart felt like it was being crushed as I heard the wishes of this child who should never have to be concerned with these necessities of life.

Before Meghan left the car, I prayed with her that God would answer her prayers and meet the needs of their family. I cried and prayed all the way home. I knew the kids had been coming home from school and sitting around the oven in order to stay warm. At night they dreaded going to their cold bedrooms. Even though their dad had recently found employment again, they were too far behind to buy oil any time soon. It was going to take a miracle for Meghan's prayers to be answered.

As Meghan said to the young people in her class, "we serve the God of miracles." Within a few days the answers started coming. Her grandparents in California called the oil company and had them fill the tank. Someone sent Sandra a generous gift card to Costco as well as had Swan's deliver some of their products to their home. To everyone's surprise, Sears called and said they had decided to make right the custom-made blinds which had ended up the wrong size; although, months earlier they had insisted it was not their fault and they would not cover the expenses to fix them. Meghan and I hadn't told anyone about her prayer request but God had answered all three wishes in about a week.

Dalton took the floor in the Sunday School class and asked if any of the young people would like to share what they needed God to do in their lives. As the teenagers were giving their request I couldn't get a verse in Isaiah out of my mind:
"I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers." (Isaiah 65:24 NLT) My heart was filled with thanksgiving as I was reminded how God had heard the heart's cry of a 10 year old and today as a young teenager she was assuring her peers that He was there for them also.

Valerie and I slipped out of the classroom with a prayer on our hearts that each of these young people would be confident to pray as David did: "You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you for you will answer me." (Psalm 86:5-7 NIV) Yes, Meghan and Dalton, we do serve a God of miracles and it is awesome that you have learned this truth at a young age.

Seeing Clear Again

I just came back from Costco where I picked up my new glasses. It felt so nice to look at the reading chart and be able to read the words without trying to focus better. I'm grateful to not have broken frames that don't stay in place. Most of all I thank God for providing all my needs so I could get the glasses.

I'm very careful to have my eyes checked every two years but for the last three appointments I haven't been able to get the glasses. It wasn't so bad because my sight stayed about the same. This year my frames broke and even with getting them repaired once, they still didn't work well.

For about a year I have been praying that God would help me get the finances together for a new pair of glasses. I saved my Christmas money and sold some tires and all together I had $170.00. Two days before my eye appointment I pulled out my file to see what my glasses had cost the last time. My heart dropped when I realized they had cost me $268.00. That meant I was at least $100.00 short. I was disappointed but decided to have my eye exam and keep working towards the finances needed to get them later.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."
(Isa. 55:8) God had already taken care of the situation. That same afternoon when I picked up the mail I was fascinated by a small silver envelope that seemed extra stuffed. I opened it and 5 twenty dollar bills fell out. My eyes watered so quickly I could hardly read the note attached. There was no explanation for the money, just a sweet note saying I was loved and had been in her prayers. This dear saint of God had no idea I had a need but she was quick to obey God's still small voice deep within her heart. I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of our Lord and the kindness and obedience of His children.

Valerie went with me to my eye appointment and helped me pick out the frames. When the bill was added and handed to me, I went weak. It was $418.00. I learned they no longer paid for any part of the glasses, only the eye exam. Valerie looked at me and said, "Mom, God has a plan. We are not giving up now." We went to Costco and ended up getting a better pair of glasses, with an upgrade in lenses for $274.90. I only had to come up with an additional $4.90. I was so excited and humbled by the experience that I gave my testimony to the optical assistant and everyone I saw that day.

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation. I will thank you, Lord and will bless You. I will talk with others about the glory of your kingdom and celebrate examples of your power. I will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign." (Psalm 145:9-12, NLT personalized) These glasses will never be just an ordinary means of seeing better. Each time I put them on, I will remember how a compassionate God helped this widow see clearly again how much she is loved and cared for.

Christmas Letter 2010

"Mine," Sandra whispered as she headed toward the child size piano and stool. Without even noticing the other gifts around the tree, she sat down and started hitting the keys with one finger. The year was 1968. Sandra was 21 months old. Don and I both had tears in our eyes as we watched the excitement of our first born.

Don was pastor of a little church in Packwood, WA. Our meager salary did not include extras for purchasing Christmas presents. A couple of ladies from the church invited me to go with them on a shopping trip into the city. It was a fun day looking, talking, and laughing as they bought gifts, marking off the names on their lists. My one purchase of the day was a small toy for Sandra that cost $1.50.

Don enjoyed going into the woods with the men from church to cut our Christmas tree but I could tell it made him feel bad to have only one wrapped gift under the tree. On Christmas Eve, one by one, families from the church stopped by with a present to put under the tree for Sandra June. The Sunday before, the board had presented our family with a pole lamp for our Christmas gift so we were really surprised by all of these gifts for our little one. Our tree was bursting with wrapped gifts of all sizes when about 10:00 pm another knock came to our front door. Don opened the door and there sat the little black piano and stool with a note, "To Sandra from Santa Clause". Don looked at me and with a broken voice he said, "God is so good."

Friends, forty two years years later I still say, "God is so good." That doesn't mean everything has been perfect with no sacrifice or pain. It means no matter what I go through, I can trust God to be with me "and I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

I am so thankful for my family and the joy they all are in my life. I'll share a few things going on with them this year:

1. Danielle and Darren are expecting a son to be born around January 12th. I am looking forward to welcoming my great grandson, Daniel Thomas to the family. Also Danielle and Darren will be graduating from Southwestern University of the Assemblies of God this month. They are in the process of getting ministerial credentials and looking forward to God's next step in their lives.

2. Clayton, Valerie's oldest son, received a scholarship to Northwest University through the Acts Six Program. He is enjoying his first year of college life in Kirkland, WA.

3. Dominique and Sandra are now the proud owners of "The German Bakery and Coffee Shop" in Lakewood, WA. If you are ever in the area, stop by for lunch or for coffee and one of his yummy German pastries. Be sure and say hi to Dominique who will be in the kitchen.

4. Michael, Sandra's son who attends college in California, was hurt during wrestling and ended up having extensive knee surgery. He's struggling with not being able to wrestle for awhile.

5. I'm happy to have Elaine move back in our area after working in Alaska the last two years. She is an Escrow Officer with Old Republic Title in Puyallup.

6. Kirsten, Elaine's daughter, is having a new experience this year. She is teaching a combined classroom of first and second graders. Her students at Mt. View Elementary School in Puyallup keep her on her toes.

7. The youth band and choir from our church recently made a professional CD. All of the songs were written by members of the band. Quinton, Meghan, Danielle and Darren were a part of this exciting experience. I'm look forward to the CD coming out on December 12th.

8. Valerie has been working hard at her photography business while home schooling Quinton and Preston. Her son, Dalton, a sophomore this year, is very busy with ROTC, band, and wrestling.

9. Shirley keeps busy with her job at Intel and her four grandchildren. She and Neal bought a small RV so they can "play" with the grandchildren in comfort.

My sister, June and her husband drove out from North Carolina to see me in July. We had a wonderful week and it was hard to say goodby. Seems the older I get the more I miss her. She is not just a sister...she is my friend, my prayer partner, my cheering fan, and I love the hours we spend on the phone sharing every event in our lives.

My season of life has changed since that first Christmas we spent in Packwood. Instead of meeting the needs of my children, they watch over me and take care of chores I can no longer do. Instead of writing church bulletins and directing Christmas plays I now enjoy hosting a Bible Study table, doing devotions for my widow's group, playing the piano for a couple of Senior groups, being a part of the wonderful changes in Teen Challenge Women, and most of all being a prayer partner and support of my grandchildren and their activities.

It doesn't matter what season of life you are in right now, the most important thing to remember is "Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (Matthew 6:32 NLT) Jesus is not only the "reason for the season"....He is the reason "We can have life, and have it in all its fullness." (John 10:10 NLT)

Wishing my family and friends a joyful "Jesus" celebration.

Our Chelan Experience

Today I was praying for a friend of mine that is staying in Chelan. After my prayer time I began to reminisce about the years that Don pastored in that pretty resort town. I was humbled as I thought about the lives that God changed at the altar in that little church.

During the summer Don took a part time job working in an apple orchard. He was assigned to work along side a young man in his middle twenties. As they pruned trees, Eugene passed the time by sharing with Don all the reasons it was silly to believe in God. Every night during prayer time, Don would pray for Eugene and ask God to let him see this young man through God's eyes. After several months and much prayer, Eugene came to church and gave his heart to the Lord.

A revival broke out as Eugene gathered up his friends and brought them to church. In one month over 12 young man had given their hearts to God. They were hungry to learn all they could about God, so they not only attended every service but were often at the parsonage asking questions of Don and going through Scripture with him. I did my best to keep cookies, brownies, and simple meals made for these young people.

One Sunday evening after church our living room and dining room were filled with young people. I felt so bad because there were no treats made and all I could find to feed this hungry group was a couple packages of hot dogs and a large can of pork and beans. One young man walked over to the cookie jar and took off the lid. I apologized, sharing that I didn't have the ingredients to make cookies. The young man said, "Hey, guys, the Hintz's need some food. Let's pray." They grabbed hands and begin to pray that God would send us the food we needed.

The next morning at 6:00 am the phone rang. It was one of the men in our church. "I was just working in my orchard and the Lord laid it on my heart that you need food,"Bro. Stoker began. "I'll be in town in an hour and I'll take you over to Safeway to get what you need."

Don and I woke the girls and started getting ready for a trip to the store. "I'm nervous about this," I confided to Don. "We are out of so many things and I'm embarrassed to share our needs with Bro. Stoker." "God has answered our prayer so we're just going to have to trust Him, " Don responded.

When Bro . Stoker came to the door he apologized for not having time to go with us to the store. He gave us $60.00 and made us promise we would use it for food and supplies, not for any bills. We both were praising God while we walked through the aisles of the store getting flour, sugar, oil, shampoo, laundry soap and every thing else we needed. $60.00 in 1971 went as far as $200.00 or more today.

Just as we were putting the last of our groceries in their proper place, there was a knock on the door. It was a woman from our church. "I was in the grocery store picking up a few items last night, and the Lord laid it on my heart that your pantry needed refilling. I have a few things in the car if you would please help me bring them in," she said. To our surpise she had brought us 25 lbs of flour, 25 lbs of sugar, a gallon of vegetable oil, 2 lb block of butter, 20 lbs of potatoes, 5 lb bag of rice, 6 lbs of hamburger, 2 whole chickens, a family pack of pork chops, a box of apples, and some candy for the girls. I stood looking at all that food and couldn't do anything but cry. God knew our small packages of "basics" wouldn't go very far with all the young people we fed and He made sure we had plenty to last for awhile. Our pantry was packed and so was our back porch.

Don called up Eugene's home and left a message on his answer machine, sharing how God had answered their prayers. That evening a whole group of young men saw for themselves that,"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)

As I pray for my friend in Chelan I know a miracle from God is needed. "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." (Psalm 77:11) and remembering God's provision thirty years ago will build my faith for the present situation with my dear friend.