Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Our Christmas Letter


Merry Christmas!

Life is slow and quiet in this neck of the woods.  Cape Cod is beautiful in every season and we enjoy puttering around, walking the beach, and exploring sandy back roads.  The Bible Study group we hadn't been to in two years has started again, God has blessed us with friends who've become like a second family, and we often have meaningful work to throw ourselves into.

We look back and see how the pandemic has deeply impacted our lives ... months without being able to spend time with my mom in the care facility, many months that we couldn't see the girls and their families.  Five family members getting covid.  Doing church curled up on the sofa in front of a screen.  People we care about ending up in the hospital, some going home to heaven.  

Whenever Habitat was up and running, Tim's been there.  He's always ready to roll when he can help with odds and ends at church, head up to Camp for a work weekend, lend a hand to other people's projects, hang out with a coffee drinker or two, and keep a watchful eye on whatever's happening in the neighborhood. 

I've spent much of the year quietly listening to countless stories from women of all ages - leading support groups, blogging, sitting by the fire cradling mugs of tea, spending a week counseling those in overseas ministry via Thrive.  

I've been struck with the reality that even though circumstances might be vastly different, the heart of those stories has been the same.  Stress from being separated from people we love, inability to be out and about like we used to, lack of purpose, fractured relationships, too much isolation, and the endless confusion and unfortunate disputes over vaccines, masks, mandates, gatherings, schooling.  

All leading to a distinct undercurrent of sad frustration mixed with a continuing low-grade anxiety.

Thankfully, stressful times can stretch our faith as we realize {again} how little is in our control and how deeply present and compassionate God continues to be.  That He doesn't change like 'shifting shadows' continues to be a great comfort and a firm foundation as we make our way forward.  

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 
{2 Timothy 1:7}

The blog recently morphed from random posts into a weekend newsletter.  It's been fun to do life with a diverse yet united group of readers who value their relationship with Christ.  The continuity of writing over the years has kept me sane and connected during times of transition and loss, and I love the 'iron sharpening iron' relationships that have developed with people far from my own zip code.  

I'm looking forward to working with Thrive again this spring.  And we're kicking off a brand new Stephen Ministry at the church and plan to begin training about a dozen gifted caregivers in the next month or so. 

More than ever, we really appreciate whatever family times we can pull together although it's never often enough.  We've yet to find a more entertaining group to hang out with.  The kids and their parents are so much fun {usually} and the endless energy brings us such joy {until we've had enough and need a nap}.

Our dreams to travel around the country, maybe head to a tropical island, or take that long-awaited jaunt to Scotland have quietly been shelved but all will be well.

Thanks for the love and encouraging words you've sent our way in recent months.  We often sift through the wealth of memories, remembering the laughter and milestones and challenges we've shared with you along the way.  Maybe our paths will cross again some day?

Trusting Him  ~
Tim & Linda

P.S.
If you want to keep in touch, you'll find me here at LindaStoll.net.  I'd love to enfold you into this supportive community!

P.S. #2
Happy Birthday, Dear Jesus















30 comments:

  1. What a year this has been, Linda! Thanks for sharing your news with us along with the wonderful photos of family - love the one of you two catching a nap!
    Merry Christmas, my friend!

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    1. Merry Christmas to you, too, Martha! I believe there must have been ten assorted family members partying just a few feet away from where we fell asleep in the living room that night.

      Enjoy your family ... and don't worry if you need to take a nap!

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  2. Thanks for your lovely, faithful, and inspiring, Christmas letter. Thank God for you and your servant heart. The merriest of Christmas to you and yours.

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    1. Have a wonderful celebration, Debby. God has been good ...

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  3. Our year hasn't been quite like yours...but it came with its own challenges. I'm guessing that is the way God wants it since we are a body and we are to share our learning experience with others. I'm glad you not "hanging your spurs" up yet. You or Tim. Glad still have plans and use for us. Merry Christmas Linda. have a joy-filled celebration.

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    1. You're right, Bill ... this year seemed to send a number of challenges to most of us, and not all of them have been covid related. Let's hear it for showing kindness and grace to each other.

      Blessings to you and Jo and your church family.

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  4. Another year of challenge;
    have I passed the test?
    Did I rightly manage
    cancer's house arrest?
    I kept a sense of duty,
    the dogs are walked and fed,
    and there is a beauty
    in that which lies ahead,
    for in the purple Christmas lights,
    Heaven's shining through,
    and though I've only sinner's rights
    I know this to be true
    that Babe born to a virgin wife
    has ransomed me, and saved my life.

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    1. Preach it, Andrew!

      Where would we be without Jesus.

      I hope this weekend finds you strong enough to enjoy Christmas with Barb and your four-footed friends. Bless you!

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  5. You've captured everything. Everything. You ARE a quiet listener. You guide gently. Inspire daily. A joyous Christmas and New Year to you and those you hold dear. Thank you so much for your encouragement and hope sharing this year. God bless you.

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    1. Merry Christmas to you, Barbara. I'm so grateful for the serendipitous beauty and calming perspective you bring to my life. Please don't stop writing!

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  6. Thank you for all your encouragement this year, Linda! I know I've said it before, but I always feel a sense of peace when I read your words and that has been so needed this year. I hope you have a wonderful, joyful Christmas. (And if you ever do make it to Scotland, please let me know!)

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    1. Merry Christmas to you, Lesley! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with all your loved ones.

      I'm not holding my breath about ever getting to Scotland again, but you never know. How cool it would be to actually meet you live and in person!

      ;-}

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  7. Thanks for sharing your letter. You summed it up very well: undercurrent of sad frustration! Amen and Merry Christmas!!

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    1. Sometimes it's hard to find the exact words that spell out how we truly feel. But we try anyway.

      Meanwhile, I hope your holiday will be blessed with joy and peace. Thank you for enlarging my spiritual borders this past year.

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  8. Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have enjoyed every post this year as you have encouraged and inspired me. I love the photo of you two taking a much-needed nap, I am guessing!

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    1. Charming, isn't it {haha}. But that's what exhaustion looks like!

      May you feel the warmth of God's love during this bittersweet season. I'm praying for you.

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  9. I love Christmas letters! Such a beautiful family you have, Linda! You look fantastic. That last shot is by far my favorite. Blessings to you and yours this Christmas!

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    1. Well, I can't say that it's my favorite, but is sure makes the point!

      Thank you for reaching out to me during this holiday season. It's meant alot to find your name pop up in my inbox. May you experience God's fullest blessings as we celebrate Jesus come to earth.

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  10. Oh, that last photo is priceless! I can only imagine the thrilling-but-exhausting adventure you two just completed. And though married a good many years, you find holding hands is still a delight. Love that! Merry Christmas, Tim and Linda!

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    1. Nancy, thanks! The picture was taken a few years ago, but I do remember slipping my hand into his as the family made merry all around us. It was calming, comforting, and kind of re-affirmed the joy we felt being with everyone again. Even if we were half unconscious.

      ;-}

      Enjoy the holiday, no matter how you celebrate!

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  11. The last picture is my favorite; it says it all. :) What a year! May you enjoy your Christmas and New Year, Linda.

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    1. Well um ... it's not exactly what we hoped for. Covid's hit two in our family.

      ;-{

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  12. What a lovely holiday post and update, Linda. Thank you for sharing this lovely life of yours and the wonderful photos of your beautiful family. I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and a very happy new year to all. Thank you again for all your visits to Marmelade Gypsy and your comments, too! Celebrate!

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    1. Jeanie, it's been fun to get to know you this year! Happy Christmas Eve Eve to you and your family ...

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  13. After writing and editing a reply ... it got lost I think when I pressed publish...oh dear...love you Linda and maybe it will show up at some point.

    Merry Christmas.

    - via text

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    1. Oh I'm so sorry that happened ... especially when you've taken the time to write for the first time!

      Thanks for following up with a text. I'm glad to share your words and I hope this celebration of Jesus was a beautiful one for you.

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  14. Such a beautiful recap of your year, Linda. My heart is full just reading it, so I know yours must be at least doubly full. ❤️ I’m so grateful for the gift of your words, my friend.

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    1. Grateful for you, too, friend. You and I often walk the same roads, don't we. You're a sweet kindred spirit indeed.

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  15. I so enjoyed your Christmas newsletter, Linda. You have a beautiful family, and I enjoyed seeing your family pictures. I appreciate your insight from the pandemic, "How deeply present and compassionate God continues to be.

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    1. Lisa, thank you for your kind words! Our faith is being stretched and grown in the fire of this endless pandemic. I'm so grateful that God isn't changing like the 24/7 news bulletins.

      Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same!

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