Belated Merry Christmas

My intent was to use this blog as my Christmas card this year... I had it mostly typed up, and figured that at some point during Christmas week I'd push "publish" and it'd be done. . . Well, as with so many years gone by, I underestimated how much we'd have to do Christmas week and didn't even accomplish that. So, once again, my "Christmas Wishes" are late! We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with the peace of Christ and the love of family and friends!

Our Christmas was indeed filled with all those things! We were able to spend Christmas week in California with Rachel and Cain in their new house.

In spite of some pretty tricky weather, we all made it there on time, including Rick's mom who was on the last flight out of Portland for days! We enjoyed some extra shopping (due to the fact that Phyllis' luggage was not on that flight), extra eating, and lots of time being together, playing games and relaxing! In addition to that we were blessed to witness God's saving grace in action and see the answer to many, many years of prayer! It was a truly amazing Christmas, one of our most memorable ever I do believe!

If you've been following my blog you are pretty much up to date with the Vandegrift clan and you have heard the stories of the many ways we have been blessed in 2008. The year was not with out it's share of tough times for our family, the death of my grandmother and cousin, sicknesses, heartbreaks and way to many goodbye's (which NEVER get any easier!!!) But we are always given a full load of God's provision and know the blessings out number the hardships, by a long shot!

We are certain that 2009 will be no different, there will be mountains and valleys as always and as always.... we are confident that God will be there to meet us at every need.

"Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked
when it comes;

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." Proverbs 3: 23-26

We wish you a Happy New Year, with the prayer that you will know God's love and provision and that it will fill you with peace, joy and confidence in the coming year!

P.S.

A few weeks ago I posted a bit about standing stones... I've decided to use this blog and 2009 to take a look back, remember and share those events (and people) in our lives that God has used to grow me and my family into who we are today. Be sure to check back periodically as you never know who or what will show up in this 'blast from the past'!

Winter Solstice

Today is as close as I'm going to get to spending this years winter solstice in Alaska so thought I'd take some pictures to share with you so you too can experience the darkest day of the year in the darkest state of the Union. For the most part, I think we're handling it quite well. I don't seem to have a hard time getting up in mornings, however my body does think it should sit and drink tea until in gets light... that is a bit of a problem. Having said all that, we are excited for it to start getting light again, working it's way slowly but surely back to that 20 of hours of daylight we so enjoyed in June! So... here's today in Alaska...

The moon on a clear morning - 8:30 a.m

Leaving the Post Office at 9:15 a.m.

about 10:30 a.m.

High Noon out my back door

I took these pictures at about 3:30 on Sunday afternoon. The sun was starting to set and they were beautiful.

Nightime's coming... 4:20p.m.

And by 4:45 you have the first star coming out.

The best think about the light situation is that I can truthfully say that by the time the sun came up today I had done 2 loads of laundry, gone to the post office, unloaded the dishwasher and was packing my clothes... sound pretty impressive don't you think???

Creepy....

I received an e-mail today from my friend Melody. I thought it was a bit strange as I don’t have anyone to buy dolls for anymore, but thought I’d go check out the link she sent. I am fairly skeptical of these types of clips but I was astounded with this one.

Check it out for yourself....

After hearing it, I was pretty certain that this sweet, innocent baby doll is indeed saying “Islam is the light” so I decided to forward the e-mail on to a few of my friends that I thought might actually be in the baby doll market. With in a few moments, I had a note back from one of my friends (and dedicated blog readers) saying

"We have that doll! I ran up to get her and sure enough...that is what she says! Very clearly! We've had her for a while now and we've never caught it! It's creepy."

This doll bothers me on two accounts. First and foremost is that I believe with all my heart the Jesus is Lord! That HE is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and the HE is the LIGHT (Psalm 27:1). I cringe to think of the unsuspecting parents who will be giving this doll to their little girls this Christmas! The second thing that bothers me is the double standard that Christians in America face continually. There is no doubt in my mind that what that pastor said in that clip is the truth. If that doll was saying "Jesus is the light" it would have been recalled faster than light it's self! I won't 'preach' any more, I just want to encourage you to remain alert...

“…be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

UPDATE

Due to the snow in Baton Rouge last week, Randi's hearing was postponed. I don't have a new date for the hearing, so would appreciate it if you would just continue to pray for God's will to be done in this situation.

THANKS!

I have a request . . .

I remember her as a sweet girl… a bit mischievous at times; always full of spunk with a twinkle in her eye…

but during her high school years that spunk and twinkle began to disappeared as she battled with a drug addiction. As many of you know, in July my niece was arrested on drug charges and has spent the last 5 months in Jail. God is doing amazing things in her life, and from the letters she writes, as well as the letters we’ve received from other inmates, it sounds like Randi’s spunk has returned! She has been on a very bumpy, but amazing journey, and we’ve all seen God’s faithfulness in full force in this situation. It has certainly confirmed the words of Paul...

“God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Randi’s has a hearing this week and the truth of the matter… according to the law any way, is that Randi will do some prison time of some sort (i.e. jail, prison, parole,etc.). Needless to say, I’m praying for a miracle and am asking you to join me. She won't be sentenced until April. My prayer for her since day one has been that God would not allow her to be in jail/prison one day longer than HE needed her to be there and that is still my primary prayer. But I’m also praying that God will work it out for her to have some time with her family during the holidays … The lawyers have said there's not a chance, but I can't help but ask... it will take a miracle for sure.

I just ask that you will pray for Randi this week, for her family, for her attorney, the judge, etc… and that you will pray that God’s will be done in these proceedings this week.

If you want see God’s amazing power to transform peoples lives, I’d encourage you to check out Randi’s Reality, there is a link on my sidebar. Thanks for your prayers, have a blessed week!

No Winter blahs here...

I heard many times before moving here that everyone either loves Alaska or hates Alaska. I have to say that doesn’t apply to me! After experiencing all four seasons I have to say that I both love AND hate Alaska!

I won’t go into the things I hate… ‘tis the season’ to be thankful and cheerful and although I see God’s hand in many of those 'not so lovely' things, I have to honestly say I’m not quite ‘there’ when it comes to the “be thankful in all things” yet.

But, the things I love….

I love the slower pace of life! I love that people say hello as you walk down the side walk in town, that store clerks seem to genuinely want to help. I love that I actually know some of my neighbors, (which has not always been the case even on base) and that we look out for each other, such a blessing!

I love that you have to look both ways before leaving your house… (Rick forgot this last week and didn’t see the huge moose just across the street). I love the beautiful little birds at my bird feeders and how the snow sparkles. I love that you should look outside your windows each night before you go to bed… just in case… we wouldn’t want to miss seeing a moose, the new snow, or northern lights now would we?!!!

Alaska is beautiful all the time, but I think the winter may be my favorite season. (I do reserve the right to change my mind in February or March!!!!) I am not real big on the cold (when it gets below about 20) but I am enjoying the snow and even took my first sled ride in at least 20 years the other night. Sorry, no pictures, maybe next time… maybe…

The days continue to get ‘shorter,’ but I can’t say that it has bothered us to much… at least not yet. We are trying to keep busy. In addition to the typical stuff - like having friends in for

Thanksgiving dinner, doing school, piano lessons,etc..., Rian and I volunteered with some friends to work with Operation Christmas Child (for you ex-L.I.F.E. members... yes, that is Abbey!)

and participated in the Thanksgiving Blessing (helping needy families)at our church. There is also snowboarding, sledding, and of course plenty of shoveling to be done to help pass the time! I’m sure our mid-winter break will also help a great deal in keeping those winter blahs away.

That’s all for now… oh, be sure to check out the pictures at the bottom of the page, I finally got around to posting some new ones. Hope you enjoy them!