Full with the Christmas season person Who kept us joyful and alive.
Our purpose for life and ministry  centered on walking with Him,
Loving  Jesus deeply,  humbled at His grace and forgiveness of sin.
 
Colter and Jordana have finished their Simpson psychology degree,
Both finished well and we’re impressed with their  marriage stability.
We’re proud of them----hanging out  is fun and  makes us smile,
A wonderful blessing it is to live within a mile.
Social Work flowing from church ministries is an emerging passion for them,
Another  year  working with Social Services as already they have been.
Colter’s  face  on a public billboard as he mentors  a hopeful young man,
Graduate studies is their path of interest and their growing plan.
 
Lance Corporal Zachary  received the purple heart---a hero for his generation,
Wounded by shrapnel in the face during a strategic terrorist fighting operation.
The “Bling” was  pinned on by the U.S.M.C. Commandant  General ----4 star,
We hope he’s home from Afghanistan in February---we may even let him drive the car.
It will be wonderful to build some new memories with Zach our youngest son,
And help him to go back feeling well supported after we share in  refreshing fun.
 
Steve and Kristi are still madly in love with Jesus and each other---no lie,  it’s  true,
A God-centered marriage works, and we hope that is reality and truth for you.
Wanting to inspire others deeper in Christ----that’s  our goal and passion,
And  Mobilizing workers to serve God is our current mission.
Multiplying coaches for the workers is also a ministry focused key,
With Kristi doing elderly care for a sweet older lady who loves her company.
 
A  favored Christmas symbol is still the white, hard Candy Cane we all know well,  
White for the Virgin Birth of Christ, sinless nature of  Emmanuel.
White for the purity of forgiveness and His cleansing grace,
Though our sins are scarlet tracks, white as snow that can easily erase.
Hard  candy to symbolize the Solid Rock is He,
The sweet taste of candy, the  Word as honey for you and me.
The upside-down “J”  for  Jesus, so  our lives right-side up can be,
The shape of  a staff, the Good Shepherd of Psalm Twenty Three.
A staff with which He reaches into the valleys of this  world  of pain,
To lift out  hurt and fallen people, to bring to each a life of gain.
Red Stripes of His by which we are healed, as Isaiah put it well,
Red for the blood he shed at the cross to pay for  sin----ringing freedom’s bell.
Put two of these together, the shape of your  heart----A  living stable where Christ wants to live,
Your portrait  in the heart’s frame, is the best Christmas present to God you could give.

 

Love, Prayers, and Christmas Blessings from the Diehls!