Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Celebrating Life 2014



        It’s been a year of celebrating life for our family from beginning to end. As the old folk song goes, “so early, early in the Spring” we were blessed with the arrival of Carter Rathvon Herring, born to Christian and Andrea March 1. He’s now a happy, healthy 9-month-old with an infectious smile that never seems to quit! We are so fortunate to live close-by, so that we’re able to watch his development week by week.
            June brought a milestone that few are privileged to witness: Charlanne’s Dad, Weldon Fields, hit the century mark, and it was celebrated in grand fashion with several parties. It all began June 1 at the Bender Worship Center at Badin Lake, where he amazed everyone by standing and teaching a meaningful Sunday School lesson. A sumptuous picnic lunch followed. On his actual birthday, June 8, heavy rains didn’t keep some 150 people from coming to wish him well over a big barbecue dinner at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro. His year culminated December 10 when he received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II!
            In October we were thrilled to have an action-filled visit from Lisa, Sam & John, during which Lisa and John announced their engagement! In a few short days we packed in loads of WET fun at Great Wolf Lodge, high-flying adventure at Richland Creek Ziplining, and a relaxing family gathering at the lake house.
            This year we also sadly said good-bye to several loved ones, whose lives were shining examples of living to serve. Dick Zopf and Don Summers, dear friends from our Chandler’s Grove church family, brought light into many lives with their ready smiles and kind, generous hearts. Linda Beaulieu, as long-time reporter and Editor of the Montgomery Herald, beautifully chronicled many important events in our family history, from the Bender Worship Center to Christian’s return from Iraq. In the fall Bill lost his dear Uncle Harold and Charlanne her cousin Cecelia. At the same time two new cousins were added to the family tree... the circle of life. How thankful we are to know that we can celebrate that those we have lost from this earth are now in their eternal home, where we will one day see them again!
            And that is what makes this “Christmas” the most important celebration of EVERY year! It’s not about the lights and music, the parties and presents. It’s about life– ONE life– the life of the One Who gave life in the beginning, and then gave Himself that we could have life eternal. Without Him– no celebration, no life, no light. With Him, it’s ALL a celebration!

Joy!
Charlanne & Bill

“Break forth, shout joyfully together, You waste places of Jerusalem; For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem!” (Isaiah 52:9 NASB)


Other tidbits:

- Bill continues to reign as “King of 160" in ham radio, while working toward becoming an expert marksman and premier gardener and kraut-maker!

- Charlanne continues to sing with Wing and A Prayer, who produced their fourth CD, “Carry Me Away” this summer. (www.wingandaprayerministry.com)

- Even though we had to say good-bye to our eldest four-legged “child” Cassie, a certain Treeing Walker Coonhound named “Poppy” has taken over our life (and the house) and (happily) turned it completely upside-down!