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!
