Our Annual Christmas Letter 2009-Year in Review

Merry Christmas 2009

From Jim & Tina Wilson

It is hard to believe that we’re sending out our “end of the year” as it seems like yesterday that we were sharing our news from 2008. Though the time continues to fly by so quickly, we have enjoyed another good year.

 

Quick updates on our children, Megan and Lindsay just celebrated their 1st anniversary and have a “new addition” to their family….Morgan their King Charles Cavalier Cocker Spaniel. She is a delight..though her “brother” Ben-the cat, isn’t too sure about the whole thing. They continue to work at their same positions and are enjoying their home and life as a married couple. They are active in their community and church. Matt is having a remarkable year with several changes. He is renting a condo in the city (Wilmington), which is something he has always wanted to do and decided now was a good time before the ultimate purchasing of a home. Matt started working as the coordinator for Humanities at Wilmington University in September on a half-time basis. He will begin his doctoral program this coming September. He is continuing the work with the campus ministry, but on a half-time basis through May of 2009. He loves his new position and continues to enjoy his interaction with the campus ministry. As always he is involved in many community and church activities. He gets to NYC to visit friends, but not near enough for his liking. We are very proud of the good things our children are doing and the way they care for others. They live only 20 minutes away, but in opposite directions of our home.

 

In February we had to put our little Samson down. He became very ill and there was nothing more we could do. He was a devoted companion and a major part of our family. We enjoyed having him in our lives for his 10 ½ years. He is missed. Jim continues with his position at Wilmington University and enjoys it to the fullest. He has had the opportunity to do some teaching this year and really enjoys getting into the classroom setting from time to time. Tina had a “short retirement” from her private music instruction and started teaching one-day a week again this September. She really missed her teaching. Besides her volunteer work and weekly activities, she continues to take courses at Wilmington University.

 

Jim and Tina have been blessed with good health this year…except gaining several pounds that weren’t there last year. We are very thankful for our health, especially that Jim continues to maintain his kidney function with only a slight decrease in function over the year. He continues to see the specialist every 3-months so we will always be on top of any changes towards leading to an eventual kidney transplant.

 

We once again organized a team for the Annual Delaware Kidney Walk. As you know, Tina has been working with the National Kidney Foundation seeking to start a local chapter for the past several years. This year TEAM WILSON was one of the top 4 fundraising teams. We were humbled by the donations and participation with us at the walk. Overall, the walk raised more than $90,000 to date and we thank everyone who was a part of TEAM WILSON!

 

We had the opportunity to work with Matt, who directed The Intermediate-I session (10-11 year olds) at Camp Manatawny this past July. This year we had our entire family there for some of the week and look forward to this summer when all 5 of us will be working Intermediate I. As you may be aware, we directed this same session for many years and this responsibility has now been passed onto our son! It makes us very proud to see our children as leaders of a camp session. God is so good!

Travel wise, we took our annual winter trip in February to Longboat Key, FL and many day and weekend trips. Our trips were somewhat limited because of Tina’s class load schedule and Jim’s teaching and work schedule. We did get to spend several weekends in Lewes, DE, which is a place we love to go to “just get away.” We enjoyed time with close friends and visiting with long-time friends throughout this year. We would LOVE for you to visit us. The door is always open (when we’re here), so come for a visit!

As any homeowner, there are always projects. The biggest project was adding on to our deck. We had a friend do most of the work for us after Jim helped with the foundation and flooring. We have enjoyed this new addition and look forward to using it as much as the weather allows throughout the coming years.

May your holiday season be filled with time spent with family and friends. May you see all the daily gifts that God so graciously provides. May you be content and at peace with your choices in your life.

 

We would Love to hear from you all! Merry Christmas, Jim & Tina

"...Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right...Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others.  Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about it." ~ Phil 4:8 (TLB)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...or is it?

Though I prefer warmer weather, low humidity with a warm breeze and sunshine.  This time of the year IS one of the Most Wonderful times of the year. I love the music, the goodwill, the serving of others. We are a country that openingly and freely show our Thanksgiving more freely.  We also this time of the year, feel more free to share "The Story", which then usually leads to our personal testimony of our relationship to Jesus. Those expressions at this time are what makes it the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.  We as Christians are blessed to be "Thankful Always" and are to share our faith and "The Story" all throughout the year. 

Many times, we get "caught up" in the hustle and bustle of things (like Martha did preparing rather than sitting at Jesus' feet.  She lost the balance of the experience.) and feel these are the Most important things.  I want to share a personal thought for this time of year: "Don't let me get so busy that I forget to show gratefulness to others. Help me to especially appreicate the loved ones God has given to me."

May this thought be a reminder to all who read my post.

“Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Ps. 106:1

ENJOY THE COMING HOLIDAYS, BUT REMEMBER WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT ♥

I'm I doing the best...

...I am in an indepth weekly Bible Study through an organization called BSF Bible Study Fellowship.  We are studying the book of  John.  The Lecture Speaker, Nancy was doing a presentation on the 4th chapter of John from verse 31-54.  She gave us several points that were useful, but the most interesting information was a list of 10 ways to see "What is God's Will For Me".  I wanted to share these points with you so you can further work towards your personal relationship with God.  I want all aspects of my life to represent what God's purpose is for my life.  He gave me this opportunity and I want to glorify Him with my life.  Check out these 10 points, I think they may be useful in your life too.

1. Choose to do His will and make myself available
2. Reconize the different kinds of works and different times (seasons) in our lives.
3. Ask God specifically what He wants me to do: then Listen
4. Examine my heart, what do I want to do, and does it glorify God
5. Examine your abilities
6. Watch for opportunities: when doors open gently push and watch what God opens
7. Talk to someone who knows you well: get consult or advice
8. Wait for God's timing; but not until everything is perfect
9. Except a sense of peace with my decision
10. Know that God desires to show me His Will for my life.

The speaker went into explanation of each of these points for better clarification.  These points are nothing new or unusal, but they can provide direction when there is a need in life for a more direction.

Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

This scripture basically sums up what I need to do to know what God's will is for my life.  A prayer could based on this scripture could be, "Show me God what you want me to do today.  Show me your will for me."  If we ask He will answer!   Have a great day!

Ouilt of Holes

I received this rather lengthy story from a close friend many years ago. Many of you may not know, but I enjoy quilting.  I would consider myself a novice, but a passion for quilting I do have.  I am working on a king-size quilt that I pieced after taking a 3-series course, and I am hand-quilting it.  It is going on 2 years now (life gets in the way of my creativity).  I am sure that is why my dear friend knew that I would enjoy this story.  Though I've had this story in my "files", I keep going back to it and I am sure it was the Spirit telling me to post this on my blog.  It is a story of encouragement!  It is rather lengthy as I mentioned, but well worth the read.  May you be encouraged and aware of the true beauty of things you see. I do not know who is the author of this story, so I will credit it as "unknown". 

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty,like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame.. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes,creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.

 God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Name that tune!!

There used to be a gameshow on television called "Name that Tune"!  You had the ability to "name that tune in 5 notes, in 4 notes, in 3 notes" and so on!!! 

Here is a "quiz" that I had in my "party files" that I thought could be fun to try.  Don't peek at the answers at the bottom until you try to name all the Christmas songs.  I LOVE Christmas music (I LOVE most kinds of music):  I begin playing it Nov. 1st - the evening of Dec. 25th!!  So this time for me is one of  "The Most Wonderful Time of The Year".  Have fun!!! Let me know (if you want to reply on the blog) how you did!  I got them all right the first time I did the quiz.




This is taken from a very old Reader's Digest. I do not know the date, etc. It is a RD Challenge.


Each line below is a clue to a well-known yuletide song. You'll have to decode some lofty language to come up with the carols, so if you're ready---get humming!!! (I'll give you the answers on "another note".
1. Listen to the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds.


2. Embellish the interior passageways.


3. Twelve o-clock on a clement night witnessed its arrival.


4. The Christmas preceding all others.


5. Small municipality in Judea south of Jerusalem.


6. Omnipotent supreme being who elicits respite in distinguished males.


7. Nocturnal time span of unbroken quietness.


8. Obese personification fabricated of compressed mounds of minute crystals.


9. Tintinnabulation of vacillating pendulums in inverted, metallic, resonant cups.


10. In awe of the eventide characterized by religiosity.






I look forward to hearing how you did with the clues!!






~Tina














HERE ARE THE ANSWERS!!!


1. Hark the Herald Angels Sing




2. Deck the Halls


3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear


4. The First Noel


5. O Little Town of Bethlehem


6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen


7. Silent Night


8. Frosty the Snowman


9. Jingle Bells


10. O Holy Night


So how did you do?

Happy Autumn

Below is a unique way to remember 7-Up...not the soda!!  I received this today via email from my mom.  It has been around the email block, but it is worth another look.

I thought it was a wonderful way to apply scriptures in our daily lives and see what rich blessings we all have in Him.  Enjoy the fall season! 

H A P P Y   A U T U M N!!!




7-UPS

1. Wake Up !!

Decide to have a good day.
'This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.'
Psalms 118:24


2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.'
I Samuel 16:7


3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
He who guards his lips guards his soul.'
Proverbs 13:3


4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...'
Galatians 6:9-10


5. Look Up !!
. . to the Lord.
'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me'.
Philippians 4:13


6. Reach Up !!
. . for something higher.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.'
Proverbs 3:5-6


7. Lift Up !!
. . your Prayers.
'Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'
Philippians 4:6

Giving Thanks

Below is a poem about the upcoming holiday that I enjoy.  It is one of my favorite holiday.  It is a time to stop, see what God has blessed in my life in the past year.  It is a time to serve others, connect with family, friends, be comfortable in sharing my relationship with God to others.  Thanksgiving Time!


Wait a minute:  isn't that something that I should be doing in my daily walk!!!  I hope you see this time of the year as a time to get centered again, if you might have your priority list out of wack.  To me this time of year is a great reminder of what is important in my life.  I see my purpose more fully. My hope is renewed in the freshness of His grace.  May you/I be bold in our/my walk with God.  May you/I daily have Him as our/my center.  May others see more of Him and less of Me.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving. 


Thanksgiving and Christmas are great avenues to share with your neighbors, coworkers, strangers that happen to "come into your life" at this time. Share how God has blessed your life and how He can be the "filler" of their emptiness deep within.  All humans search for something to fill the gap.  Our gap as Christians, is filled with God's mercy, love, accountability, and grace.  Sometimes we can forget that others are searching for that.  Honestly most times, we realize this need in others, only when we are being refined through a trial, rather than polished and shining when things are going great! 


Be aware of the gift that God has given you and me with these special days of celebration. Be less stressed about the unimportant things and more eager to enhance the important things this holiday season!

For this we give Thanks by Raymond A. Foss

For this day and for this hour,

for the joys of family, and

time to spend together

for the love we share

this Thanksgiving Day

across the miles,

when we are apart,

and for the closeness

we share in our hearts

Oh grant the world

a bit of peace

this day of rest and

day of grace

May we pause and

think again

of the God that provides,

sustains, and guides us all

and give thanks

Praise and be thankful daily, but also be open to hearing God's directions in your praise and thanksgiving.
Ps. 69:30
I Thess 5:18

A Personal Note from Above

I have permission to use this on my blog. A friend of mine, thanks Lisa L. has this on her blog and it always "catches" my eyes, then reminds my heart and soul what a Wonderful loving Savior I serve. Enjoy the blessings of the day you are given.

A Love Letter...

My child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am your perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home an I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is...Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love,

Your Dad, God Almighty

New chapter...or just a continuation...

My last post was about "what you're worth". It basically will relate to some thoughts that I'll be sharing in this post. This post is more for me than anyone else, so if you are happening to browse my blog, forgive me in advance for the ramblings and revelations that I will be sharing.

Our daughter, Megan graduated from Wilmington University in 2008. That being said, all of my family was through with us sacrificing for their education. We're all college graduates. The benefits were now available to me, if I so desired to take the "jump" to finish my B.S. degree. I thought that was the next thing to do with my life.

SO, I began taking courses: some good, some not-so-good, but I still continued (not without total encouragement from my family and some very, very close friends). I still felt unsettled by my choice. I had to cut back on some activities that I never could participate in due to work scheduleds. I would signup for a class and then drop a class inbetween taking a class or two. I was hoping to find some enjoyment out of it. Though I enjoy learning new things and reading, exploring, I did not like the classroom setting. I opted to do online classes, this too, though I had the ability to do it on "my terms", I still didn't enjoy the have to aspect of learning, (tests, papers, etc). I did enjoy finding the information and reading the text books but other aspects I did not enjoy.

It has been almost two years now that I have juggled what I described above. Many of you know that Jim and I met in college. I received an A.A. with a very strong emphasis in Music Ed. (in fact the classes currently took were classes that I omitted 30+ years ago...because I wanted to inhale all the music courses I could because that was my preference. I have enough music credits to teach in a public school setting). I have used my experience and knowledge for these 30+ years to instruct mostly children (some adults) in the art of piano, flute and some voice knowledge. It is something that for years, I felt less worthy to do, but have now come to realize, I'm as capable as any music instructor (for the levels that I choose to teach).

Here was my questioning: If I finish the degree (B.S.) what would that mean for me in my professional life: a) I could teach in a private school setting, b) I could increase my hourly fees due to the sheet of paper from a University. These are good reasons, but I forgot (for a time) some other answers. I had an interview at a local well-known music store for possible private instruction. In the process of the interview, I mentioned that I am finishing my degree, they said that is a good thing, but to be an effective music instructor (remember my level of teaching-beginners-intermediate)-experience is the key (no pun intended). Keeping up on the methods, textbooks, etc mixed with personal musical experience is alot of what makes an effective teacher. That set off a light for me!! I realized, I've been doing what I always thought I would do, be a music teacher, but I haven't been truly enjoying it...thinking I needed more to fulfill this void.

After this interview I went home, shared the info with my hubby, who has been my best supporter throughout all our years together! I started thinking and praying. I wanted the Lord to show me what is right for me, not for Jim, for the kids, for my extended family, for others, but for me an what I will feel worthy of as I serve Him in my life.

I've ALWAYS struggled with pleasing others, wondering what others thought, how to do it so others would always benefit, rather than what is God's plan for Tina! God has been showing me through other aspects of my life what His Plan is, so now was the time for me to ask him about this part of my life.

Just this past week, I really wrestled with this issue of taking more classes (being almost done, etc...8 more classes I think), and I came to a calming realization, that I am not fulfilled in taking classes, in fact, it makes a bit "freaky" when it is time for another class to begin. I feel continually like there is a monkey on my back while in the courses and I have to neglect other things that I was not able to do earlier in our marriage due to working fulltime-part-time outside the home in a professional position. I am blessed to even be able to make these choices in today's economy and that makes me even more "angry" with myself and my lack of confidence in making the "right choice". (Sorry I got off on a babbling trip). I made a bold confident decision and after I shared it with those most closest to me, I felt a peace and calmness over me. Is it the right decision, it is for me at this time. Will I ever change this view, there is a possibility, but I have so much to offer with the talents I now have, how can I be feeling empty and concerned that I'm serving others so they will benefit.

Here is what I shared with my family and friends. I share it with you all as well:

"I am done with trying classes, etc. I LOVE my music instruction and know that I can add to my schedule if I desire. I "freak out" each block and second guess myself. I'm not doing it anymore. Even the fun classes. I have plenty hobbies, interests, activities, causes, etc to challenge me. I now have the confidence to know that I don't need the paper to be smart and to continue to learn. Some are better at the college setting...Give me the music and the social aspect...you can keep the rest. :-D I would have definitely finished after receiving my A.A., but now I don't see the need and I don't have the desire. in this case, it is about what I think is best. Hope you're all not too disappointed. The monkey is now off my back! "

I am thankful for God allowing me to find the confidence that He always knew was in me. Jim sees it, but I had to see it before it could be used to the level that was needed. I may decide further down the road that college is an option, but then again...God may direct me in another avenue. I love to learn and we can learn in sooo many settings.

Here are some replies to my note above. "Ultimately the question is what do you want to do with your life. What may be at the heart of this is what has driven you for much of your life-pleasing others. Basically I want you to love your life, and not base your success in life on what the world preceives as success. Be content in your choice, Be confident in your choice and be confident in your worthiness." "I love that you've tried and tried again and again. Only you know your limits. S top feeling like you have to explain or jstify your choices. No one is judging you. Formal education is only one type of education. You my friend have a PhD. in being a wife, mother, friend, teacher, menotr, servant and most importanly a child of God." "I'm sooo happy for you, that you finally have peace. You have my support no matter what you decide." "I am always in your corner." "I am not disappointed at all." "You wouldn't have know unless you tried again. You need to be confident in who you are and not worry about what you don't have (sheet of paper-another degree). You have sooo much. I just want you to be confident and satisfied in your decision."

God has blessed me over and over again with these family members and friends and there were more.

So all this to let you know that I'm enjoying my life, I am learning not to second guess or think of what I could have done and how our lives would be different, or at times in my eyes somewhat better. I know that to give in one aspect you have to let go in others. Jim and I have a wonderful life and I know that my influence on others has been for the most part a positive influence. May I continue to serve in a confident, worthy, smart, passionate way that others see more of Him and less of me.

I am content and sooooo thankful for it!

Enjoy whatever you are doing and do it to the fullest for Him. It's Wednesday and today is lessons day....bring on the piano/flute students...your teacher is ready and so thankful to share her passion for music!!!