Soapweed
Well-known member
Our Christmas letter this year was written by our daughter, Sunflower. Here is her rendition of the year 2008:
This morning, Mom and I cranked up The Cambridge Singers and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's "Hallelujah" Chorus; then we danced around the kitchen and let our hearts explode with triumphant joy. That's the outcome of this year. These things we know: God is Sovereign, He is REAL, and He is Love…
2008 started well (from what I've heard). The Kosmo Kid "popped the question" to his kutie in February (a few days after Valentine's Day, so as not to be too clichéd). She said yes, and the date is set for next June! They're currently attending another year in Sheridan, Wyoming, but will return to the Soapweed Ranch for good after their honeymoon. I hear all manner of beguiling stories about Kosmo, like how he bought a three-year-old unbroke colt this spring, and within a month he was standing on his head, on the back of his horse; or standing upright on one foot, roping from the horse's back. He's fearless and funny, and I love him. His fiance is a sweetie, too, so they'll do really well together.
Other than that, I honestly don't know much about how summer went, except that Mom got a new i-pod to accompany her in the hayfield; and Dad's air conditioning must have still been working or I'm sure I would've heard about it…
The biggest highlight of our year is that my older brother and his sweetie were married October 18th! Their eyes just light up for each other, and they are so in love. He is wiser, yet even more light-hearted and blessed than ever. They make their home in Merriman, where he is still busy and creatively gifted as ever with Vulcan Welding. His new bride graduated last spring from the University of Nebraska's College of Pharmacy, and is now a brilliant and beautiful pharmacist in the Chadron hospital.
Mom and Dad are doing really well, and looking great! Mom has been growing out her hair since I've been gone, and she is more lovely than I remember; she just shines with the love and grace of Christ! And because you can't see him in the picture, I should mention Dad has lost 35 pounds due to the Atkins diet, and one third of a finger due to a pump jack (the middle finger of his left hand, if you were wondering). But, he's still sharp and handsome as ever, and so kind.
And everyone (Dad and Mom especially) greeted me with the Father's love and open arms when I returned home in the wee hours of the morning, October 19th. I was in darkness and deception these four years, leavened by false teachings and false prophesies. The devil truly does appear as an angel of light, even though there is no light and no truth in him. But my life is a proof and testimony that we have a great Big God, and a little bitty devil. Even in the deepest sin and darkness I was altogether in the palm of His hand; and He really does work all things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His name. He woke me up and worked miracles in my circumstances to see and know Who He really is, and now a time of restoration and refreshment is at hand, so I'll be at the Soapweed Ranch for a while…
On a personal note, I wanted to encourage you. Don't be more afraid, saying, "If this could happen to Sunflower, what about my family?" I'm awake now! And my Father drew me nearer to Him than I may have ever been. Be confident and unshakable in the Sovereignty of God- that He is the Almighty, the I AM; and He is love. There is nothing that surprises or shakes Him; there's nothing too big or too little for Him. These next years, fear will become rampant, and try to enter all our lives in every way it can, which also gives way to depression and anxiety. Don't let it enter. Stand on His Word. Know and remember that to His people, God is Provider, Healer, Father and friend. His kingdom is our primary citizenship. Pray for our government and world, but remember that we're of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
So, as the chorus says, "Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"
Merry Christmas, and blessed new beginnings,
Soapweed, Peach Blossom, Sunflower, and the Kosmo Kid
This morning, Mom and I cranked up The Cambridge Singers and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's "Hallelujah" Chorus; then we danced around the kitchen and let our hearts explode with triumphant joy. That's the outcome of this year. These things we know: God is Sovereign, He is REAL, and He is Love…
2008 started well (from what I've heard). The Kosmo Kid "popped the question" to his kutie in February (a few days after Valentine's Day, so as not to be too clichéd). She said yes, and the date is set for next June! They're currently attending another year in Sheridan, Wyoming, but will return to the Soapweed Ranch for good after their honeymoon. I hear all manner of beguiling stories about Kosmo, like how he bought a three-year-old unbroke colt this spring, and within a month he was standing on his head, on the back of his horse; or standing upright on one foot, roping from the horse's back. He's fearless and funny, and I love him. His fiance is a sweetie, too, so they'll do really well together.
Other than that, I honestly don't know much about how summer went, except that Mom got a new i-pod to accompany her in the hayfield; and Dad's air conditioning must have still been working or I'm sure I would've heard about it…
The biggest highlight of our year is that my older brother and his sweetie were married October 18th! Their eyes just light up for each other, and they are so in love. He is wiser, yet even more light-hearted and blessed than ever. They make their home in Merriman, where he is still busy and creatively gifted as ever with Vulcan Welding. His new bride graduated last spring from the University of Nebraska's College of Pharmacy, and is now a brilliant and beautiful pharmacist in the Chadron hospital.
Mom and Dad are doing really well, and looking great! Mom has been growing out her hair since I've been gone, and she is more lovely than I remember; she just shines with the love and grace of Christ! And because you can't see him in the picture, I should mention Dad has lost 35 pounds due to the Atkins diet, and one third of a finger due to a pump jack (the middle finger of his left hand, if you were wondering). But, he's still sharp and handsome as ever, and so kind.
And everyone (Dad and Mom especially) greeted me with the Father's love and open arms when I returned home in the wee hours of the morning, October 19th. I was in darkness and deception these four years, leavened by false teachings and false prophesies. The devil truly does appear as an angel of light, even though there is no light and no truth in him. But my life is a proof and testimony that we have a great Big God, and a little bitty devil. Even in the deepest sin and darkness I was altogether in the palm of His hand; and He really does work all things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His name. He woke me up and worked miracles in my circumstances to see and know Who He really is, and now a time of restoration and refreshment is at hand, so I'll be at the Soapweed Ranch for a while…
On a personal note, I wanted to encourage you. Don't be more afraid, saying, "If this could happen to Sunflower, what about my family?" I'm awake now! And my Father drew me nearer to Him than I may have ever been. Be confident and unshakable in the Sovereignty of God- that He is the Almighty, the I AM; and He is love. There is nothing that surprises or shakes Him; there's nothing too big or too little for Him. These next years, fear will become rampant, and try to enter all our lives in every way it can, which also gives way to depression and anxiety. Don't let it enter. Stand on His Word. Know and remember that to His people, God is Provider, Healer, Father and friend. His kingdom is our primary citizenship. Pray for our government and world, but remember that we're of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
So, as the chorus says, "Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"
Merry Christmas, and blessed new beginnings,
Soapweed, Peach Blossom, Sunflower, and the Kosmo Kid
