For the past 30 years, I have always sent a Christmas newsletter to let you know what's happening in the Brandon household. About 4 years ago, the length of the letters became briefer than before (made a lot of readers happy). We went through a time of evaluating our lives and what's really important. We have No One Else Like Him to go to in the midst of our suffering but the Beautiful God we so love. John 6:68. As we approach 100 years old (you're supposed to laugh right now), things look a lot different to me than they did 4 years ago. Once again this year, we went through a little more suffering that brought us a step of faith closer to the One Who holds us all together (Col 1:17). God has used so many of you to give me hope and courage as I battled cancer. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the Beautiful Fragrance of the Lord Jesus Christ that you have brought to me this year (2 Cor 2:14). My Deep Gratitude, Bev
Here is our 2010 Family Newsletter:
A New December dawns and draws us in to reflect on 2009. A verse that has gripped me for 3 decades---Psalm 27:13-14---took on new meaning this year. I would have despaired unless I had believed I would see the Goodness of God. We will remember 2009 for we found a Good God in the midst of difficult days. Groping for that Invisible Hand in dark times, He met me in my weakness 2 Cor 12:9. We are alive in ways we have not been before.
In a few weeks, Bob will marry our oldest son to the love of his life, lovely Lauren Bailey of
Brooke com
pleted her 3-year commitment in
Blair serves on Capitol Hill in
Britt is loving his senior year at
It has been one of the scariest years for me in battling cancer but Psalm 18:28 speaks to deep places in me: God is turning my darkness into Light. Learning a bit more to kept still & not fight my own battles. Nahum 1:7 says the LORD is good. He has been my Refuge in times of trouble. I am finding a deeper Rest, growing in a little more dependence on a Sovereign God. Bob serves faithfully on a church staff here in
We hold so much gratitude in our hearts for you. The outpour of God’s Love has been overwhelming---old friends and new friends, even strangers whom God has used to put hope in my hand & heart. God is carrying us through all our ordeals- Isaiah 46:4. We are grateful to be fellow strugglers with you passing through this life to our real home. Take courage, O my soul, and wait upon the LORD, not the solution of our problems, not the closure of sickness, not the escape from trials. We wait on a Beautiful God not on any man nor any circumstance.
Our prayer for you is Isaiah 40: 3-5 - There is a Voice calling in your wilderness. May every valley be raised up & every mountain made low that the glory of God be revealed in you in 2010. We join you in advancing His Kingdom. May we all deal with the competing kingdoms in our hearts. All praise & honor this Christmas to the Beautiful & Invisible & Eternal God Whom we adore! Now unto HIM Who is able to keep us together, Jude 2:24. Holding fast to our Good God and Psalm 46: 5,10 --- God is in our midst; I will not be moved. God will help me when morning dawns every day in 2010. Be still, my heart, and know He is God.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year -
Bob & Bev - Barrett, Brooke, Blair and Britt
8 comments:
So good to see pics of your family. Beautiful letter. I am pulling for Aggieland;)
Merry Christmas....
What a wonderful letter :)
Merry Christmas!
Love to you.
Beautiful letter. Beautiful words from Him to you to me..thank you. blessings....I am so thankful to "know" you.
I am doing a study at church this next semester and in the fall that is studying the Chronological Bible...it is a discipleship class. So excited. Reading the Bible thru chronologically was such a blessing two years ago..hard to believe that it was two years ago. You have touched me so deep with just about all of your posts. Your insights and discernement has blessed me over and over and over. May we all be still in the new year and learn more of our great God. You have given Him all the glory and all the praise, as far as I am concerned. Blessings to you and yours...Love, Mary Lou
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Two weddings to look forward to, what a blessing.
That was beautiful girl!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Love you.
It is good to see the pictures of your family and that they are all doing well. I still can't believe they are all grown up. Blessings on the upcoming marriages.
Loved reading a bit more about your life, Bev, and seeing your grown children come into their own. I have two in college; two in grade school. Some days, I grow weary with my "doing." I hope that my 4 will grow up as beautifully productive as your 4! Wow, your mother's heart must soar most days.
I'm not sure where you currently are in your journey with cancer, but I will add your name to my growing list and keep you in my thoughts as prayers as the Lord prompts.
Blessings and peace to you this weekend~elaine
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