So goes the line of that well known Christmas song. What a fun time! There's something so special about going back home for the holidays. This was the first time in my life that I had not seen most of my family for a whole year! To say the least, I was pretty excited to get home. It was also great to see friends, catch up on news from the last year and visit with some of my former landscaping clients.
A December highlight for the entire family was my older brother's graduation from the University of Illinois in Electrical Engineering. Seven diligent years of study and two degrees is no small accomplishment. Mom's birthday was the day after the graduation ceremony .... a pretty sweet gift for any mom. While I was home there was also a wedding of a special couple from our church, (for which my sister made a beautiful wedding cake). And, deserving of special mention, was the huge surprise awaiting me the night I arrived home. My brother, Daniel, had purchased a very big pickup truck! For the better part of 2 weeks, my siblings had taken great delight in scheming up ways to surprise me with its unveiling. Surprised I was!!!
So much has happened in 2012. Looking back over this last year, I am humbled and thankful for what God has done in my life and how He has both stretched and blessed me. This past October was the one year anniversary of my full time staff position as apprentice manager at Polyface Farm. I am grateful for the many friends I have at the farm to work with, laugh with, and learn from. I've also enjoyed a wonderful church family and have been able to participate in a number of special events with them. Three of my brothers were able to come and visit me. We had fun just hanging out and even more fun working together. Another highlight of this summer was being part of a small group Bible study
that a friend hosted. My Heavenly Father continues to show me more of Himself and the unconditional love He has for each one of us. I am so thankful for the relationship I have with Jesus and the strength He makes available each and every day to walk in His power.
I hope you also have reason to be filled with gratitude and joy over the blessings of last year. Whatever may be happening around us, there is a sure foundation in Jesus Christ that we can hold on to and cry out to for salvation. That is a promise available to anyone who will humble themselves and express their need for a Savior.
May you have hope and excitement for this new year! Eric
A few pictures from my time back home...
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| A family picture at my brother's graduation. |
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| I'm proud of you Christopher!! |
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| All six Barth Brothers in front of Daniel's new truck! |
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| First load with the new ride! |
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| I got to enjoy some time on the ice while I was home. |
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Man, I had stiffer competition from my younger brothers than I expected.
Time sure changes things! |
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| My hockey buddies! |
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| I'm "Polyfacing" more of my family, one sibling at a time. ;-) |
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| "The Family Table" I think it is such a blessing to see a sight like this. |
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| Rebekah is showing Grandpa the new ipad she purchased for her nutrition coursework. |
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| The last ride as a family in the ole' fifteen passenger. We went looking at Christmas lights! |
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Sorry for the blur on this shot. Those of you with memories of hours spent in the back
of the family's big van will understand why I included it anyway. |
1 comment:
It sure was fun to be together! I imagine that these first few Christmases as we are spreading out will have a special place in our minds for many years to come.
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