Christmas, 2011

It’s been quite a year for the Holbrook family. We have ventured through deep waters in 2011. It’s been a season of challenges, change, hope and trust. I read recently that “faith combined with hope grows into trust,” and isn’t this just what the Nativity is all about. God’s love reaching down to show us how deep and wide His love is for us, because He knew exactly what we needed, and the reality of Jesus being born among us…more than just a story…a reality of the Divine connecting with His creation to say, “I Love You. I am with you. I will never let you go!”

We started the year wading through the waters of the economic downturn. There’s nothing like letting go of your home to shake up your world! We waited and watched as God turned over stones for us and led us right into the place that He knew we would call home. And “home” this place on Oakwood Lane has quickly become! It’s funny how our natural tendency is to resist the Lord’s intentions for us, but He gently leads us and calls us to surrender and trust, and when we get to that place…it becomes holy ground. You can look back and say, “Ah yes, God was with us! Faithful one!”

Other challenges were more ”invited” this year. We need these as well, to move us forward into trust. Gina ran her first half-marathon in beautiful Lake Tahoe in September. It was quite an experience. She trained through the summer heat and ran, non-stop…up the winding road around Rubicon Bay, Emerald Bay and down into the Tahoe basin-Pope Beach. What an experience for her before her 40^th birthday. The crew cheered her as she crossed the finish line having far-surpassed her goal time. It was awesome!

In other news, Caleb (14 yrs) faced the challenge of starting high school this year…at our local High School. Benjamin (12 yrs) and Silas (10 yrs) are still schooling at home. Caleb continues to pursue his MTB jumping “career” and has joined forces with some local kids to build their beloved dirt jumps not too far from the house. On most days, you will find Caleb down at the jumps practicing his tail-whips, tire-grabs and a plethora of other stunts. Benjamin is now very involved on the youth worship team at one of our local churches. He really has a gift and we are watching a passion for worship take shape in our Ben. This summer he had the opportunity to go with the youth group to a YWAM camp called “Call of Duty”. He came back with many stories and caught a glimpse of the power of God in a new way. Another highlight for Ben was his first bow kill…lots of venison these days. Silas remains the creative force in our family. He loves to make “things”, invent “things” and also plays guitar. He adores his Isabella (18 months) and is her absolute favorite playmate.

Bella-girl, as a friend expressed so perfectly, is the best butter-cream icing on the cake. She richly blesses our lives and touches our home daily with laughter and fun! Brian and I repeatedly express…”If we knew then what we know now!” Parenting is a totally different experience when you are in your forties. What a gift! Her favorite words, “Silas (of course), dog-dog, mama, daddy, guys, Pablo (Backyardigans), bite (bike), and a resounding ‘no’! She has quite a vocabulary, mimicking everything she hears, which means mama has to be very careful when she gets mad at the boys! She loves to be anywhere her brothers are and her favorite thing to do is say “hi” to every passer-by in the grocery store. We have adopted a few Grandmas at Walmart because of that.

In closing, I want to quote from the same book, “Trust is acquired only gradually and most often through a series of crisis and trials.” I know we all have plenty of those to varying degrees. We pray that in your own personal circumstances, no matter what they are, you are able to hold onto the hope born on that Holy night.

Merry Christmas and a trust-filled New Year!

Brian, Gina, Caleb, Ben, Silas and Isabella Holbrook