Merry Christmas from the Hartman family to yours!
2007 has come and gone in the twinkling of an eye and it was a relatively smooth year.
One of the greatest joys in our life has been Providence Church. We’re blessed to be a part of such a great church family, but church planting is not for the faint of heart. It can be exhausting for all involved, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences to be a part of a new work of God’s grace. We have great people working with the kids, and our “Pot Providence” fellowship meals every two months help us better connect with each other as a church family.
Sarah Beth (8-1/2) dabbled in softball, dance, and gymnastics, but her passion was her art classes. She enjoys 3rd grade and even signed up to take Spanish after school. She has a great collection of “Littlest Pet Shops” and would devote her every waking hour to Webkins if we’d allow it.
Rachel (6-1/2) also had a busy year, being involved in t-ball, dance, and soccer. But there is no doubt that soccer is still her favorite. She still has a great affection for monkeys and has started a pretty extensive Mark McGwire collection. She’s enjoying 1st grade as a “Hunt Hound.”
Eric Jr. (4-1/2) enjoyed his first season of t-ball and still likes Lightning McQueen and Batman. His favorite activity, however, is sitting next to his dad (after bedtime) on the couch, as they eat chips and “watch Cardinals” or “watch Cowboys.” Growing up in the era of TiVo he has never yet wondered how sports can be ready for our viewing at a moment’s notice.
Victoria (2-1/2) has really become demonstrative and loves to boss her brother around, cutting him no slack at all. She’s picked up the nickname “Hopscotch” and is a big fan of the Doodlebops and Rocky, the boxer, not the squirrel. She cannot go to sleep without her stuffed cat, Sophie (whom she calls “Soph”) and her blanket (whom she calls “Blank”). Every night it seems we’re all scouring the house to “find Soph & Blank” for her.
Mary Ellen was an assistant teacher at a church’s preschool and did some substitute teaching. She also started a “Keepers of the Home” group for young girls to become resourceful and godly women. She continues to play her violin at church each week and helps write the children’s church curriculum.
Gunny celebrated 10 years as an ordained minister and the 1 year anniversary of Providence Church. He coached Rachel’s soccer team, which was perhaps the highlight of his year, and he also got to speak on “The Holiness of God and His People” at the Fellowship of Reformed Churches' annual conference. He regrets neglecting his Harley and his PhD studies this year.
Life is good because we serve an amazing God. He is so worthy of our praise and service. We are thankful for His daily mercy, grace, and providential care.
At Christmas, of course, we’re thankful for the incarnation, where God took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
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