CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM MISSOURI!

This time of year always brings out reflections of special memories that are tucked away in our heart’s treasure box. The fun times we had as children playing in the snow, cutting down the tree, decorating it with popcorn and red berries. Oh my, that was a chore! The memory of that special gift our Dad and Mom sacrificed to purchase just for us. We know little of true sacrifice these days. This brings to mind the best gift of all that truly was a sacrifice – the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, who came to this earth to seek and save that which was lost. The Jaquess Family is grateful for the gift of salvation as each adult gives personal testimony of accepting this gift. Jesus is the reason for the Christmas seasonJ May we make a special effort to tell someone about the free gift while God’s love for mankind is presented in so many fashions at this wonderful holiday time.

The Jaquess Family is now 14 in number and soon to be 15. Stephanie received confirmation on her birthday that she is expecting Baby Beeson #2 around July 10th. We had two new grandchildren born during 2006, Callie McKenna Jaquess, belonging to Aaron & Julia and Hope Haemi Jaquess, belonging to Christopher & Melanie. Each one has their own special way of capturing your heart when they are in your presence. We have the privilege of seeing them often as each family still lives in this area and are faithful, working members of our church. Our lives as well as theirs revolve around our family and our church. We are very blessed.

Rick continues to direct Turning Point Prison Ministry. There are several ministry teams from our church that travel to the state and federal prisons in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. It has been a rewarding ministry but only the Lord knows the true harvest. We have seen souls saved and added to our church this past year as well.

We were able to attend a Thunderbird air show in March at the air base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Our long time friend from Germany, Rob Clanin,
was a Thunderbird team member and provided us with VIP passes. We were able to get a close-up view of the planes and the fun part was taking our grandsons AJ and Dylan to see all the excite-ment. We also had a nice visit with Lew & Karen Clanin that weekend.

March was our traveling month as we also went to College Station, Texas. Rick was on an ordination council for one of our friends, Chad Harkrider. We traveled down with Randall & Brenda Moody, Phyllis’s sister/our pastor. We had a great time of fellowship with the Harkriders and with those attending the ordination.

We have several family birthday parties, baby showers and holiday cookouts to attend throughout the year which helps us have some quality time together. We always try to make it to Branson or somewhere nearby for a family weekend get-a-way. This took place in August this year.

Stephanie and Chris built a new home this year and have invited all of us to spend the night at their place on December 22nd to have our traditional Christmas dinner and family time. There will be our 14 plus Rick’s mother is going to be visiting with us at that time. The date is not important to us as to when we are able to get 4 families together, just that we make time to have “our time”.
Psalms 103:2 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” The Lord put a colon at the end of that verse for a purpose. His benefits are innumerable!!!

by Mom