Our first (ever) Christmas letter

For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 11-12


Greetings,


As we celebrate the birth of our savior many thoughts run through my mind; thankfulness, grace, peace and hope. At some point in 2010 all of these have blessed our family through the Spirit of Christ. God’s gift of His son is truly the only gift we ever need to receive. As I try to recap this past year I don’t know where to start. Marsha was hospitalized for about 7 weeks beginning in February with a rare disease that caused a serious secondary issue, called pulmonary hypertension. We spent 3 weeks in Wichita and 4 weeks in Denver, CO. By God’s grace and the many prayers of people across the world, Marsha was spared her life. She has continued to improve since she was discharged from the hospital in April, but has had many ups and downs during the past 8 months. We are thankful for the valley because of where He has us now and the peace He granted us along the journey. Looking back we can see many ways God was preparing us and continues to conform us.


When we try to describe the majesty and love of God, human words don’t seem adequate. His gift is truly indescribable. The same holds true when we try to find the words to thank the many of you who prayed, sacrificed your time and resources, and continue to help out with daily struggles we encounter. THANK YOU ALL for the love of Christ you have displayed to our family.


Mason (6) and Maiya (5) have been such a blessing this year. Mason goes to kindergarten in the mornings and Maiya has the same teacher for preschool in the afternoon. Mrs. Tia is great with the kids. I don’t know where she finds the energy. Mason’s favorite part of school is recess and PE, no surprise there. Mason played T-ball this summer and really enjoyed it and Maiya is a natural in her gymnastic classes. Mason has developed an infatuation with combines and loves harvest time and Maiya loves to check cows with daddy. Our future K-Stater loves to wear his basketball uniform and shoot at the many goals around the house and Maiya wears her cheerleading outfit to cheer for her brother. Mason and Maiya have been through their share of difficulties this year and by God’s grace have adjusted well. They have become helpers around the house and they fight over who gets to help mom mix her medicine. I think Maiya could even mix it by herself now.


We are adjusting to life as we know it now. Everyone feels comfortable when things are “normal,” but is that really where we need to be? We still manage to be busy but have learned that flexibility and reliance on Christ for our every need is a necessity. Christ never promised a perfect life, but He promised a helper in the Holy Spirit and He is and has been with us every step of the way. May God richly bless you in Christ this Christmas as He has us this year!


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Shelor’s,


Matt, Marsha, Mason & Maiya