I love the Christmas season. That time of year when we reflect on and celebrate the coming of our Savior. And I love the opportunity to send Christmas greetings to you from my family. If you have a few minutes, read on to see what the Howard family has been up to in 2020.
The Howard Family in 2020
Like many of you, we rung in the New Year with anticipation. I had a busy spring speaking schedule. My daughters, daughter-in-love, and I had a girls’ trip planned to New York City in April. But it wasn’t long before COVID changed all that and more.
So, we spent a lot of time fishing at our family camp on a lake in Texas. Time on the water and in the woods helped us deal with the stress of the pandemic – and it kept us separated from other people! An added benefit – we ate a lot of fish.
We did get to take a road trip to Tennessee in October. My nephew got married outside of Knoxville. While we were there, we spent time in the mountains to hike and enjoy God’s creation. And by God’s grace, I was allowed to go into the nursing home to see my mother whom I had not been able to see since January.
Then on October 31st, Mom won her long battle with Alzheimer’s and graduated to heaven. And in God’s perfect timing, we welcomed our newest grand baby Everett James on October 28th.
Ministry in 2020
This pandemic did not surprise God. His plans were not changed. He still had things for me to do in this crazy year. Although my in-person speaking opportunities were greatly slashed, He gave me multiple new opportunities to teach God’s Word through online courses and conferences.
Plus, God gave me the opportunity to write TWO books this year! In hindsight, I don’t know how I would have written both books with my original speaking schedule.
The first book – “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” – was released in November. This 40-day devotional journey through the life and ministry of Jesus, will show you how to interact with and apply Scripture, not just read it. These meaty, daily devotions will help you foster a desire for God’s Word that keeps you rooted in Scripture and growing spiritually. Look inside now on Amazon!
BY THE WAY… if you’ve read (or started reading) “Deep Rooted” will you consider leaving a review on Amazon? I hate to ask, but reviews is one way more people can find out about this great resource. Thanks in advance!
The second book, “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” won’t be out until August. But stay tuned for more details!
A Small Gift for Your Family
To help you and your family focus on the real gift of Christmas this year, I’d love for you to download this free family devotional, “The Ornaments of Christmas!”
Our Christmas Greetings
We’ve had a lot of bad news this year. But Christmas points us to the Good News:
“Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, defeating sin, death, and the grave. His presence fills us with grace and strength for today. The Gospel also birthed the church, changed the world, and continues to propel us towards God’s full and final purposes.
Yes, bad news still makes headlines. But for those who belong to Jesus, His Gospel decidedly trumps any bad news the world can deliver. The Gospel of Christ. Life conquers death. Hope pushes out despair. Joy overwhelms grief. Truly the best news ever.” (Excerpt from “Deep Rooted”)
May your family experience God’s peace, comfort, and joy this Christmas.
The Howard family
Merry Christmas to you too!
Thanks, Kathy, for sharing your Christmas pictures and information about your family. I loved seeing you and your family sharing Hugs!
Each year I try to find something creative to share with my family as we get together to celebrate the Birth of Christ. This year, your free Gift to me and my family (The Ornaments of Christmas) will be used.
I have been studying the book of Titus you sent this week. It reminded me, once again, that Studying God’s Word and praying are so important as we Seek God’s Will for our Lives daily. Thank you for providing this resource.
Seeing you at Still Waters Baptist this past Saturday was a wonderful way to get to know and see how much you Radiate the Love of Jesus! May God continue to Bless, Guide, and Direct you and your loved ones especially during this time of year.
Hi Frances! Thanks for coming by! I am glad you plan to use the Ornaments of Christmas devotional! I hope your family is blessed. I so enjoyed my time with you and the people of Still Waters Baptist. So thankful that God allowed me to travel to be with you!
Merry Christmas to you too! I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your family and hearing your wonderful news.
Thanks for coming by Lisa!
Kathy you are such an inspiration. Thank you for reminding us to find joy in all and everything that happens in our lives. I learned this a long time ago. And a refreshment on seeing it I. Your life is inspiration. Merry Christmas
Thank you for your kind words.