This year has been a full one for our family, filled with times of both joy and sorrow, but through it all, giving thanks and praise to the Lord.

Our youngest daughter, Chrystalynn, turned "sweet sixteen" back in January. Where has the time gone, as our little baby has become a beautiful young lady. It seems that many kids around here get their own car for their 16th birthday. Well, Chrystalynn didn't get a vehicle, but she did get horsepower - one horse power, to be specific, as her birthday present was becoming the owner of her favorite horse, Chaz. Her year has now been filled with "everything Chaz" mixed together with interesting amounts of playing field hockey for her school, McKean High School, and teaching gymnastics at the Hockessin Athletic Club. Chrystalynn continued her volunteer work at Carousel Equestrian Center, and now at the Fick's Barn, where Chaz is boarded. She was able to ride Chaz in competitions in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, and was able to once again attend the National Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio.

As winter turned to spring, Carolyn's father passed from this life to his eternal home. Although this was certainly a sad occasion, and we miss him dearly, it was also a time of rejoicing, for the Lord in His grace and mercy spared "Grandad" from further suffering and the difficulties of dementia, and promoted him to a place of complete freedom to worship the Lord, unfettered by the limitations of this world. God bless you, Grandad, until we see you again!

Spring days grew longer and warmer, and we headed one last time back to Grove City College as our oldest daughter, Jessica, completed her undergraduate schooling. We couldn't have been prouder as she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with high honors in Music Education. Following a summer of life-guarding, Jessica began her graduate work at Villanova University. To augment her musical training, Jessica's masters degree will be in Theatrical Direction. Jessica was awarded a graduate assistantship at Villanova, working in the props department at the school. This assistantship takes care of her entire educational costs there, as well as many of her other expenses. During the fall, we were able to go up to Villanova to see Jessica in her theatrical debut in their presentation of "Mother Courage and Her Children."

If you remember last year, we had an addition to our family - a furry one - in a golden retriever puppy we named Breeze. As Breeze turned a year old, we decided she needed company. As our breeder was transitioning from Pennsylvania to the New England area, she contacted us to see if we were interested in adopting Breeze's sister, which we were thrilled to do! So, on Memorial Day weekend, off we went to Lancaster to pick up our second golden, who's proper name is "Boudicca," but she goes by the call name of "Booty!" Breeze and Booty are half-sisters, both having the same father, a champion golden named Trooper (CH Colabaugh's Hi Speed Pursuit, CDX,TD,JH, RE, NA, NAJ, WCX, SDHF,VCX) All those letters probably don't mean much to most people, but they show that he is a multi-level champion. As we walk Breeze and Booty, we are continually stopped by people as they admire our two pups. Throughout the summer, we enjoyed many times of taking Breeze n' Booty to the nearby "bark park" at Carousel Park, to allow them to run free, and to swim in the lake. Watching them retrieve is always great fun, and they draw a crowd of onlookers watching their "tandem retrieving" exhibition! We always come back with smiles on our faces and mud on our shoes!

When the weather turns warm around here, thoughts start to turn toward the beach. In June, we enjoyed a whirlwind tour of not one, not two - but five lighthouses in one day with our friends, Leroy and Clare Walker. We traveled from Wilmington to see the Barnegat (near Surf City), Absecon (in Atlantic City), Hereford (in N. Wildwood), and Cape May lighthouses. What was the fifth lighthouse? Why, the Marcus Hook Rear Range Light, right here in Wilmington! We had a great time, and promise to do it again this coming summer!

Perhaps the highlight of the year for our whole family was to spend a week in July on vacation together at our favorite spot - Sea Colony in Bethany Beach. Long before we moved to Delaware, our annual trips to Bethany are what made us originally fall in love with this state. This year, we got to do what we had never done before - watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the beach. Chrystalynn's friend and fellow horse-back rider, Erin Fick, joined with us for a perfect week together.

Once again this August, Carolyn and I were able to attend the General Council of the Assemblies of God, this year back in Indianapolis. While in Indianapolis, I was able to meet my friend, Michael Railing, and visit the Indy 500 Raceway. We were able to ride around the track, and visit the museum where vehicles that have won this world famous annual race are displayed. During the General Council meetings, it was good to see many ministry friends from across the country we have known for years, but only get to see on rare occasions like this.

As August days grew longer, the time came to pack all of Jessica's earthly belongings, and move her into her new apartment in Wayne, PA. Just minutes down the "Main Line" from Villanova, Jessica's apartment is small, but very cute, and just perfect for her. And, best of all, she is only 45 minutes from home now!

While Carolyn continues to "hold the fort" taking care of the home and being the chief support to Chrystalynn, my ministry as senior pastor at Wilmington First Assembly of God has entered its eighth year. Additionally, I continue to serve the Penn-Del District on the Executive Presbytery, and have just begun a national appointment to serve as a facilitator teaching BootCamps for the church planting department. During these week-long events, we train new church planters, as well as veteran pastors desiring to "revitalize" their existing churches. In November, I taught at the New York District's BootCamp in Binghamton, NY.

A few weeks later, I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the national Church Planting Leadership Summit. It was a highly rewarding and encouraging conference, which took place at Radiant Church, a church plant just ten years ago, which now has a weekend attendance in excess of 5,000 people! As we prepare to plant our fourth church in Delaware, it is wonderful to see what is happening in church planting all across our nation. While in the Phoenix area, I met up once again with Michael Railing, and another friend, Jay Polk, for a great time together. Michael and I braved the elements, and took a day trip to see the Grand Canyon - in about six inches of snow! It was breathtakingly beautiful.

As the days of this year draw to a close, we pray that your Christmas be filled with His love and joy, and that your life be Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered, and God-honoring throughout coming New Year.

Christmas Blessings,
Pastor Tim and Carolyn
Jessica and Chrystalynn