Welcome to the Bennett Christmas Letter, a love letter to family and friends and a survival story of faith.
Another year is almost done. Thankfully, we had a chance to see more of our loved ones in 2021, compared to the previous year. Our four grandsons are growing like weeds and looking more handsome every day (a grandma can brag in these letters, right?) Our oldest grandson has enlisted in the Airforce and is currently in the midst of training (wow, does that make me feel old!)
One of our highlights this year was a reunion with my parents, siblings, and their families. I don’t know how I managed to capture a great photo of everyone with my iPhone. But seriously, look at this beautiful bunch. Disclaimer – there are a few shots mixed in from other events, so I can’t take all the credit.
How Are We Doing?
Many of you may be wondering how Mike is doing at this stage, seven years into his ALS journey. This question is always hard to answer. Do you want honesty or something short and sweet that makes you feel good? The truth is, it’s hard – for both of us. But we are leaning on the Lord more heavily than ever and His presence never fails to leave us in awe.
Here’s one simple example. Recently we were up against a wall with malfunctioning equipment. Mike’s adjustable bed had been making a terrible grinding noise for some time. We were terrified it would stop working leaving us unable to transfer him. Then his wheelchair became stuck in a semi-reclined position. Not good. It would take weeks to clear insurance and get a new part ordered. Now we were in a pickle.
Then God showed up. Within 24 hours of our desperate prayers, the ALS Association came up with a loaner wheelchair. Next, the big-hearted folks at Tempur-pedic agreed to replace the base for our bed (seven years after it was purchased!) They also delivered it, set it up, and took the old base away. Answered prayers, for sure.
Family, friends, and neighbors have also stepped in to help us in many ways – home repair projects, snow blowing, heavy lifting I can’t manage, and making the effort to come to us, because that’s what works best. In addition to that, there are the many prayers which I assure you, are working. We are eternally grateful and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
From his fullness we have received grace upon grace.”
John 1.16
Hanging Out in Heaven
Speaking of eternity, if you care enough to read this letter, we care enough to hang out with you in heaven. Maybe you are well down this road and need no introduction to Jesus. But if you’re holding out for your own personal come-to-Jesus moment, I pray that day is today. May the hope and joy we still hold in the face of terminal illness be your proof that there is more. God’s Word tells us to expect trials in this world. If you’re not experiencing any trouble, I praise God! But the truth is, you will.
When this happens, may you know in every fiber of your being, God loves you fiercely. In His great love, He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our hard situations and the heaviness of sin. Jesus is the one-size-fits-all gift that keeps on giving into eternity. May you receive the gift of Jesus, whether for the first time or in a renewed sense of wonder, with open arms this Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Head to the Thyme4Faith index for additional encouragement and Christmas messages of year’s past
Finally reading your Christmas message! Love the pictures of the family. You can feel their joy in being together! Your message about hanging out together in Heaven is so meaningful and is an extra boost to my faith, as are all your posts.
Love, comfort, peace and strength!
kay
Well, you’re only a year behind (this is my 2021 Christmas Letter), but the sentiment still rings true! I am overjoyed to hear your faith was encouraged, and I fully expect to be hanging out with you in heaven, my friend! š
Merry Christmas Cathy and Mike. You definitely brought tears of gratitude, to read how people have stepped in to help you. May the Lord continue to surround and fill you with strength and love ā¤
God is good. šš
Cathy – I so appreciate all your posts, You are so uplifting. Take care of yourself while you are caring for Mike.
Fondly, Carol franzen
I am touched to know you are reading my posts. Thank you for the kind words. We have to schedule one of our coffee dates and catch up properly. God bless and Merry Christmas, Carol. š
Cathy and Mike, this is more than the usual Christmas newsletter. Yes, you filled it with updates and photos from the year, but you included the best news of all, JESUS. Cathy, this is such an encouraging message mixed with all the heaviness of ALS and caregiving. So happy you shared it.
May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry.
Thank you, my sister-in-Christ and writing friend. I am enjoying the encouragement of your devotional Keep a Song in Your Heart as well. Blessings to you and yours, Jackie.
Merry Christmas! We are looking forward to seeing you for Christmas!!! In my opinion this is the best post you have ever written. Thankyou for sharing with honesty and telling about how Jesus is such an intricate part of your journey.
Looking forward to seeing your gang as well. Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I had no idea what to write for a Christmas post and the Holy Spirit took over the keyboard.
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