“Tis the season . . .” my mother-in-law loved to say. It was her way of explaining almost everything that occurs this time of year, particularly family and holiday traditions. “Tis the season” for parties and celebrations, for shopping, making travel plans, decorating, cooking, and preparing for family gatherings. “Tis the season” she would say.

“Tis the season” also to be thankful, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for a few of the blessings I have received this past year, three in particular. The first is the birth of our beautiful new granddaughter, Corrina. When the year began we had no idea. It was a surprise. And now here she is, the newest member of our family, a happy healthy baby girl. I am thankful that Corrina has come into our lives, for her parents and older sister, Zoey. And I am grateful for our granddaughter Madeline and her parents. “Tis the season” to be thankful for family.

Next I am thankful for our new home in McKinney. Although it is something we have dreamed about and worked toward for a long time, it came as a surprise given the state of the economy and in particular the housing market. We never imagined we would be able to sell our house in this environment enabling us to afford our beautiful new home. For this we are thankful that we have a lovely home and perfect gathering place for our growing family and expanding circle of friends. “Tis the season” to be thankful for home.

Finally, it came as a complete surprise when early one morning, my life flashed before me in a near-fatal incident. Yet, thanks to some angels appearing immediately on the scene, especially my wife Tee, the paramedics, a great team of doctors and nurses, and most importantly the grace of God I survived and have completely recovered. For those who saved my life I am deeply grateful. But equally so I am grateful for the steady stream of friends and loved ones who came by to encourage and support my recovery, not to mention the many well-wishers who called, emailed, and sent cards. It is impossible to express my appreciation appropriately except to say “tis the season” to be thankful for so many wonderful and exceptional relationships.

“Tis the season” to thank all of you for blessing my life in 2011. Thank you! And may all of us in 2012 be filled with extraordinary surprises, a renewed sense of purpose, and deep gratitude for our many blessings. “Tis the season” to express gratitude and best wishes. . . . Abundant Living will return January 2, 2012. In the meantime, Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all. God’s blessings!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
- Hebrews 10:24

Rand and Colleen Southard have devoted their lives to disadvantaged children. How? Among other things they run summer camp programs for children with severe learning differences such as dyslexia, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and ADHD. But for many years they also operated a residential treatment facility for boys with the same learning disorders who had also suffered various kinds of physical and emotional abuse. Most had become wards of the State, some were essentially homeless. What Rand and Colleen provided and continue to provide this particular population of youth – besides basic needs and a positive environment – is goodness and love, the only thing that gives them any hope for a positive future. Their life work has produced some amazing results.

Lanell Armstrong has also devoted her life to disadvantaged children. How? She gave up a quite comfortable ordinary middle class life for an extraordinary one, to live among the poor in a rough gang and drug infested neighborhood of east Dallas. Over the past twenty years she has rescued dozens upon dozens of young boys and teenagers from the gang and drug culture, by befriending them, taking them into her home, tutoring them, loving them and exposing them to God and His goodness. Some still succumb to a lifestyle of gangs and drugs, often times landing in jail or prison. But even then Lanell does not give up on them, and because of that many have returned, some becoming helpers and leaders in her mission. Like Rand and Colleen, what Lanell provides more than anything else is goodness and love, which is the only thing that gives these children any hope for a positive future. Her life work has produced some amazing results.

In witnessing the the good works of Rand and Colleen and Lanell I am at once awed, humbled, and inspired – awed by their goodness, humbled by how little I’ve done in comparison, yet inspired to try to do more. And that’s the point, isn’t it, to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Thanks be to God for people like Rand, Colleen, and Lanell.