But when the
fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the
Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might
receive the adoption as sons. Galatians
4:4-5
Christmas
2002 is upon us and our neighbors won’t let us forget it – nor do we want to
forget! I’ve seen more Christmas lights
and decorations this year than any year I can remember.
Looking
back at this past year, I can see God’s hand on my life. In the Spring I was back in the hospital
with a follow-up stay at Mirada Hills where I convalesced for four months
following my stroke. The staff there
marveled at my progress (remember, the verdict was I would never get out of
bed!) It was a great opportunity to
witness of God’s goodness.
A
lot of things happened in our family this year. A highlight is that our 18-year-old granddaughter from Washington
spent six months with us. Annie and her
brother, Ben, both graduated from high school this June. Our daughter (their Mom) spent several weeks
with us this summer and when Annie and Kathy returned to Washington and Dad
Tim, they took our faithful Buick with them.
Now Annie has “wheels” to drive to her new job in Tacoma.
Early
in the year our son-in-law, Mike Ross, was in a terrible traffic accident which
almost took his life. Daughter Sherry
flew to Atlanta to stay with Mike until he was able to be moved home to
Burbank. Alex and Jordan were sure glad
to see Dad. He is now doing well –
another example of God’s keeping power.
In
June, all Eva’s brothers and most of their families came to Southern California
for a reunion. How good to see everyone
and a special blessing is that all of Dorothy and Dale Sundin’s (Eva’s folks)
great-grandchildren are being raised to love and serve our Lord. What a legacy Dale and Dorothy left.
Summer
found us, with daughter Betty Ann and granddaughter Katie in tow, driving north
for a delightful visit to the Redwoods, coming home through Redding to visit
with son Phil and granddaughter Camille.
We also acquired a new addition to our family – Rufus, a sixty pound bundle of dog energy!
He is much loved and spoiled by all the grandchildren and is wrecking
havoc in our yard!
Our
Whittier kids (Dave and Karin Koontz, Eva-Karin, Mary Beth and Lauralyn and
Paul and Sherry White, Melanie and Katie), keep us busy going to volleyball
games, school plays, and band concerts.
We love it!
In
the Fall our home had a much needed face lift with new paint inside and
out. We enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving with
Eva’s brother Carl, Diane and their daughter and family. So it’s been a busy year for the
Covington’s.
I
personally enjoy the Christmas Season.
It’s a time of lots of activities and fun but, more important, the time
when we remember our wonderful Savior’s coming into the world. We are reminded in scripture that He came to
seek and to save the lost, which is all the human race. How sad it is that more don’t see their need
for salvation. As believer’s we see our
need to become more like Him in character and attitude. We have His Word to teach us and His Spirit
to guide those that put their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. The testing and trials that He allows us to
face are just steps to accomplish His purpose in our lives.
So
from our house to yours, Eva and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New
Year filled with God’s richest blessings.