Merry Christmas 2012

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

  Gift giving is an important part of our holiday celebration. The giver carefully considers the wants and needs of the recipient and tries to pick out the perfect surprise. We are so blessed when the receiver opens the present and his/her eyes glow with gratitude because we have chosen well, and he/she is pleased. The Rices are so grateful for the many gifts we have received this past year that fill us with joy.

The first gift for which we are thankful is the safe arrival of our first grandchild, Demma. Becky and Demma’s delivery was assisted by Sister-in-law Shelby, acting as Doula. This has created a special bond between these three ladies.  

We are thankful for the gift of meaningful work.  Sid is in his 7th year as Executive Director of Literacy and Evangelism International and is in his second year of Doctor of Ministry studies at Denver Seminary. Christa is in her 3rd year as LEI’s Publications Editor. You can read more about our ministry and those who share the message of Jesus Christ through the gift of reading by connecting to LEI’s website and Sid’s blog <https://www.literacyevangelism.org> or by reading Christa’s LEI newsletters which are posted on this site, under resources. We are thankful for the gift of our ministry partners who supply the financial and prayer support necessary for us to serve in ministry.  

The gift of  conscientious, diligent adult children is another thing for which we give thanks.  Philip and Becky’s most important role is being Demma’ parents, but they also lead a house church. Philip is a worship and prayer pastor, while Becky is the administrative assistant.  Their photography business is ChampaignAndBlush, and they sing together at weddings and other events with their band Visions of Choruses. 

Daniel and Shelby are gainfully employed. Daniel is a Customized Homes Cost Estimator, and Shelby is a Doula who instructs, supports, and encourages young moms during their pregnancies, labors, and deliveries. She also shares her skills with a crisis pregnancy outreach ministry. Daniel and Shelby also serve as house church pastors. 

David is working hard, finding success in his college studies.  He studies Computer Science and Math while doing web design and writing computer software on the side. He plans to finish his undergraduate degree Dec. 2013 and walk for his Masters in Computer Science May of 2014. 

Always a special gift to the guys, Sid, Philip, Daniel, and David, took a backpacking adventure in the Pecos Wilderness this summer.  They met with friends and spent six days of male bonding time, camping, fishing, and hiking along rocky wilderness trails.  

Christa is thankful for the gift of celebrating her parents’ 60th wedding anniversary with the siblings in September. They shared the gift of memories, by writing fond and funny family stories on colorful, cut out, paper hearts then giving them to the parents to read aloud at the family gathering. They laughed till they cried and cried till they laughed remembering “happy golden days of yore”.

We are grateful for the gift of so many other activities that enriched our lives. Christa enjoyed women’s Bible study and prayer circle, leading tutor training workshops, and gardening.  Sid enjoyed hunting trips and triathlons with the guys, and piloting an airplane.

We are so thankful for the precious gift of our family and friends.  We thank God as we remember each in our prayers and wish every good and perfect gift that comes from our Father in heaven. 

We thank God for the gift of His presence that we celebrate at Christmas.  He came to earth as Baby Jesus, born in Bethlehem.  He walked among us  as Emmanuel, God with us, and his Holy Spirit continues to walk with us each day as we invite him to do so.  Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift.    

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

posted by Christa