We had a wonderful Christmas with our children in Abilene. Christmas eve, there was a blizzard with a drop in temperature by 60 degrees from December 23, blowing snow and ice. 60 miles of the freeway east of Abilene were closed. All Christmas eve services were cancelled so we had a quiet evening together, playing games and watching a movie. Naomi did lots of baking and we enjoyed a feast on Christmas day at Rebekah's boyfriend's (Ray) home. We played Monopoly with Naomi winning. We read the Christmas story as is our tradition (and Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas eve as is our traditiioin). We watched the movie, Julia and Julie which was just delightful with Merrill Streep playing an inspired Julia Childs, the television cook I grew up watching.
Ben, Naomi and I drove back too Dallas. Naomi and I will fly too Philadelphia on Tuesday. Ben flies to San Francisco. We will be in church at Calvary on January 3. It has been so wonderful to be together this Christmas, especially meaningful after my serious illness.
Greetings to Meredith and Naomi
Dear Meredith and Naomi,
You may not remember me immediately, but we shared some sweet times of fellowship when you and I both lived in the Philadelphia area. I was on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and would meet with coaches at Souderton High School for FCA Huddle meetings. I met you (Meredith) during an outreach at Calvary Church of Souderton and spent many days picking your brain about the scriptures. In fact, you bought me the beginnings of my theology library which I still have today.
I hope it's coming back to you now. Anyway, I've moved west to Portland, OR where I was working for Nike, Inc. until recently. I'm involved in a wonderful church called Solid Rock Church (www.ajesuschurch.org) in Tigard, OR. I think of you often and tonight decided to google your name since I thought it was unusual enough to access any available information. Well, after perusing sites of two female Meredith Wheelers (LOL), I came upon your blog. Wow!!! Talk about taking some big steps. I'm amazed and impressed by your and Naomi's commitment.
Well, I just wanted to say hello and wish you God's best for the New Year. Pass along my love to Ben and Rebekah (they won't remember me). Ben was little and Rebekhah was only an infant the last time I saw them. I remember going to your house in Perkasie for spaghetti before going over to Calvary to see Michael Card in concert. I still have the casette tapes that I bought that night.
Meredith, you had a significant influence on me in the short time we spent together. I'm sorry that I never took the time to thank you sufficiently when I should have. Nevertheless, I'm glad to call you my friend all these years later.
His Grace!
Jimmy Lyles
Great picture! Ray looks
Great picture! Ray looks like a happy guy. Can't wait to hear more about him, your time with Ben and Bekah and you guys. See you tomorrow!
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