December 2006

Dear Friends,

The intent of this newsletter is to provide you with a brief review of the past year.

Daniel had a successful 1^st year at Brock University. He wisely decided to pursue his love of song and plans to complete a music degree followed by a teaching degree. His piano skills have been complimented by guitar strumming. He has a gift for writing and has composed numerous melodies of worship. We are encouraging him to complete a CD of his inspirational works.

In the summer, Daniel worked as a Christian counsellor at a boys leadership training camp called JIM club; an acronym for Jesus Is Mine. He plays the piano, sings, leads choir, does devotions, counsels young boys and does many other chores at camp. It is exhausting but spiritually invigorating for him. It is excellent experience for an aspiring teacher. Daniel is also involved with our local church working with the youth and young adults. He will be 20 years old in January and has been a useful third driver helping the family pursue different activities.

Sarah is 17 going on 25. She has always behaved with a maturity beyond her years. Her domestic skills have really blossomed and we are grateful for the help she provides in the kitchen. She regularly prepares supper and treats us with delicious and nutritious baking for dessert. Sarah has also had an extremely successful year at high school. Her final average was less than 5% short of perfection (95.3). She works diligently from dawn ‘till dusk (literally) and earned the position as top student in her year. She will be applying for university entrance soon and will probably consider a degree in forensic science before determining a definite career direction.

Sarah not only eats healthy but she also enjoys maintaining a high level of fitness with regular jogging and work outs at the local YMCA. She hopes to run the Toronto Marathon in September of next year. Helen’s brother, Graham, who is an accomplished marathon runner is planning to run with her. Lord willing, she will achieve her goal of completing the 26 mile run. She is a determined and focussed young lady who will not quickly waiver from the course she sets.

Hannah experienced her first taste of formal education at Eden High School this September at the age of 14. Until then, she was home schooled by Helen along with the other children. We are pleased to report that Hannah has maintained the high academic achievement posted by her siblings. More importantly, she is enjoying the ride! She has been the social butterfly of the family and seems to have adapted well despite the more formal environment. She is not thrilled with the amount of homework she has at the end of the school day but has proven herself responsible to complete all of her assignments.

Hannah won the soccer championship for the second year this summer and was a key contributor to the team’s success. She enjoys her physical education class at school and also competes with a synchronized skating team. The early morning practices are not much fun but she never complains. We are proud of her accomplishments at school, on the field and on the ice.

Serena is the only child left for Helen to home school. We thought she might get lonely, however, she regularly has friends over for book club, knitting club or simply social club.She has strong math skills and keeps track of her paper route money like a trained accountant. Her reading ability has progressed significantly since receiving new glasses. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis is a family favourite that she and Helen are presently enjoying. She will be 12 years old in January and loves being dotted on by the rest of the family. We all get a chuckle over her cute wit and sense of humour. Serena also practices synchronised skating along with Hannah. They are looking forward to their first competition in early January.

Helen is kept busy with the day to day running of a busy household. Her favourite part of the day is when she gets to take the dogs out for a long stroll along the beach or through a nearby park. She has numerous friends that she meets regularly. Helen continues to enjoy the local kennel club. I think our dog, Romeo, also enjoys teaching her tricks like... I bark, you feed. At church, Helen participates in the prayer ministry and in the infant care. She manages a part time job at a seniors home and has a ministry amongst the elderly. Her empathy and compassion draws the lonely and broken hearted. She had the opportunity to visit family and friends in England for the month of May. Hannah and Serena accompanied her and had a wonderful holiday.

I was lonely without Helen and the girls but at least I had Daniel and Sarah home to keep me company. We did manage to get away as a family for a week in Montreal city. The Jazz Festival was on during our stay and we had a great time visiting the sites, eating and listening to the numerous talented artists. We also drove five hours north to spend a week in the wild and rugged Algonquin National Park. The bass fishing was not bountiful but we witnessed once again the inspiring truth that "the heavens declare the glory of God and the earth shows forth His handy work." The spectacular beauty and serene, star sprinkled nights refreshed body, soul and spirit. "Be still, be silent and know that I am God" echoed from mountain top to lake shore and back again ...whispering "I love you" in the fragrant pines and in the gentle lapping at the waters edge.

The warm, carefree days of summer were replaced by the routines of school work in September.

The pace of life increased dramatically. We were forced to lease another new car in order to accommodate the numerous and various family involvements. It has made the scheduling of life in the Denomme household a lot more manageable. We are grateful for the Lord’s provision. He always gives us enough for our daily needs. Enough strength, enough health, enough faith, enough hope, enough love, enough joy, enough grace ...

We are grateful to the Lord that we do not have any dramatic, sensational news to report.

As the day gives way to night and the night gives way to day so we too have experienced the routine tender care of our loving Father. "His mercies are new every morning...great is your faithfulness O’Lord unto me." Like the rising sun gently warms and nourishes the earth we too have tasted the goodness of the Lord in our daily lives.

May your journey with HIM be blessed with health, joy, peace and prosperity.