Change is a part of living. It’s not always easy to accept.

Change came as I moved into the realm of book publishing. The journey has been long but well worth it. Meadow Song was released on November 20. My book launch party on December 1 was a success. I am grateful for readers and friends who have supported me along the way.

I’ve also been privileged to become acquainted with the book publishing “family” of Mantle Rock Publishing.

We are well into the Christmas season now, a time filled with nostalgia, traditions, parties, gift-giving, and families. The most important aspect for me is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, God the Son, who came to earth with the purpose of dying and paying for our sins with His shed blood. Through Him we have forgiveness and eternal life, God’s gift to us. (“. . .the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23)Through Jesus Christ we become members of God’s family. (John 1:12)

Families are an important element in my writing. Here a few thoughts about family taken from my April newsletter.

“A family gives us identity, a place to belong.”

“The family is the basic unit of society. God created the institution of the family in Genesis 1-4. Family is one of His blessings.”

“When sin entered the world, it tore away the sacred bond and trust of family relationships. Today the family unit is under attack. My heart aches to see the pain and destruction families are suffering. Abuse and neglect are rampant.”

“Divorce, desertion, and death cause families to take different forms. Sometimes they include extended family members–grandparents, aunts, and uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Blended families are not uncommon, and adoption is a wonderful way to give someone a new place to belong. Foster families are another option.”

“Whether by blood, friendship, or love, families form an invaluable bond for their members.”

May you find joy this Christmas season and in the new year with your family relationships. And may you find the love, joy, peace, and hope of knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior when you become a member of God’s family.