Madison, Hudson, Julie, Bronson, Linn & Kaylinn
My new favorite verse is Psalm 103:17 - ...from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children. Over the last three years, with my diminished capacity for self reliance, I have come to rest in this promise. The eternal inheritance of God's righteousness is infinitely more valuable than any material sum I can leave my children. Having shared in the past with so many of you what began in 2008 with the credit crisis marked by the bankruptcy of Lehman Bothers, TARP, the bailout of AIG, General Motors and others; my business, Loan Star Information Services, is tied closely to the financial markets, specifically commercial loan activity. From 2007 to our low in 2009, Loan Star's revenue fell 50%. Resulting in cost cutting measures beyond what I ever imagined. Dropping our health insurance coverage in early 2008, followed by Madison's emergency appendectomy and medical bills that I had no way of paying, remaining committed to home-schooling our children, we sold our home in August of 2009 and moved in with my parents so Julie could continue teaching our kids. What sounds dire to me, even as I write, has improved considerably by God's mercy and grace. Since our lows in 2009, Loan Star's revenue has improved 30%. While we still have a long way to go, and while the economy feels very fragile, things are moving in the right direction. Failure cannot stand against perseverance.
Recently, a friend shared with me that he was explaining to another friend how over the past year he has earned more than he ever has, but as soon as the money comes in, it goes out to cover unanticipated expenses. He was frustrated that it seemed he just could not get ahead. His friend looked at him and said, "I thought you were going to tell me how every time you had an unexpected expense, God provided with an unexpected source of income." Hearing this I realized that in the last three years I have earned the least amount since graduating from college. But, God has been faithful. He has provided in ways I could not anticipate, in ways I would not have even thought to ask and I am sure in ways I am not even aware. The medical bills from Madison's appendectomy were paid by an anonymous charity. Through the generosity of my parents we have a great place to live and are largely responsible for us being able to ski and enjoy a week at the beach this year. It is hard, painful even to say, at 46, I live with my parents - I hate saying it, but if it is pride that separates me from God, then let me say it a thousand times.
Julie and the kids with Steve
In February, we were fortunate enough to go snow skiing in Colorado for the first time in several years. Skiing is a lot like riding a bike; once you know how you never forget. While it took a run or two to shake the rust off, it was not long before we were all flying down the mountain together, looking for more challenging trails. It was the first time for Hudson, but after two days of lessons he was zipping down the mountain with the rest of us. When asked how it was, he exclaimed, "Skiing is the best thing ever!" Everyone else had fun too. Bronson picked right back up where he left off and is quite the snowboarder. My knees were only a little swollen. It was not all fun and merriment. The day we arrived, we learned my uncle's health had deteriorated, so my parents left the next day to help care for him. He passed not long after they arrived. Uncle David was loved by all and he is missed.
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Gulf Shores, Alabama
Despite arriving during the full force of Tropical Storm Lee over Labor Day Weekend, we enjoyed a week on the beach near Gulf Shores, AL, with my parents, my brother, sister and their families. The storm cleared out by Monday, leaving us with beautiful weather and calm seas. Madison was in her element, lying on the beach, getting tan with her entourage of younger cousins to fetch her root beer and Cheez-its. Sadly, the winds from TS Lee were responsible for the Bastrop fires, and we learned on Wednesday that my sister's home was lost. Devastated by the news, they packed up to return home to begin the clean-up and recovery process. They are in a new home now and continuing the process of replacing all that was lost.
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Surfer Chick
This year we began the college search process for our oldest daughter, Kaylinn. Upon receipt of the first acceptance letter, Julie was overcome with relief. Having home-schooled our kids from the start, you can imagine Julie's sense of relief and accomplishment in knowing she did it. Kaylinn was quick to point out that Julie cannot take all the credit. At the end of October, Kaylinn and I flew to Denver to tour Colorado Christian University. It was a surreal experience taking my daughter to visit the campus where I met her mother. I enjoyed the trip, my time with Kaylinn and getting to catch-up with old friends. It seems, as I expected, that CCU is her first choice. Upon learning that they have a four-day school schedule, Kaylinn asked how often could she go snow skiing. That apple did not fall far from this tree.
While studying John 16 recently, we were discussing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In John 16:7 Jesus says, "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." We talked about what a helper is and how the Holy Spirit helps us. I've concluded, for me anyway, that anytime I do not do what I want or feel, it is evidence of the Holy Spirit's help. To have peace in the midst of turmoil, perseverance in the midst of what appears to be unanswered prayer, joy in the midst of heartache, giving in the midst of want, patience in rush-hour traffic, and even contentment in the midst of trials. No matter my circumstances, no matter the difficulties, to quote Horatio Spafford, "It is well with my soul." That is our hope, this Christmas season, for you, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior -- that it is well with your soul.
May the peace of Jesus Christ and the joy of this season be with you and your family as you celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
The Strocks
Linn, Julie,
Kaylinn, Madison
Bronson and Hudson
May the peace of Jesus Christ and the joy of this season be with you and your family as you celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
The Strocks
Linn, Julie,
Kaylinn, Madison
Bronson and Hudson
Hudson's Corner
While in Huntington Beach, CA, in 2007, we were walking to the pier. Hudson stopped, looked at the pier and proclaimed, "That bridge doesn't go anywhere."
Madison was eating a Hershey bar and the boys asked what they could have for a treat. I told them oxygen, to which Hudson questioned, "A box of chicken?!"
While driving to Colorado, with no facilities in sight, we had to make an emergencystop on the side of the road. As Hudson got back in the car he said, "So that's why we don't eat yellow snow."
My dad was building a "squirrel proof" bird feeder. He asked Hudson, "Who is smarter, me or the squirrel?" Hudson responded, "I don't know yet."
Hudson's prayer on January 27, 2011: "Let heaven come soon."
Madison was eating a Hershey bar and the boys asked what they could have for a treat. I told them oxygen, to which Hudson questioned, "A box of chicken?!"
While driving to Colorado, with no facilities in sight, we had to make an emergencystop on the side of the road. As Hudson got back in the car he said, "So that's why we don't eat yellow snow."
My dad was building a "squirrel proof" bird feeder. He asked Hudson, "Who is smarter, me or the squirrel?" Hudson responded, "I don't know yet."
Hudson's prayer on January 27, 2011: "Let heaven come soon."