pauses at this time
to reflect on the fact that it has been a wonderful year (no
surgeries, Praise God!). 1995 has been a year of rest and renewal
of the physical, as well as the emotional and spiritual dimensions
of our lives.
We
started off the year by remodeling our kitchen. Cabinets were repainted and
appliances, counter tops, and sinks were replaced. Next, we installed a new
storm door at our front entrance; new door knobs and locks for the foyer, hallway,
living room, and dining room; and a new door to the basement. In early June,
after these projects were completed, God gave Margie a vision for remodeling
the basement and building a new deck. On July 4th, we cut a hole in the
back of our house and installed a sliding glass door onto our “imaginary deck”. Once
the hole was cut (6’X7’), there was no turning back!
By
Labor Day, we had our first family cookout on our new 16’X16’ deck. The next
day, we began remodeling the basement: we installed paneling, moulding, lights,
central heat/air ducts, new stairs, and a suspended ceiling. Home Depot helped
us by installing the carpet, supplying and delivering the materials, and answering
A LOT OF DUMB QUESTIONS! On Thanksgiving Day, we enjoyed a banquet feast in
our newly remodeled basement with the Deines’ (Doc and Dot), the Rogero’s (Judy,
Richard, Katie and her friend, Jake, and Sarah), and the Diaz’s (Joel, Lisa,
Hector, Loida, Dr. C., Carmen, and Danny). It was a wonderful day of family
sharing, watching football games, and overeating! We were able to seat sixteen
in Hyatt-banquet style, thanks to the tables supplied by Joel!
One
afternoon as we were working on the deck, Chip asked: “Mom, do we have any plans
that we’re going by?” and Margie replied, “Yeah, sorta!” Piece by piece; board
by board; and nail by nail, God gave Margie the mental blueprints for our project. Some
days she had to wait for inspiration; other days, she just seemed to know how
it all fit together! Chip supplied the muscle and blood (not to mention the
back and knees!) and Margie helped with the trim work, architectural design,
supervision, quality control, and money!
Interestingly
enough, about a month after beginning this project, Margie received an unexpected
and pre-approved, home equity line at prime rate. She stalled the bank until
the work was completed before scheduling the required appraisal, the value
of which rose by $34,000.00 after the all work was completed!
These
home improvements have greatly lifted our spirits. The new room in the basement
is slowly transforming into Margie’s new, home office as computers, desks, bookcases,
and files are relocated from her outgrown office space in an upstairs bedroom. Now
that Margie is officially, medically retired from Turner Broadcasting System,
she hopes to concentrate on writing, counseling, and music as her physical limitations
permit. Lord willing, she will one day finish that book!
It
is our sincere wish that this Holiday Season finds each of you healthy, happy,
and saved by His Grace through Jesus Christ. Come see us soon!
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is
now a senior at Campbell High School in Smyrna. Since his birthday
on May 26, 1977, Chip has grown
and matured into a very responsible young man!
Those who remember
when Chip was born may also remember the picture below, which was taken
at Brunswick
Hospital on May 27th.
 

As you can see, he
hasn’t changed a bit (except he now has his eyes open!).

During
his four years at Campbell, Chip has played trumpet in the Spartan
Band. Last spring, the band traveled to Virginia Beach and gained
national recognition in a musical competition. This
fall, Chip played a flugel horn solo in the marching band’s half-time
show.

Every
day, Margie grows more and more proud of him: he is her beloved son,
in whom she is well pleased!
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