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!