Dear family and friends,

We continue to be encouraged and inspired by your cards and emails. As we read, we pause to think of many pleasant times we have shared.

God continues to give me life day-to-day for which we are thankful. In the last few weeks I’ve experienced a downturn of energy and fluid has accumulated in my abdomen which requires that I go to the hospital to be drained. Other negative signs, including some increased pain, are brewing and we are keeping our eye on them.

Please continue to uphold us in your prayers, especially for complete healing. As long as I am alive, I believe that God can heal me. In addition, pray that I will have increased energy and stamina to enable me to return to Northern Seminary for the spring term and teach a small seminar class that meets once a week.

Joanne is well, We both thoroughly enjoyed having the month of Feb. here in MI, in the midst of God’s beautiful creation with snow, ice, the wind and trees. How did God ever dream up winter? It has a beauty all its own.

I’m still “lying low” these days and doing some writing as I try to recover my physical energy and health. I have managed to attend church a few times and that was good for my spirits. We are having a sober Lenton Season but with a “bright sadness” — a term used by Alexander Schmemann.

God Bless!

Bob and Joanne