Dear Family and Friends,December 15, 2006 ust finding “joy in the journey” is a real challenge for two people who prefer the security and peace of mind of at least knowing an intermediate destination between here and our final destination of Heaven. Jim and I continue on a journey of faith as I wait on God’s direction to a meaningful ministry position (“be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10). Journey observations find their way into my Thursday Thoughts at www.loiswatkins.com. Jim continues doing freelance (feast or famine) editing, web designing, recruiting self-publishing authors for American Christian Writers Press and writing his own books (www.Jameswatkins.com had over one million pages viewed this year). Jig-saw puzzles are easier when you can look at the picture on the box, but they are frustrating when it seems there are pieces missing or ones that do not belong. Joy is possible by trusting that Jesus knows where the pieces fit! Join us in praying for God’s guidance, as well as our sensitivity and obedience. ur joy is abundantly multiplied with our family times. (Open picture page by clicking here; move mouse over pictures for captions.) One highlight was going to the Ft Wayne zoo at Halloween time with grandchildren, Micah and Hannah, plus their parents. Other special times included Mother’s Day at Paul and Amy’s new house, Labor Day at Jim’s parents, a Farra reunion (33 out of 42 present) and a sixty degree Thanksgiving Day at Faith and Mike’s new house (built in less than four months). On the days we care for Hannah we hear “Mamaw” and “Papaw” over and over, plus many things make her say, "Whee!" Of course it is music to our ears, as well as hearing her sing the “B-I-B-L-E” letters and say “Bible” at the end. Old toys and books of Faith and Paul and Jim’s boyhood rocking horse are getting well used again. Opportunities to volunteer at New Hope Hospice allow me the honor of walking with individuals and families through the dying process. One hope is to help a person die in the Lord with the recognition that his or her life is valued. ear 2006 was full of literal journeys including flying to Israel, sailing in a first-century-type boat on the Sea of Galilee; walking in the places Jesus walked, especially surrounding the passion events in Jerusalem; riding a camel in Petra, Jordon; and cruising the western Caribbean while Jim taught at a writers’ conference on board (both trips were possible with estate funds from the sale of Dad and Mom Farra’s farm). Yearly trips to Maryland for Jim to direct the Sandy Cove Writers’ Conference resulted in the best one yet for the tenth anniversary. Yet to come is a mission trip to Zambia, January 16-26, where Jim will report on the AIDS crisis and I will help where needed. Your prayers are especially needed, and if you desire to contribute for my expenses, make your tax-deductible checks to World Hope International 625 Slaters Lane, Suite 100 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1176 with “Lois Watkins” in the memo. You bless us on our journey. Abundant blessings and prayers for your 2007, Jim and Lois Watkins (Teddy too)