47 Long Hill Street David, Joseph

East Hartford, CT 06108 Note our new area code: 860/ 528-7205

December, 1995

Dear Friends & Family,

1995 was for the Lanyons full again of God's blessing and guidance. We are thankful for all He has done for us. One night I awoke and began meditating on Psalm 119:55-57 and I thought how very much God has done for me since my salvation in the summer of 1972. The very fact that spiritual things continue to greatly interest me is a "heart" I am most grateful for. I continue to see God helping me in all aspects of my life: my home, family, church and business. I want to begin taking time each 2 weeks, to start in 1996, and spend a whole day "for the Lord" as much as is possible for visitation, discipleship and ministry.

Our hearts are overwhelmed as God made a way for us to fly to Colorado for $500. Dad and Mom Lanyon are reaching the crowning years of life. We realize that this is possibly the last time we will see them on earth, though I have thought this each time the past 5 years we've been to visit. They are both ready for Heaven. Mom sleeps much, eats little, and responds little. We moved them into the same nursing home so that they could be together. Dad likes to hold Mom's hand. Dad worries about working at the age of 84. He said he needs to pay "Uncle Sam". He still has a sense of humor. We were there from November 6 through the 16th. We rode "stand by" and so we thank God that we could sit together and that we even made it on each flight. Pat went skiing with his brother, Gary, while there. It was frustrating for about 2 hours, but Gary was patient and I learned I can ski. (Can you believe I grew up in CO and never went skiing?!)

The Lord is providing much work to help pay the bills. I am thankful for two single men in our church who are faithfully working part time in my business, and one wants to work full time. I hope this will help me take the time for ministry I mentioned above. I have struggled with back problems off and on, and have found "the pelvic tilt" back exercise the best relief. I continue to serve as church clerk, lead the Sunday church singing, and sing in the choir. Chris does the church calendar, works in the nursery, and does Sunday School substitute teaching. We work together cleaning the church and passing out tracts and fliers.

Chris home schools David. He loves to pretend to be a soldier. We pray he will be a soldier for our Lord. He is six now and plays well with his two year old brother. Joseph loves to eat. He charms everyone's heart when we go to the nursing home for a service each month. He is trying to learn his numbers and sounds like his brother.

Please pray for Chris's mother as she struggles with pain in her head and knee. This could be the result of some falls she has had. She also sees flashes of light. She will be with us for three weeks at Christmas.

Our continuing prayer is that God will be glorified by our lives. The fact that many of you still pray for us regularly is very humbling. Thank you for sharing together our years of sojourn! May God encourage you and guide you. This is our prayer for you.

Love in Christ, Pat, Christine, David, and Joseph Lanyon