By Elaine Baldwin | elainehbaldwin

The following is from our family Christmas mailing. I hope it is a blessing to you as you face whatever is new for you in 2013. In all things may you be able to say with us, “God did it…and it’s all right!”

Happy New Year One and All!

May God Richly Bless the Work of Your Hands and Heart!

 

 

‘Twas the End of the Year

or An Account of the Movement of God

‘Twas the end of the year and all through the land;

Our family celebrated a life that was grand.

Our lives had been planned with the greatest of care;

In hopes that we could all stay together and be near.

 

Then God moved His hand and sorted through all our clatter;

Making it perfectly clear that the Baldwins should scatter.

We mussed and we fussed asking, “Are You sure You mean us?”

But He pruned and He prodded ‘til there was no doubt that we must.

 

He declared Bill and Elaine will head back to the west.

A Washington address to be where they work and find rest.

While Valerie was told back to Arkansas you should go.

Fort Smith is the place to find work, worship, and plenty of theater shows.

 

Meantime God sent Andy to be one of the few and the proud;

While Allison trained to be one of the best PAs to be found.

Together He sends them to Hawaii’s shores;

To serve Him as one in their diverse uniforms.

 

Of those who remain Ben will stay where he is;

Branson is the place for plenty of work and glitzy show biz.

Even Uncle Ed, Elaine’s older bro, God embraces to thrive;

Providing safe home, steady work and good friends for his life.

 

Who can understand the movement of God?

He keeps some of His children close and sends others abroad.

Both have His blessing, His guidance and care.

And both have adventure; numerous and rare.

 

Yet we know He prepares each for the life He has planned;

From the time we were born and when we do not understand.

We must trust in His Word. We must trust His design.

Because when we don’t, we live on a precarious line.

 

The Baldwins embrace what God has said.

And pray He will strengthen and keep us closely led.

We love one another and miss each one who out of sight.

But we shout with assurance, “God did and it’s all right!”