Christmas letter

RevSmoke · 12-10-2016, 11:19 AM

(my Christmas letter to you all)

Dear friends, fellow inmates of this asylum:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have not been as active on CA for most of this year as I have been in the past, so I thought I'd put up my Christmas letter, letting you all know what has been going on in our lives - some of which would have been talked about here had I been more active.

I think of many of you inmates as good friends, but we do not "see" one another as often as I'd like, so... here it is.

In October of 2015 we sold the “cabin-up-north,” and for those who know, that was a good thing. It had more amenities that a simply hunting cabin, but I have been in hunting cabins that were in much nicer condition. Just to give you an idea, Pauline did not like going up there.

So, January found us pondering the purchase of another property, but this time we were going to be pickier. We looked for, and found, something that had a bit of “north woods land,” but also a “cabin” that was more of a home which would also serve as a possible place to retire. With some estate monies, we closed on a wonderful “cabin/home” on 11 acres, nestled in the woods near the Nicolet national forest in early April. It is a split level ranch; 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, open concept living/dining room, rec room, 3 season room, 2 car attached garage, and a 3 season room. All this is just under an hour from home. Lakes and streams are nearby. Rafting on the Wolf River is close, and wildlife abounds. We have spent as much time there as we were able, making it a home. (would love to have you come and join us there sometime, especially in the warmer months - although winter activities are also enjoyable)

Pauline completed another year teaching 4th grade at St. Martin Lutheran. Tim finished his first year at Concordia University Wisconsin, and spent a second summer working for the city of Clintonville Park & Recreation. Nathan’s 3rd year at University Wisconsin concluded, he remained in Madison working for Wings Over Madison.

Summer found Todd with the Catechumens at the yearly Catechetical Retreat (the 17th Annual) at Whispering Pines Retreat Center. Youth from Marinette and Three Lakes joined in the event. Later, he took youth to the Higher Things Conference, Bread of Life, at the University of Northern Iowa.

Pauline enjoyed having the summer to relax and vacation. She went on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean with her sister, Karen. They enjoyed life on the ship and exploring the ports and their unique cultures. Pauline and Nathan joined the rest of the Ken & Martha Palmreuter clan in Crossville, Tennessee. Spending a bit of time in the area, the fires there seem especially tragic.

September came all too soon. Tim went back to Mequon, his second year. Nathan is taking a year off, but remaining in Madison. And Pauline went back to St. Martin and the life of bringing Christ AND academics to the hearts, minds, and souls of 4th graders.

Pauline also joined Wolf River Harmony this year, a women’s chorus that does Barbershop harmony. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and song.

Todd continues as pastor to the saints of Zion, St. Peter, and St. John. It will be seventeen years in January that we have been in Embarrass.

Blessed Christmas to you all, and a wonderful 2017.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

AdamJoshua · 12-10-2016, 11:25 AM

Todd, it sounds like you family has enjoyed a full and blessed year! Congratulations to you all on your accomplishments and I hope you have many more joyous years to come!

The Poet · 12-10-2016, 11:29 AM

Thanks for the update and good wishes, Todd. Sounds like a pretty good year. Here's hoping 2017 is at least as good, and my best Christmas greetings to you and yours.

bruceolee · 12-10-2016, 11:54 AM

Todd, God Bless you brother and your family. Sounds like you've had a busy but blessed year thus far and I certainly hope it continues. Merry Christmas to you and your family and continued Blessings into the new year!

Ogre · 12-10-2016, 12:50 PM

God Bless you Brother, Merry Christmas

dijit · 12-10-2016, 03:41 PM

Glad tidings and a blessed year to you Rev and the rest of you.

Merry Christmas

G G · 12-10-2016, 03:57 PM

I too haven't been as active as in years past. Good to hear about your year my brother. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

WhiteMamba · 12-10-2016, 09:03 PM

Merry Christmas Rev I look forward to seeing you at Symposia in January.

RevSmoke · 12-10-2016, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteMamba

Merry Christmas Rev I look forward to seeing you at Symposia in January.

Ditto!

They giving you time off for that? Or is that considered continuing ed?

longknocker · 12-11-2016, 06:31 AM

Congrats, Todd, & Thanks For Sharing, Brother!

May You & Your Family Have A Blessed Christmas & A Happy New Year!

12-10-2016, 11:19 AM	#1
RevSmoke Ain't Never Gonna Leave Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Todd Location: Northcentral woods of Wisconsin Posts: 6,810 Trading: (51)	Christmas letter (my Christmas letter to you all) Dear friends, fellow inmates of this asylum: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have not been as active on CA for most of this year as I have been in the past, so I thought I'd put up my Christmas letter, letting you all know what has been going on in our lives - some of which would have been talked about here had I been more active. I think of many of you inmates as good friends, but we do not "see" one another as often as I'd like, so... here it is. In October of 2015 we sold the “cabin-up-north,” and for those who know, that was a good thing. It had more amenities that a simply hunting cabin, but I have been in hunting cabins that were in much nicer condition. Just to give you an idea, Pauline did not like going up there. So, January found us pondering the purchase of another property, but this time we were going to be pickier. We looked for, and found, something that had a bit of “north woods land,” but also a “cabin” that was more of a home which would also serve as a possible place to retire. With some estate monies, we closed on a wonderful “cabin/home” on 11 acres, nestled in the woods near the Nicolet national forest in early April. It is a split level ranch; 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, open concept living/dining room, rec room, 3 season room, 2 car attached garage, and a 3 season room. All this is just under an hour from home. Lakes and streams are nearby. Rafting on the Wolf River is close, and wildlife abounds. We have spent as much time there as we were able, making it a home. (would love to have you come and join us there sometime, especially in the warmer months - although winter activities are also enjoyable) Pauline completed another year teaching 4th grade at St. Martin Lutheran. Tim finished his first year at Concordia University Wisconsin, and spent a second summer working for the city of Clintonville Park & Recreation. Nathan’s 3rd year at University Wisconsin concluded, he remained in Madison working for Wings Over Madison. Summer found Todd with the Catechumens at the yearly Catechetical Retreat (the 17th Annual) at Whispering Pines Retreat Center. Youth from Marinette and Three Lakes joined in the event. Later, he took youth to the Higher Things Conference, Bread of Life, at the University of Northern Iowa. Pauline enjoyed having the summer to relax and vacation. She went on a seven-day cruise to the Western Caribbean with her sister, Karen. They enjoyed life on the ship and exploring the ports and their unique cultures. Pauline and Nathan joined the rest of the Ken & Martha Palmreuter clan in Crossville, Tennessee. Spending a bit of time in the area, the fires there seem especially tragic. September came all too soon. Tim went back to Mequon, his second year. Nathan is taking a year off, but remaining in Madison. And Pauline went back to St. Martin and the life of bringing Christ AND academics to the hearts, minds, and souls of 4th graders. Pauline also joined Wolf River Harmony this year, a women’s chorus that does Barbershop harmony. It is a great opportunity for fellowship and song. Todd continues as pastor to the saints of Zion, St. Peter, and St. John. It will be seventeen years in January that we have been in Embarrass. Blessed Christmas to you all, and a wonderful 2017. Peace of the Lord be with you. __________________ Todd__ "Smoke what you like, and enjoy it!"

12-10-2016, 11:25 AM	#2
AdamJoshua Article 4 Free Inhabitant Join Date: Jan 2013 First Name: The Other Adam Location: Satellite Beach Posts: 14,786 Trading: (40)	Re: Christmas letter Todd, it sounds like you family has enjoyed a full and blessed year! Congratulations to you all on your accomplishments and I hope you have many more joyous years to come!

12-10-2016, 11:29 AM	#3
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Christmas letter Thanks for the update and good wishes, Todd. Sounds like a pretty good year. Here's hoping 2017 is at least as good, and my best Christmas greetings to you and yours. __________________ Ninety percent of everything is crap - Theodore Sturgeon.

12-10-2016, 11:54 AM	#4
bruceolee King of Rants Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Jason Location: South Florida Posts: 1,227 Trading: (1)	Re: Christmas letter Todd, God Bless you brother and your family. Sounds like you've had a busy but blessed year thus far and I certainly hope it continues. Merry Christmas to you and your family and continued Blessings into the new year! __________________ “When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have blessed His name.” Spurgeon

12-10-2016, 12:50 PM	#5
Ogre **CENSORED** Join Date: Apr 2010 First Name: Larry Location: Central Florida Posts: 12,068 Trading: (46)	Re: Christmas letter God Bless you Brother, Merry Christmas __________________

12-10-2016, 03:41 PM	#6
dijit Have My Own Room Join Date: Feb 2012 First Name: Mike Location: Brownsburg, Indiana Posts: 2,186 Trading: (48)	Re: Christmas letter Glad tidings and a blessed year to you Rev and the rest of you. Merry Christmas __________________ Sporting goods raffle for a great cause. PM me for tickets.

12-10-2016, 03:57 PM	#7
G G BR549 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Taylor, FL. Posts: 12,701 Trading: (10)	Re: Christmas letter I too haven't been as active as in years past. Good to hear about your year my brother. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

12-10-2016, 09:03 PM	#8
WhiteMamba I'm scared of Neil. Join Date: Mar 2014 First Name: Michael Location: Catawba, NC Posts: 2,135 Trading: (28)	Re: Christmas letter Merry Christmas Rev I look forward to seeing you at Symposia in January. __________________ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

12-11-2016, 06:31 AM	#10
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,116 Trading: (82)	Re: Christmas letter Congrats, Todd, & Thanks For Sharing, Brother! May You & Your Family Have A Blessed Christmas & A Happy New Year!