Christmas Greetings

[Jim Watt]

*Christmas Greetings - 2011-12-09*

*From Jim & Marie Watt -*

*Tel: 253-517-9195 - Email: jmbetter at gmail.com *


 *To our many friends and acquaintances -*


 *I just finished rereading the Biography of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by
Richard Ellsworth Day, 1934. It was given to me as a gift by our Baptist
Fellowship when I graduated from Seminary in 1952. I don't know of anyone
with a more fruitful life in both areas of preaching and writing - and much
more - but over and above all of this, from his secret diary - his
exceeding intimate and real and loving spiritual relationship with our Lord
Jesus Christ - the key-note of all Christmases!*


 *My 3 chief mentors: George Muller, Rees Howells and Oswald Chambers -
also had this as a key part of their lives - but I believe I have found in
Charles Spurgeon one who perhaps is altogether equal - and perhaps even
surpasses them in this area.*


 *It is seldom in these days that one can run across a life with a
relationship with Jesus of such a deep reality. I know I don't come up to
this myself - but it is my desire and goal to do so.*


 *This last year has been encouraging for Marie and me, especially in the
light of her remarkable improvement in her health. A year ago January she
came down with “Temporal Arteritis,” and through the “Prednisone” treatment
was physically knocked out of all practical living for that year. She was
able to make church almost every Sunday - but that was it.*


 *But this year - her recovery has been so remarkable that we can scarcely
believe it! She's her old self! and perhaps even better! One specialist
recommended she take up swimming again. The Federal Way Community Center
through Group Health has made this available to Marie - and three times a
week she swims for an hour. Her arms have so strengthened that she can
again do various strokes. And through it all she has lost over 50 pounds
weight! Our daughter Anna and son Jim are impressed at her remarkable
change and improvement. Her Group Health doctor gave her a “high-five” at
her annual check-up, and told her she is his star patient - who is making
him look very good!*


 *Marie is the oldest of 9 siblings - and only 4 are left, and she is the
healthiest of all! Her sister Yvonne went home to be with the Lord this
year, and her brother-in-law Bert Thomson. Bert came to the Lord in 1951
when we were holding meetings at the Baptist Church in Port Alberni, B.C.
for 3 weeks, while on vacation from Seminary and an Assistant Pastor in a
Baptist Church in Chicago. What a history. Bert immediately moved into full
discipleship - not just a convert. He became exceedingly fruitful in home,
church and city! Four of his 7 children are active in God's Kingdom,
especially his namesake Bert Thomson of Nashville, Tennessee, who is soon
picking up ministerial responsibilities in Toronto.*


 *For me - my chief helper in moving towards the publication of the “
Outlined Interlinear New Testament” - Elvin Gladney - went home to be with
the Lord in August. But an old friend of ours - Jim Ray - has picked up the
torch, and through other key associate helpers - trusts to see it published
in 2012! This is indeed a Milestone!*


 *We are impressed with the pastor of the church we are attending - Jeff
Moorehead of Christ's Church of Federal Way. He is an unusual Expository
preacher of the Bible.*


 *At the same time we are actively assisting with two others in a new
Korean Church. Both Marie and I are impressed with not only their openness
to God - but their extreme hunger to be all that the Lord wants of them. I
am going to stop here - and if Marie has any word to add - I will type it
up for her - Jim.*


 *Marie's part: As this Christmas rolls around, I am so grateful to the
Lord for His love and care of me. Of course, He does that through his
peoples' prayers. I give all glory to God and His faithful intercessors. It
is such a gift of love to know you are cared for by so many faithful pray -
ers!*


 *Another remarkable answer to prayer was Anna's youngest son, Keelan
relocating to Houston, Texas, from Mt Vernon, Washington in April 2011. His
1992 Ford Contour loaded to the ceiling, traveled the 2600 miles trouble
free, in 3 days. Locations to stay, travel plans, people he met who were
kind to help him, his GPS and his mom (Anna) directed his footsteps! Jesus
was riding alongside him in the front seat. Anna has made 4 trips to
Houston since April, to help him find housing, furnishings for his 2
bedroom apartment, with 2 baths and 1200 square feet, even checking out
“Host Gator” - a Computer Service Company, and the 600 employees, where
Keelan is working. Keelan, 23, is the one who does all of Grandpa Jim's
Computer work setting up the Interlinear.*


 *It seems so much of our prayers have been on behalf of our 7
grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons, whom we prize almost over everything.
Seth, Anna's oldest son, and Jennifer, and 2 ½ year old Luke live in
Pullman, Washington. Seth has been given a grant to attend Washing State
University. He is a second year Doctoral Student in Computer Science, doing
very well. He has been invited to present papers at Conferences in Montreal
and Vancouver, B.C. He was also asked to enlarge his B.C. presentation by
1/3, so it could be published. Next Conference where he'll be sharing is
San Diego, July 10, 2012.*


 *Another grandson, Mark Watt, Peter's middle son, 18 years old, is also
attending Washington State University, his freshman year. 2 of his mother
Madeleine's sisters paid for this year's Tuition and Dorm. etc. Praise God.
Since he has been in ROTC since all of High School, he is trusting to get a
scholarship from them for 2012 on. Mark is a gentle, loving young man with
great leadership abilities, who recently committed his life to the Lord.*


 *Not to be outdone is Paul Watt, 20 years old, Peter's oldest son. This
June he graduates from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's
degree in Economics and Finance. He has paid all his own tuition by working
2 jobs on top of his school studies. One job is Northwest Insurance, where
he is interning from 1:00 to 5:00 pm 5 days a week. He has really proven
himself with all he has accomplished. We're grateful we are here to support
him with out love and prayers. He plans to attend Law School at the
University of Washington in Seattle later.*


 *Jim's son James (25 years) attended 4 years at Digipen Computer College
in Redmond, Washington. This is one of the top Japanese Computer schools in
the nation. He and a friend build Web-sites for clients. He lives in
Portland; comes home once a month.*


 *Chelsea, soon to be 24 on Christmas day! Jim's daughter, and our only
granddaughter. She and her family live in Spanaway, South-East Tacoma. She
has delighted us with our 2nd great grandson, Roderick Alexander (Brodie)
last January. He is beautiful!*


 *Last but not least is William Watt, Peter's 16 year old youngest son, a
sophomore in High School. Getting his Driver's License is a big plus!
Hasn't chosen his life's Profession yet.*


 *And great news today. Our oldest son, Jim, has just received his Canadian
Citizenship. We're pretty excited about that. Since Jim and I each have
dual citizenship, we don't know what God has in store for us. Whatever,
wherever, to be in the center of His Will is our Goal.*


 *Just wanted to fill some of you in on our family. We are so blessed.
Thank you for loving us, praying and supporting us. May this be your most
blessed Christmas and Hanukkah ever. May His love be revealed fully to each
one.*


 *Lovingly - Marie.*
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