​I remember my first experience with a decorated saguaro cactus and the beauty of the lights on them. I thought you might like to see how they looked. 

 I have been blessed to hear the Christmas story all my life but it wasn’t until I accepted the Christ Child that the story gave me hope. My wish for all who read this is to see the real reason we celebrate. 

Merry Christmas!  You are loved. 

Tom and Pam

​Greetings to you today!
 
I first want to thank all who liked Beautiful Hands Ministries on Facebook.  My prayer and hope is for the website and the Facebook site to be a helpful and encouraging few moments in your life.  I felt God's leading to establish a non-profit corporation several years ago, but I didn't know what to name it.  You can see the rest of that story on the website.
 
When I gave my heart to Christ 52 years ago, I knew I must follow God's direction and commit to making ministry my focus.  This first book is to help people hear through the examples of life how God wants to work with people of all situations to show His love.  I suggested In Sickness and in Health: a Love Story for a stocking stuffer because it touches lives in many common challenges.  The title would suggest it is only about a husband and wife committed to each other, whatever comes, but there is another unmistakable fact.  The love of God that is the core of their hope is also the basis for the "Love Story".  I love because He is love.  Many celebrate this most blessed time of the year in only the materialistic sense, with giving and getting gifts as the basis for the reason for the season.  I prefer the Biblical approach to the season since I have dreams of what I want to see each day, but no vision of assurance without the hope that comes from the Creator Himself.  My hope, love, and future are in the love of God.  The "Love Story" is also how the love of God brought us through the tough times.  It is about how we can learn to trust God in difficult times.
 
I have discovered that I like to tell stories to illustrate a point.  I know from experience that pain is pain.  I have experienced physical pain and emotional pain, and no matter which one it is, it still hurts.  So if I can tell a story that can paint a picture that helps someone handle pain a little better, maybe it will be a blessing to them.
 
A friend told me last night that she had just finished reading my book, and she felt every couple planning to be married should read it because of the commitment represented in the story.  Interestingly enough, "in sickness and in health" is a part of the wedding vows agreed to in most wedding ceremonies.
 
As I conclude for this time, remember, God is good all the time and He loves you!
 
Happy reading!
 
Tom