Hi,

Merry Christmas from both of us! Another year gone and a fresh start ahead of us.


What a year we've had! 2010 started out for us in a very bittersweet way as we said good-bye to my dear mother as she headed off to heaven.


We returned to our mission field of Australia several weeks later and found ourselves really struggling to pull ourselves out of an unexpected "slough of despond." If you've ever read Pilgrim's Progress, you'll understand my reference, if not, it's a good read to add to your list for the new year.


As He always does, the Lord has gently and patiently pulled us out, renewed our spirits, and enabled us to continue on for Him as He healed our invisible wounds.


As much as I still miss my dear sweet mother every single day, I am able to look forward to the coming year with joy and anticipation for what the Lord has in store for us in every area of our lives.


Our Mission Work Update:

Here are a couple of things we've been up to this year in the ministry...

One of the great things that we get to do here in Australia is teach the Bible in the public schools. It's quite a privilege and one we cherish.


Even though we only had "half a year" of teaching, this year we have had the joy of seeing about 75 students make a decision to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.


We've also had opportunities to witness in our local nursing home and to friends and residents of our community. Not everyone received the Word gladly, but seeds have been sown.


We've also begun a Sunday afternoon Bible club for the young people in our town. Hopefully this will grow in the new year to a good group of kids who really want to learn more about God and how to live a life that pleases Him.


My Online Adventures Update:

If you've had a browse around angieberg.com, you know that a few years ago I started learning how to build websites to earn some extra money online during my spare time. The Lord has blessed my efforts remarkably and the additional income has been such a help to us.


My biggest site, Chocolate Candy Mall, has a brand new feature, too. We've added a Vendor Store. This enables anyone who would like to sell their own homemade candy, fudge, brownies, cookies, etc., online to do so easily for a small monthly fee. It will be fun to see if this takes off, and if it is a help to stay-at-home moms and others to earn a little extra money from home.


Starting A Home Business:

So many of our friends and our own family members are struggling financially. Some have been laid off. Others with their own businesses are just not getting the work they used to get.


These financial hardships are so sad, and we know the stress they feel is mirrored by many around the country and even the world.


If you find yourself in a similar situation, starting a home business might be just the fresh start you need for the new year.


If this is something you've been considering, I can highly recommend SiteBuildIt as the most affordable and reliable way to get started. SBI is what I used to build my websites and earn an online income, so I know first hand the validity and benefit you can receive.


SBI won't solve your money worries immediately, of course. It does take WORK, but if you are willing to put in some regular effort, it can really help you start something that will last for years to come and be a financial blessing to you and your family.


Here's a tip:
SiteBuildIt (SBI) is running a Christmas Special.


From now until Christmas Day, if you purchase one site building package from SBI, they are giving you a second one for free. I love this special! I've taken advantage of it myself more than once.


You can keep one business building package for yourself and give one as a gift to a friend. Maybe someone you know is really struggling too, and this could be just what they need.


Of course, you could always keep them both for yourself. You would start one immediately and then activate the second one when you are ready, sometime in the next 9 months.


The SBI Special Sales have been cut back to only once per year, so it's now or never if you've been thinking about taking advantage of it!


New Year's Wishes:

Both Don and I would like to wish each of you a new year full of God's richest blessings. When we look around the world, we can see a lot to cause concern. That's when it's time to begin looking up instead.