A Christmas Message

Merry Christmas to our Halftee Family. As the year rounds out and brings it to a close celebrating Christ's birth, I have had a lot to think about. This Christmas season, The Barker's, are down two children. Charlee and Cash both left to serve the Lord and teach others about Christ. Charlee is in Boston, Massachusetts speaking Spanish and Cash is serving in Sheridan Wyoming, but his mission is the Billings Montana Mission. A fun little fact about Cash's first area is that I actually grew up in Sheridan Wyoming. Having my son now there is a tender message to me that God is in the details. 

Last week as I watched my daughter walk through security, knowing I would not see her for 18 months, I had a distinct thought, "good luck Hermana Barker, you go with God." I cannot think of anyone else that I want my son and my daughter to "go" with, than a perfect, all knowing, loving Father in Heaven. This Christmas season, remember we all "go" with God. He is our Father and knows each of us personally. Many, many years ago He sent His son to this earth, as the greatest gift to this world, to save us all from Satan's power, to bring peace and good will to men. Through Christ and His atonement we can return to live with God again.

I feel closer to God this Christmas season, as I send my own children off, to help teach others about Christ.  I feel closer to God as I pray,  for my missionaries that are in His hands and His hands alone. God is with you my little ones. God is with you my friends. Look to Him in all you do. As we do we will have eyes to see HIM, a heart to feel HIM, and ears to hear HIM. With much love.....Merry Christmas!

P.S. Below is the sweetest missionary poem that a sweet friend sent me. Read it, I believe it rings true to each of us who offer ourselves up to God. 

A Missionary Christmas (author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Laminate mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him,
I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, this year;
I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand.
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make,
This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's one who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me,
His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make.
This year...I'm giving Christ my son.