Dear Friends and Family:

What a long time it has taken us to write this blog again! Our only excuse is that we have been busy and fruitful beyond what we thought we could do, thanks be to God! Here are a few things that have been occupying us:

Michael’s ministry with the senior living center is now in its seventh year- yes, seventh! While it is a difficult job to minister to the very elderly and share griefs of loss and abilities, he has done an amazing job keeping up with it all and being a light in a dark place. We never know how long this job will last, but are grateful for the financial stability it has given us over these years.

He has also started and oversees a chaplain ministry at Resurrection House- a homeless day shelter where the homeless have an opportunity to be prayed for and receive communion in addition to having some of their physical needs met. That is a volunteer position which he loves doing.

He also has been assigned a few people who are shut ins from the church we are members of. He visits them regularly, bringing prayer, communion and fellowship.

And I, Christine, have been blessed with teaching three in person icon writing classes each year. It is a spiritual journey as well as an art one and I am loving my students and developing a following, praise God.

I have also had two one person exhibitions of my icons here in Sarasota which have been very well received, and again, and building a circle of collectors that bless me beyond measure by their cherishing and buying my work.

I still have my studio which is a 30 minute drive from where we live, and try to be there six days a week. I love what I am doing and since I am so old now, I really value and protect my creative time with the Lord. Who knows how much time I have left? 🙂

Michael has overcome some health problems and we still struggle with balancing our work time with time to be with family and friends. But, through it all, God continues to keep us happy and blessed, and we count each one of you among our dearest blessings.

So, please don’t forget us, we don’t forget you, and let’s keep praying for each other. It is an invaluable gift we can continue to support each other with.

Sending you lots of love and prayers, and hope that you will stay in touch!

Love,

Christine and Michael Hales

Michael’s Website: https://mickhales.com Christine’s website: https://christinehales.com