Looking back upon the past year I find myself in a place in my life I had previously looked forward to with anxious expectation and excitement, yet it has turned somewhat melancholy as I write this message.  This was the year my sweetheart Tonya and I became empty-nesters....  Our oldest son is on his own, both daughters are about to graduate from college, and our youngest is serving his mission in Tampico, Mexico.  The house is empty, and quiet in a way that it has never been since we moved our bustling family in, some 18 years ago.   

As I contemplate the season and look deeper back into the memories made each Christmas, I am struck by the events that seemed to make it so special... Christmas choir recitals, school plays, friends coming and going, outdoor snow activities, snowmobiling, or building igloo's in the back yard.  I am so grateful for my wonderful wife of nearly 27 years who helped keep us focused on giving, serving and Christ.  We pray that we have given our children the tools they need to survive a world increasingly filled with worldly influences.  Keeping our focus on Christ is essential.    

I'm sure that many of you have experienced such days of wonder and gratitude and taken the time to consider the privilege each of us has been given to come to this earth and experience it all; the good and the bad; the mistakes and the victories; and it was all made possible by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   

May the richness of His many blessings fall softly upon you and your loved ones this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.  Thank you all for your wonderful friendship, help and support and for making this past year the best ever.  Even so, I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2014 with you!      

Rod Meldrum - president 

The FIRM Foundation 

A few days ago I received an email with a video of the musical grande finale of Glenn Beck's "Believe Again" Christmas Show and was blown away by this powerful, sweet, and heartfelt version of the hymn, O Come All Ye Faithful.  There was no indication of the vocalist who magnificently performed this amazing new composition of the beloved song.  At the time I thought, that singer looks vaguely familiar.   

Then I received an email from my dear friend Alan Osmond, sharing with me his son David's new video on Alan's blog page...and it was the same one!  Like Alan, as I finished watching this incredibly powerful rendition, I just sat here in my office crying tears of joy for the spirit that it brought to my heart.   

Said Glenn Beck of David, "You are amazing.  The most humble, kind, caring and talented man I have EVER worked with."  High praise indeed...and most likely an understatement.  Please take the 5 minutes to listen to this beautiful, inspirational and spiritual rendition of this Christmas classic.               - Rod   

Several have asked how to find the stories and poems from last years Christmas email.  He they are for you and for those who joined us this past year!   

1. An original Christmas story, No Wonder She Wept... by Amberli Nelson  

2. A interesting article Who Were the Shepherds in the Christmas Story?   

3. Rod's poem Christmas Symbols and Santa Clause: Teach the Children   

Rod L. Meldrum

President
The FIRM Foundation