A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.
Women Who Love Young Life

Oh Holy Night, is one of my favorite Christmas carols. I think it is because of the line, ‘A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.’ It reminds me that in the midst of the pain and sorrow, we, as believers, still have hope. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Another favorite song is The Twelve Days of Christmas. Do you know the story behind this fun song? A friend shared the story with me which changed the way Iisten to this song. I have attached the story here if you are interested.
This year in A Widow's Way 
  • The Widow’s Way Retreat in October was at Crooked Creek Ranch, Young Life camp in Fraser, CO. We all stayed in the spacious and cozy adult guest lodge. The theme was Adventure which took us on journeys moving outside of our comfort zone, going deeper with Christ, and identifying what we wanted to leave behind as we move towards joy. We participated in a mini giving circle learning about some special ministries within Young Life –YoungLives (teen moms); kids who are incarcerated, trafficked, homeless and military families. As a group we voted to direct our giving to send military teens to camp this next summer!
  • There are widows groups bubbling up around the mission with the desire to meet together in their communities. The Houston, TX group has grown to 20 and they enjoy getting together and supporting one another. More information will follow once these groups become more established.
  • Adult Guest Opportunities.  A group of us had the pleasure of serving at a military family camp this past summer. We discussed the possibility of going as a group to camp as adult guests which would give us an ‘up close and personal’ view of Young Life at its best, as well as allow us to serve. If this interests you, email me at pstoetzner@outlook.com  to learn more and about potential dates. 
  • Retreat 2024. We have a planning team working on dates and locations for the next retreat. Stand by for more information on this rich adventure.

  • Zoom calls continue the second Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm CST. Please feel free to join anytime. If you know of other widows who might benefit from our group please invite them. If they are interested in the group, send me their contact information and someone on our team will make contact and welcome them into the group.
A prayer for you from the book Jesus Listens by Sarah Young, shared with those who were on the December zoom call by Jane Bruce (Denver member).

‘I love listening to the song that You continually sing to me: “I take great delight in you; I renew you by My Love: I shout for Joy over you.” The voices of this world are a cacophony of chaos, pulling me this way and that especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Help me not to listen to those voices but to challenge them with Your Word. Show me how to take breaks from the noise of the world-finding a place to be still in Your Presence so I can hear Your voice. I believe there is immense hidden treasure to be found through listening to You. You are always pouring out blessings upon me, but some of Your richest blessings have to be actively sought. I rejoice when You reveal Yourself to me-through Your Word, Your people, and the wonders of creation. Having a seeking heart opens me up to receive more of You. The Bible gives me clear instructions: Keep on asking and it will be given to you: keep on seeking and you will find: keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.
Amen’

Take care of yourself over this busy season. Some tips on surviving the holiday can be found here. You are loved.

We walk this journey together,

Patti Stoetzner 
A Widow’s Way
pstoetzner@outlook.com
Our group at the Widows Way Retreat at Crooked Creek Ranch, CO 
Young Life - You were made for this.
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