17/12/2020
Kia Ora all!
2020 has been a strange but uncertain year, with many changes
but we were able to put together our family update for you
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou
Seasons Greetings to you all from our family to yours
Enclosed is our Christmas Email 2020,
some highlights from us in 2020.
This is our Christmas Card to you
If you'd like to know more, We are happy to share, so do reply
Many Blessings this Christmas Season Kirihimete koa
Ngā mihi,
Christmas Email 2020
It’s our privilege to bring you Christmas Greetings for 2020
Family
Wow what a YEAR, we have had, certainly not the 2020 vision we had envisioned at the beginning of the year, it reminds us that anything is possible! Today many of you will be reading this update, while you are still confined to your home in ‘Lockdown’ or in countries where the daily death toll is in excess of 2,000 a day, this COVID 19 Pandemic has changed all our thinking, our relationships and the way we do life. In many countries it became too late to stop or get rid of, but in our country (NZ) our government went hard and early, and is still not taking any chances. Although life here has tended to return, we pray that if you one of those reading this in a country where COVID is not under control, that you indeed are safe and taking precautions to prevent getting COVID. And we pray continually that this virus will be eradicated all over the world as soon as possible. I have had an interest in family history for many years now and I understand our histories is what makes us who we are! In November I was sitting at our dining room table (its an Antique made in 1913 and was once my Great Grandparents) and as we ate our dinner my family was talking about the effects of the pandemic and how long it would last, I realised that my great grandfathers brother Wally likely also sat at this very table in their home during the early stages of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, and then days later he was dead, died of the Spanish Flu, I wondered how they all felt, yet none of that family, including 3 young children contracted it. We, today are very lucky to be in the position we are in, we are safe and now in NZ we are community free of COVID 19.
Between 2010 & 2019, with what happened in our city, we were looking to 2020 for a fresh start, a new decade with lots of new opportunities for our city. It started quietly with not much fuss, we planned for a quiet month, our celebration month (3 birthdays and a wedding anniversary), February came, kids went back to school, and then things changed, we found ourselves all at home 24/7 in March for 3 months, in “Lockdown” it was Spring and our Lockdown restrictions were the strictest in the world, and we were only allow to go out for exercise, not far from home, we as a family would walk down to the river, at the end of our street, daily, just to get out of the house for 30 mins. We could not see anyone else.
The kids enjoyed doing school at home, Dining Room became a classroom and routines changed. Dad (Mike) had all his meetings online in Skype and Zoom, we shopped once a week and waited in line to get what we needed and we were always making sure we talked to all those we knew at least twice a week, and others would make sure we were doing okay too and that we didn’t need anything. We knew several people who either died of COVID 19 here in our city, or that died during the Lockdown period, and for the first time I watched a funeral online. We documented some of our story on Facebook, so as the years pass, it will come up on our memories to remind us of what happened, and how life changed so we don’t forget how blessed we were.
As the weather got warmer, we were able to extend our bubble, and as NZ eradicated the community transmission, we were allowed to do more, although we still have to sign in everywhere, we go. We closed our borders to everyone except New Zealanders returning home, our boarders are still closed.
We learnt new words like QR Code, Community Transmission, Lockdown, Team of 5 Million, Vulnerable People, Social Distancing, and Zoom. All these added to the word ‘Munted’ we learnt in 2012 after the earthquakes here, these new terms we use regularly in sentences now. Can you think of some more? If you’d asked us in late 2019 what I thought 2020 would be like, I would have never said it would actually turned out like this; however, through this we looked on the positive not the negative and found ways to turn the negative around. We’ve even made some new friends from it as well.
We were surprised by what our Son’s told us, when asked what the best part of lockdown was for them, they said, spending more time with us, this warmed our heart as we thought we must have been doing something right; We must be keeping to our “Family Mission Statement”
Family Mission Statement.
Over the last 2 years, we have read/thought a whole lot on how to get a family devotional time going, (this is still a work in progress) and as part of this, at a friend’s church where he was preaching on what values do your family have and how does your family display these; it got us thinking about, what are the actual values we have? How does our family display the values we have in everything we do? And How do others see us?
So, we went about writing down the things, like the values that make up our family, Love, Compassion Gentleness, Mercy, Forgiveness, helping someone, Compromise, Duty, Service, Humbleness, Gratefulness.
We looked at some of the verses God had given us over the past 2 years and how did they fit into who we are and how we live our lives. Yes, we aren’t perfect and we do not always get it right. We looked at what a family is in the 21st Century, and we realised that:
‘Family’ is still a beautiful thing, a group of people who love you and who are loved by you no matter what or who they are!
‘Family’ is more than blood, it comes from shared experiences and making big mistakes,
but most of all ‘Family’ is what God made us for, as we are more than just the sum of ourselves.
So we came up with the following:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We Believe in:
‘Family’. Genesis 5:1 Everyone is welcome to join.
Love. John 3:16 we give up our time to help others.
Mistakes. Micah 6:8 We might not get it right all the time, but mistakes shows we are trying!
Forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 and we say the words I’m sorry. (this shows growth, compassion)
Second Chances or even Third Chances - we move on from whatever has happened and there are no consequences, however this has not been the case for us.
Hugs and we do them well. Luke 4:40 we heard this year that when a class mates of Jack’s was upset Jack went over to him put his arm around him and ask was everything OK.
Community - we had it confirmed that we are meant to be within the community helping others. Stop limiting me said God, I will never leave you, and I’m always with you. Romans 8 God, may we be obedient, and listen when you tell us what is next.
Togetherness. Isaiah 61:7 to hold onto as a family in the ministry he wants us to do, we all do it together; “You will receive a double portion… and everlasting joy will be yours.
Service. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 we will always help others, in 2020, we helped and served others in many different ways.
Grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 Its only with God’s help we can get the best out of life.
We have been chosen and blessed. Luke 4:18-19 and Isaiah 61:1-4 by God and he has placed each one of us in this family for a reason.
Loud. Most people can hear us coming, we have no secrets, so why stay quiet. Being loud our kids show enthusiasm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Gibbs Family, what does the LORD your God continue to ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
Don’t be afraid, the more you encounter people who are not living right lives, the more you will need to be living right lives yourselves, for this is where I have placed you, so continue do my work where you are, till I say it’s time to move you on, and I will guide you every step of the way.
What is it that the Lord requires of us? Micah 6:8 “To Act Justly, Love Mercifully, and walk Humbly with your God”
Amy continues holding onto the promises in 2 Peter 1:4 “It is through Jesus… that God’s greatest and most precious promises have become available to us”
We are waiting on God to show us more verses for 2021, that we as a family are to focus on, that will drive our mission and our tasks as people who are supposed to be acting like him. It’s about how we navigate the mountains and the valleys in our lives day to day that matters. We did struggle a little, at times, we felt others were trying to destroy our lives, but in each and every time we stuck by our mission and God’s promises and he saw us through!
So, our prayer going forward is that of Jabez 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.” We believe God will grant us our requests just as he did Jabez.
Mike this year has chosen, a personal pathway of discovery, He realised to follow Jesus, it needs to look like something in real life, like love.
He focused on 3 things; Surrender, Generosity and Mission.
In his quiet time (prayer time) he has come to ask himself 3 questions after a prayer of surrender!
1. Do I have/ Or is there a control issue for me to deal with today
2. Am I going to be generous today or am I living cheaply and selfishly today
3. Am I doing mission today, Am I taking risks, to see people the way God does?
Will meet with a Mentor to talk about life stuff, a way of being accountable and honest.
Will do a study or teaching on a life topic, possibly one similar to what he might be dealing with at that time, with the goal of being more like Jesus.
It’s an exciting season, Mike understands Salvation is the journey not the destination, It differently helps to journey with others while connecting and testing what is going on.
*Infinitum way of life, https://www.facebook.com/infinitumwayoflife/
For those of you on Facebook, you are always welcome to add us to your friends list and keep in touch that way, https://www.facebook.com/gibbswhanau, we update it with family stuff all the time, we find it the easiest way to keep in touch with others in this digital world. We still have our individual ones too.
Mike
• A successful year helping others with their advocacy; This will continue into 2021
• Another successful year on the Board of Trustees at Linwood Avenue School, successfully completed a rebuild program that started in 2012
• Am looking into finishing off a social work degree in 2021, it seems if he wants to do more in the advocacy area then I will need to be a registered Social Worker.
• 2020 hasn’t been a good year for Mike’s health; His CP has been causing changes in his life style
= Had Cardiology ‘Tests’ and they came back Positive
= With circulation issues and numb lumps continuing to be an issue, more Neurological tests in 2021
• Loves spending time at the kid’s activities.
• Mike’s page: www.facebook.com/mikegibbs8
Amy
• Still doing one morning a week at the Salvation Army Linwood Centre with the Mini Rockers (Mainly Music under 5s group) and loving the contact with the families.
• Spent most of the year on crutches, first after falling over and twisting her knee, it seemed to be an ongoing issue with her knee, however the surgeon now thinks that because she fell over onto her hip, it could be the hip causing so much pain, so am now waiting on further tests, while adjusting life to suit.
• Amy’s page: www.facebook.com/amygibbs24
Jack
• Jack was diagnosed with Autism this year, after a 2-year delay. This has helped us understand Jack better!
He has completed Year 5 this year – Just one more year at Linwood Ave School
• Jack had a successful year at school, and is making progress in every area, Reading and Hand Writing, however he loves his story writing and technology. Starting to get lots of achievements up on his bedroom wall.
• He has put his name forward to be one of the 4 house captains (Student Leaders in charge of one of the 8 in his school) He will hear about this next year as the first 5 were chosen and Jack’s name wasn’t one of them, but still 3 to be announced
• Jack has been attending Cubs again this year, he was appointed a seconder in his group of six (this means he leads his group if the leader is away and helps the leader) – He has achieved a number of new badges this year, from Cooking, Swimming, Knots and ones that have him helping others.
• He is doing well in his Junior Soldier studies, is now working on his Silver award.
• Jack started learning a Brass Instrument this year, he’s chosen to play “Dad’s old baritone”, he has a good ear, and can play what he can hear; Is still learning the timing, and reading music will come later on in his own time.
• Jack lost a good friend ‘Brayden’ in a House fire earlier this year, We are so proud how he coped with it all.
Amelia
• She has completed Year 3 this year, has excelled in
• Amelia graduated from Pippins this year to Brownies (part of Girl Guides) and in only a short time has achieved around 10 or 11 badges, she went on camp for the first time on her own in December and loved it so much is looking forward to returning in February, where they’ll continue to learn lots of new skills.
• Amelia joined the Junior Soldiers program too this year, joining 2 of her brothers in learning how to live a Christian life.
• She also chose to start learning a Brass Instrument, she chose to learn a Cornet (Trumpet) and is doing very well with her fi*****ng.
• Amelia’s personality and love for others is showing through in the way in which she cares for others.
Sam
• He has completed Year 9 this year at Linwood College.
• Sam got 2nd in Physical Education at this year’s school prize giving
• He also became a TV sensation this year as he competed in a local TV Show for Teenagers called Brain Busters and got 2nd, just pipped at the post by a couple of seconds.
• Sam is involved with/in a Band at school, is the Drummer.
• Sam attended his first Youth Councils (a Teen camp for those in the Salvation Army) this year, having an exciting time up at Living Springs. Sam loves attending the Youth group and events when they are on.
We are looking forward to Sam developing his leadership skills further in 2021.
Hamish
• He has completed Year 7 this year at Linwood College.
• Hamish got 1st in Music at this year’s school prize giving.
• Hamish has enjoyed going to Junior Soldiers this year, and is putting what he has learnt into action at home and in helping others.
Church
We belong to an Army that brings life, Te Ope Whakaora and so we continue to do his work in whatever place we find ourselves, and continue to be led by him for whatever we do.
The Salvation Army Linwood Corps, is where we have continued to attend and worship and have called home this year.
Another year is almost over; 2020, a year like no other, one we’d never dreamed off
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that every day is unique treasure it, and also those around you, your loved ones, for tomorrow they may not be here.
Please continue to pray for us in 2021. We all appreciate it. In 2020 you have been an important part of our lives. We believe God does not put people in our way for no reason.
God has been more than faithful throughout 2020, through it all he’s made us able, to stand and survive whatever life throws our way, even when it didn’t seem like we would win. We claim, that God does what he says he will do, in every battle he’s taught us, there is nothing God won’t help you through, so why dwell on the struggles and hardship, when deep down we know, God has sorted it already, everything will work out in the end. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on us.
Not only is Christmas a time to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour; whether you believe in him or not! It’s also a chance to spend time with extended family and friends; while we look back over what has happened in 2020, We thank God for his blessings and the pain in 2020 and what we will hope for in 2021.
We conclude with a Christmas poem,
May Christmas be a time to reflect on Christ and a time to celebrate with family; we will be thinking and praying for you all.
Loving Father
Please help us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus
Close the door of hate and open the door of love
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be your children?
And Christmas evening bring us to us bed with grateful thoughts
Forgiving and Forgiven
Amen
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God Bless you all, we are certainly glad ‘Jesus is the reason for the Season’
Mike, Amy, Sam, Hamish, Jack and Amelia ###
