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Janell Downing's avatar

"It was Christmas, is what I'm trying to say: as absurd as it is beautiful, as necessary as it is every year even when I'm worn out by it."

Sigh. That truth really resonated with me. Chris, if you write nothing else than the muddy beautiful reality of your everyday life, and the closeness of God, I will be most grateful. I too have been wondering what else is there to write? Other than how God has been faithful this time. Again. Happy new year. 🥂

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

Thanks Janell. I've so appreciated your writing for this very thing. He has been faithful, and He will be faithful in 2025, and beyond. Happy new year to you and yours!

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Angela L Hoy's avatar

That poem is amazing.

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

Thank you Angela!

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Tabitha McDuffee's avatar

So glad to see this pop up again. We also had a Christmas bookended by sickness, but I’m thankful it comes whether we’re ready for it or not, that He comes whether we’re ready for Him or not.

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

Glad to be back, Tabitha! I really enjoyed your Advent series. :)

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Jen Rose Yokel's avatar

I missed seeing you in my Substack inbox! Hope the break was refreshing and grounding... sounds like not writing was the right thing to do. (And thanks for doing the Lord's work with your library. good grief, the moms need to chill and read some romantasy or something.)

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

It was refreshing, and well worth it. But I'm also eager to get back to writing. :) Haha, romantasy would be just the cure!

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Chris Yokel's avatar

Great to read some fresh Chris Wheeler words again

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

Glad to be back! I've been enjoying your new poetry. :)

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R. Michael Spangler's avatar

It's so good to hear from you, brother. Merry Christmas! I'll have to give the pipe-smoke-by-cat-turds a try. Loved the poem you shared. Loved seeing the grace threaded through the highs and lows. God is faithful.

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

You too, Rob! He is faithful indeed. It’s good to be back. :)

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R. Michael Spangler's avatar

When I saw the tethered letter come through, I basically threw out all the bills and ripped your envelope open.

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Chris Wheeler's avatar

Haha, awesome! You and your loved ones doing well these days?

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R. Michael Spangler's avatar

Good! I took off of work more than usual. My wife and I got away for a night to celebrate our anniversary in Hershey, PA. I enjoyed some extra family time and got a few projects (mostly) done.

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