Merry Christmas from Randy, Julia, Caren, and Robbie Peck

The LORD has blessed our family in many wonderful ways this past year. My theme verse for the year has been Philippians 4:4 - “Rejoice in the LORD always, I say rejoice.” There were times and seasons this year when I did not feel like rejoicing in the LORD, yet I chose to anyway. And because of that, despite the trials and changes, God has blessed our family. Each of us has grown a lot and we have drawn closer together. Unity honors God.

Of all the things I am most thankful for, it is knowing I am a child of God and being able to serve Him daily. I am eternally grateful for my salvation and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Next I am thankful for my immediate family, that we are still together and all healthy. I praise the LORD for my extended family and friends and for a job that pays well, offers much respect, and allows me an opportunity to minister to others.

For me, the highlight of this year was a family gathering at Massanutten, VA in August to celebrate my parent’s 50th anniversary. In this day and age of frequent divorces, unhappy marriages, and assaults on the classic family, it was such a blessing to be able to honor my parents for the 50 years of a joyful marriage they have modeled. It was also great for my parents to have all their sons, wives, and grandchildren, along with several other relatives gathered together for days as a family.

Another highlight of the year was our first family cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Paradise ship in July. We spent seven fabulous days traveling the Eastern Caribbean. The crew included people from 49 nations. Each of us felt this was the most fun family vacation ever. We highly recommend a cruise to others. Our family also enjoyed a week vacation at a beach in North Carolina in mid June, the week after graduation.

Julia had a good year and paced herself nicely to compete in various athletic competitions and to help others with their fitness. Two of her major accomplishments in 2003 included competing in a half Ironman triathlon (swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, and run 13 miles) at Lake Anna, VA in September and running the Marine Corp Marathon in Wash, D.C. in October. Her part-time work included teaching skiing, kickboxing, and personal training classes. She got started this year designing business cards and does an excellent job at that.

Julia and I started the habit of walking a mile or so most days I am home to have time alone and talk. It’s amazing how God even uses Ginger, our 9 year old golden retriever, to help ensure we get out together. Our marriage has also been strengthened by weekly date nights and date days.

Caren is 18 years old. She graduated #3 in her class of about 400 students at Culpeper High School in June. She had the privilege of being asked to speak and share her faith with about 400-500 people at the baccalaureate service on June 8. Her speech was very moving. The baccalaureate service is a voluntary Christian graduation service held the week before the regular graduation. Caren also had the privilege of speaking to more than 3,000 people at her main graduation event held on June 14. For several months in the first half of the year, Caren functioned as a small group leader for Christian youth at Common Ground coffee house.

In August, Caren started college in Williamsburg, VA at the College of William and Mary, the 2nd oldest college in the United States. Her first semester at college has been very trying for Caren. She is no longer a big fish in a little pond. Academic competition is tough. She misses home. Fortunately, Caren has participated in a weekly small group for fellowship with other Christians affiliated with Intervarsity. That has been vital to her well being.

Robbie is 16 years old and has matured a lot physically. He is about 5 foot 9 inches tall. Robbie participated in JV soccer in the Spring and on a travel soccer team in the Fall. He recently began working out with the indoor track team at the high school for the first time. Robbie also started biking on his own this year. Robbie has a very outgoing personality and has made many new friends. He was selected by his peers at school to be part of the “inner court” at the homecoming football game. Robbie has a good sense of humor and makes us all laugh.

We are proud that Robbie works hard in school and does well academically. Robbie got his driver’s license in the summer and we are grateful that he is responsible and lets us know where he is. I try to spend at least one day each week praying and reading the Bible with Robbie. I am very thankful that Robbie began participating in Young Life on Monday nights in Culpeper. Young Life is a Christian organization focusing on youth and development of Christ-like character.

This year has worked out much differently than I originally planned as far as my career goes. I started the year intending to do only 12-16 weeks of anesthesia, but by the end of 2003 I will have done the equivalent of about 29. However, because I was willing to make sacrifices to serve others, God has blessed me in relationships, financially, and with growth in the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc). A few months ago, I signed a 3-6 month contract to work 3 days/week at Giles Memorial Hospital, a 3 ½/ hour drive from Culpeper. The regular schedule allows me to be at home with my family 4 days/week. Because of the increase anesthesia work load, my web development business received less attention this year, yet I believe God will bless it in His perfect timing.

With the extra weekdays off, I plan to start a local radio ministry soon to strengthen families. While I am distressed by the downward spiral of morality in our nation, I am encouraged to know that I serve an awesome God and that one person can make a difference in the world with His help.

In October, I went to Lynchburg, VA to attend the “The Purpose Driven Church” Christian Super Conference, the best leadership conference ever for me. For recreation, I still like to bike and run and spend a lot of time reading.

Always remember that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. It is my prayer that God will bless you abundantly this coming year so that you may be a greater blessing to others.

In the love of Christ, – Randy Peck

Jesus loves you! He invites each person to surrender his life to Him.