Happy New Year to each of you. I sincerely hope that 2024 brings you many, many wonderful blessings from our Heavenly Father.

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Wow, 2023 definitely went out with a bang for some in our area. Annual family trips to Pismo Beach and other coastal destinations turned into a nightmare as campers were hit with huge, and very historical, waves. The first rogue wave took campers by surprise as it crashed violently on shore in the early morning hours. Windows were shattered in vehicles, trailers, and motor homes as the dangerous rogue waves destroyed in minutes the only shelter the campers had. Folks were tossed about helplessly as broken glass and the fury of Mother Nature showed no mercy on those that were trapped inside. The huge waves sent campers, along with vehicles, trailers and motor homes into the rushing water … it was definitely a nightmare that will not soon be forgotten. To each of you who were there last week, we are so very sad for your tremendous losses but we are very thankful to God that you were eventually able to return home.

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On a happier note, it’s another year later and I once again get to share with you the excitement of my grandson Cooper’s birthday. Coop turned 17 on New Year’s Day. Although Cooper, Cody, Jack and Cole worked tirelessly late into the evening on New Year’s Eve putting in a new transmission in Cooper’s Dodge Ram (Papa’s old pickup) they took a break to join us inside for some very tasty New Year’s Eve food. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, we toasted Cooper and the New Year … we threw tons of confetti, enjoyed glasses of sparkling cider together, ate delicious holiday food, and welcomed a brand New Year. We especially enjoyed having Cooper’s beautiful girlfriend Samantha with us. We are super excited to be a part of Sam’s journey this year as she runs for the coveted 2024 Teen Miss Clements Buckaroos. What a great year 2024 will be.

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I am sure many of you have gone through some things that have tested your strength this past year; I know I have for sure. Remember … “With God all things are possible.” I hope 2024 brings each of you tremendous blessings and much happiness. I would like to ask each of you to pray once again for my daughter Beci as she undergoes a second brain surgery on January 19th at UC Davis. Our family deeply appreciates all of you who prayed so hard for her during her last brain surgery. Our God is a mighty God. I would especially like to say ‘Thank you’ to Mr. Patrick Mondragon, who often takes time from his busy schedule to publicly share scriptures that can really help us through the day.

As we each step into 2024, we ask for God’s blessings on each and every one of you.