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I was just talking to a sweet friend of mine. She and I were talking about how we wish Santa were real. This Christmas has been a hard one for so many. Wouldn't it be nice, she thought, if Santa were real? Then, we could just enjoy the excitement of Christmas like when we were children and not feel the burdens and concerns we have as adults. I have thought that, too. On Christmas morning, she awoke to find someone had surprised her family with bags full of amazing gifts. Realizing the One who provided these gifts to her family...the One who laid it on the hearts of those who gave so generously...her story ended with the proclamation, "Jesus is way better than Santa!"
I just read the awesome news that baby Stellan, who we have been praying fervently for, is doing better. The joy in Mckmama's post was shining through every word as she shared the good news with her readers. Stellan's story is one of hope and healing and miracles. And to this, I say...Jesus is way better than Santa! For, we serve a God of grace and mercy...a God of peace and hope...The Great Physician who is able to restore us inside and out...who can and does make all things beautiful in His time. Sometimes, He calms the storm...sometimes, He quiets the child. He gives and He takes away. But in all of it...His love for us is evident...His plans for us are perfect...and His grace is sufficient...always.
Rejoicing with you Mckmama...and continuing in prayer for complete healing and restoration for sweet baby Stellan. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of walking with you!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Attempting a "Not Me Monday"
My Charming Kids is the home of Not Me Monday. I can't get my graphic to link right, due to my extreme lack of bloggy-techno-savvy. (Or, since it's a Not Me Monday...my extreme bloggy-techno-expertise!) Anyway, here is my attempt...
Last Sunday at church, we did not lose our electricity due to an ice storm. We did not wake up late for church and then proceed to frantically scramble to make it on time. It wasn't the day of the Christmas program that the children had been practicing for the last two months. And it most certainly was not like camping and then putting on your Sunday best to attend church. And, of course, I did not insist that we wear our Christmas outfits...including for me, panty hose, a black skirt, and a satin red shirt adorned with rinestones...even though it was a windchill of twenty six below zero. Not me! Never! And I would never grumble at my husband as I scrambled into the car, tearing a run in my hose. I did not blame him for the run...because he was rushing me! I have a gentle and quiet spirit. I don't do things like that!
There is no way it was me seen sliding across the church parking lot, which resembled an ice rink more than a parking lot. It must have been someone else.
My hair was washed and styled with a flat iron, just like every morning. I did not try to tease and spray the morning mess I woke up with Sunday morning! No way! I have it together...especially on Christmas program day. It must have been someone else. Because it most certainly was NOT ME!
* On a more serious note: Please keep baby Stellan and his MckFamily in your prayers.
Last Sunday at church, we did not lose our electricity due to an ice storm. We did not wake up late for church and then proceed to frantically scramble to make it on time. It wasn't the day of the Christmas program that the children had been practicing for the last two months. And it most certainly was not like camping and then putting on your Sunday best to attend church. And, of course, I did not insist that we wear our Christmas outfits...including for me, panty hose, a black skirt, and a satin red shirt adorned with rinestones...even though it was a windchill of twenty six below zero. Not me! Never! And I would never grumble at my husband as I scrambled into the car, tearing a run in my hose. I did not blame him for the run...because he was rushing me! I have a gentle and quiet spirit. I don't do things like that!
There is no way it was me seen sliding across the church parking lot, which resembled an ice rink more than a parking lot. It must have been someone else.
My hair was washed and styled with a flat iron, just like every morning. I did not try to tease and spray the morning mess I woke up with Sunday morning! No way! I have it together...especially on Christmas program day. It must have been someone else. Because it most certainly was NOT ME!
* On a more serious note: Please keep baby Stellan and his MckFamily in your prayers.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Our New Look and a Big Thank You...
If you've visited before, you've probably noticed that we have a new look! Thank you so much to Danielle at Blogs by Danielle for our beautiful new blog. I love how she incorporated our family picture and the footprints of our Faith, Grace, and Thomas into the header...love the colors, love the design...just love it all! Danielle is a true artist and I so appreciate her work.
We also want to give a huge thank you to Raechel Feehan for the beautiful family photos in our header and on the sidebar. Raechel is just branching out into the photography business, and she did a wonderful job "capturing" our family. It is truly a blessing to have friends like Raechel. And, if you are a regular reader, you know how excited I get to see how God uses others to work together for His purpose, and to bless others with the gifts and abilities they have been given to share.
And, while we're giving thanks...I just wanted to add a special thank you to all those who help create Dreams of You Memory products for Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women. Thank you to Cindy Roller for making the beautiful infant gowns for little ones who leave this earth too soon. Thank you to the team at Helping Hands Ministry, led by Kaye Shively for all the love and prayers they put into sewing our Comfort Bears. We also give thanks to Marlene Carpenter from Creations From the Heart for the beautiful memorial bracelets she makes for mommies and babies. Thank you to Dawn Marshall for her encouragement, support, friendship, and dedication to serving grieving families...not just as a NILMDTS coordinator and photographer...but as my dear friend. We are so grateful to our church family at Harvest Fellowship...to our supporters and friends...to those who participated in our Sufficient Grace Ministries Golf Outing...to our participating hospitals: Defiance Regional Medical Center, Lima Memorial, Henry County Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital. Thank you to Shipman Advertising for printing our Dreams of You Memory Books. Thank you to Tim, Tracy, and Becki for giving your time, love, encouragment, resources and support. Thank you, Lynette for your prayers. Thank you to our new blog friends for your support and encouragement and for sharing our ministry with others in need. And to anyone else I've failed to mention...we are so grateful to everyone for their generosity and willing hearts.
Please continue to keep our efforts to offer comfort and hope to grieving families in prayer as we say goodbye to 2008 and look forward to the coming year. We look forward to serving with all of you in 2009.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
Philippians 1:3-7
We also want to give a huge thank you to Raechel Feehan for the beautiful family photos in our header and on the sidebar. Raechel is just branching out into the photography business, and she did a wonderful job "capturing" our family. It is truly a blessing to have friends like Raechel. And, if you are a regular reader, you know how excited I get to see how God uses others to work together for His purpose, and to bless others with the gifts and abilities they have been given to share.
And, while we're giving thanks...I just wanted to add a special thank you to all those who help create Dreams of You Memory products for Sufficient Grace Ministries for Women. Thank you to Cindy Roller for making the beautiful infant gowns for little ones who leave this earth too soon. Thank you to the team at Helping Hands Ministry, led by Kaye Shively for all the love and prayers they put into sewing our Comfort Bears. We also give thanks to Marlene Carpenter from Creations From the Heart for the beautiful memorial bracelets she makes for mommies and babies. Thank you to Dawn Marshall for her encouragement, support, friendship, and dedication to serving grieving families...not just as a NILMDTS coordinator and photographer...but as my dear friend. We are so grateful to our church family at Harvest Fellowship...to our supporters and friends...to those who participated in our Sufficient Grace Ministries Golf Outing...to our participating hospitals: Defiance Regional Medical Center, Lima Memorial, Henry County Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital. Thank you to Shipman Advertising for printing our Dreams of You Memory Books. Thank you to Tim, Tracy, and Becki for giving your time, love, encouragment, resources and support. Thank you, Lynette for your prayers. Thank you to our new blog friends for your support and encouragement and for sharing our ministry with others in need. And to anyone else I've failed to mention...we are so grateful to everyone for their generosity and willing hearts.
Please continue to keep our efforts to offer comfort and hope to grieving families in prayer as we say goodbye to 2008 and look forward to the coming year. We look forward to serving with all of you in 2009.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
Philippians 1:3-7
Saturday, December 20, 2008
For Unto Us a Child is Born...
This morning, I woke up with a heavy heart, burdened with all the things I've been saying are not important...all the worldly demands of the Christmas preparations. The busyness...wondering if we're giving our kids enough stuff...the same stuff I tell them isn't important. "Jesus is what matters", I say. And, yet...there I was letting the stuff matter.
My heavy heart wandered, not just to the silly worldly concerns, but to deeper hurts and disappointments. Those missing someone they love. Families struggling with finances. Broken families. Broken hearts. Those with health concerns. All the imperfections in our Christmas "picture". All the noise threatened to overshadow the quiet hope and peace of the miracle of His birth.
I opened my bible and this was the beginning of the first verse in today's devotion (Isaiah 9:1-7):
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed... (Is. 9:1a)
I read on...
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined. (Is. 9:2)
And then...
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There shall be no end. (Is. 9:6)
His peace washed over me once more, and the things of this earth grew "strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
Just like the song says:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth,
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
My heavy heart wandered, not just to the silly worldly concerns, but to deeper hurts and disappointments. Those missing someone they love. Families struggling with finances. Broken families. Broken hearts. Those with health concerns. All the imperfections in our Christmas "picture". All the noise threatened to overshadow the quiet hope and peace of the miracle of His birth.
I opened my bible and this was the beginning of the first verse in today's devotion (Isaiah 9:1-7):
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed... (Is. 9:1a)
I read on...
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined. (Is. 9:2)
And then...
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There shall be no end. (Is. 9:6)
His peace washed over me once more, and the things of this earth grew "strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
Just like the song says:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth,
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Christmas Tour of Homes 2008
Merry Christmas From the Gerken Family
It's so nice of you to visit us on the BooMama Christmas Tour of Homes 2008. Welcome to our little home. It's small and humble, but filled with love...especially this time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior...reflecting on the miracle that He came.
Our tree is filled with ornaments that hold special memories of those we love. There are ornaments in memory of our babies in heaven (Faith, Grace, and Thomas) and ornaments made by the boys who fill our house with life. There are homemade ornaments from my mother's tree, nativity ornaments, and ornaments from our first Christmas together. Something to represent all those that we love and hold dear...even a couple Cleveland Browns ornaments are hidden in the mix.
The Willow Tree Nativity Set was given to me by my mother on our last Christmas together before she passed away, after a difficult fourteen-month-long battle with cancer. The cross stitch picture was made by my mom, and given as a gift to my fourth grade teacher (many years ago!). Last year, I worked in that same teacher's classroom with a special needs student. I was missing mom so much, and my former teacher (and now a dear friend) surprised me with the framed cross stitch. What a gift to treasure...something my mother made with her hands. And what a special blessing that the teacher had kept it all these years.
After an unfortunate peanut blossom blunder, we decided to refer to Gerken Baking Day 2008 as the Great Gerken Baking Debacle 2008. A flour fight rejuvenated our spirits, and the baking continued until every last buckeye was dipped, every last reindeer nose was put into place, and a second batch of peanut blossoms turned out just right. Pictured below: Sarah (my sort of step-mother-in-law and annual Gerken Baking Day partner), James, and me... following the flour fight, of course!
Pictured below: The surviving batch of peanut blossoms and Swirled Holiday Snowball Cookies...
Swirled Holiday Snowball Cookies
Recipe from the Nestle Swirled Holiday Chips (premier white morsels) Bag
Visit VeryBestBaking.com or Nestleusa.com
For more Christmas Tidings from our family to yours, please click to read this post: The Perfect Christmas
It's so nice of you to visit us on the BooMama Christmas Tour of Homes 2008. Welcome to our little home. It's small and humble, but filled with love...especially this time of year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior...reflecting on the miracle that He came.
Our tree is filled with ornaments that hold special memories of those we love. There are ornaments in memory of our babies in heaven (Faith, Grace, and Thomas) and ornaments made by the boys who fill our house with life. There are homemade ornaments from my mother's tree, nativity ornaments, and ornaments from our first Christmas together. Something to represent all those that we love and hold dear...even a couple Cleveland Browns ornaments are hidden in the mix.
The Willow Tree Nativity Set was given to me by my mother on our last Christmas together before she passed away, after a difficult fourteen-month-long battle with cancer. The cross stitch picture was made by my mom, and given as a gift to my fourth grade teacher (many years ago!). Last year, I worked in that same teacher's classroom with a special needs student. I was missing mom so much, and my former teacher (and now a dear friend) surprised me with the framed cross stitch. What a gift to treasure...something my mother made with her hands. And what a special blessing that the teacher had kept it all these years.
After an unfortunate peanut blossom blunder, we decided to refer to Gerken Baking Day 2008 as the Great Gerken Baking Debacle 2008. A flour fight rejuvenated our spirits, and the baking continued until every last buckeye was dipped, every last reindeer nose was put into place, and a second batch of peanut blossoms turned out just right. Pictured below: Sarah (my sort of step-mother-in-law and annual Gerken Baking Day partner), James, and me... following the flour fight, of course!
Pictured below: The surviving batch of peanut blossoms and Swirled Holiday Snowball Cookies...
Swirled Holiday Snowball Cookies
Recipe from the Nestle Swirled Holiday Chips (premier white morsels) Bag
Visit VeryBestBaking.com or Nestleusa.com
For more Christmas Tidings from our family to yours, please click to read this post: The Perfect Christmas
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Perfect Christmas
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I have spent many years searching for the elusive perfect Christmas. Some years, I have agonized over the perfect Christmas picture. I have tried to create the perfect Christmas memories...perfect Christmas cookies...searched for the perfect Christmas gifts. In past years, stress would overwhelm me as I looked at the calendar and tried to squeeze everyone and everything in. I resented the demands on our time...the running around, trying to please everyone in our large extended family. Don't get me wrong...I love Christmas. Love Jesus. Love the celebration...the decorations...the expectation. I just wanted it all to fit into my perfect picture.
Last year, as I stomped around whining that everyone else was stealing my Christmas again, a very wise friend reminded me that it wasn't my Christmas. She gently pointed out, "Christmas belongs to Jesus."
There was some pondering over that last year as I looked at the madness surrounding me in the days leading up to Christmas. I noticed the frantic looks on the faces of those rushing around to make it all just right. And I noticed something else when I stopped long enough to look. Where was Jesus in all the rushing about to satisfy my desires for the perfect family picture...the searching for the perfect gifts...the perfect memories? Where was He when we rushed around from family dinner to family dinner filling our senses to the brim with food and presents galore?
Last Christmas, when I stopped long enough to listen, He reminded me that there was a way to take Jesus with us as we went from house to house. He need not be left out of the baking, the shopping, the eating, the visiting, the gift-giving. His love could fill every moment, every act of preparing for our marathon of Christmas dinners. He reminded me that it's about loving the people we are given to love...no matter how imperfect our picture may be. It is a privilege to be a vessel of His love. A privilege to have people to love. A gift...to be treasured, not squandered or overlooked.
This Christmas, He has filled my heart with peace as I look at the full calendar before me. Peace and joy in place of stress and resentment. There are people to love. And even more than that, I am reminded of the ultimate gift this Christmas. And, in laying down my perfect Christmas picture, He has given me the answer to my search.
This year, I am in awe of the most perfect gift of all. If you've been reading lately, you've heard me speak of the miracle that Jesus came for us. Most of the time, the noise of the preparation and celebration is so loud and busy that I lose sight of the miracle of His gift to us. Somehow, this year, the miracle that He came is shining so brightly that all the rest of the earthly glitter of this season has dulled in comparison.
Immanuel...His very name means "God With Us". God...with...us. He didn't leave us lost and hopeless in our sin and sorrow. He came to redeem us, to restore us, to save us. We have hope because He came.
Whatever piece of your perfect Christmas picture is missing, I pray you are blessed this Christmas to know that there is hope in the One who loved you enough to scale the bounds of Heaven and Earth to come for you. And He would have come, even if you were the only one that needed saving.
These are hard times. So many people are hurting. So many Christmas pictures are missing someone who was loved and treasured. So many families full of strife and sorrow. So many people worried about how they will provide for their families in the uncertain economy. So much brokenness in this imperfect world...but one simple truth shines a light in the darkness. One promise that is perfect...One gift that cannot be taken away, no matter what happens...
The gift...that He came.
He came...to seek and save that which was lost.
He came...to set the captives free.
He came...that we may have life and have it more abundantly.
He came...to preach good tidings to the poor.
He came...to heal the brokenhearted.
He came...to make beauty from ashes.
I hope you don't mind my quoting a previous post to close. It bears repeating:
More than two thousand years ago, the world ached for salvation, swelled with yearning for deliverance, redemption, restoration...for a Savior to rescue from sin and death. And He came...a baby King, born in a lowly stable on a quiet night to a peasant girl and her betrothed...a carpenter. He was in the still, small voice when He whispered past Elijah. And He was in the quiet stable birth when He came to rescue us and sent His angels to tell the lowly shepherds the good news.
His name is Jesus...and He came for me.
His name is Jesus...and He came for you.
And Because He came...there is hope for tomorrow and a promise of a joyful, forever reunion. He will wipe away all of the tears and wash away the loss and regret. He will cleanse and forgive and clothe us in robes of white. The empty arms will be filled. The hungry hearts will be fed. Brokenness will be restored. Mourning will be turned to dancing. And sin and death will be no more.
Because He came...He will carry us through this life.
And because He came...He will come again...in all His glory...to take us home.
May you be blessed and in awe of the miracle of the Perfect Christmas Gift this year.
Matthew 1:23
I have spent many years searching for the elusive perfect Christmas. Some years, I have agonized over the perfect Christmas picture. I have tried to create the perfect Christmas memories...perfect Christmas cookies...searched for the perfect Christmas gifts. In past years, stress would overwhelm me as I looked at the calendar and tried to squeeze everyone and everything in. I resented the demands on our time...the running around, trying to please everyone in our large extended family. Don't get me wrong...I love Christmas. Love Jesus. Love the celebration...the decorations...the expectation. I just wanted it all to fit into my perfect picture.
Last year, as I stomped around whining that everyone else was stealing my Christmas again, a very wise friend reminded me that it wasn't my Christmas. She gently pointed out, "Christmas belongs to Jesus."
There was some pondering over that last year as I looked at the madness surrounding me in the days leading up to Christmas. I noticed the frantic looks on the faces of those rushing around to make it all just right. And I noticed something else when I stopped long enough to look. Where was Jesus in all the rushing about to satisfy my desires for the perfect family picture...the searching for the perfect gifts...the perfect memories? Where was He when we rushed around from family dinner to family dinner filling our senses to the brim with food and presents galore?
Last Christmas, when I stopped long enough to listen, He reminded me that there was a way to take Jesus with us as we went from house to house. He need not be left out of the baking, the shopping, the eating, the visiting, the gift-giving. His love could fill every moment, every act of preparing for our marathon of Christmas dinners. He reminded me that it's about loving the people we are given to love...no matter how imperfect our picture may be. It is a privilege to be a vessel of His love. A privilege to have people to love. A gift...to be treasured, not squandered or overlooked.
This Christmas, He has filled my heart with peace as I look at the full calendar before me. Peace and joy in place of stress and resentment. There are people to love. And even more than that, I am reminded of the ultimate gift this Christmas. And, in laying down my perfect Christmas picture, He has given me the answer to my search.
This year, I am in awe of the most perfect gift of all. If you've been reading lately, you've heard me speak of the miracle that Jesus came for us. Most of the time, the noise of the preparation and celebration is so loud and busy that I lose sight of the miracle of His gift to us. Somehow, this year, the miracle that He came is shining so brightly that all the rest of the earthly glitter of this season has dulled in comparison.
Immanuel...His very name means "God With Us". God...with...us. He didn't leave us lost and hopeless in our sin and sorrow. He came to redeem us, to restore us, to save us. We have hope because He came.
Whatever piece of your perfect Christmas picture is missing, I pray you are blessed this Christmas to know that there is hope in the One who loved you enough to scale the bounds of Heaven and Earth to come for you. And He would have come, even if you were the only one that needed saving.
These are hard times. So many people are hurting. So many Christmas pictures are missing someone who was loved and treasured. So many families full of strife and sorrow. So many people worried about how they will provide for their families in the uncertain economy. So much brokenness in this imperfect world...but one simple truth shines a light in the darkness. One promise that is perfect...One gift that cannot be taken away, no matter what happens...
The gift...that He came.
He came...to seek and save that which was lost.
He came...to set the captives free.
He came...that we may have life and have it more abundantly.
He came...to preach good tidings to the poor.
He came...to heal the brokenhearted.
He came...to make beauty from ashes.
I hope you don't mind my quoting a previous post to close. It bears repeating:
More than two thousand years ago, the world ached for salvation, swelled with yearning for deliverance, redemption, restoration...for a Savior to rescue from sin and death. And He came...a baby King, born in a lowly stable on a quiet night to a peasant girl and her betrothed...a carpenter. He was in the still, small voice when He whispered past Elijah. And He was in the quiet stable birth when He came to rescue us and sent His angels to tell the lowly shepherds the good news.
His name is Jesus...and He came for me.
His name is Jesus...and He came for you.
And Because He came...there is hope for tomorrow and a promise of a joyful, forever reunion. He will wipe away all of the tears and wash away the loss and regret. He will cleanse and forgive and clothe us in robes of white. The empty arms will be filled. The hungry hearts will be fed. Brokenness will be restored. Mourning will be turned to dancing. And sin and death will be no more.
Because He came...He will carry us through this life.
And because He came...He will come again...in all His glory...to take us home.
May you be blessed and in awe of the miracle of the Perfect Christmas Gift this year.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Our Haven
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107: 28-30
Whatever the trouble you face today, cry out to the Lord...He will bring you out of your distress. Whatever storm swirls around your life today...He can still it to a whisper. Whatever sea of pain, grief, doubt or fear threatens to steal your hope and your joy today...he can hush the tumultuous waves. However lost you may feel...He will guide you to your desired haven.
My heart is heavy today for those who are facing this holiday season without someone they love...for the mothers and fathers without their babies, for the children without their mothers, for the children without their fathers, for the sisters without their brothers, for the husbands without their wives and the wives without their husbands, for the families shattered by divorce, regret, debt, unfaithfulness, loss, depression...for the longing hearts of those still waiting for their family to begin, for the disappointed, the lost, those still waiting with dreams unfulfilled, for those we love that are battling cancer and other illnesses that plague our earthly bodies.
Whoever you are and whatever you face...there is hope today for you. There is One who can carry you through the storm, who will hold unto you in the tumultuous sea. One who will guide you to the peace you desire...to the haven of peace you long for. That haven is never far away from those who call on the name of Jesus...for the haven you desire waits for you in His loving arms.
Praying God's comfort, grace, hope, and peace for so many caught in the storm today...He will carry you...
They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107: 28-30
Whatever the trouble you face today, cry out to the Lord...He will bring you out of your distress. Whatever storm swirls around your life today...He can still it to a whisper. Whatever sea of pain, grief, doubt or fear threatens to steal your hope and your joy today...he can hush the tumultuous waves. However lost you may feel...He will guide you to your desired haven.
My heart is heavy today for those who are facing this holiday season without someone they love...for the mothers and fathers without their babies, for the children without their mothers, for the children without their fathers, for the sisters without their brothers, for the husbands without their wives and the wives without their husbands, for the families shattered by divorce, regret, debt, unfaithfulness, loss, depression...for the longing hearts of those still waiting for their family to begin, for the disappointed, the lost, those still waiting with dreams unfulfilled, for those we love that are battling cancer and other illnesses that plague our earthly bodies.
Whoever you are and whatever you face...there is hope today for you. There is One who can carry you through the storm, who will hold unto you in the tumultuous sea. One who will guide you to the peace you desire...to the haven of peace you long for. That haven is never far away from those who call on the name of Jesus...for the haven you desire waits for you in His loving arms.
Praying God's comfort, grace, hope, and peace for so many caught in the storm today...He will carry you...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Snow Days
Today was a blessed event at our house. You may have heard the whoops and hollers of glee as we jumped on our beds this morning. It was a Snow Day! One of life's most glorious gifts. Time to sleep in. Time to snuggle in. Time to make snow angels in the snow...(even if there's barely two inches on the ground and the grass is peeking out). Time to sled down the reservoir hills (I still scream and laugh all the way down!) Time for snow ice cream. And time for hot chocolate with marshmallows on top and the special mugs with the snowman lids reserved for just such an occasion. Time to do whatever we want.
Time...
So often, I'm rushing around saying..."We don't have time" for this or that. We have... Rushed time. Scheduled time. Church time. Ministry time. Practice time. Work time. School time. Homework time. Tee time. Chores time. Story/Devotional time. Prayer time. And Bedtime. Sometimes it feels like... No time!
But a snow day stops the world at our house. A snow day means...Free time, Family time, Fun time. Time to stop and watch the snowflakes, and maybe catch a few on our tongues as we marvel at the creativity of our Creator. Time to allow the sound of our children's laughter to soak into our soul, cherishing the moment and thanking God for the gift of their lives. Time to referee their arguments and realize that the time will come when I will have a quiet house and will miss even the chaos that I too quickly wish away and grow irritated with. Time for teachable moments. Time for rest. Time to care for our home and keep some semblance of order. Time to think, to dream, to reflect, to remember. Time to pray and worship with a grateful heart. Ahh...time.
Thank you Lord, for the gift of Snow Days...thank you Lord, for today.
Time...
So often, I'm rushing around saying..."We don't have time" for this or that. We have... Rushed time. Scheduled time. Church time. Ministry time. Practice time. Work time. School time. Homework time. Tee time. Chores time. Story/Devotional time. Prayer time. And Bedtime. Sometimes it feels like... No time!
But a snow day stops the world at our house. A snow day means...Free time, Family time, Fun time. Time to stop and watch the snowflakes, and maybe catch a few on our tongues as we marvel at the creativity of our Creator. Time to allow the sound of our children's laughter to soak into our soul, cherishing the moment and thanking God for the gift of their lives. Time to referee their arguments and realize that the time will come when I will have a quiet house and will miss even the chaos that I too quickly wish away and grow irritated with. Time for teachable moments. Time for rest. Time to care for our home and keep some semblance of order. Time to think, to dream, to reflect, to remember. Time to pray and worship with a grateful heart. Ahh...time.
Thank you Lord, for the gift of Snow Days...thank you Lord, for today.
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