Christmas Eves of the past are sure different than today. Growing up I remember Christmas Eve being the day my family gathered for good food and fun. Cooking would happen all day as my Momma prepared for everyone to come home. Christmas Eve service was always special with ending in singing "Silent Night" with everyone having candles. After the service we would go look at Christmas lights around town. Oh, the memories. There were also 'tough' memories involved with Christmas with my parents both having multiple health issues so little money to buy food let alone presents. Many years people in the community and/or church took care of our Christmas. The year my sister was murdered was a year where gifts seem to come from everywhere to make sure her children had a good Christmas. I remember several Christmas's when I would drop off food and gifts to people who were struggling. That is what Christmas is all about. God sent His Son to this earth because He loves us. Jesus was the perfect Gift for all and remains to be so today. The gift of God's love is one I never want to take for granted. It is one I desire to unwrap each and every day with excitement that He will never stop loving me. He may become disappointed in me in what I do or don't do but His love is forever. The other day one of my little guys was talking about how I was their BFF. I chuckled because it seems weird to hear that from a child. I also was blessed in knowing I am considered to be their friend. Last night I had a call about another one of my little guys saying my name to where it was recognizable. He struggles with saying words that begin with 's' but my name came out pretty clear when he said I dropped off a goodie bad to him. That blessed my heart. It's the little things in life that have the greatest meaning. It blesses me in abundance when someone hears something I say and then gets it for me, takes me somewhere I want to go, etc. It blesses me to know God has people taking care of not only my needs but also my wants. As I think about the day ahead I could be sad for all the times of the past with a full house, lots of presents under the tree, etc. or I could be joyful in knowing God loves me. I choose joy today. I am reminded this morning of the song "God Is In This Story" and feeling blessed that He is with me on the mountaintop and in the valleys of life.
God is in this story
God is in the details
Even in the broken parts
He holds my heart, He never fails
When I'm at my weakest
I will trust in Jesus
Always in the highs and lows
The One who goes before me
God is in this story
Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for Your love, mercy, and grace! Thank You for encouraging me to be joyful instead of allowing the enemy to bring on the loneliness! Cleanse me so You can fill me to overflowing with more of You. May You shine brightly through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray for many going through tough times to choose joy. My Momma; my sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab who needs strength in his daily walk; Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; Kristen Batten; Amber; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; Serena and her husband; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many who are dealing with 'c' and/or going through treatments...Chrissy's cousin; Shirley Jones; Preacher Bill Watts; Cait's friend with leukemia; my pastor friend with daily chemo; Little Ivy; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; a lady whose breast cancer has returned; a lady diagnosed with stage two breast cancer; a lady diagnosed with throat cancer; Sue Danhoff's husband Harv; Michele with breast cancer; a dear friend awaiting an oncologist appointment; and a young lady awaiting cancer testing results. I pray for: the Long Family, Becky, Russ, a couple contemplating divorce and another couple having serious issues. Thank You for continued healing for: Pastor Tommy and Pam; Pastor Nancy; and Darryle and his family.. I praise You for continued reconciliation for a father and his prodigal daughter. I pray for Melinda and Todd with all they are going through. Thank You for less tingling and for sleep getting easier! Thank You for being My Gift! Amen.
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