Tis the Season...

It's that time of year again: when nostalgia runs through all our veins.  When people's thoughts turn towards home.    When family come together - usually at Grandma's house.  Our houses become filled with the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and oranges.  Eggnog is the favorite drink and fruit cake is looked at with horror.  Kids, both young and old are writing out their wishlist and checking them twice.  Twinkling lights of all colors fill the night, making the drive to destination B a little more cheery.  The sounds of rustling paper behind closed doors builds the excitement for the season most of us love so much.  Atheist and other religions are working over-time to get rid of Christmas.  Stores can take it's name out of their advertising and the nativity might be removed from town square.  But they will NEVER be able to remove the spirit that lives in the heart of all believers.

For some that I know, this Christmas is not going to be the happiest.  There is a sense of dread.  There is loneliness.  The scene around their home is different from last years.  A family that used to have 8 now has 7. Celebrating their first Christmas in Heaven must be a wonderful experience.  But left behind is a family that will shed bottles of tears, hearts that will ache, and the forever lump in the throat will fill bigger then ever.  Thinking and praying for you, Jon & Crystal Roberts!!!

A few Christmas scenes from around our house:

Day 13 - Thankful for Friends

I like to think of friends as being the icing on life's cake and sunshine on a cloudy day.  Its not the quantity but the quality that matters.  Since moving to Ohio we have been blessed with a few great friends.  The fun times we've shared has helped to heal our hurting hearts.  Couples can make it in the world alone but it sure makes the journey easier with a good friends.

Day 12 - Roof over my head

Today I am thankful for the little Cap Cod that we call home.  I've seen pictures of the havoc Tornadoes, Tsunamis, & Hurricanes have done.  Especially recently of what Hurricane Sandy brought to the eastern shore.  My little house might be a humble abode compared to some, but it feels like an unworthy mansion when so many people have lost theirs.

There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.
There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.
You gave me Your love, Lord, and a fine family.
Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.
2. I know I'm not wealthy and these clothes are not new,
I don't have much money, but Lord, I have You,
And to me You're all that matters tho' the world may not see.
Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.

Day 7 - Thankful for Peace

On this cold, November morning I am thankful for peace.  Last night I joined millions of fellow Americans by tuning into a news source and listening to hear what our election results were to be.  As an American that is exciting and patriotic!!  It was fun to sit and read what my friends on FB were saying.  There is something about voting that just makes you feel connected with fellow citizens. 

As a Christian, my world view is different.  I have watched nothing but deterioration take place in my America.  We are in a day when there is no definite black and white, everything is gray.  Even in much of the church world.  Sadly, I watched America throw herself over the precipice of darkness and evil.  She was given a chance yesterday to choose right from wrong. Example:  abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, drugs... I can't even begin to fathom the grief of God over a nation that once stood firm for truth and what is right.

The stock market has already fallen. Israel is feeling isolated, life is no longer sacred or safe, people are wanting to "run for the hills".  Yes, I do have some fear but it is not for me. But for my children and the rest of my family who are not ready.  Today I am looking ever before to Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Day 6 - My Sweet Daughter

What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice: And everything nice,. That's what little girls are made of.

Yes, I can count and yes, I do know I missed day 5.  Day 5 was packed full of living so thus we shall move right along to what today is and that is 6. :)

Today, I am thankful for the curly head tot that I have the privilege of calling daughter.  Having been an only girl all my life, Katie Rose holds a special place in this mommy's heart.  It is an amazing experience to watch a mirror image of me toddling around the house.  I love watching her reach for Daddy, and wrap her arms around his neck, and hug him tight.  I love watching her tussle with brothers and giggling all the while.  I love to hear the funny noise she makes when she wants to show me something.  I love seeing her grab 1 of her dolls and give it bear hugs.  I love that she can pick up a truck and push it across the floor or pick up a toy gun and wave it around. :)  I love that she is mine and Reuben's.  Our Katie Rose is daily reminder that God is love and that in His timing our prayers DO get answered.

Day 4 - My Boys

If you are very old at all you know that our lives are forever changing. Most people prefer a daily routine and it hardly ever varies.  But even with the most organized, mundane person change comes.  Whether it be going back to college, a promotion at work, or even something as silly as getting gray hair :)  Big change came for me in the form of 3 little people, whom I call my boys - Ryan, Lucas, & Samuel.  So today I am thankful for these 3 rascals that God has entrusted into Reuben's & my care.

They are 100% boy!!  The picture above describes them to a T. Fishing, hunting, & fighting are what makes them tick.  Rough housing and making a mess is their #1 game.  They never seem to rest until their room is an up-side down wreck.  So if you ever come to call and the look in my eye is but afar, have no fear, for all I'm doing is surviving :) :)

Thank you Lord for the 3 boys you have given to keep me ever humble.  Cause without them I'd probably not realize how much in need I am of you!!

Day 3 - My Heavenly Father

13 years ago this month I made a decision that drastically changed the course of my life.  Kneeling beside my bed I accepted the gift of salvation. I had reached a point where I knew that without forgiveness of sins and a clear conscience, life would not be worth living.  Did life become nothing but roses?  No, but a life that is free from guilt and condemnation and having personal a relationship with God makes for a sweet sweet journey.

Today I am thankful for a merciful God who was faithful to my sinful, rebellious heart.  He honored the prayers of my mom and dad who prayed for me.  I probably seemed like a hopeless case to the human eye, but from God's point of view I was everything He desired.  And that is because God is love!!

Of Jesus’ love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;
Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,
And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

• Refrain:
  Sweeter as the years go by,
  Sweeter as the years go by,
  Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter,
  Sweeter as the years go by.  --Leila N. Morries 1912

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