Day 4

Day 4 of The 25 Gifts of Christmas

The Gift of Purpose:

This tree stand's purpose is to keep our tree standing, yet today it failed in its purpose and when we arrived home it was a mess. Water flooding our living room, ornaments astray, branches broken and needles everywhere. I was upset that the tree stand had failed. That the tree it was supposed to keep upright was instead flat on my floor. It caused more chaos and work for me that overwhelmed me. I was so disappointed.

Understanding our purpose fully can sometimes be difficult and confusing. We think we know our purpose then when we fail at it, we begin to doubt our purpose and ourselves. Things become a mess, we are flooded with emotions, hearts are broken and our thoughts are everywhere.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 1:6

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

He is not done with you yet, fulfill that purpose, mend that heart, dry up those tears, and focus on your purpose. It is a gift to you from the Lord, now go out fulfill your purpose!

Day 3

Day 3 of the 25 Gifts of Christmas:

The Gift of Healing

When we had to trim the tree, I looked at all the branches we were cutting and felt bad about taking off so much and cutting away at this beautiful tree. I then began to gather the branches and put them in a vase of water. I thought surely they will at least stay alive. But they began to grow. The Lord will cut you away from what you think is beautiful and bring you life from what you may have become dependent on to bring you healing.

Healing isn't just being restored from an illness or a wound. Healing is correcting or making right the wrongs in your life, it is alleviating you from distress or anguish you might have never known you were experiencing.

Thank you Lord for healing me, thank you for restoring me, for correcting my path, and thank you for alleviating those times when I feel cut off, when I feel alone, when I don't feel any growth or feel unsure.

Day 2

 

Day 2 of The Gifts of Christmas:

The Gift of Home

Home: a place where one resides permanently.

They say home is where your heart is. It isn't defined by an address, it isn't defined by bricks or wood, it isn't defined by the square footage or the curb appeal. It is defined by the love inside, the moments and memories you choose to make happen.

My heart resides in many things, my heart as a servant lands me in many places. Yet, it has taken up residence in the Lord's house and there it will stay. No change of address will return void, no structural change will block it, no amount of space will distance it and no matter how it looks from the road, I am safe in my Lord's house!

Thank you Lord for the gift of home.

Day 1

Day 1 of the 25 Gifts of Christmas:

The Gift of Life

To breathe air into your lungs is something taken for granted. Our daily physical activities are a mere passing moment. Even our growth can be overlooked.

We recently chopped down our own tree for Christmas. I have never had a real tree, so I had a lot to learn. I had to handle it with care, shape it and water it daily. It has been quite a job. Yet, looking at my tree, I see life, I see light, I see something I shaped, I watered and filled with love. I believe the Lord feels and does the same thing when we let him.

Our existence on Earth is a fleeting thing. So, how seriously should it be viewed then? How desperately should our lives be treasured? How appreciative should we be for the life God has given us?

Lord, only you can fill me with love, water me with your Holy Spirit, shape me as a Christian and bring light into my life. Without you life is not living and I am not growing. Thank you Lord for the Gift of Life!!

I heard

This week:

I heard from a man dying from cancer by all reports by man ... yet by God's report he is living.

I saw a home falling apart ... yet built on a solid foundation of the Lord.

I prayed with a woman I felt shaking from an illness ... yet continuing to walk in faith.

Sometimes what we see, hear and feel can't be trusted, but His word can always be trusted.

No matter what my life looks like, sounds like or feels like - God's word remains and I still remain thankful and blessed for the Lord is so gracious giving me what I have.

#lovealltheseturkeys #weloveandmissyouseth #wishiwouldhavetakenmorepictures

16 Years

16 years ago on this very night this photo was taken - Clint proposed. And in true Clint fashion he did it his way. He was afforded so many romantic opportunities to propose, but chose instead after this party.

It wasn't in a romantic location, just our bed.

It wasn't with an audience, just us two.

It wasn't with the sunset in the background, just a 60 watt bulb shining in my face.

It wasn't with a heartfelt speech, just a comedic throwback.

And it really didn't need to be anything special, because every day after has been special.

Happy Anniversary bae, here's to 15 more!!

17

The definition of festive is cheerful and jovially celebratory. This morning Hunter was quite festive dressing up for a Christmas dress up day at school. But he also was festive for another event - his 17th birthday!!

17 years of joyful celebrations

17 years of celebrating what an amazing young man he has grown into.

You bring so much joy to people's lives.

You bring life

You bring light

Your joy exudes into compassion, thoughtfulness, appreciation and encouragement to others.

Your selflessness is quite amazing!

I pray that everyone today showers you on your festive day with as much joy as you bring into the lives of others.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

You have proven that your faith and staying steadfast has produced a plentiful harvest of perseverance and there should be much to celebrate in that!

I love you Hunter!!!

Happy birthday!!