''Twas the Night  Before...

This is a different Christmas for my family. While I am truly enjoying my visit in Thailand with Joseph and his family, I can't help but remember our past Christmases together as a family. I must admit there is an emptiness, a missing part this year that doesn't go away. But on the other hand, God's peace and yes, even joy abounds in my heart. As I hear the Christmas carols being sung and see all the Facebook posts about Christmas, I think I am more focused this year on what Christmas is supposed to be about instead of the rush and craziness of typical holidays in the past. 

I have come to realize it is ok to do things differently. Different helps you to prioritize things and focus on the important aspects like time with family.  Sitting and laughing at silliness until you have tears and your side hurts, just to stop laughing, only to look at each other and begin again. Sharing stories of times past and remembering what it was like to be a kid again. 

So as I lay here listening to the soft snores and teeth grinding of my grand babies I am overwhelmed by the love, peace and joy God has gifted me with. Being able to Skype and FaceTime with Michael, Kali, Brian and Michelle and the rest of my family is such an amazing gift that brings us closer together even though we are thousands of miles apart.

The stockings are filled and Santa has made his appearance leaving the special requested gifts and eating his cookies and milk. The excitement in the children's eyes in the morning will be uncontainable. But all that pales in comparison to the excitement of the news of our Savior's birth that was shared oh so many years ago by the angels and shepherds. Someone said to me a couple of weeks ago, "I know this is your first Christmas without David, but just think, this is his first Christmas with the King". That is an awesome thought and more than my mind can comprehend.  He is celebrating with the Savior in heaven this Christmas. How cool is that!

So I wish you and yours the very merriest of Christmases and that you will be filled with the peace, love and joy that only Jesus can give. 

CHOOSE JOY

Though the fig tree may not blossom, 

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls-

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer's feet, 

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Habakkuk 3:18

Today marks another milestone.  Nine months have gone by since David's passing.  There have been many long nights of loneliness, but praise be to God, there have been many more precious moments of peace and healing.  And I feel an excitement and a ball of joy brewing inside of me that can only be described as the joy of the Lord.  In two days, I will retire from my job I have worked at for 21 years.  God has lead me to this place at this time for such a time as this.  

I feel that at times over the past nine months, there have been no blossoms in my life and I have been cut off from the fold.  But I have had a peace that passes all understanding.  God has been my strength and my salvation and I feel like I am about to walk on my high hills.  I don't know what those high hills are going to be, but I know that God has brought me to this place for a purpose and I can't wait to see where it leads.  

The boys and I made a decision that this year I will not be spending Christmas at home.  I will be leaving Monday for Thailand and will be spending some time with Joseph and his family.  I am excited about that and can't wait to see what that adventure holds.  Christmas will be different for all of us this year and maybe not being at home will be the easiest thing for us.  I am not sure, but it is the decision we have made and we are happy with that decision and that's all that matters.

I will be sure to keep you posted on my adventures and update you on where God is leading me next.  I know He has a plan for me and I pray I will be faithful to hear and follow His leading and will for my life.  I told someone the other day, we all face trouble at some point in our lives and every day we have a choice to make as to what our attitude is going to be.  I pray that no matter what adversity I face that with God's grace and mercy, I will continue to choose joy.  And that is my prayer for you as well.  God bless you all and Merry Christmas!