MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015

As always, it was a blessed Christmas season this year full of sacred reflection upon the birth of Christ and ALL that we have to be thankful for! Of all the traditions we savor this time of year, one of my personal Mommy-favorites is Christmas Eve when we open one special gift...jammies. Even Mom and Dad get to be matching (something we prize here in our home). I love how this knits our hearts together and helps us feel unified, alike in our many differences. It's a cozy tradition I know we'll all cherish for a lifetime and beyond.

(the gentlemen)

(the ladies)

How very joyful it's been to celebrate all the goodness of reflection and nostalgia.

It has indeed been a very Merry Christmas!!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY!"
Psalm 126:3

O CHRISTMAS TREE

It's one of our favorite Christmas traditions...the tree.

 

 

This year we were asked if we were a field trip group. Ha.

 

 

Nope...just us.

 

 

Every year, the guys have their jobs...car, trim, stand.

(some of my favorite memories...watching him watch his dad)

(watching the little boys learn from their big brother)

  

When we get home, the girls set out the ornaments by category (breakable/non-breakable)

and cookies. Then we go over the rules, put on Johnny Mathis, and decorate.

 

(perfecting the art of adding the star)

 

Willow loves the lights...and I love that she can't crawl yet.

(I love waking up to the lights...and Elka leading "O Christmas Tree".)

 

It's one of the sweetest blessings of the season for me...early morning prayer by the lit tree.

 

(just me and usually this little gift)

 

With our move up in the air we didn't know where we would be this Christmas, but it's nice to be here, celebrating with some of our favorite traditions. Who knows where we will be next year or what new traditions we'll add...but for now this is home.

 

"'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)."
Matthew 1:23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIDA!

My baby is 15.

 

 

15?! Admittedly, she seems much older...and wiser than what I remember of 15.

 

Then again, the dose of intentionality over here to shepherd this young woman and all of the little souls that swirl around us is

quite the shift from what I was focusing on at their ages. Indeed, God's Word works wonders as we sow for harvest with Him.

 

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9

 

Aida, my heart swells when I think of who you are and who you're becoming. Truly, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever known, one of the best friends I've ever had. Your heart just gets it in a precious and rare way. You're so stable and strong, yet always meek and humble. Your faith is contagiously unwavering. Your sense of commitment and responsibility are trustworthy. You bless our family in plentiful ways. With a joyful heart, you serve and love far beyond your years. I have full confidence you will be an excellent wife and mother one day. I'm so proud of the daughter you are now. It's actually quite astounding to see the fruitful growth in your life...in these teen years that too often are squandered. I'm so very blessed to call you friend as I consider, Where has the time gone?

 

Lord, thank you for my Aida, the one who brings her mommy and daddy to tears (literally) as we reflect upon who she is, who you've been molding her to be. Thank you for this Aida, this girl so full of wisdom and the fingerprints of...YOU. Lord, thank you for dear Aida, the one who walks faithfully beside me, a loyal, true friend. How could I have known all those years ago when I held my first babe? How could I envision your masterpiece when her toddler-self bucked my corrections? How could I possibly sufficiently thank you for bringing such beauty into our lives through this person who blesses me every single day just by being who she is? There's no way to thank you enough for my Aida, other than to commit her life to you. Jesus, here is Aida, a girl of just 15...so much life ahead and yet so much she's already lived. Lord, please guide her and keep her near. Please lead her all her days in ways that sing of testimony for you.

Please incline her heart to grasp how very much she is cherished, admired, appreciated, and loved today and every day.

 

Thank you, God, for Aida!!

 

 

Happy 15th Birthday, precious Aida! We love you more than you can know!

 

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you."

Philippians 1:3

NO ROOM

 

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths,

and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

 

NO ROOM...But where would they go? She was with child. Her time had come. They were displaced a long trek away from their home. Surely, this was an anxious moment. Surely though, Mary and Joseph trusted God. They knew He had led them all the way to this time and place where they'd be met with NO ROOM. They knew He was God and this was His story.

 

"The NO ROOM sign is seen through a new lens when the world refuses us this space as well."

 

A quote from a friend this past week as the NO ROOM sign flashes blaringly after a long trek to where the Lord has led us. Her words seep in knowingly as He's led us all the way to this time and place, an anxious moment indeed...But He is God and this is His story.

 

NO ROOM

 

It starts my mind thinking. The Savior of the world came lowly. He was born not in a palace where kings usually dwell, but in humility He came. The irony is pure beauty and all the more when He lets us in on just how it feels. Oh, to know more of Him! My heart longs for it, followed by a quick quip from my flesh, Be careful what you wish for. 'Cause this knowing God stuff can be painfully precious and He knows. He is, after all, the Great Author, Creator, Wonderful God who writes brilliant, surprising stories! We trust Him.

 

"And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:10

 

NO ROOM...the notion applies well beyond house and home and hearths to hearts.

How can we ever truly be home here anyway? If we long for heaven as we should, the reality is we can't.

 

^"These all died in faith...having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out,

they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country,

that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,

for he has prepared for them a city."

Hebrews 11:13-16

 

The Lord of Lords knew the same, and challenged those who'd follow Him into the unknown.

 

"And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'"
Luke 9:58

 

Yes, this world is not our home and the hostility here reminds us of the mansion-full of many rooms a far trek from the manger.

Humble low to glory high, the King is on His throne! And there's always room and then some more awaiting those who love Him.

 

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms.

If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

John 14:1-3, 18

 

Faith in Jesus equates to peace in stormy lessons that He brings while He molds us Potter/clay (a gift, no doubt, this Christmas season). So, come what may. As the NO ROOM sign burns bright in the bitter cold of winter, our hearts choose comfort warmth in the arms of the God who pens our songs to sing His faithfulness. Tapestry-type harmony, confused on one side, spectacular on the other...those are His-type stories. How kind of Him to let us in and show us how His heart beats strong. And gratitude makes most sense as the nativity scene shines brighter than the one atop the inn- LIGHT and LOVE so dazzling, the right response is worship. Let us sing...

 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13

THIS LITTLE SUNSHINE...

 

...sure has a way of making me happy when skies are grey.

 

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

 

 

What a big girl standing up...Willow, you're always bright!

 

"Whatever is lovely...think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

WE WILL SING

We've been talking about the Grinch...

 

 

...the well-known Christmas villain who wanted nothing more than to steal joy.

He's a thief and a liar, a self-made enemy of the Whoville Whos.

He's heartless and cruel, even to his accomplice dog, Max.

 

In Dr.Seuss's classic holiday tale, this Grinch, full of hate, plots to ruin Christmas and the cheer he despises in the merry Whos. He goes to great lengths in attempt to make them as miserable as he, annoyed by their constant hopeful spirits. Concocting an evil plan, the Grinch robs the Whos of their Chrismassy things. He takes food, decorations, and gifts from their trees. He even steals the log for their fire as he tries to spoil Christmas. Then, he cowardly slithers around and away brimming with loot from the Whos.

 

But...

 

While festering in his demented glee awaiting sounds of Whoville sorrow upon waking Christmas morning,

he finds himself met instead by a shocking, confounding surprise. 

 

 

Not only were the Whos NOT wallowing, not only were they joyful amid the mess their enemy had made, not only were they cheerful, united, and undaunted...but they were actually singing! The Whos who'd been cheated were rejoicing and singing because the Grinch, though he tried, could not steal their Christmas. He couldn't. The Grinch, though he aimed, would not rob their joy. He wouldn't.

 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

John 10:10

 

And so it goes in real-life time...the enemy slips around slick.

He stirs up strife and fights for hearts hoping we'll waffle in his wake.

 

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:8

 

But he's a defeated foe, the non-fiction enemy of our souls.

 

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 5:9-11

 

Jesus is victorious!

 

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:57

 

So in triumph and for all eternity those who love the Lord sing the Victor songs of praise.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Hallelujah, our God reigns! At Christmas time all the more!

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14

 

For unto us was born that day in the city of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord. He came lowly, humble in a manger as was prophesied. He came meek, riding on a donkey to bewilder and save the world as was predicted would be so. He changes hearts and breathes life into weary souls by grace through faith in the transforming power of the Gospel. This is why we commemorate Christmas!

 

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 4:9-10

 

This is Good News! This is a reason to celebrate! Jesus is what Christmas is about! And no scheme from darkness can blot out His light. No temporal circumstantial hiccup can change what He's accomplished for all eternity future for those who place their hope and trust in Him. The knowing this brings unscathable JOY this holiday season amid spiritual wars that rage as the ultimate Christmas villain pitifully swings low blows, as he stirs the Advent pot trying to stop Something from coming that has in fact, already come.

 

So with merry Whoville-type moxy this Christmas...determined, we will sing:

 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
    his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting

to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children's children,
to those who keep his covenant
    and remember to do his commandments.
The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his word,
    obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
    his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the Lord, all his works,
    in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 103

 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

James 4:7

 

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession,

and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."

2 Corinthians 2:14



THOUGH HE SLAY ME...

It's not easy to accept God's thorny gifts. Our flesh much prefers the candy-coated kind. Yet,

 

"Though he slay me, I will hope in him."

Job 13:15

 

When the going gets tough and our circumstances turn upside down, that's when we realize where our hope can truly, reliably be found.

 

"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

 

If I find security in things of this world or even relationships, they may fail me. They might disintegrate. These things predictably happen. Indeed, my hope must be in Christ the Lord...eternal, wise, loving, omniscient, omnipotent, loving, merciful, gracious, holy HIM.

 

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame,

because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Romans 5:3-5

 

It's clear that as God strips away and takes away and allows figures of certainty to even pass away, what's always left is Him.

The constant, the ever-flowing wellspring of life and love and joy and peace is never-failing Him.

 

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

 

I can see this when the sky falls and the cookie crumbles, when the chips are down and I'm boggled. I can see that when all the "stuff"

I want to go right goes wrong, I can still have hope when my hope is in HIM. I can still give thanks to the One who holds it all in His hands knowingly, permissively in spite of my confusion. So, I will praise Him for who He is and will always be. Face down in the mud

at the moment, according to His sovereign will we may be. Yet, though He slay me, I will hope in Him. I will.

 

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4

 

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18