I wanted to write something this morning and before I could even think of what to write Noah posted a picture of Jeff on Instagram with this message,

“ 1 year ago today, the earth lost one of the most amazing men to ever live. Its crazy how much I miss you more and more everyday. I didn’t think I could make it without you, but somehow I did. I love you Dad.”

So perfectly written by my son. I feel the same way. I miss Jeff more and more every day. I cling to the promises of God that one day we will all be together again. God has sustained us and given us everything we needed this year. I don’t understand the ways of the Almighty always but I believe they are perfect and in HIS time I will understand everything.

HE has shown me how to see beauty in the ashes, and how to live and see life one moment at a time.

I know that Jeff is standing with Jesus today celebrating one year with HIM! So, don’t forget that Jeff is where he longed to be his whole life! In the arms of the Father! I have that same longing, but for now I know that God continues to have purpose for my life and all of the lives around me. I pray that I will not miss one thing God has for me this year. I pray that my arms would stay wide open in praise to HIM!

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Love to all of you, and Happy New Year!!

I am reading an Advent book by Louie Giglio this year leading up to Christmas. This morning this was the prayer, “ Father, I need your help today. Its tempting to believe that what I see is all there is. Yet, I know this present earth is not my true home. Give me the grace to travel light and the wisdom to invest in the things that last forever. Free me from living as if this is it, and lead me to that precious city where you reign” In Jesus name Amen.

I have always loved Christmas, but this year my eyes are seeing things differently. I love the part of his prayer that says “ give me the grace to travel light and the wisdom to invest in the things that last forever.”

What if every morning as soon as our eyes opened we prayed that prayer? Reminding ourselves to travel light and make an eternal difference in this world we are a part of.

Louie also reminded me that EVERYTHING here is passing away, EVERYTHING!

I love Luke 2:19 it says “ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

So in all the chaos of Jesus being born Mary sat and treasured and pondered all the things that were going on around her.

I feel like she didn’t miss any moment of that beautiful baby being born.

I hope that this Christmas season we don’t miss the important things. The things that God wants us to see in our travels through this world. I pray that we remember daily that this earth is not all there is, and we are celebrating the ONE that has given us that gift. The greatest gift of all!

I am reading an Advent book by Louie Giglio this year leading up to Christmas. This morning this was the prayer, “ Father, I need your help today. Its tempting to believe that what I see is all there is. Yet, I know this present earth is not my true home. Give me the grace to travel light and the wisdom to invest in the things that last forever. Free me from living as if this is it, and lead me to that precious city where you reign” In Jesus name Amen.

I have always loved Christmas, but this year my eyes are seeing things differently. I love the part of his prayer that says “ give me the grace to travel light and the wisdom to invest in the things that last forever.”

What if every morning as soon as our eyes opened we prayed that prayer? Reminding ourselves to travel light and make an eternal difference in this world we are a part of.

Louie also reminded me that EVERYTHING here is passing away, EVERYTHING!

I love Luke 2:19 it says “ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

So in all the chaos of Jesus being born Mary sat and treasured and pondered all the things that were going on around her.

I feel like she didn’t miss any moment of that beautiful baby being born.

I hope that this Christmas season we don’t miss the important things. The things that God wants us to see in our travels through this world. I pray that we remember daily that this earth is not all there is, and we are celebrating the ONE that has given us that gift. The greatest gift of all!

In the middle of my front yard stands a tree. In the spring and summer it is full of green fluffy leaves. In the fall it was a bright red color, and now as winter is coming it is full of little red berries. In the mornings I have been watching what is going on in this tree. For weeks now this tree has been full of little birds eating the berries. I have watched them fly around in pure delight getting their bellies full with these rubies from heaven.

It is amazing to me how God cares for all of HIS creation. I love what God tells us in His word about this…

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27

In this Thanksgiving month and every month I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who provides everything we need for this life. I cant help but thank him for the way He looks out for all of His children and creation. Caring for our every need. Great and small. Maybe not in the way we always think it should look, but in His perfect way!

I pray for each of you as you gather to celebrate the blessings in your life around a turkey this year that you would remember that “ Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

In the middle of my front yard stands a tree. In the spring and summer it is full of green fluffy leaves. In the fall it was a bright red color, and now as winter is coming it is full of little red berries. In the mornings I have been watching what is going on in this tree. For weeks now this tree has been full of little birds eating the berries. I have watched them fly around in pure delight getting their bellies full with these rubies from heaven.

It is amazing to me how God cares for all of HIS creation. I love what God tells us in His word about this…

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27

In this Thanksgiving month and every month I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who provides everything we need for this life. I cant help but thank him for the way He looks out for all of His children and creation. Caring for our every need. Great and small. Maybe not in the way we always think it should look, but in His perfect way!

I pray for each of you as you gather to celebrate the blessings in your life around a turkey this year that you would remember that “ Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17

Happy Thanksgiving!