A Belated Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Ladies! I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating Jesus' birth with friends and family. If you are continuing to celebrate today or into the weekend I pray it is a very special time for you and one where you find true rest and peace. Isn't it wonderful that we have already learned from our study where that comes from? I pray we can share that with others who aren't so sure.

I'm sure I am not alone when I say that it has been a crazy year for our family. With the snow and ice we have had several family members cancel their trips to see us and had to re-arrange most of our Christmas plans. Usually by this time in the season we are way "Christmased out" and our children have opened way too many gifts. In fact they don't even seem to enjoy it anymore. My Christmas cards are typically arriving at the homes of our far away family and friends and my house is a disaster from dumping off the gifts of one family gathering before we head off to the next. And we have usually been blessed by several church services filled with carols and sermons reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas.

But this year the snow has changed all of that. And actually in some surprising ways. It has allowed us more breathing room between celebrations. Our children have enjoyed opening their gifts and time with family members who are usually the last on our route into the New Year. We were able to spend a few days baking and wrapping gifts as a family instead of the usual last minute, late night mad dash. And although I didn't order my Christmas cards until December 24th, I am reminded that even Christ's entrance into the world wasn't perfectly ordered and neatly arranged. He came in the chaos. He was born in a lowly stable next to cows and sheep. He slept his first night in a feeding trough for the animals. And yet it was all in God's plan. It was done that way for a reason.

So I can cope with the craziness. I can forgive the inconveniences of the snow and ice. I can adjust to the quiet I usually beg for. And I will still get those cards out...someday. It may not be all how I wanted and planned, but amidst the disappointments and unfamiliarity I trust in the purpose and plan of God. A God who knew to send his Son in a way that was not untouchable for even "the least of these." A God who knew that if the circumstances were perfect and the entrance more grand we might never feel like we could connect our lives to His. A God who knew that in times of uncertainty and craziness is where we'll find Him with gifts of peace and rest.

Thank you God... Happy Birthday Jesus!

A little encouragement

I wanted to post this and allow you to print it up (simply copy and paste onto a word or publisher type document). I thought it was very encouraging and is a great reminder to have by your kitchen sink or bathroom mirror for those times when discouraging and damaging thoughts come into our minds.

Phillipians 4:8

Think about these things…
True... That which is in accordance with reality as God sees it
Noble... That which is dignified, upright, and untarnished
Right... That which is according to what is just, good or proper
Pure... That which is spotless and untainted; without any impurity
Lovely... That which is delightful and beloved
Admirable... That which has a good reputation and is admirable
Excellent... That which is superior, above the norm, and virtuous
Praiseworthy... That which qualifies for commendation and would elicit applause

Tuesday Bible Study 12-16

Well Ladies, the hard decision has been made to cancel tomorrow's bible study due to road conditions. I know that the main roads are fairly clear, but many side streets are not which makes it hard for some of us to get to the main roads. There are also those who can't make it in due to school closures or late starts and how that affects having kids home from school.

So I am sad to say that this will be it for the year. We will resume in January with chapter 5.

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and New year! I pray that the Lord will bless you richly as you gather with family and friends this Christmas season and remember that the real reason we celebrate is because of Christ's birth. He was born to earth to save us and redeem us and that is the only gift we really need!

a daughter of the King,
Jena