Never Once...

Three years. Three very fast, LONG, struggling years.

I woke up this morning early. Sitting down with a cup of coffee and my devotions, I was thrilled to have the time to myself. I am on the final chapter, reading through the Psalms of ascent. When the psalmist is calling God to remember, and to draw near.

As I was encouraged to do in my study, I looked back. And I remembered. Three years ago, choking down my grief, I stood before the mirror asking myself, "what's next?" Three years past, I was in surgery at this exact time. A double mastectomy. Lifelong scars. Heart memories of when God drew near. I looked into a mirror this morning and asked myself the same question..."what's next."

I choked out my thanks this morning as I was fixing my hair. How beautiful the view this side of three years. Fear was a motivator then. At times it still is, but I have learned some things in these past three years of life...we never walk alone. Never once.

Whatever your circumstances are right at this very minute, stop where you are. Close your eyes. Whisper His name. He is near. Emmanuel.

Let this be your thankfilled prayer and motivation: He is faithful. It's His gift to you...

'Tis the Season...

The twelve days of Christmas. I have the song or the story (if you've read the book) stuck in my mind. Its been there for...twelve days. :) Thirteen actually, if you count today.

This week has flown past.

Cade had surgery yesterday. He had a hernia repair. Yes, minor and very fixable, but it seriously had this mama concerned. It's my baby. ANY time a kiddo goes under for a procedure of any type, I'm concerned. Not that I could do anything about it, but hey-a moms gotta worry, right? He is recovering nicely, with little to no pain. Such a blessing and so very thankful that things went great!

Aaron's aunt is in from OH. Our busy weeks of Christmas fun have begun. My presents are purchased, the decorating done, now all I need is a warm winters nap. Since that isn't likely to happen anytime soon, I'll settle for a warm peppermint mocha. Non-fat, no whip, grande. Perfection.

I'm not exactly sure when my love of all things peppermint started, but I have a strong like for the cooling goodness. Chap stick; mocha's; creamer; shakes (the Trim Healthy Mama kind); you name it-I love it!

Yes, the season is upon us. CHRISTmas. The time for singing.

Let's be honest. If you're a worship leader, your yearly nightmare has begun. I have tinkered and thunked my way through a good many Christmas carols this year already. Goodness. I love to sing them, but to play them-oy!

Regardless of what it is this season, I hope it finds you well. Good tidings of great joy to you and your family! Whether its visits from loved ones; favorite Christmas songs and traditions; yummy desserts; or you have a heavy heart this season, remember this. Emmanuel, the God with us, is better to us than He has to be. Always.

The Same Love

This afternoon we had the blessing of watching a true gem. A handsome young man belonging to some good friends of ours. He came for just over an hour, but gave us a life-lesson of laughter and joy.

He doesn't communicate like you and I. God has gifted "Mr. T" uniquely. Perfectly. He was uncomfortable outside of his routine (I could relate: I'm so much the same). He began repeating over and over that he wanted to go for a ride. That he wanted to sing. He ran into the kitchen where there was a CD player and turned the music on. Loud. And he began to dance. As he grew more comfortable with us, he and Cade began chasing each other through the house calling each other names. "Monkey Butt" was the game they played/made up/called each other. Pretty spiritual, eh?

You choose the humble and raise them high

You choose the weak and make them strong

You heal our brokenness inside and give us life.

 

His excitement over the songs was contagious. Palpable. It inspired us all. This joy-filled boy, fist pumping in the air shouting songs that would rival any holiday music station. I know for sure the neighbors didn't catch this dance scene as they did earlier in the week as I was having a personal celebration. But I know that God saw. And dance we did.

 

During this beautifully, birth-pained season that makes memories both good and bad surface. It suddenly seems brighter. Hope-filled.

 

Yes, we danced. If you can imagine it-we even fist pumped. The loud cadence of the drums, felt to the tips of our toes. Cade, Mr. T, Aaron, and myself. Dancing to the rhythm of love. To the tune of "The Same Love." God's. Holy, unblemished, and wholly pure. Calling us to put aside our worry. Drawing us out of our mental reverie. Yes, each of us.

 

The same love that set the captives free

The same love that opened eyes to see

Is calling us all by name

You are calling us all by name

 

The same God that spread the heavens wide

The same God that was crucified

Is calling us all by name

You are calling us all by name

 

 

I guess sometimes the only way we can hear it is to be like Mr. T, and turn the music up.

 

Loud.