I really do need to start writing again. So much goes on in my life in a day/a week...God amazes me continually with what He is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. I love Facebook and I post on it a lot...too much for some :) ... but it is a great way to communicate and to keep in touch. I much prefer connecting with people through there than just sitting and watching TV. I love to share pics and quotes, learn from others and see what's happening in the world around me. I'm not much for watching the news...it's too depressing...but I love to hear what's happening in the lives of people in my life and seeing how God is moving in them and through them. 
As I read, I pray too and so to me it's not just a gossip column...I hate seeing it as that... but it's an encouragement and prayer session too. It can be used for wonderful things and it's so quick to be kept up to date and to send out encouragement to others through prayer requests and photos. I love those online hugs and chats! I don't know what I would do if I didn't have FB to keep in touch with my daughter who's on the other side of the world right now. Even though she's not in the room with me, it does feel as though she's right next door beside me through the computer. Technology can be an amazing thing when it's used right. :)
Yesterday I had some of my family over and it was wonderful to bless my little mamma before Christmas. It's been tough to plan a family gathering this year with all of our families growing so much and people going in opposite directions. Family time is precious and I'm so thankful that each of us has that time with our kids, and for some, the time with the grandkids...I'm not at that point yet...hopefully not for a while yet. :) I love the stages my kids are at right now and I know that when the grandparent time comes, I will love that time too. But for those that could stop by and enjoy some visiting yesterday, it was wonderful! One of the highlights was surprising gramma with a skype chat with Alysha in England. She was so pleased to see a 'picture' of one of her granddaughters on the computer but when she started to talk and move on the computer, well, that made gramma cry. :) It was a precious moment to share!
But there was other things on my mind too. These past few days I've come into contact with many different people who've all got a story to tell and are all on a different journey. I spoke with a man who has no home and lives in a van, even through these bitter cold days, but often has a smile on his face and carries his Bible with him everywhere he goes. I spoke with my friend in England over video chat who asked me to walk outside and show her the bright blue skies above us because she rarely sees them where she lives and both her and her husband expressed how beautiful that sky was. I've sat with friends who are missing a loved one this Christmas...many are missing loved ones who've passed on and are not present with them on this earth any longer. There are friends who are not on good terms with family members and that makes the Christmas season tense and full of not-so-good memories. Single moms are struggling through this month as well and need a smile, a hug or words of encouragement. People in Ontario have been without power for hours and will be for days yet because of a major ice storm passing through that country. Others are into huge debates and discussions over the Duck Dynasty issue. Then there's a man who's struggling for life in a hospital bed....all of these people have a story...a testimony...someone who God has made in His image and who are all searching for the meaning of life...the purpose of their own lives.
Through this all, there is to be love joy peace...and the greatest one being love. As Jesus and Phil Robertson would say, we need to love. Love is the greatest commandment and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Love does not envy, does not boast, does not keep a record of wrongs, and it is kind, patient, forgiving and covers a multitude of sins. I love Love! This love dwells in us through the power of the Holy Spirit...God is love and He pours His love into us so that we can love others the way He's designed us to love...we just gotta want that love. :) Then there is also the peace that comes from God that surpasses all understanding...oh how I love that peace and want it ever so much continually in my life.
Before Jesus left this earth, in John 14:27 he said, "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." Being a mom with teenagers, a daughter with extended family, a wife with a precious hubby, a friend with wonderful sisters in the Lord around her...keeping in mind what Proverbs 31:25-26 says is very important to me: "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions." It's easy to be afraid and allow fear to consume my thoughts...but that would be very unwise. :) When I think of all my friends and family and those that I've spoke with in the past few weeks, I pray these verses over them and that is my wish for them all this Christmas.
In addition to all that, I myself desire to be this woman in Proverbs and to also have the precious gift that Jesus left his disciples. To be filled with such an amazing surpassing-all-understanding peace, to have the incredible joy of the Lord that no circumstances around me can steal, to flow with an unspeakable grateful heart which is overflowing because of God's astounding goodness and to love unconditionally with the love that God gives freely to all who ask for it....yes that is who I desire to be and I yearn for all those greatly....and I know I can have them. :)
Wisdom Kindness Strength Dignity Courage Peace of Mind Salvation No fear
May it be so Lord....in those around me...and in myself....may it be so.
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