Our Merry & Very Bright Christmas

Well, we ended up spending this Christmas Season with just ourselves.  Events and work schedules prevented our travels to extended family.  We do miss that; but, had a unique week that offered significant time with just each other...imagine that!  Even though this meant our week would be less rushed, my beloved husband kept with his tradition of Christmas Eve shopping.  You have to know, we don't just do this last day before Christmas; but, also have to wait until he gets off work to begin (which means late afternoon, at least!)

 

Somehow, we enjoyed ourselves amidst  the traffic and shopping line chaos. had a fun time.  It was different this year, because the kids are all old enough to go to and from stores on their own.  We park at a mall or strip and the frenzy begins.  I have to admit it was fun - and Christmassy considering it's been hot and stormy this week.

 

As we headed home Christmas Evening, we saw the most beautiful moon.  It was about dusk and the moon was a full beautiful light in the clouded sky.  With the storms and tornadoes that had moved through the day before, the sky was still peppered and streaked with clouds of intense color; and - that bright full moon!

"WHAT DOES IT MEAN?"  exclaimed our 15 year old Jacob.  Always believing there is meaning in everything, he just knew this was a sign or message.  As a little side note:  it went from 74 to 85 and back to 76 on our thermostat as we shopped this December 24th; so we enjoyed discussions all day of the mixing up of seasons, a thief in the night and a trumpet's sound throughout the day.  You know, fun "end times" talk.

 

My husband dropped us off and quickly ran back out for some ice.  When he returned, he went straight to Jake with a voice of intensity that caused me to think something was wrong.  I popped out to see what the excitement was about.  He said "I saw that same beauty of the full moon, and remembered Jake's question.  So, I just asked God while I was driving..."God, Jacob feels a meaning in this moon tonight.  What does it mean God?"
 

"Mary, that still small voice spoke.!"

 

 

"CHRISTMAS EVE DAY WAS SUNSHINE .. CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT A FULL MOON...

 

IN THE BEGINNING I CREATED THE SUN TO LIGHT THE DAY .. AND THE MOON TO LIGHT THE NIGHT..

 

THIS DAY  EVEN THE SUN AND THE MOON CELEBRATE THE BIRTH

 

 OF THE LIGHT OF THIS WORLD"

 

 

This year, though our family was alone, there was significant joy in celebrating the Son as His glorious birth literally lit up our Christmas.  For each person we know and love, we wish you the greatest joy and blessing this year holds.  May the Son of  God light up your world as never before; and, may the Light of the World guide our paths in 2016 and forevermore!

 

 

Imprint on our Hearts

Revelation 7:15-17

15 Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." 

There was a great healing that took place overnight!  Our Aunt Gerri has no more cancer and is crowned with Glory!  She is Alive!  Alive and with the living Christ.  What glory must she see and feel?  How beautiful are the gates and golden streets?  We praise the Lord God Almighty, who had mercy on her and decided she was sick long enough.  We thank Him for waiting on her family to be by her side.  What a delicate time of togetherness they shared in her last hours.

Aunt Gerri is my father's sister.  I don't think she was ever without a smile or laughter.  She has just spent the last five years battling cancer, and still had no concern for herself.  She devoted herself to the joys and lives of her family.  How deeply she loved her daughter and son.  They, and her husband, were her world!  Then they had children and grandchildren.  She, my sweet Aunt was right there alongside them all.  Her life was about joy; joy of the Lord and joy to the world!

Gerri traveled to celebrate my marriage with her daughter, and her identical twin sister.  My husband never forgot them!  He thought he hugged someone twice because they were separated in the line.  That was the beginning of her impact on him and our family.  We had great fun and laughter that day.  She accepted us all as we were and are.  She loves through our faults and inspires us to be more joyful and to give more.  Our eldest child, Hannah was inspired when Aunt Gerri lost her hair.  Hannah had given her hair to Locks of Love when she was old enough.  She then decided to grow it long and not do short hair again.  Then she met her GREAT Aunt Gerri.  That smile, laughter and the ultimate fun surrounded us all.  Gerri's hair had gone from the cruelty of her cancer.  She did not fret, for there are hats and wigs.  During one of our visits, it was hot and the wig was itchy.  She asked if the children would be alright if she took it off.  That was one of our final visits her, and the impression will last forever.  In her pain, sickness and discomfort; she was still more concerned about how my babies would react than her own comfort??  I could learn a thing or two there.  Months later, we were preparing for the new school year with hair cuts and dental visits (fun huh?)  Our daughter said she wants to reconsider her donations to locks of love.  I was concerned she was making a hasty decision, so I asked her to think hard about it.  She said, "I have since I got to see Aunt Gerri."  She wasn't full of frilly words, but said the strength and joy of her Great Aunt made her rethink and she wants to continue her donations.  Because of our Aunt Gerri, my daughter has grown her hair to cut for Locks of Love, her entire life.  She will be 15 next week. 

Why did I share such a story?  Because Gerri's legacy is everywhere!  She loves completely, as do her children and grandchildren.  Even extended family and in-laws are inspired to be happier, love more and give of themselves, because of moments with the beautiful smile and joyful laughter Gerri shared.  Today she is mourned and many are saddened, because of the indescribable void her absence will leave.  But not one single person who met her, can think of her without feeling - just -good.  She made people feel good. 
  
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dZvaV6NA2s