Joy!

I love the twinkle lights our church hangs during this time of year. Strands of 12-foot lights climb up & down our sanctuary walls. I love staring at the lit garland twirling around the balcony railings while the worship songs play, at the poinsettias tiered to resemble Christmas trees.

This morning we worshipped to a medley of songs incorporated into the story of Christ's birth and in that time I found myself filled with joy. Tears flowing down a face donning a silly grin. Joy. Hands lifted as high as I could reach. Joy. Eyes transfixed on the twinkling lights. Joy.

Here's wishing you all this Joy during this amazing season. God bless you!

I Remember...

I forget that I love my kids sometimes - especially on days when the big one realizes that his binder "may" have fallen out of the car because he didn't bother picking it up when it slip off the car seat, or when the little one decides to punch his friend because the friend wouldn't admit he was out in punchball.

I forget to love my kids on mornings when we're running late or in the afternoons when they forget that they are not arch-rivals who are set out to out-bicker one another.

I forget to love my kids because they're too busy to hug me or I'm too busy to praise them.

I forget...

But right now, at this moment, I remember.

I remember just how cuddly they still are, and in spite of their big-boy-smell, they are still babies at heart and I am still their hero.

I remember just how fast the time has passed and how fast time will travel going forward.

I remember that my children are God's gifts to me, and I am but a steward of His grace.

I remember now...and for that, I am grateful.