Tis the season to be celebrating the birth of Jesus, and that's what we've been doing. This is one of the first Christmas seasons that I have stayed calm and de-stressed. It has always been a time of year that I've struggled with feeling overwhelmed, but this year I've kept joy in the middle of the busyness. We have Christmas and 2 birthdays in one week, plus this year Betsy graduated...but, it's all been good. I know that this is a gift of peace from the Lord, because it is not my natural mode. So...I'm very thankful!!!
Our Betsy did graduate yesterday! We are so proud of her and thankful for who she is, not just this accomplishment. We had a good day of celebrating with her...even went to the big city of Little Rock and everything. :-)
Now I'm shifting gears for Mary's birthday celebration on Tuesday. Then Jesse comes home on Wednesday. We'll all be together...which truly is Christmas enough for me! Then after Christmas we will celebrate Jesse's 25th birthday...wow.
Regarding my health...I'm doing fine. I go in tomorrow for a CBC blood test, just routine...they are checking iron and Vit D levels. I also have started my shots to go to Africa in January. Please continue to pray for my body to easily handle all those vaccinations. I really don't have any other appointments until I return in February. Our trip is from Jan 30th to Feb. 16th. I would love for you to keep us in prayer before, during and after this trip. I'm asking for people to pray for safe travel, physical strength, protection from spiritual attacks of any kind, and also, clear vision to see what the Lord wants us to do when we are there. Tom has lots to do, but I will be looking for where I'll fit in to the schedule. Thanks so much for your prayers.
I continue to live with a grateful heart, thanking God for each day. Sometimes it just hits me...I'm still here! I'm healed! I get overwhelmed with emotion that is wrapped up with thankfulness. God has been faithful...God has been good...and He continues to show His love to me everyday. I cannot live one day without Him.
May the Lord bless you richly during this coming week and watch over you in the new year. All glory and praise to the One who came as a baby, died on the cross, and rose again, all because He loves us. Merry, merry Christmas!!!!!
