Christmas Eve

Well, this is one different Christmas Eve for me. I think this is the first time ever that I have been sitting at home on Christmas Eve. Our family has always been in Blairsville in years past, but not this year. With the girls having work schedules this holiday season, it is hard getting everybody in sync with days off. We already celebrated our family Christmas by going down to Byron to Haley's house this past Sunday. She and Austin cooked a lovely dinner on Sunday night, and we opened presents and had fabulous family time! We needed to do something different this year, and this was a great plan. I have always felt that Christmas should be celebrated when the entire family can be together - no matter what day it is.

My girls and I will be heading up to Blairsville on Saturday to celebrate Christmas with my parents and my sister's family on Sunday. There is nothing that compares to going "home" for Christmas. My mom has already started cooking, and she feeds us SO well! I can't wait for the feast! : ) But, the most important thing is that we will all be there together. What a blessing that will be!

This is the first time to see my family since the decision was made to end my marriage. They have been amazingly supportive. There are no words to describe how much I appreciate my parents and my sister's family. Without their love and support, I could not get through each day. My fear is that I will melt like a snow man when I see them. I have tried hard to hold back the tears, but I am afraid the flood gates may open!

I was reading a Joyce Meyer book the other night, and I was reminded that Paul did not pray for people to be spared trials or troubles. Instead, he prayed for people to see what God has already done. He also prayed that they would be able to endure whatever they encountered, they would live in the power of the Spirit, they would be steadfast, and they would be walking testimonies of God's grace.

This is my prayer for myself. Since losing a job, our family business, our home, and my marriage, all in one year, I think it is a bit late to be spared trials and troubles. But, in the midst of my trials and troubles, I see what God has already done. And, God is giving me the strength to endure and hold on. And, through God's grace, my troubles are becoming my testimony. Even though I may not understand the purpose of everything happening, I believe wholeheartedly that God has a purpose. Shattered dreams are never random.

I wish all of my friends and family a very Merry Christmas! And, on a random note, I heard on the radio today that only 44 percent of 10 year olds know that Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. Wow! That means that the families of 56 percent of these kids do not know the true meaning of Christmas. My Christmas prayer is for these kids to come to know Jesus on Christmas Day.

Becky