All I’ve ever known for Christmas is a family

Three years ago, I got one of the greatest gifts of my life—a call on my life. A love that gives where I think it cannot possible give anymore, a lot of fun, joy, and more adventure than I could have thought up in my imagination!

                It has been awhile since I’ve driven slowly enough down main street Blue Springs to recognize if it’s still there. Stately and strong stands the tree that ushered in the Christmas of my youth. For a child, the tree took on a life of its own. I couldn’t wait to see this beautiful evergreen tree in front of the Blue Springs Bank Annex lit up with colorful Christmas Lights. And the whole month would be a celebration of family—a continuous spinning of love and life ending with a grand finale in Nebraska City with my Grandma, her amazing homemade cooking, and the joy that we grandkids always felt in her home. I literally have no memories of disappointments other than hiding under the bed when I would have to leave my winter wonderland to return home to our regular schedule.

                Every Christmas since Grandma passed has been bittersweet, but three years ago, a miracle happened. During a haircut, I got a phone call. I answered the call. I said yes. I became a foster parent. Even at Christmas with each Cabbage Patch Doll and accessory I got from Santa and lovingly cared for throughout my childhood, He was prepping me for motherhood. I want to be the mother with a heart like his.

                And now, I can see my heart is bursting like the Grinch when his heart grows “two sizes that day”.  I understand more completely my Savior and the love for me! I hope my Grandma is looking down and is proud of me and my children.

Merry Christmas!

Budding

This time of year begins for most a roller coaster of emotions, whether brought on by the furry of the holiday season or the dull colors of winter. This morning, I tossed and turned in a similar mess. I fretted about a couple of students, one an orphan and one would be for Christmas.
"Where could I go
But into your presence
Where could I run
But into your arms
All of my roads
Lead to this redemption
Father you know the way nobody knows
So where could I go"
-Adie "Where Could I Go"
This prayer and meditation was on my heart rising with the early birds. So there I am, sick with a sinus infection that won't let go, mixing my grandmother's infamously, delicious oatmeal cookie recipe and singing this song to make everything seem clearer. My heart was budding. Although the temperature outside would not be warming soon, I could feel spring in my belly. A newness of life and a new chapter is being started. "All of your roads lead to this redemption." So this morning and throughout this holiday, I will rest in Jeremiah 29. As the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, the Lord promised peace when you seek it where you are. His promises are true. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I have already seen great blessing in both students lives since I met them in August. What growth and future they are making for themselves. Join with me in praying for them as well as others in similar situations who need to know they are loved no matter what situation they find themselves in, no matter the barriers and rules that are up keeping them captive in their current situations.