in the midst of the storm

Today I received some hard news.

My dad (who was diagnosed with cancer in October) went in for his second surgery

to remove tumors under his collarbone and on his neck. 

The doctors were not successful.

The tumor is larger than expected and embedded in a major artery.

They will not attempt another surgery.

Radiation and chemo are not viable options.

Reality is setting in,

my Dad will not be around forever.

I wonder how long he'll get to enjoy his new granddaughter.

I wonder if he'll be here for Sam or Ava's next birthdays.

I wonder if he'll enjoy another Christmas with the family.

So many thoughts are swirling through my head.

So many questions that there are no answers to.

But one thing I do know.

My Jesus is in control.

He is my Comfort and Peace,

the Arms That Will Carry Me,

my Assurance and Hope.

So in this moment

I will look to Him and take refuge in His strength.

Tomorrow (or the next hour) has it's own troubles.

But right now I will choose to rest in the soothing embrace of my Savior.

comfort and joy

God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,

This blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manger

Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary

Did nothing take in scorn

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father

A blessed Angel came;

And unto certain Shepherds

Brought tidings of the same:

How that in Bethlehem was born

The Son of God by Name.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then," said the Angel,

"Let nothing you affright,

This day is born a Saviour

Of a pure Virgin bright,

To free all those who trust in Him

From Satan's power and might."

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises,

All you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood

Each other now embrace;

This holy tide of Christmas

All other doth deface.

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Wishing you and your family the Comfort and Joy that comes from our Savior!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



sam says

The other day Sam asked Marko,

"Do you know why I'm a redneck and you're not?"

"Um, nooo..."

"Because I have camo underwear and you don't!"

This morning was our first real "cold" day.

After Marko went outside and declared that it was 42 degrees, 

Sam said,

"Mom, we're gonna need muffins for our hands!"

And last, an entry from the dictionary of Sam:

PUMBLE: verb

1. Strike repeatedly, typically with the fists.

As in, Sam and Marko were wrestling and Sam said,

"I'm gonna pumble you, Daddy!"

christmas creativity

Something about Christmas gets my creative juices flowing.

I get this huge urge to craft and create, to give handmade gifts

and invest time in making the perfect offering for my friends and family.

Here is the first item in a clutter of gifts I'll be making this year.

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

Isaiah 49:16
 

I'd love to know, are you doing any crafting for Christmas this year?

something to ponder