Month: December 2022

Apparently I am allergic to a certain type of antibiotic. My body reacted with hives while we were driving to North Carolina. Treating one problem led to quite another. It is strange to look in the mirror and not look like yourself, but more medicine and I am better. It did make me wonder about other internal things and the effects that are not so obvious. It also caused me to want to rid myself of anything, physically and spiritually, that was contributing to anything less than God’s healthy design.

The days passed and we had a great time as a family. Giving and receiving gifts is one of my favorite things. And I guess God was not finished giving, because on the drive home, we got word that a giant oak tree had fallen in our yard. The root system had been compromised and extreme temperatures left the 100 year old tree unhealthy. The unseen roots were now exposed and there was some damage. However, I could not help but think what an amazing picture this was of what I had asked of the Lord. Extremes can expose what is not healthy in us too. Deep roots of fear, guilt and shame unearthed from my heart, then taken away by the Christ we celebrate. Now I ask that He plants only what will bear much for His kingdom, with roots that grow down deep and remain strong when the extremes come.

I read a line in a Christmas devotional that has stuck with me. The writer highlighted character traits of Mary and said how the same traits were evident in the life of Jesus. Humility and obedience are the two that stand out to me most. Because the young girl that God entrusted His Son to be born to, would also be the one raising Him. God became holdable to Mary, then grew up in her care. Humility and obedience would be needed for what He came to do. I wonder how she lived her day to day life demonstrating these traits? What was her own mother like?

Since God places children in our care too, what do we have in us that they need to live out their purpose? More questions and a desire to find out.

Today we celebrate our youngest turning nine years old. Her name means lively and this is the perfect description of this child. She is a sweet friend, quiet at times, but confident. She is trying basketball this season and should be fun to watch. One of the cool things about children is letting them try new things. You never know what they will excel in or learn from. I like being apart of this and want to document along the way. It is also exciting to watch her learn about Jesus. She has her own way of getting to know Him, more of an observer, taking it all in. Soon I think she will make her own decision to trust in Him. There is no other gift greater.

Happy Birthday, sweet Vivian. I love you.