Comfort and Joy

"God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day...good tidings of comfort and joy". Those words, "Comfort and Joy" stuck out to me on the side of a decorative Christmas box as I stood in the "black Friday" line at Gordman's November 2007. My sister-n-law Susy, and I had left later than planned from Nashville to start our black Friday adventure. On our way into O'fallon, we passed what looked like a pretty bad accident on the interstate. If I remember correctly, we were actually sitting in traffic for some time, and had to take a detour. As I stood in the long line at Gordman's word came thru that it was in fact a horrific accident that claimed the lives of two young sisters. They were driving down the interstate just as we would a few hours later, and a police officer crossed the center line, hit them head on, and both were killed instantly. An 18 year old, and 13 year old taken from their families in the midst of a time that is all about celebrating with family...I saw the words "Comfort and Joy", and I bought that little decoration. It has sat on my living room table since that day. Fast forward two years. The day before Christmas Eve, 2009. I went to a routine ob visit, hoping to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time(at 17.5 wks it seemed like a given). Emily was along, and we planned to finish a little shopping after the appointment. I never imagined there would be a problem. There was no heartbeat...our baby had died. I could not believe it. This time of year that been so "fun" for me, was suddenly a harsh reminder of the reality of this world. We need a Savior...we need "comfort and joy". That Christmas was one that I will never forget. It was painful, it was horrible, but I learned so much. I dare say that I learned the true meaning of Christmas. Today, as I type this, I am thinking about the same need for comfort and joy. My uncle passed away just a few days ago, and I am wondering how my aunt will get through this holiday season, and truly enjoy it. I know the answer...it is because of the comfort and joy that Jesus brings. I am thankful for the comfort and joy that Jesus has brought to my life, and I pray that this Christmas we would all focus on the real reason for this special time of year...to celebrate God's gift to us...the gift of Hope, the gift of Comfort, and the Joy that living a life(all year round) focused on Jesus can bring!

Happy 1st Birthday to our littlest princess, Charis Olivia!! God's gracious gift to us:-)!!

Blogging...day 1

Funny, I thought my first blog should be about blogging! I had such a difficult time deciding on a name for my blog...how challenging is that! I'm just glad that it's over with! I look forward to more blogging, but honestly, this has already wasted so much of my time for tonight, I better stop for now!