How has the time gone by?

No, really. How has the time gone by? I just looked at my blogs and can't believe how long it's been since I last posted anything. What have I been doing? When I look back, we've been busy, but where are all those wasted hours spent on Facebook or watching TV?

Christmas is just around the corner and as I bask in the glow our our Christmas tree, I find myself pondering everything I've been teaching the kids at church. We've been talking about "God's Unstoppable Plan." Even though so many things tried to get in the way of Christ's birth, God loved us so much that nothing could stop his plan from moving forward. You know, sometimes I'm obsessive about having a Plan B. Did God have a Plan B, or did he just know his original plan would pull through? I guess when you're God it's easier to have faith in Plan A. After all, you're kind of in charge. But sometimes, maybe it's not such a good thing. I think knowing the consequences of your plan might make it harder to follow through. For instance: how do you allow your Son to be born knowing that He will die a horrible death? How do you let Him experience the joy and richness of life when you already know the pain and suffering He'll experience with it? When I think of these things, I find myself speechless. I know I couldn't do it. Which shows me just how small my love is and how GIGANTIC God's love is. Then I'm overwhelmed to the point of tears. How can anyone love me so much that they would willingly go through all of that pain and heartache? Yet, I know I am loved that much. And so are you! That's what I hope I can teach my kids and all the little lives I have the privilege of influencing. YOU are the reason God gives us Christmas - and all of the wonderful, tragic, glorious days that follow. Merry Christmas!


Today I am thankful for: a warm house that keeps out the wind, the security of jobs for John and I, and the gift found in the manger over 2000 years ago.