Today...

Today I will hug those I love a little harder, for I know many a mama who will not get to do that this Christmas (Amy, Priscilla, Elizabeth, and many others).

I will thank God for the little things like a misplaced Math book, for it means I have a child at home who is young enough to still need me.

I will praise God for my health, for I know so many who are struggling with their health. I will turn to the Lord and ask Him for a miracle for those I know personally, especially a young mother in North Carolina who is battling brain cancer. Our whole family is praying for her and for her family, for I have known them all as long as I can remember. Lord, please heal her.

I will thank the Lord for my parents, for we will spend our 3rd Christmas without my precious father-in-law. In remembering his wonderful life, I am praying for those who will spend this Christmas without their loved one for the very first time. A special family in Raleigh comes to mind, as do our family in Texas and Louisiana, and so many others. I continue to pray for my mother-in-law who has remained amazingly strong in her grief.

I thank God for His provision through my husband's job. I praise Him that we have even been able to give a little to help others, for so many will spend this Christmas with no job and no income.

I will especially pray for our former neighbor, Elizabeth, who died today. Lord, bless her. I pray she knew you well. I especially pray for Kate, Jack, and Emma Claire, who were well-loved by their mother.

It seems many die each year in November and December. I believe the suicide rate is higher in those months. May we all know the peace and JOY of Jesus Christ as we celebrate His upcoming birth.