Deep Thoughts by Lori B

Weeelllll, where do I go from here? What to blog about? I have done a lot of thinking the past few weeks. Major "heavy thoughts" that sound cliche but are truly on my heart lately: What is really important in life? What matters? What should I put my energy into? Because, honestly, many things seem very frivolous and unimportant these days.

The holidays have always been a happy time for me and I am still enjoying the season, my Christmas music, doing fun holiday things with the kids, putting up our tree, and decorating the house. Although my little projects haven't consumed me as much this year as they normally would :) I've given myself a lot of grace in not having everything "together" and that's OK. This Christmas is supposed to be different.....

So I'll just say it even if you don't want to hear it: Eventually all of us will lose someone very close to us...a parent, a child, a spouse. If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will......and, especially if you lose someone suddenly, it makes you gasp at the fragility of life. A matter of seconds--one breath, or lack of breath--can change your world. Are you ready for that?

I can never say I was ready for my dad to die. But I can say that a lifetime of knowing who my God is, and what my God stands for, and the promises my God has offered me in the Bible--the culmination of my 20+ years of faith all came down to THIS very intense moment in my life:

"I'm sorry, your father didn't make it"

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

(and, by the way, He has done and continues to do all of the above! Truth cannot be denied)

Kyle and I kind of "claimed" this verse for our wedding and life together: "The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy" Psalm 126:3. (This verse is all over our wedding invitations/programs/kids' birth announcements/it's everywhere!) Anyways, that verse has been and I believe it will continue to be TRUE for us! There are so many things to be thankful for. There is hope and joy in knowing Jesus Christ--even in the midst of tremendous sorrow and big fat tears. And that is the real reason for the Christmas season!

Thanks for bearing through my "intense" blog post, friends :) Catch ya next time...