This year I received an interesting and encouraging Christmas Letter that I wanted to share with you (with her permission). This mother has been an inspiration and an encouragement since I was a young mother.
There once lived a middle aged woman who lives for the moment with ready wit and quick action. Caring for a stalwart man, her companion of thirty-two years. With God’s favor adding ten very astonishing children. I look around at their fair faces we have lit with life and the perfect blessing of their birth. It reminds us to live our lives in thanks for so much of heaven on this earth. This thriving family has expanded to included now, three sons-in-law and now a grandchild who is constant sunshine to our hearts.
As I pondered the Christmas card list, I recalled last Christmas, those cards never got sent. Last Christmas was overshadowed with the sorrow that came as a surprise when our beloved Aunt left this world in October. Love’s light was lit again by our daughter’s wedding during that past Christmas season. Fatigue had sat in and the thoughts of greetings to family and friends never became a reality.
In life’s wilderness the family who inquires of the Lord is constantly renewed by His presence and love. No matter the earthly affairs in labors or where we roam, we all recognize the rewards and constant blessings of our Lord.
This mother has a face lit up and brightened in her heart. I realize that it’s my privilege to minister as a mother and wife. God is making fresh and verdant the long, weary paths of life. I am rejoicing in the fullness of life. My daughters are becoming charming wives with appreciative hearts. Boys becoming confident, competent men. As I sit and rock near the hearth, things I have taught my children have become reality.
“Your spiritual heart is the source of your vital fire and strength.”
“If a rock rises up before you, roll it away, or climb over it.”
“If you want money, earn it. If you want confidence, prove yourself worthy of it.”
“Do not be content with doing what another has done – surpass it.”
“Deserve success, and it will come.”
These are the fabric of my words to my children, fitly spoken. So at this Christmas experience I invite you to explore opportunities to express love and excitement for living as you collect your Christmas memories. As my Christmas letter goes out to my loved ones across life’s path, embrace the substance of Christ. Let Him weave together encouragement, rest and comfort.
God bless you all, I hold each one of you in my heart. Love can borrow kind words. Warm smiles balm the soul. They oil the machinery of life. Let God write His story in your home and reap the benefits of true success for your family.
These are the thoughts of the middle aged woman, for whatever it’s worth. God make His face to shine on each one at Christmas and in the coming year. Make your home bright and warm for all who enter there.
III John 1:2
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We had such a laugh this morning as I opened the back door to take a picture of the new fallen snow, the cat climbed out from under the steps. We didn’t know he was hiding there. It was like a live jack-in-the-box. That will be a funny memory for us in years to come. Glad I snapped a quick picture.
2. Making Memories
