Last Christmas

It is hard to believe that last Christmas was almost twelve months ago. For it was then that perhaps for the first time, I truly experienced the true joy of Christmas and the love of Christ. The humbling experience of last Christmas has left a lifelong impression on me that I pray leaves me forever changed and has an impact on how I see Christmas from now until I go to be with Jesus.

Last December I was in my eighth month of pregnancy. The devil was trying to attack my family and me physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. There are many lessons that we learned through these trials that I would love to share with any that could use an inspiration, but for now I will remain silent on the details. However, in spite of all that we went through, we were able to truly see God at work in our lives. We learned that through our hard times, God was truly present and provided for us in ways that bring tears to my eyes.

I will never forget the humbling experiences between Gayle Talley and me on behalf of the FAITH Class of Oakmont United Methodist Church. Because others gave from their hearts and were obedient to God’s will, my family was able to experience God’s love in a way that we never had before and were able to truly experience the magic of Christmas. Many blessings were to follow but that moment is written on my heart and one that I will forever treasure.

This year, I have a family on my heart. When I look back at all the suffering that Brandon and I went through last year physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially… all of it combined is the size of a mustard seed in comparison to the mountain that this family is climbing. Our burdens seem so miniscule in comparison to the overbearing weight this family is now facing. However, I take hope and delight in the Lord’s promises and claim in the name of Jesus that He is going to humble this family in the most powerful of ways. I look forward to all that He has in store for them and I pray that they too can perhaps for the first time see the face of God in their Christmas blessings as they allow Him to carry their cross.

This year, I am asking that you give the biggest and best Christmas gift of all. The single gift I would like to receive this year will not fit under my tree. It can not be contained inside my home or church because it is so much bigger than that. Please ask God to allow you to experience His love this Christmas and to infect others through your boldness. If you feel called to help someone: give from your heart and you will be forever changed. If you feel the call to give to the family I mentioned and would like to help them this Christmas you can make checks payable to: Oakmont United Methodist Church and mark it “Last Christmas”. My prayer for each of us is that we have experienced our last Christmas for ourselves. I pray that from this day forward we will experience Christmas solely through the joy that we give to others through obeying the call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!!!

A New Day

This year has not been easy for us. We have faced many uncertainties and continue to face the sting of adversity. That being said, we are so blessed! God has given us so much and continues to enrich our lives with more than we deserve. I can say for the first time in a while that I look forward to tomorrow. I can see a new day on the horizon and it is a gift from my creator. God is leading us down a new path and uncertainty is cohabitating with fear and doubt at least it is in my mind. But I recall that God does not give us a spirit of fear and I must trust and know with confidence that His ways are higher than my own. No I can not change all that has hurt us this year but I can grow and become stronger in my faith knowing that I have so much to look forward to because He promised me a new day!