As I glanced at my phone this morning I saw that my son had posted a memory on Facebook. Curious as to which one, I had to look. It was my mama with two of my grandchildren. It is one I love to see. My heart was touched, for I do miss my mama, even though I don't often talk about her anymore. She's been gone 18 years now. My big brother, Sammy, who has been on my mind a lot lately, has been gone 20 years come Christmas Eve. He sure timed it right - every December I remember him, I remember him coming out to visit and staying with us, I remember our talks, the things we shared. Christmas Eve.... shoveling snow off the car after a family gathering at our little sister's house... and his heart gave out. But God had given him to us an additional ten years, according to his doctor. The doctor had told him at a visit that he had lasted ten years longer than expected, with his heart issues. I miss him a lot. I especially grieve in my heart because he rejected God. I can't pretend he will be in heaven. My heart is grieved for he will suffer eternally because he made the wrong choice.
I had to start making a list this morning because as I read my devotionals, things kept popping in to my mind that I need to get done either today or soon. I ended up ordering a bunch of things at the grocery yesterday afternoon, saving myself an expensive trip, and picked it up at 6PM last night. I was smarter than my little sister, I think. My bill was less than $100 and I focused mainly on groceries I need for Thanksgiving day and the day after. She went to the store personally yesterday, and we all know how she shops... she spent nearly $500 she said, but she also bought a ham for Christmas and other things she can put in the freezer until closer to Christmas. I got to get past Thanksgiving before I can think of Christmas. And I'm still needing to figure out what to fix for everyone. I'll figure it out soon. But for now, it's remembering to make deviled eggs, bake cornbread, cut up celery and onions, and get things ready for lunch tomorrow.
One of the grandsons who lives out of state is coming over for breakfast on Friday morning and we will have our Christmas with him. After he and his fiancee leaves, I need to start on dinner for our single friends we have invited over. I'm looking forward to seeing them as it has been a couple years for one, and a few months for another. I was going to fix turkey and the fixings, then decided on BBQ ribs, but have gone back to turkey and dressing. Plus we have our Turkey Trot first thing tomorrow morning - I still need to figure out WHERE we are going to meet to do our walk.
Does this year feel like it is flying by to you? It has to me all year - it's isn't just that it's the end of the year approaching, but the entire year has felt like it is speeding by.
As I sorted out and wrapped Christmas gifts yesterday and discovered how many I still need to get at least ONE gift for,.... I realize how easy it is to buy for some, and much harder for others. When I get a list that really helps, especially if they need clothes. That part is done. But I have some other grandsons I am at a loss for, and I imagine their parents are too! I haven't seen one since last Christmas. Another I think I have seen once this year. I'm thinking to fix them up a lot of goodies/snacks... I imagine if they want something, they get it, just like the rest of us do. With not being in touch with them, I have no clue what they would want. But, as I was told, it is more being together as family. I love that. Family is so important to me.
Psalm 121 is one of my favorite psalms. It has sustained me during some very difficult times. I am fortunate that if I'm out and about, I can see the mountains/hills around our city.
Psalm 121 (NKJV): "I will lift up my eyes to the hills- From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore."
I can't tell you how many times my thoughts go to this psalm when I'm driving around town and see the mountains around me. I can't say how many times I have prayed this prayer, that as I look to the hills and seek the face of God, and I also seek His hand in so many things, that I am comforted by the belief that He can right the wrongs, He can bring hope, He can bring healing, and He hears me when I cry out to Him. There is nothing like the peace that passes all understanding when you seek God with your heart and soul and mind.
When was the last time you sought God's face, and not just His hand?
A granddaughter sent me a photo yesterday of my great-granddaughter holding a Bible she received from Kindergarten. My heart was so blessed to read that she couldn't wait to read it. I pray that she always has a heart for God and that she will lead many others to Him. Oh that the Words she reads will bring such joy to her little heart, that she will walk with Jesus all the days of her life!
May you be blessed in knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He didn't come to the world to condemn it, but to save it. One person at a time.
Blessings!
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