I’ve always been an advocate of celebration! I love the memories that decor evokes. I like the freshness of unpacking a box of decorations or seasonal decor after a year.
It is a hassle, but it marks time, and I firmly believe that God ordains festivals and holy days to mark time, to remember.
As a musician, I love the music of the seasons. I love the contemplative performances of Christmas time. We are so privileged to have world-class ensembles based in the Twin Cities. It is practically criminal to miss a concert!
I hope to go and hear “The Singers” this Sunday. I wanted to get to the National Lutheran Choir performance, but I can’t do everything.
Along with that I am committed to playing and singing worship services several times at my own church. I am happy to help out.
A huge snag happened this past Thanksgiving weekend.
Cherie and I drove up to Lake Superior for the night. We like to “greet” the lake at least once a year. Snow was on the ground but we were able to visit the Split Rock Lighthouse (most photographed lighthouse in Minnesota) and visit the Northern Waters Smokehaus for their amazing smoked salmon. We drove down Minnesota point, and shopped briefly at some of our favorite shops. Our trip went splendidly, even with snowy roads.
Upon return home we found Corwyn breathing hard. Ed had been watching her, but had wisely waited for us to return. It was a holiday weekend and only emergency pet vets were open.
We took her to the pet hospital. She has pneumonia. She stayed overnight one night, on oxygen and IV antibiotics.
We were able to bring her home yesterday, but I must say—-she and I are both in recovery now! Limited activity, medications, (for me natural/ home chemo) and QUIET.
As we drove toward the hospital my mind and heart, and my voice, were all crying out to God for mercy and grace. I was praying for His will to be done. I was placing the problem in His hands. I was trusting Him to walk the path before us.
I asked all of my friends to PRAY!
That is what a Christian does. We completely rely on God!
As a single woman I hate making big decisions on my own the most. My friend who also lost her husband commiserated with me on this. We feel so responsible for each and every thing we decide. We lost our “united front” as a couple, two brains are better than one status…
That is so hard when it comes to big things. Big decisions.
It is the worst.
So, I walk forward trusting that God is directing my steps and my path. I trust Him to close doors that need closing, open doors (windows), paths that need opening. I trustingly walk through them. I am casting the responsibility onto Him.
HE is in charge.
Yet in this world of material orientation His voice isn’t audible to me. He speaks, but only through my knowledge of Scripture and the character He shows me. I must trust what I have learned about Him and His teaching, His commands, to step forward.
It takes incredible faith. And I don’t even have a mustard-seed sized faith. I look at the hills and mountains in my life and they still seem to be fixed.
But where else do I go?
Looking back I have seen God in everything, even in my failings. I have trusted Him.
And I am grateful.
We just came through Thanksgiving, and my heart was full of gratitude. I know Jesus is returning for us soon. The season proclaims “LAST DAYS!” We just need to hold out a bit longer.
God is restoring relationships. God is providing. God is healing. God is good, gracious, merciful, and a wonder to me.
I am truly thankful.
The only reason He is waiting is so that more dear people can come to the truth of salvation in Christ alone. God is merciful.
Keep praying. Keep thanking. Keep trusting.
Celebrate that Jesus came 2,000 years ago as a baby. I am.
I am going to the piano right now to play a couple of carols. Christmas is HERE!
Love,
MARANATHA!