Quote from "Stepping Heavenward" by Mrs. E. Prentiss

"She says I shall now have one mouth more to fill and two feet the more to shoe, more disturbed nights, more laborious days, and less leisure or visiting, reading, music and drawing.

Well! This is one side of the story, to be sure, but I look at the other.

Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which dwells is worthy of all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other dear darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, wondrously blest!"

Sunday, December 25, 2011

We Wish You a Mary Christmas

What a wonderful weekend!   We began our Christmas celebration at my daughter Cindy's house with all the Rutherfords, my sister's family (the Colstons), my mother & stepfather (a.k.a. Nana and Grandy Randy), Aunt Fran, Uncle Mike and Aunt Joan all came together.  We ate a feast of horsdevours followed by the sneaky Santa game with all the children.   It always brings rolls of laughter.  We then traded gifts with the families we wouldn't see on Christmas. 

We spent the night at my daughter's home and put our gifts under the tree as soon a we got the very excited little one's to sleep.   We read all the sweet notes that I had received concerning my illness.   We were overwhelmed with kindness and then we ended with giggles watching silly videos.   Hit the sack totally exhausted but awoke ~3 am with a frightening voice in my head telling me what awful news I was going o hear Tuesday and that there would be no hope for me.   My mind began to go places I had not allowed it to visit since hearing I had a mass Tuesday.   Fortunately for the great preaching I had heard under Pastor Wade Trimmer, his FEAR acronym came right to mind.   I preached to myself that fear was False Evidence Appearing Real.   Purposely choosing against allowing my mind to wander the rabbit trail of what if's and hopelessness I choose instead to pray and worship the Lord.  His peace surrounded me and I slept soundly the rest of the night and even awoke earlier than I had in months!! 

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord.

After making our family's grits casserole (recipe I believe is on my menu blog), we sat and slowly opened gifts.   With a large family such as ours, it takes quite a bit of time because we make sure every gift is seen, every one thanked, and savor each moment.    The wee ones still being in "training mode" had a little bit harder time but relatively quickly got the hang of it.    Then many went into nap mode while the mama's went into organizing and followed quickly by relaxing mode.   There are 16 people present and it's as peaceful as could be on this rainy, Christmas day.  At some point today, when the family is awake and attentive we'll read the His birth story in Luke and hopefully sing some carols together.

For He alone is worthy
For He alone is worthy
For He alone is worthy
Christ the Lord.

 We will have lasagne together around three.   Our family will gather from my daughter's family's home and unload at the house.   We will then go visit my mother's home as my brother will have arrived today.  Everyone has been so kind to me and I've not had to really fulfill my normal mom's roles.   My appetizer last night was even taken over by the women in the kitchen who ordered me to go sit.   The only thing I've personally prepared was the breakfast casserole.  

We give you all the glory
We give you all the glory
We give you all the glory
Christ the Lord.

"Like Mary, the mother of Jesus, I pray that you will make plans to have a “Mary” Christmas” by experiencing His entering into you, growing within you, happening through you, and impacting the world around you. May you not miss the Christ of Christmas and may you have a never ending “Mary” Christmas!" ~Wade Trimmer tridm.org

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