Hope in small and big packages .... Advent Day 6

There were smiles this morning in the house. Thanks for praying. Grateful.

Thankful for:
1. Imported Swiss Miss (overpriced, but you buy it when you need to pretend it's cold outside, when it's 90 degrees, and to cheer up hearts) 
2. A Christmas tea party for moms and their daughters, sweet new friends here in the community 
(going even though my heart is tired because I know it's good for me)
3. Kids making music together and recording their songs (loud drumming that doesn't bother our downstairs neighbors because we no longer live in a 6 floor building)
4. A big sister who teaches her younger brother how to crochet so he can make Christmas presents for the family (for a son who writes his list early of presents he is going to make for all the people he loves, and the list is long because there are many)
5. A friend who calls to take me to coffee and for conversation that is fun and uplifting and reminds me of things I love
6. Dinner sent over by another friend who wrapped up love in a beautiful meal (who else knew that my kitchen was closed for service tonight?) 
7. A Disney movie with the kids on my bed ( and tonight I don't care that their toes are rubbing against my pillow)
8. A clear video call with my husband who can laugh in the midst of pain and interrupted sleep (for jokes across facetime with the kids)
9. For a celebration over skype with Dad and our oldest son as Dad opens the acceptance letter to the college of his choice that includes a scholarship we didn't expect! 
10. For a new day that brings new hope. For peace that is in the moment and thankfulness that bubbles from a series of choices 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Food on my table

I couldn't believe it. They weren't coming until 6pm, for dinner. At least that was the plan. And there they were at our door with smiles on their faces at 10am. This was going to be a long day, I thought to myself. I had woken up that morning with a heavy heart. It was like a dark gloom had settled over me and I couldn't figure out why. John helped me with the morning breakfast routine, we had kids sleeping over and many mouths to feed. I grabbed my cup of coffee and headed to my room. God and I needed to have a chat. I emerged not 20 minutes later with the answer. I knew why I was feeling heavy-hearted. 2011 was going to be a confusing year! Lots of transition, people coming and going, our own comings and goings, kids growing up, and much much more to trust Him for. The cloud lifted after my very quick and simple revelation. God whispered to me almost audibly, "No worries, Jenn. For I will be with you." The doorbell buzzed. E was here. E had been in ou
Read more

Feelings of irrelevance

What have I done anyways in the last 11 years? Was it worth it? Raising my family in a country that we'll never fit into. Has my life made any difference here? Does anyone care? Questions like these have been plaguing my soul. Feelings of irrelevance have pervaded my heart as of late. What does it matter that I live here? Does it matter? A phone call yesterday tipped me over the edge. A friend whom I have walked with over the few years is coming to a city nearby (she lives far away) I found out through another friend. I'm so thrilled she's coming, but I felt hurt that she didn't call me. I have walked with her through some difficult valleys. She actually was one of my personal deep valleys. She wasn't exactly easy to love! But God used our friendship in each of our lives and I am thankful that our paths crossed for those years. But that's just what happened. They crossed, and now that season is over. How sad is that? My relational heart aches. How many mor
Read more

He holds onto us....

Image
 I dislike packing very much. I sit on suitcases and pray them closed and under the allowed weight. I do this for a living. My family knows when they see me bent over an overstuffed bag they are not to offer their "I - don't- think- that- will - close,- mom" opinion. Mom knows it will close. Bags need to be coaxed closed, duffel bags always have an extra inch of air to spare for a last minute Lego set or pair of shoes. Any family that lives overseas knows the joys of carting items from homeschool books, winter gear of all sizes (the the kids will grow this year), birthday presents (must be prepared!)  cooking spices, baking supplies, and in the early years, aluminum foil, too.  We pass through three airports today and will conclude our 25 hour trip back to our Asia home in a few hours. My husband and oldest son are on a different flight, the rest of us catch a midnight flight with a couple layovers. I wonder where all of these passengers are going today? Some stroll throu
Read more