I had been feeling dissatisfied with traditions and wanting to start our own for several years, but this year seemed like the one to really get the ball rolling, and Michael was able to tell me a little bit about what he wants to do. And I felt Your guidance, Father. The gifts from Brian were unexpected and sweet, but his letter was the best gift :). There is always some stress surrounding gift giving and receiving for me (will I feel guilty if I didn't give, too? will I even like it? if I don't, how can I display gratefulness without authentic appreciation?), but I was glad for what it was, and probably the most important outcome was the conversation about gifts and Christmas traditions that happened between Naomi, Bill, and I afterwards. Lord, I pray You use that to spark some renewed interest in Bill to begin seeking Your will and Your wisdom on a more daily basis.
I so cherish the time we spent caroling Christmas Eve - that maybe we brought a little joy to the hearts of some ailing seniors. I so cherish the time we spent Christmas morning caring for the needs of the homeless. I pray that as we strive to put You first in our celebrations, Edward starts to really understand and personalize the true message and meaning of the seasons, and we allow our hearts to be touched and changed by the experiences.
I especially thank You that You are doing such great work in Michael right now. Perspectives, bible memory, a new vigor in our marriage and parenting efforts, personal convictions... And today, his first meeting with his mentor! I am so proud of and happy for him!!! I pray you use his obedience in mighty ways for his sanctification and Your glory.
This verse memory system is going to be a big commitment, but I want to make sure that I don't let Satan convince me it's too tough. All You require is my best, and You put the rest of the oomph in to accomplish it.
Lord, today help me remember that I was once spiritually poor, brokenhearted, downcast and downtrodden, captive, held prisoner, mourning in my sin. But now You have given me freedom! I pray I live in constant awareness of that miracle.
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations." Isaiah 61:1-4
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