A Season Like No Other

"And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

 It's been a different kind of week for me. Coming home to a world that is going 5000 miles an hour and I am not having to study or prepare for anything, it's been interesting. It's been an exhausting few days for many people around here to say the least, but in the midst of what might seem like a time of tragedy, which it has been no doubt for our church family, there has been something different I've seen in so many people the last few days. 

 










   

  

Kelly Bortel's funeral was Saturday. This was a hard day for many. As I sat in the back watching people from all roads of life, I noticed something this day in Kim that really spoke to me. While she is in the midst of some of the hardest days of her life, as she just lost her son, she has a peace about her that only God can bring. I've watched her be calm in the midst of a storm and I can truly say the Lord was present at the ceremony and I felt challenged by the words given to us. 

This week also held a few fun celebrations and the beginning of what seems to be a gazillion Christmas dinners. I think Mom said we have a dinner planned every night this week...I think I just gained 15 lbs thinking about all of it. I got to spend time with the ladies of the church at their progressive dinner and towards the end during a time of sharing and prayer, again I just sensed such a peace. 

It's been nice to be home, even though it's been busy. I have felt such a calm in my spirit that is so refreshing. I told my Mom today, I often feel really sad during this time of year and I am sure most of it reminds me of my grandmother dying, as it was only 2 days after Christmas. This season means so many different things for so many people. Things that make us really happy, gatherings with loved ones, and yet moments where it can be extremely difficult all depending on what this season of life means for you. I am thankful for so many things this year and I feel cheesy being so nostalgic but like I said in my previous post I truly do have so many things to be thankful for. I told someone a bit of my story tonight and I marvel at God's faithfulness and His healing as I am continually experiencing His peace and I am not in enslaved by anxiety. 

I'm praying that as this next week is here and will shortly be gone, that I will not miss anything the Lord might want to show me. I don't want it to just be about gifts, being too tired from running around constantly, and I pray that the Lord will keep my mind in the right perspective this week. I truly have been given so much and I have felt so blessed to be home around the people I love and to just embrace this time. 

I pray that you all have a great week and in the midst of chaos, as it is only 7 days till Christmas, that you in the business of it all will find peace within your heart, and may we all truly live out what this season is all about.

 "For unto us a Child is born...He is Christ the Lord."