a SIMPLE merry christmas from ginny

We have had another wonderful year. My heart is full as I look at each one of our kids that God has entrusted us with. I am thankful for my life to put it plain and simple. Jesus is the reason for the season in our home and we are thankful for the many blessings He has showered on us this year.

Jack

Jack is growing into such a mature little guy. He’s a really smart, focused, and animated 7 year old. I’m not used to having older kids, but he’s certainly matured and keeps me on my toes with his questions. His tenderness and desire to learn more about God is an example to me.

Annabelle

Annabelle is a quirky one. She is a hoot! I miss her now that she’s at school every day. She’s the most fabulous 5 year old I know. She accepted Christ as her Savior this past year. We are so thankful she is not only our daughter, but also our sister in Christ. Romans 10:9 -That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Charlie

Charlie is our gentle giant baby. At least we are trying to teach him to be gentle since he is so big. He has a personality that has won him many friends. Everywhere we go people know him. He is a movie star when we walk in the gym. I think it’s funny that a 20 month old can capture so many hearts, but he truly enjoys people and lights up when he sees a happy face.

I know this can be a very tough time of year for anyone who may be missing a loved one. I don’t want to gloss over that. I lost my brother unexpectedly in 2009. We are through the year of “firsts” as far as holidays go, but as we gather our whole family together, we all feel the absence of our brother we miss dearly. I came across this poem recently. I hope it is encouraging to you if you are grieving this holiday season.

Do They Celebrate Christmas in Heaven? 
By Judith O’Conner

As I sat by my window, day dreaming, one rainy December day,
It didn’t seem possible that Christmas could be just a few days away.
I closed my eyes for a moment, or so it seemed to me;
Then I began seeing pictures in the light from my Christmas tree.

I saw myself up in heaven, standing on streets of gold.
I saw mansions all lighted up with a soft and shimmering glow.
As I stood there in awe, and all breathless, I saw Gabriel come my way.
“I’ve come to answer your question,” he said, “That’s why you are here today.”

“Yes, indeed, we celebrate Christmas; we remember the Holy Child’s birth;
Our pageant is very much the same as yours is down on the earth.
The same wise men who journeyed coming from lands afar,
Join us each year in the pageant, but they don’t need the light of the star.

The same shepherds who came to the manger will worship with us today,
The, too, come each year and gladly; nothing could keep them away. 
We have no place for the innkeeper, but let me make one thing clear,
He had no room for the Christ child, and that’s why he is not here.

The same angel choir will gather and the bells of heaven with ring.
Why even the littlest angel is always allowed to sing.
There will be joy and gladness, laughter, music, and song.
I’ll even blow my trumpet to summon the happy throng.

We’ll not worship the babe in the manger, but the Christ who sits on the throne;
We will praise, love, and adore Him. We’re so glad to have Him back home.”
I listened with awe and wonder; my heart was filled with delight.
I just had to ask him a question, “Why don’t you have it at night?”

As he looked at me his eyes twinkled, and he said, “You forget my dear;
We can’t have it then for a reason, remember? There is no night up here.”
I don’t know how long I dreamed there, but when I opened my eyes,
The rain had turned to sunshine, and a rain bow filled the sky.

I know you’ll never believe this, but I saw Gabriel standing there,
Where the rainbow dipped from the skyways, at the foot of the golden stairs.
I saw him smile as the rainbow was slowly fading away,
And he called to me, “Merry Christmas! Make it a Holy Day.”