These were some of the thoughts I wrote down. In time I may write a longer post.
12/07/24 Sunday. I started writing something more real and raw but as we had just found out decided to wait as I didn’t want to run out ahead of the family during their grief.
"In the blink of an eye, everything can change. So forgive often and love with all your heart. You may never have that chance again." –Unknown
This time of year is busy and can be very stressful as you rush from one thing to another and try to get all of the things done. Don’t let the hustle and bustle distract you from what is truly important. All those little things don’t matter. Cherish your loved ones and praise the God who is the center of it all.
Praying for those who are grieving this time of year as well. For many, the holidays are not a time of joy but are filled with loneliness and reminders of loss.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." —Psalm 34:18
God bless you all this Christmas season.
12/09/24 Monday, a beautiful sunny day. But feeling the darkness of this world. I went out to hear from God. And He answered.
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
I needed to get out today. So I went and hiked the Manastash. I listened to worship music and wept. The entire time. It was a beautiful day. Sunny and cool. But a dark black, foggy cloud rolled in around Mt. Stuart. What a parallel to life. Light and the shadows. Holiness and sin. On the mountain top and the storm comes. Joy in one moment and sorrow the next. I got to the top and then started jogging down when I realized I hadn’t signed the log (normally that doesn’t matter but today I needed to).
Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
I turned around and added almost a mile to my trip and went back up. I ran most of the way down as I had to make it down in under 30 minutes to beat the bus home. I did it. Ice cleats are amazing. It’s been a long week and it’s only Monday (Levi is gone the next few days to be with family). I was getting ready to rest tonight (I haven’t slept much in days), when one of my kids started vomitting. I was hoping she would be lucky and avoid it, but no such luck. It went through the household Friday/Saturday. Short lived but terrible while you’re in it. I don’t feel defeated. I am sad yes, but I’m going to be just fine. God has continued to answer me and strengthen me because on my own I have no power.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10
12/10/24 Tuesday. A gloomy and foggy day.
One day it is sunny, bright, and beautiful. You are ready to seize the day. The whole world is before you. And the next it is dark, thorny, and cold. The darkness seems to stretch on forever. You don’t know how long it will last. But in Him there is light. The darkness cannot win.
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
II Corinthians 4:6
“Satan’s work of blinding is great. But God’s work of bringing light is greater.” -David Guzic
Work to see the light even on your darkest days.
We love you Smith!
