The Lord Continues to Bless

Last night, we attended Andrea's viewing to pay our respects to the family. The family seems to be surprisingly well. They are just so glad to know that Andrea is now with the Lord and no longer suffering. It was difficult for me, as I waited in line to pay my respects, not to dissolve into tears, but I made it through and waited until I was at home to weep. It just gripped my mother's heart to see all of the photos of Andrea with her children, ages nine and seven. And, when I reached the casket, to see Andrea so tiny and frail and weak, as the cancer left her, I know that she is in a better place and I rejoice that her pain is gone, but to see the cards and pictures that the children created "for mommy" that lay in the casket with her was another tear-jerking moment. It greatly saddens me to imagine them growing up the rest of the way without their mother being there and loving them and comforting them and tending to them when they don't feel well and all of the things a mother does. It just breaks my heart, but they have a good father and extended family that I know will take good care of them, but my mother's heart just aches because I know how much those children meant to Andrea, but I know that God will also be watching over these little ones. I know they are in good hands.

God is good. He is my help and my strength. After unloading my heart here on Tuesday, I turned to God's word, where my comfort comes from. I am so glad to be a Christian and to know that God is in control so I don't have to be. All I have to do is rest in Him.

I am greatly looking forward to this Christmas and celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior. It is my absolute favorite holiday, and I will begin baking some cookies tomorrow, and I have been looking at recipes to plan our Christmas Eve day, as we will be spending the day together as a family and celebrating our Christmas on Christmas Eve day so that Friday evening we can celebrate with my parents and Sunday, Christmas Day, after celebrating with our dear church family with a special service, we will be celebrating with my husband's side of the family. I enjoy it all, but after experiencing our first full-day Christmas celebration on our own last year on Christmas day, I must say that is the part I cherish and look forward to the most. I love building loving bonds, holiday memories and family traditions with our children. We are truly blessed.