Has 2009 gone by quickly for you?
And what in the world happened to the month of December???
Being the planning type of person that I am, December held such great possibilities of crafts, personalized gifts, bakery heaven, Christmas programs and ballets, and the list goes on...
But then...
Life happened...
Maybe not the exact events to coincide with my ridiculous careful “planning”, but life according to the Master Planner’s timeline...
Some things small and insignificant...others larger and forever implanted in our minds...
My calendar versus God’s calendar...
No fancy decorated Christmas cookies this year...
But frosting and a lot of licks love dabbed on candies to decorate some graham cracker houses...
No Christmas ballet...
But gales of laughter while teaching the “12 Days of Christmas” to a new generation...
No special craft days...
But a first birthday celebration for a sweet little furry girl...
Not one single favorite Christmas movie was watched from start to finish...
But at a church dinner theater, I saw an original Christmas play...it made me laugh, cry, and catch my breath in awe of the goodness of the Lord... and marvel at the talents He has given to so many...
Plans for special personalized “perfect” gifts, gave way to special personalized perfect time spent with especially loved special family...
Christmas Day was special this year...
A wanderer that was away last year was home...
A granddaughter celebrated her very first Christmas...
A son and daughter–in-law learned that the new life that had started was not destined to join our earthly family...
Thankfulness...celebration...grief...disappointment...and HOPE for the future...
Every member of our immediate family, except for a granddaughter in Indiana, shared love, laughter, and memories on this special day...
2009 has been a year of many changes...some awesome...some not so awesome...but we don’t have to worry about the future, because we know what is coming...
At one family gathering this season, a loved one mentioned she was very disturbed about the way things were going...that the uncertainties and changes in so many things had her worried...and more importantly, so very sad...
My spirit quickened as I listened to her and as my heart was nudged from above, I shared that...
The Lord is not surprised by any of this...the world is changing according to His plan...and we don’t have to fear the future or be saddened by the way things are going...because we know how it all ends...we know what is coming...
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Shared by
15 thoughts:
Beautiful reflections of your Christmas celebration. Isn't it funny that often the sweetest of times comes in those things not found on OUR "agenda"? Your grateful heart is evident in this post...amidst the good and the not so good. Glad you listened to the prompting of God's still small voice...sometimes that especially hard to do with our families. Blessings to you for the near year!
Karen,
What a wonderful post. I LOVED it. You are so right, the Lord is not surprised one bit at how things are going. He knows the beginning, the middle and the end of our story, so we don't have to worry. He's got it all under control.
What a comfort to think on that for 2010. Thank you friend!
Karen, what a beautiful family and such a beautiful approach to this time of the year.
You are so right, nothing surprises God.
Many blessings in the New Year...my friend.
Karen, I love the way the Lord showed you the good in His plans in your Christmas.
Hugs for your son and daughter in law and an understanding for your wanderer. Happy Birthday to your granddaughter.
We had a prodigal return home this year and spend Christmas with us. To look back over the year has also shown me God's faithfulness. Even when I cannot see the outcome; I can trust the One who knows it.
Thank you for sharing your reflections. It is a wonderful encouragement.
May the Lord bless your New Year!
Miriam
I hope you have a wonderful 2010.
Happy New Year, Karen. I pray that God bless you and your family abundantly. Love the picture of the family. The Lord gives us hope for the future, because we know that He is in control. Your posts always bless me.
Love and prayers, Carolyn
Isn't it a relief that nothing surprises God!! I find myself worrying about the state of the world and then I am reminded that He is in control and I can relax again. Thank you for this lovely post - it's really encouraging!
I know what you mean about not getting round to the things planned for Christmas (crafts, and cooking, etc) - I found myself in a similar position. It has even crossed my mind to start preparing now ready for next Christmas, but whether I will or not we'll have to see.
Bless you and have a wonderful 2010.
Carol
I enjoyed your reflections, Karen. The family picture is so pretty. And I love that verse at the end. Blessings, Cathy
Ooohh Karen...blessings and WOW such a wonderful way to capsulize and reflect upon 2009; the good, the bad & the ugly!
First, I was going to tell you that I love your new profile photo and then I saw your family photo and love that even more. You all look so filled with JOY & LOVE despite the sad moments.
I love how special the unplanned but God planned happenings were & somehow seem to have been meant. I guess your closing scripture sums that up! Happy Birthday sweet furry friend! Merry 1st Christmas precious grand daughter! Welcome Home Wanderer! And my deepest condolences but HOPE for your daughter in love & son. I wish I could enJOY the holidays or even 2009 as you recalled especially the church Christmas play "Forgiven"... yet the Divine Master holds the key
to "It's a Wonderful Life" and we can have HOPE to live it victoriously by believing in Him!
You have written beautifully the trials and triumphs of 2009 in your
life! You are a priceless light of Jesus! May your 2010 not get away from you as quickly so you can relish the treasures that do surround you! May the blessings of the LORD fill your household (and the creative graham cracker ones too)with much more goodness & His awesome Presence! God is good!
I can only marvel with you at the goodness of the LORD & pray for all the rest to disappear so we remain with faith + hope + love!
Peace,
Peggy
Sounds like a rich Christmas of remembrance. And aren't we glad that when "expectations" go down the drain, God replaces them with treasures immeasurable and unimagined.
Yes, we've all walked a year's worth of emotions, high and lows and every spot in between. Thank God for his faithful and loving care of his children throughout them all.
Blessings and peace to you as you look toward the hope and promise of a New Year.
~elaine
Karen, this is by far one of the best posts I've ever read. You have such a beautiful way of sharing what the Lord inspires in you. I hope you and Ricky have a blessed and God-filled New Year.
I love this post. 2009 has been a hard year for my family too. I've hung on to the same thoughts. It all will end okay, for His glory.
What a lovely post Karen! I am so glad that you had such a wonderful Christmas! I love the sweet truth that you posted at the end too. We do not have to fear about this world at all. We know how it all ends! And it is all good!!!!!! :) Hope you have a wonderful New year!
I enjoyed reading your post about the holidays. I am glad you closed with my favorite scripture! It's so wonderful to know that He has a plan to give me a future!
Post a Comment
I appreciate all who take the time to visit my blog and would love for you to share your thoughts.