Celebrating His constant care this Christmas

"Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you have risen and you are now the standing shepherd- relentlessly caring, vigilantly protecting, and faithfully providing for us..."
I took in a few things to make an ornament with the boys' class at their hybrid school. Clear ornaments, school name with paint pen, kids' signatures in black sharpie, and shredded book pages inside. It's an easy keepsake!

"You never sleep or slumber, ebb or flow in your affection for us. You are constantly caring for us. We praise and honor you, O compassionate and engaged Shepherd..."

I was in charge of the boys' class party. We had a minute-to-win-it themed party. How many marshmallows can you toss, cups can you stack, cookies can you get from head to mouth (no hands), and metal nuts can you stack off of a candy cane in a minute? Good fun. This class has been a HUGE answer to prayer for us in developing friendships this school year.

For you glory and your good, you guide us along paths of righteousness, goodness, truth, and grace. And even as that journey involves traversing places marked by decay and death, you are with us, and that's all we really need to know...Celebrating Papa's birthday with Andy's family. He's a good Papa and we all love him very much!

Even in the new heaven and the new earth, you will be our shepherd, leading us to springs of living water. (Revelation 7:17) Your greatness, Jesus, will reach to the ends of the earth, and we will live securely, for you are our peace, now and forever. Hallelujah!..."

Fun and games at my Mom's house with her grandchildren and her brother's grandchildren. She is looking so lovely (pictured in her red hat with Lydie). She is determined to continue on with her regular traditions, despite being in the middle of chemotherapy. I am so proud of her great attitude! God has had His hand on her this season and His Spirit is shining through!

Excerpts from a beautiful prayer written by Scotty Smith

(a pastor at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN)