Preparing for Christmas

There is no blessed way of living, than the life of faith upon a covenant-keeping God - to know that we have no care, for he cares for us; that we need have no fear, except to fear him; that we need have no troubles, because we have cast our burdens upon the Lord, and are conscious that he will sustain us.
Spurgeon, C. H.

This quote meant so much to me when I read it the other day. Although I really only write about the burden of losing a child, there are so many more that we all face. Every day if we would take the time to pray unceasingly we would enter into this world with no fear knowing that when Christ carried the cross he also carried the burdens we are dealing with. I say that this load is heavy, but God wants to take it from me if I will relinquish control over it, which leads me to realize how much I think that I want to be in control of my life. Power. I really don't want that kind of power though, even when the world makes me think that I do. Someone wrote to me yesterday sharing their life, and instantly I began to try to think of ways that I could help them. That didn't take long because I knew that their pain was so great that only God could ease it. I hate it that I instantly thought that there was anything good for me to do when really the first thing I should have done was pray.

There are many things to catch up on from the Thanksgiving holidays, but for now I just couldn't wait to share my Christmas stockings. Although unsaid, Noah and I knew that the holidays were going to be tough this year, and for this reason we entered into it full speed so that Walt could have a good first Christmas. The week of Thanksgiving Noah, Walt, and I did some fun family activities such as going to the movies, shopping, playing Scrabble, and putting up our Christmas decorations. I found a small tree at Target, which I am sure is supposed to be used on the outside of a house, but I thought it was perfect for us. Also, there I found these stocking hangers. One of them was an angel, which I knew would be perfect for Magdalena's stocking, and after looking around EVERYWHERE I found a stocking for Walt. Noah and I were forced to discuss getting Magdalena one that matched Walt's stocking. We were ok with hers being different, but when I saw this one it just fit her so well. I immediately began the think of how she is dancing right now not in hopes of being a Disney princess, but because she is a princess, daughter of God our King. And just look at that pink! For those reasons, we got her one too, but because it is hard to let go, I know that the one I found last year will always be close by in case I change my mind.