Monday, December 22, 2008

Monday Morning and Three Days Until Christmas

In my life for as long as I can remember, Winter has always been the season that I wind down, go into my cozy cave and hibernate. It starts when we turn the clocks back, Ugh, and it gets dark so early and goes into full swing the middle of December. I have always been this way. Then Christmas is upon us and I have to really pull myself up and get things done. We are so fortunate to have all of the family live within 20 minutes of our home. We see eachother at least two to three times a week. So when the holidays come, the urgency isn't measured in travel time, safe travel, or distance. It is just that I am not motivated until the last minute. I did get my baking done over the weekend and shopped for Christmas dinner. My house is not spit shined and I don't think it will be by Thursday ~sigh~ I will shop for the grandkiddos tomorrow because I have them today and Wednesday, yay!! So for us, it is a time of getting us all together and just enjoying eachother.

My mind and heart have been wandering to some very special people in my life who I have prayed for and gotten to know over this past year and a half here. Praying for their Christmas to be blessed as they miss someone they have loved and lost, and are trying to get through this season. First are the mothers and families of these special babies in heaven this year: Caden, Copeland, Poppy Joy, Madeline, Mary Grace, Maddox, Isaac and Asher, Miller Grace, Tristan, Eva Janette, Jacob Ryan, Christian Dale, Brenham, Nathan Taylor, Maxson, Larson, Audrey Caroline, Luke, Joshua Sams, Elijah, Elilot, Johathan Edwards, and Hannah the dancing queen Monkey. So many changed lives, so much heartache and yet joy, my heart goes out to each one of you.

Friends who have lost their husbands: Stephanie's Jason, Nita's John, Laura's Leonard, Betsy's Jim, Donna's Lou. Praying you all through this holiday season.

Families of my special and tough little warriors, Annabel, Mallorie, Alex, Cohen, Magdalina and especially little Zoe Batiansila, a miracle little girl who just went through major heart surgery and beat all odds once again, and is now home with her family for Christmas. They have been through so much and God has been so amazingly good and loving and redeeming and restoring.
And I know He has not forgotten my dear Kelli who desperately is waiting for a kidney transplant and I believe will get one soon.

I have watched God do so many amazing things in all of these lives this past year and a half and I know He has so much more in store for all of you. His biggest and greatest gift is His Son, Jesus and I am forever grateful for this gift. I really have all that I need and more this season and I am content. I am blessed to have so many special people in my life here and of course, here at home with family. And to my new friends that have not been mentioned above, I am blessed to have you along for the journey too.

So, with that said, and in case I am not back here before Christmas (because maybe motivation will kick in) have a most wonderful Christmas with those you love and may God Bless you abundantly this Season.

Much Grace, Hope and Love to you!!

Love and Hugs, Laurie

11 comments:

boltefamily said...

It means so much that it brings tears to my eyes that you have remembered and been touched by my boys! You are such a blessing Laurie!

Michelle said...

Laurie, I have seen your comments on blogs I visit and have been touched by the love you show them through words. It was nice to link here and see your writing. Merry Christmas! Michelle

Cathy said...

Laurie, What a beautiful tribute to these families and their loved ones. You are so thoughtful and I want you to know that your prayers are so appreciated. Sometimes I think of you with a straight direct line to Heaven. Blessings to your family and to you. Hoping for you to have a beautiful Merry Christmas.

Just Me said...

So, I'm not the only one hibernating...or procrastinating...or thinking about those with little ones in heaven...or those miracles who are fighting against the odds...or those waiting for transplant...or feel so very blessed by the people God has brought into my life...did you want to come write my blog?! Only kidding, of course, but you did touch on lots of what has been on my mind as well. Merry Christmas to you and your family. You have definitely been a blessing to me this past year with all your kind words :o) Looking forward to more of THAT in 2009...kidding, kidding...

Merry Christmas!
=)Amanda

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Dear Laurie,

I would like to wish you and your family a very happy Christmas, and all the best in 2009.

What blessings you are bringing to my life, I am so happy to have found you and getting this chance to know you.

I am thrilled to be your blogging friend.

Love, Pam

Cathy said...

I just read your comment and went to Alexs' site. How precious! You are so thoughtful. I love you and wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever for all the blessing you have sent to so many this year.

Kate @ When Hello Means Goodbye said...

Merry, Merry Christmas to you!
thank you for being such a faithful blog reader!

Kenzie said...

Laurie-

Thank you SO MUCH for your precious prayers for us, for your faithfulness and love for my Maddox and all the other precious little ones. I wanted to wish you a beautiful Christmas too... what a perfect gift the Lord sent our way... a tiny baby to save this shattered world. Amazing! I love you and pray you have such a blessed time with your family.

Love you,
Kenzie

Kristy said...

Merry Christmas sweet friend of mine (who reeeeally needs to come to Oregon to visit!!)
Have a blessed, Christ centered, day!!!
Love to you.
Blessings ~

Cathy said...

Just thinking of special things and people and you came to mind. Thank you Laurie for your continued prayers for Annabel. Faithful is a word I think of when I think of you.

connie said...

I'm just catching up on more of your posts - you are really making up for lost time, huh? I love everything I know about you, and am looking forward to the chance to learn more. I remember first realizing as I'd read blogs, that Laurie in ca. was leaving the most heartfelt comments, and wondered who you were, and could see from your faithfulness in commenting that you kept a constant stream of prayers for those you'd come to care about.

I had no idea, way back then, that I'd be blessed enough to have you become part of Mallorie's and my lives, too. You have blessed me in ways that no one else has. I always know I can count on you to keep the prayers going when everything else feels uncertain.

I will echo the earlier comment ... you really need to live closer to Texas!!
love, connie
(Sorry I haven't kept up really well in responding to your emails. What a crazy month!)