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Dancing with Jesus

It's that time of year again...trees spin glorious hues of bronze and Carmel...leaves crunch underfoot...the air is crisp...while plump orange pumpkins adorn the porch.  If you've read this blog for any length of time you know fall is my favorite season.  I absolutely love everything about it!  And I'm so looking forward to the holidays fast approaching.  I hope you are too.

Usually, by the last week of August our home displays hints of autumn tucked away in every corner.  This year... it just didn't happen.  Life.  It got in the way.  With several birthday parties, a graduation party, New wood floors (installed by the men in my life) through a large portion of the house, a new roof, staining of the deck and repainting of the interior as well as the exterior an already busy schedule became pure chaos.

By mid September the days had slowed and school had begun.  Things were finally back to normal until our sweet dog of almost 13 years suddenly passed away.  The house just hasn't been the same without her.  We all miss her terribly but we're able to smile on many fond memories.  We're thankful for the joy, laughter and love she gave everyday.

As I reflected on the time we had with her I was reminded of hope.  We adopted her from a shelter.  Just a tiny pup not even fully weened...someone had dumped her and her two littermates on the side of a road one snowy December morn.  One look into those chocolate eyes and I was in love!  She was our constant companion from that moment on.

Hope.

We all need it.

It's what Jesus brought to the world with his birth and gave through his death and resurrection

It's the miracle of the Christmas season.

And when we feel alone, hurt or despairing we have to choose to believe in it.

October 14, 2014 I had a miscarriage.  Emotionally and physically I'm still working through it.  It's been heartbreaking.  I wonder if that will be our last baby.  Still, God keeps reminding me how much he loves me...that I need to love the children I have and remember what a gift each day is.  One of the best things someone said to me was that our little one was dancing in Heaven with Jesus. As I thought of that it gave me comfort.  He's loving and holding the baby we couldn't.  So, I name this little one Hope Isabella. One day I too will hold her.

I know many who have had such a devastating year.  You feel broken, forgotten, desperate.  Yet life goes on. We must too.  

As the holiday season approaches and you prepare for all that entails.  Remember, preparing your heart to receive the gifts God has for you is the most important preparation of all.  He loves you so very much.

So...

Slow down.

Take a deep breath.

Be thankful.

Listen.

Then you will hear His whisper of hope.

Until then...
Jessie
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