Since everyone is getting into Christmas...

Do you ever want to tell a story, but know you could never do it justice?

I have one of those stories on the tip on my tongue, but I know whatever I try to say, it could never do this story the justice it deserves. And yet, it reminds me so much of what Christmas really means, I have to try.

I have a dear friend from college who comes from an absolutely precious family. I have only met her family in passing, but I feel like I know them all personally after all the prayer requests and stories this friend has shared over the years.

Awhile back, the family began praying about adopting two precious children, Molly and Mason. Its been a very long process, and these are some of the most prayed over children in the existence of the world.

Just days before the parents were to fly to China to pick up the two newest members of the family, the father was in a car accident and went home to be with Jesus. He was not only a loving husband, father, father in law, son, brother and friend, he was a deeply respected pastor who touched lives across the globe. It was truly a loss felt by many.

Now, just weeks later, the family is getting ready for a very special Christmas. On Christmas, my dear friend's mother and little brother will be flying to China to pick up Molly and Mason. This family, who has been through so much, is going to open up their home and their hearts to these two precious children and give them a life that they could have never dreamed of. I doubt anyone would have said anything negative had the family decided this was not the time to go through with the adoption. But they knew God had opened the doors with a reason, and they are going forth with the belief that God will give them the strength and resources to do what He has led them to do.

To me, that is the most beautiful example of what Christmas is all about. To smile through the tears and the pain, and reach out to show the love of Christ to these children for the rest of their lives.

I pray that this Christmas season, as you sit down to celebrate with your friends and family, and you reach for the gifts under the tree, that you remember this dear family. Remember Molly and Mason. And remember that the greatest gift we can give each other is to show each other the love of Christ.

Miss you Kate...

"There You'll Be"

When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I'll be glad 'cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I'll look and see your face
You were right there for me

[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be

Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me

[Repeat chorus]

'Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always

[Chorus:]
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
There you'll be

I miss you Kate. Not a day goes by I don't still think about you...

its been a long week.

"May the best you've ever seen be the worst you'll ever see.
May the mouse never leave your girnal with a tear drop in its eye.
May you always stay whole and hearty until you are old enough to die.
May you always be as happy as I wish you all to be."

As I watch the story unfold from the shooting at Ft. Hood this week, my heart is incredibly heavy. When casualties come back from a war, its much easier to handle than to know those very soldier were not safe on our turf. And yet... maybe, just maybe... maybe this war will become more real to people. Its not just a war fought on soil far away. It is a war that is being fought at home as well. By the families left behind with every deployment... by the soldiers who come home changed. By people who are torn between defending their country and going off to war. I am in no way defending the shooter- he deserves to sit in a damp, dark cell and think about that day for the rest of his life.