Hebrews 12:1-3

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas. 
As Christmas came this year I really didn't feel very merry about it. I felt that so much had been taken away from me. I was looking at all the things I couldn't do, the traditions that I've done with my girls seemed like they had been stripped away. It's been incredibly hard to sit and watch, yet I'm thankful to be alive and be still apart of there lives. 
Mike has stepped in and is becoming Mr. Mom, things I thought I would never see him do, he is doing with ease. This Christmas morning seems to be harder than I thought it would be, the feeling of sitting on the sidelines. My girls have been amazing through this all. Watching them take on some of those traditions has been a blessing to see them grow and mature. Instead of looking at what I can't do, I'm trying to think less about the traditions and more about what really matters. What has brought me through and will continue to bring me through this journey I'm on. What really matters is Christ. It's Him who I need to cling to. His promise that He would never leave me nor forsake me. It is Christ that gives me what I need for the day. God has a plan for everyone of us but we must be prepared to wait, wait on His timing. When Jesus came to this earth it was a normal day nothing special other than the special plan that He had. The plan to come and give all of us the opportunity of a life time. Jesus came as a baby, lived on this earth and died for us all. So that we would have the opportunity to accept Him as our Lord and King. He paid the ultimate cost. The punishment and pain He endured for me so that I would have the opportunity to know Him and to have a personal relationship with Him and one day to be able to stand and see Him face to face. I pray that all of you have taken advantage of this opportunity that God has given to each of us and have accepted Him in to your lives. I pray that this Christmas will be like no other and that you will be able to get closer to your King of Kings and Lord and Lords. It's only because of my relationship with God that I am able. 
Sometimes we easily forget during these busy days that we have a Savior that cares so much about us the love that He has, grace, mercy, dependable, strength ... Jesus, who was a baby once and is always a forever God. That is what holds us keeps us whether or not we can carry out our traditions. May our decorations, gifts and festivities or lack of them never block our views of him but always point us toward Him. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Hugs Sandra



12 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas Sandra, Mike, Julia and Emily! We love you guys!
    The Dykstra crew :)

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  2. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for your example. The Lord is using you. Mark Martin

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  3. Christmas is a celebration and we are blessed to know its true meaning! That hope that fills your heart also fills ours. We pray for your complete healing in faith knowing that the same loving God who sent His son for us, will continue to provide all that you need according to His riches in glory in Christ.
    Jesus IS the gift!
    You are precious and dearly loved,

    WM

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  4. Hi Sandra,

    I have thought about you so many times this Christmas Season. Just thinking of how different December would be for you & the family. Praying God would fill you with His peace & Presence & give sustaining grace. Looks like He did !

    I am so blessed reading how God is working in all of your dear hearts as a family. He is changing you, Mike , Julia & Emily more & more into His image to His glory as you continue on this journey. And this is very precious to us & to the LORD Jesus.

    And you all are a wonderful living message to neighbors, acquaintances & friends ...all you encounter who yet do not know Him your Living HOPE.

    You are an encouragement to all of your family at the MET & beyond...

    I love the promise we read in Ps.32 :10b
    Unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.

    May so many blessings be poured out upon you in 2013 that you will be unable to count them all! Continuing to pray for miracles,

    love, Dixie

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  5. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks,
    for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

    We continue to pray for your complete recovery, but in the meantime praise the Lord not only for his blessings but because He is the Lord of the impossibles. Praise brings joy to the heart and brings us directly into God's throne. cbonhomme

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  6. You've been on my heart often lately. Thanks so much for sharing your heart as it ebbs and flows through this tempest. Isn't Christmas a great time to focus on the HOPE that brings the calm to each of our hearts? Have a wonderful time enjoying your family and friends over these holidays and our prayers will continue that God will provide unimaginable answers in 2013! Greta & Tom

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  7. We praise God for these words which should challenge each of us to examine our priorities. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness....has been our motto when we got married. You live it out under the most trying circumstances. Thank you Sandra and Mike, for your courage, determination and dependence on the ever present mercy and grace of God. We continue to prayerfully walk with you through the coming year, Irene and Charles

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  8. I want you to know we prayed for you, knowing it would be a bittersweet sort of Christmas. You would not be human if you didn't feel these losses, yet you always look for the silver in the dross. May your heart stay soft and continue to allow God to be your strength and song! Lovingly,
    Zeta

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  9. Hi folks. There isn’t a day goes by that you’re not in our thoughts and prayers. We are faithful followers of you blog and your progress.
    All the best for a fulfilling and successful new year.
    Love Don and Karen

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  10. A few days late...but a blessed Christmas to you and your family!
    Christmas is a beautiful reminder that Hope, Peace, Joy and Love truly come from HIM!
    We continue to pray for all of you. Sending our Love: Carolyn, Floyd, Clay & Gavin

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  11. Echoing all that's been said Sandra, and praying for you every day. You have been so brave and you are truly one amazing woman.
    From the beginning you said that you've always known that God has a plan for your life (as he does for us all)- please keep holding on to that and to all that he promises. He will NEVER leave you 'nor forsake you, and even in the dark times his light is all you need to cope with another day.
    This is the first day of a new year, and together with all who love and pray for you, I send you my promise. I will journey with you in my heart and prayers, and I will offer you up into Gods heart every day. Keep going precious friend - you are not alone......love to you always and to Mike, Emily and Julia.

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  12. Dear Sandra and Mike,
    Thank you for staying the course and for inspiring so many!
    We continue to pray for you and believe that God will not only continue to carry you but will also bless you with more than you have dared to ask for.
    Praying that 2013 will be your best year ever!
    Love from the Ogunremi family.

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