When Can You Visit?

Some of us on Christmas night.

This Christmas was wonderful because we got to spend some time with five out of our six kids.  Christmas Eve, we actually were all together but the oldest.  He couldn't get off work to join us.  We were never able to coordinate things to where we would all be together at the same time again after Christmas Eve.  But the rest of this week, we've seen one or two or three of them, here and there, for different events.



Our jammies picture

 Something began to tug at my heart as one or the other of them would call with their reasons for why they couldn't make a particular event.  "Mom, I have to work."  "Mom, I can't afford the airfare."  Mom, I told my friends I'd go to the movies with them."  "Mom, we're tired so we're just going to stay home."  As I listened to everyone of these legitimate reasons for not showing up, I thought about all the reasons I give God for not spending time with Him. 



Two of our daughters

 "Lord, I have to get to work."  "Lord, I've had a long day at work and I'm tired."  Lord, I told my friends I'd go to Girls Night Out."  "Lord, I have to go to my son's swim meet."  Now I realize that I can talk with Him in the car or as I drift off to sleep at night or while I'm grocery shopping.  But my best times are when I make time for Him, just like I would make time for my husband, or my kids, or my friends.  Those are the times when I hear Him speak to my heart, or get guidance from Him or receive comfort when I'm hurting. 

Middle daughter with my hubby

So, as I got those calls from my kids this Christmas, I wondered how He feels when He gets those calls from me, with another well meaning excuse...always intending to get back with Him later.  But who knows what blessing I missed out on by not going right then!  I wonder if He smiles sadly but fondly when I give Him my reasons for not having time for Him.  When my kids show up unexpectedly, at the door, my heart rejoices at the sight of their faces and the sound of their voices.  Does God rejoice over me that way when I show up in His throne room?  Does He miss me like I miss my kids when they don't come?



My sweet grandbaby

 He is such a wonderful Father and He is patient and kind enough to wait for me to show up.  But when I think about the sweet times I've missed with Him, it makes me sad.  Beloved, if you make time for Him, just like you make time for your loved ones, I promise, you will come away refreshed, renewed and blessed by your encounter with Him.  He understands our busy lives, just like we do with our kids.  But He is always ready to spend time with us and He will never turn us away or be too preoccupied. 

The next time you get a call from one of your loved ones, or there's a knock on the door and you have unexpected visitors, rejoice the way your Heavenly Father rejoices over you when you show up!

Here are some photos of family time this Christmas. I hope you enjoy them.

Our youngest ice skating

Whipping me around the ice rink!



Tulsa's Winterfest




Opening stockings Christmas morning.




Toasting our son & his girlfriend on their engagement!




Some of the girls



Girls definitely have the guys outnumbered!



My beautiful daughter!

I am linking up with Joan over at Reflections of His Grace.  Hop on over there and see what other bloggers are sharing about God's love and grace!


Wishing you the most joyous New Year from His lap!



So This is Christmas

If you could get any present you wanted for Christmas, what would it be?  A friend asked me this question a couple of days ago.  At first, I thought about some pretty amazing material things that I would love to receive.  Then, I thought of those intangibles...you know...peace on earth and those kinds of things.  But quick as a flash, all of those pictures disappeared and I had one image in my mind.  I knew what I would ask for if I could have anything I wanted.

Without a shadow of a doubt, no ifs, ands or buts, it would be one more day to spend with my mother.  You see, she was the one who taught me everything...everything that mattered, that is.  She had more wisdom and faith than anyone I know.  I learned what love is by how much she loved me.  We had our clashes and disagreements just like any other mother and daughter, but she was my rock.

Mom made the holidays an exciting adventure from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.  The last time I saw my mom was Thanksgiving of 2004.  So you see, the holidays are bittersweet for me.  Don't get me wrong, I don't get melancholy and depressed.  It's just the opposite.  The very atmosphere of the holidays makes me feel like my mom is right here with me and that brings me much joy!

And so this is Christmas.  I decorate, play mom's Christmas albums and celebrate as if she were here, watching me do it all.  I thought I would share some of the Christmas sights in our home that make me feel so warm and wonderful.  I hope you enjoy.

I pray you have a very Merry Christmas, surrounded by loved ones and making happy memories.  But if circumstances have you spending the holidays alone, I pray that you feel the presence of God around you, and that you realize that the birth of God's son was a precious gift for you and you never have to be alone.

I wish you joy and fulfillment in the coming year!

Blessings From His Lap,