No longer Fear...but with Faith

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you. - Psalm 5:11

I think that for many years I have been motivated by fear.  My fears have come packaged in many different shapes and sizes - fear of failure; fear of what others might say or do; fear of being without money; fear of loosing a friendship; fear of death even.  And, these fears dictated many life choices and led to many sleepless nights.

I was reminded on Sunday in our pastor's sermon that the angels came to tell everyone to "NOT be afraid."  The angel's first words to the shepherds were, "Do not be afraid!  I bring you great news!"  I sat in the pew realizing that so very often I have gotten caught up in the first part of this statement, "Don't be afraid!"  I failed to hear the second part...there is GOOD news!

During this time of transition from working part-time to becoming a full-time homemaker, I am often plagued by fears.  What will others think?  How do I answer that awful question, "What will you do with all of your free time?"  How will we pay our bills and provide for our "wants" as well as our needs?  Will I be "good enough" as just a mom?  As with any life change, the fears can lead to self-doubt and sleepless nights.  But, if I choose faith verses fear, there is GOOD news!

I believe that God has called me to take this step of leaving paid-church ministry to return home.  I believe that God has plans for me in this new role.  And, I choose faith that God will provide for me and my family. 

On Sunday afternoon, our family went sledding.  Our daughters agreed that they would rather not go.  When questioned, they pointed out that they loved going down the hill but hated the long walk back up.  I couldn't agree more!  I love the rush that comes from riding down the slopes but often find myself wishing for an escalator to ride my way back to the top.  However, it was on one of these treks to the top that Isaac reminded me of an important life lesson.  He pointed out that if you look down at your feet and just take one step at a time, you'll eventually get to the top of the hill.  And, you will most likely feel like you are getting their faster than keeping your eyes upward.

So, with this time of transition, I choose to watch my feet for a while.  I will take it one step at a time and be sure that the next step won't trip me up from the goal of getting to the top of the hill.  I choose faith that God will guide my path.  And, I am looking forward to each and every ride along the way!

Riding Shotgun For Santa

Brian wrote the following poem while serving in Iraq.  It seemed appropriate to share it this Christmas as part of our Christmas greeting.  Merry CHRISTmas to all!

Riding Shotgun For Santa

I locked and loaded my machine gun

762 in the tray.

Tonight I ride shotgun

In that slick red slay.

The elves have been working

All night and all day

To load all the presents

And the toys they have made.

I've checked all the deer.

Rudolph's nose is a GO.

I shined it myself

To make sure it would glow.

I pressed his uniform.

Then spit shined his boots.

Tonight old St. Nick

Is wearing BDU's.

He shaved his head

And cut off his beard.

I know what your thinking

"this all is too weird."

But tonight our mission

Is important and hard.

Chris Cringle and I

Have a manger to guard.

Joe and Mary are coming.

On a donkey she rides.

And we must be there

To guard by their side.

First to the presents

While the kids are asleep.

We land on their roofs

Down their chimneys we creep.

We place all the gifts

Under each tree.

No time for milk and cookies.

We'll eat MREs.

We work as a team.

It's much faster this way.

We did have to stop

To give the reindeer some hay.

Then we were off.

To Bethlehem far.

The inn is all full.

We must use the barn.

Now cover me Santa.

I'm going in.

So I count to three

And kick the door in.

Inside all we found

Was some livestock and hay.

We cleared out a manger

Here him we will lay.

Then we took our posts.

Me out front, Nick out back.

To protect this place

From a terrorist attack.

Then here they came.

Joe dead on his feet.

He was carrying Mary

As he walked down the street.

Joe's arms were tired

So I took her in mine.

The Mary looked up

And said "it is time."

I laid her down

On the hay on the floor.

Then Joseph took over

And I went back to the door.

At our posts we stood

All through the night.

Vigilant we were.

Ready to fight.

Then came the angles.

Reinforcements at last.

They came singing cadence

With loud trumpet blasts.

The Mary said "Come,

Take a knee by the manager.

All is secure.

We're no longer in danger."

As I knelt on the floor

With Nick at my left,

My heart began

To pound in my chest.

And, that's when I knew

The babe was my savior.

He would stop all the war.

He would save us from danger.

With Old Glory on right shoulder

The Red Bull on the other,

I took off my shirt

And gave it to his mother.

She swaddled him gently.

She wrapped him up tight

To keep out the cold

From the blistering night.

Nick and I took our places

At the door once again.

This time to greet guests

That soon would come in.

Come shepherds and wisemen

And everyone else.

Send word to your wife, Nick.

She should bring the elves.

Everyone should see

This glorious day

When our savior came

To earth here to stay.

Today God sent his son

For men of all kinds.

He'll die for our sins.

He'll pay all our fines.