Revisiting Christmas Traditions

(Pictures from Last Year's Christmas in Korea)

Finally!  I am home!  Really home for Christmas!  I couldn't be happier!  I may drive my family nuts, but here's the thing, I don't care!  I am home!  It's time to celebrate!

I am going to celebrate Christmas like I never have before!  This year I am going to play more Christmas carols than ever, and LOUDER than ever.  I'm going to dance with my husband, even if I have to hold his hands and dance alone!  I'm going to pick up my kids "big and little" and tell them they are loved!  The camcorder is going to run more than it ever has.  My kids are going to be surrounded with stories about Jesus, joy, happiness, cookie baking, smiles, and an extra dose of patience.  Nothing about this Christmas is going to get me down!  This year I'm celebrating "God"!  That's right, it's all about Him!!!  Our prayers are going to be longer, Bible stories read more often, and more family moments sitting around our tree.  The tree that is a living portrayal of God's intense love for His children.  Were going all out!  This Christmas if you cross my path, expect to observe a crazy woman.  A woman crazy for her Heavenly Father, dry-witted husband, hilarious children, each and every family member, funny friends, God-Fearing church, and this country of freedom!
I have learned the key to thankfulness.  Remembering where I was, and how God miraculously brought us home!  Remembering each night how my husband and I prayed.  We prayed for a job stateside (we didn't specify where, and God brought us home), prayed for our children's schooling, and prayed for our beautiful and perfect baby girl.  A year ago, I was in a foreign country.  Wondering when God would bring us home, feeling lonely, and grieving previous family traditions.  Almost a year ago we found out we were expecting our fourth baby.  This year she is a healthy 4 month old baby girl.  As happy, chubby, and joyous as she can be!  Life is full of unknowns, but I am certain of God's love!  I know He loves us, and will never leave us!  The key to thankfulness is continually remembering God's goodness, his answers to our prayers, recalling His everyday miracles, and never taking for granted the blessings surrounding us.  The blessings of family, traditions, and His provisions.
The key to joy this Christmas is remembering our blessings.  Let's stop focusing on the negative and look at God's goodness all around!  Let's make this the Merriest Christmas of All!