Happy Holidays???

For most of us, Christmas is a joyful time. It means family and food and all kinds of good memories. It's Stressful- but joyful, just the same. But there are some of us whose hearts are feeling anything but joy right now. Some of you are spending your first Christmas without a loved one who passed away this year. Others are struggling with broken families, broken relationships, and broken hearts. Some of you are waiting to complete your adoptions and FINALLY bring your child home. The waiting seems endless and it is agonizing. Especially if this is your first child. It's hard to celebrate when something or someone so important is missing. And then there are a few who have suffered great financial hardships. The stress of the holidays coupled with the stress of money problems is almost too much. Some of you have created your own problems and are suffering the consequences (been there, done that!); while others have been thrown into the middle of something they never imagined having to go through. None of us will get through life without pain, but something about Christmas sure makes it harder to bear, don't you think? I want you to know you're being thought of and prayed for today. You are being lifted up to The One who can bring you peace in the midst of your sorrow. I'm sorry for the hurt you're feeling this Christmas and my sincere hope is that the coming year will bring you blessings. Hang in there.

Love and Blessings to you!

Michelle, Darrell, Alex, Michael, Evan, Tucker, Olivia, Brianna... and Sam (who will hopefully be here next Christmas)