untold stories....and Peace

For days now, I have been wanting to write.  There are so many stories of our life that I want to share, want to get in before the year is through.  

 

The beautiful birth of my nephew, Jonah.  

The fun box car parade for Jarrett's 5th birthday.  

Fall at Bill's Berry Farm, getting pumpkins, making hand pressed apple cider, and taking a ride on the farm animal train.

My brother's wedding on the beach

Taking Jarrett to Disneyland - a dream come true

Sewing handmade stockings

Having fun with Lucy, our Elf on the Shelf 

And yet, every time I sit at the computer, or stop to think about what I am going to say, the tears from my heart crest to the surface.  And I walk away.  I can't write.  I'm giving a moment of blogger silence not out of respect, (although I sincerely do), but out of I can't put into words anything worthy of all that has happened.  All I can think of is the countless stories that the children and families of Sandy Hook will never get the opportunity to tell.

There is no way to put into words the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook.  While I didn't personally know any of the children, teachers or their families, I do feel like I know each and every one.  I see the little five year olds in the eyes of my own five year old.  And my heart aches for them.  And their moms.  And their dads, siblings, grandparents, friends.  The ones that were lost as well as the ones that were spared - who will for the rest of their precious life be affected by this act of evil, save the grace of God.

On Friday, I was at work, listening to the news as I was working.  Tears in my eyes, working away - my job had to go on as if nothing was happening.  But something was.  And it was terrible.  I can't pretend otherwise.

All I could do is get home to my son as soon as I could and hold him tighter.  Pray harder.  Love better.

In the history of humanity, there have been so many tragedies.  Lives cut short.  Pain that we inflicted upon ourselves.  Why?  Why do we do this?  

Driving on the way home from my Connect Group (bible study) tonight, I heard God speak to me plain as day.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

While this little verse in Psalms 46 is SMALL in words, it's LARGE in power.

My stress and worry about sending my son to school, my heartache for the families who lost loved ones, while I still don't understand the "why", I know that I can focus on "Who".

"Be still...." - quit fretting, worrying, questioning, doubting, etc.  Be quiet - so I can hear HIM.

"....know that I am God" - be confident that regardless of what happens here on earth, God is still on the throne and nothing will every change that.  Politics won't change that, people won't change that, tragedy won't change that, even Satan can't change that.  

I have been stressing, worrying, saddened, heartbroken at times.  But God was letting me know to stop and be still from all of that, He is still in control.  And with that comes peace.

I needed that.

After all, this Christmas season, which I love more than any time of year is about His perfect peace, manifested in God's Son, sent to each one of us as a gift.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.  And the government shall be upon His shoulders.  And His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."    - Isaiah 9:6

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

Our little Christmas Miracle

There is a new phenomenon that happens at our home every morning.  It started after we decorated for Christmas.  

To see it, you have to be there at the exact right moment.  It only lasts for a few minutes and if you miss it, you have to try again the next morning in order to see it.

Its our Christmas miracle.  I'm going to share it with you.

See our lights - they are beautiful and dance all around our kitchen.

The early morning sun hits our table ornaments and the result is miraculous.

This morning, I happened to catch it just in time.

And just as I was enjoying these few moments of beauty, I was thinking about how if it wasn't for Christmas, we would never have seen this.

Just like Jesus.

If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have Christmas
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have freedom
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have life
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have real joy
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have healing
If it wasn't for Jesus..........

....the list can go on forever.

But instead, we do have Jesus.
And my list does now continue forever.

He truely is the very essence of Christmas.
Beyond all of the fun Christmas things we do to celebrate...the stockings, our Elf on the Shelf, Santa, gifts, etc.

He is everything.
His mercies are new every morning.
My Joy comes in the morning.
He is my Bright Morning Star.

And this Christmas miracle reminded me of just that.  Every morning my Christmas Miracle is in my home and my heart.

My prayer is that you know Him too.

"I, Jesus... I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star"  -Rev 22:16

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were sore afraid.

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not. For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David :a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.'

Merry Christmas.  

with Love,

Mommy Tam-Tam