Last year around Christmas we talked about how much fun it would this year with two little boys. So of course this year, it looks a lot differently then what we had expected. I have gotten sad every time I have gone Christmas shopping, wrapped presents, when I received our Christmas cards (wishing Will was in the picture with us), and talking about all the plans we have over the Christmas holiday.
I am thankful through this experience that the Lord has continued to lay people on my heart that are also hurting this year due to divorce, losing a parent, child, or spouse, ect. I have spent a lot of this Christmas season praying for people and just having an overall awareness that even though this is a happy season for many, this is also a very sad season for many. I don't say this to pat myself on the back, I say this because I am glad the Lord has opened my eyes and given me more compassion toward others. I unfortunately have still gotten caught up in the busyness, selfishness, and anxiety that tends to take over people's hearts during the season. I do feel like more than ever the Lord is convicting me of this in my own heart and teaching me through my sin.
I challenge each of you to think of someone that may be having a rough time this Christmas season and commit to praying for them and possibly reaching out to them. We have been blessed by the people that have done that for us these past few weeks.
We have been thinking for a while what tradition we could start this year in memory of Will. We bought a stocking for Will that is very similar to Canon's and we will be filling each year with gifts for a family in need. We know of a family that is in need and they have three boys. Jess and I went out the other day and bought gifts for the family. We hope to share Will's story with each family we buy for in Will's honor each year. We also want to tell each family about the hope of Christ and what His birth means! This year we will wait to fill up the stocking until Christmas day as we want teach Canon about giving to others. We of course will also visit and decorate his grave each year! I am really excited about these traditions.
This past Sunday we were able to share Will's story at our church. The church did a video of me sharing our story and this video was shown during the service. Until Sunday we had not publicly shared with the church. I feel the Lord really giving me a peace and a push to share about Will, how the Lord is enough, and how much the Lord has grown me and continuing to grow me. Making the video was harder than I thought it was going to be. That evening I was teary eyed all night because I feel like I didn't say everything I wanted to. I feel like Jess and I are Will's only voice and I wanted to give him the recognition that I feel he deserves. I ended up being pleased with the video. I have gotten quite a few positive responses and I pray that the Lord will use me for His glory the way He feels fit.
Will will be missed this Christmas and every Christmas to follow.
We are thankful we have the hope of Christ!
I am thankful through this experience that the Lord has continued to lay people on my heart that are also hurting this year due to divorce, losing a parent, child, or spouse, ect. I have spent a lot of this Christmas season praying for people and just having an overall awareness that even though this is a happy season for many, this is also a very sad season for many. I don't say this to pat myself on the back, I say this because I am glad the Lord has opened my eyes and given me more compassion toward others. I unfortunately have still gotten caught up in the busyness, selfishness, and anxiety that tends to take over people's hearts during the season. I do feel like more than ever the Lord is convicting me of this in my own heart and teaching me through my sin.
I challenge each of you to think of someone that may be having a rough time this Christmas season and commit to praying for them and possibly reaching out to them. We have been blessed by the people that have done that for us these past few weeks.
We have been thinking for a while what tradition we could start this year in memory of Will. We bought a stocking for Will that is very similar to Canon's and we will be filling each year with gifts for a family in need. We know of a family that is in need and they have three boys. Jess and I went out the other day and bought gifts for the family. We hope to share Will's story with each family we buy for in Will's honor each year. We also want to tell each family about the hope of Christ and what His birth means! This year we will wait to fill up the stocking until Christmas day as we want teach Canon about giving to others. We of course will also visit and decorate his grave each year! I am really excited about these traditions.
This past Sunday we were able to share Will's story at our church. The church did a video of me sharing our story and this video was shown during the service. Until Sunday we had not publicly shared with the church. I feel the Lord really giving me a peace and a push to share about Will, how the Lord is enough, and how much the Lord has grown me and continuing to grow me. Making the video was harder than I thought it was going to be. That evening I was teary eyed all night because I feel like I didn't say everything I wanted to. I feel like Jess and I are Will's only voice and I wanted to give him the recognition that I feel he deserves. I ended up being pleased with the video. I have gotten quite a few positive responses and I pray that the Lord will use me for His glory the way He feels fit.
Will will be missed this Christmas and every Christmas to follow.
We are thankful we have the hope of Christ!
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