"Lord Jesus, Master of both light and darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, COME, Lord Jesus!" -Henri Nouwen
December 2008, our first married Christmas, I remember receiving an email from my home church with the Henri Nouwen quote featured above. It spoke to me so personally that I printed it out and put it on my desk at work and it stays there year round. No matter what is going on at the point I read it, I always feel encouraged and at peace when I take the words to heart. Specifically during this wonderful time of year, there are so many "preparations for Christmas" that our culture has put on us. For example, putting up the Christmas tree, sending out Christmas cards, attending Christmas parties, Christmas shopping and wrapping, and so on and so forth. Where in that list does it mention SLOWING DOWN and focusing on the true reason for the season in the first place, Jesus Christ.
This past weekend, our sweet marriage moment occurred when we headed out of town to sunny California! Brandon's company is based out of San Diego -- so we got to fly out there for his company's Christmas party! {Ya don't have to twist my arm to go!!!} It was the most relaxing, wonderful time and we kept saying how it reminded us of a Honeymoon Part 2. The resort we stayed in was delightful and the quality time we spent together was such a blessing. I had to pinch myself to see if this was really real! It's not everyday you see Christmas trees and the ocean at the same time. We spent the day by the Pacific Ocean, two weeks before Christmas. It was truly a gift from God to have that time to be still in the midst of the comings and goings of this time of year and seek true joy, peace, and rest from the LORD. His blessings are all around us...we just have to open our eyes to see them! Brandon and I certainly saw His hand of blessings all around us this past weekend, and our prayer now is to take that restful mindset into these next couple of weeks as so many distractions beckon for our attention. Don't get me wrong, wonderful distractions...yet still distractions. Wanting to keep our focus on the KING of KINGS. May this be a reminder to all of us to not get caught up in the chaotic scurrying around {even though I'm sure we mean well}, but be the one that speaks peace into the storm! May we truly focus our own hearts, marriages, families on the one that gives us LIFE...Jesus!
**Thought you'd enjoy a few pics from our getaway!
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