Christmas and a Court Date

It's Christmas time, and we are having so much fun with the boys this year. I am, so far, convinced that these have got to be the best ages to celebrate Christmas. With a 4-year-old and an 18-month-old at our house, it just can't get any better than this, can it? They are having such a sweet holiday and so are we.

This past Wednesday night, we had a "Happy Birthday, Jesus Party" at our church for the preschoolers. K-man and I attended last year, and it is always just a really sweet time. K-man, however, totally surprised my husband and me this year as we approached one of the craft tables. Each child was given a star on which to write things they were thankful for. These stars will soon be hung on a bulletin board in the preschool department for all to see and remember the many things that God has blessed us with. My husband, pen in hand, asked K-man, "So...what are some things you are thankful for?" He listed two.

1. That Jesus died on the cross to forgive us.
2. That I came to live with Mrs. E and Mr. R.

"Anything else?" we asked, but no...that was it.

Needless to say, we were touched, and once again, thankful for the Lord's wisdom in guiding our steps. Many of you know that, had I listened to the voice of my own desires, I may have cut and run early on in this process. I am so thankful that His ways are not my ways. I am so thankful that His grace has proven sufficient in every season. I am so thankful that He is committed to the process of molding me more and more into His likeness- whether the process is sweet or sour. I am so thankful that I have an example in Jesus, the Messiah, himself, of a suffering servant who laid down His life for the sake of those who mocked and scorned Him, that He might offer them life and hope and redemption, and most importantly that He would glorify His Heavenly Father. The gospel is so sweet. I pray that each of you are compelled by it's unspeakable beauty this season.

I also want to make sure you all know that we return to court tomorrow, Tuesday, December 11, at 9am. We don't anticipate that the boys will go anywhere, but we really don't have any idea what might happen tomorrow. We are also uncertain whether or not we will see the boys' mother.

• Please pray that the Truth will be evident throughout, not clouded by lies or half-truths. 
• Pray that God would turn the judge's heart towards these boys in love and compassion. 
• Pray that we would carry the countenance of Christ throughout every interaction - especially if we interact with their mother. 
• Continue to pray that the Lord would remove Mrs. T's heart of stone and give her a heart of flesh, that her desires would radically change into a desire to humbly seek the Lord and do His will. Our God is a God who saves whomever He wants, whenever He wants. This may not be His will, but it is not beyond His power.

"...he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

and no beauty that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all."

-Isaiah 53:2b-6