**The Christmas Journey: Memories of Family, Laughter, and Love**

 

I am sitting here counting days till Christmas and then my mind wanders more towards Christmas memories — the warmth of gathering with family, the sound of laughter filling the air, the smell of good food cooking in the kitchen. I think back to those Christmases at my grandparents’ house, and so many memories come flooding back.

I realize now it wasn't about the presents — it was about being together. We’d all pile into that cozy house, the table full of good food, the living room buzzing with excitement. The gift of being with the people I loved. Sitting around, sharing stories, laughing until our sides hurt. Those moments felt so precious, like time stood still just for us.

We’d open presents, yes, but even that was secondary. It was the joy of seeing everyone’s face light up, the hugs, the “thank-yous,” and the feeling of belonging. It was about connection. About knowing that even if life got busy or hard, at Christmas, we’d come together and remember what really mattered: family.

Some of those people are no longer around. The grandparents who used to spoil us, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and the cousins who made every Christmas special — they’re missed so much. Their absence leaves a quiet ache, but also a warm feeling knowing that their love and laughter live on in our memories. We hold onto those moments, cherishing the love they shared, and grateful for the time we had.

Now, those Christmases are memories I carry with me. They remind me gifts aren't what you unwrap, but people you share your life with. The laughter, the hugs, the stories — that’s what makes life truly special. And even though some of those loved ones are gone, their spirit is still present in memories, in the traditions we keep, and in the love that still binds us.

So this Christmas, I’ll hold those memories close — the gathering at my grandparents’ house, the laughter ringing through the rooms. And I’ll be grateful for every moment,  the past memories and the memories to be made. 

Because no matter how many years go by, those Christmases past will always be part of who I am — a reminder of what’s truly important, and of the love that lasts forever.

**A Journey of Courage: From The Car Door to The Classroom**

Ah, first grade—those innocent days when the biggest worry was whether we would have enough crayons or find a friend to play with at recess. But for me, it was a whole different story.  I was a little bundle of anxiety back then, and being separated from my mom felt like the end of the world.

Back in those days, there was no pre-K or kindergarten to ease little kids into school. Nope, I went straight from home to what seemed like the impressive and gigantic hallwalls of first grade. My mom, who was a stay-at-home superwoman, stayed home and kept us busy (probably trying to keep her hair from turning grey). But every morning, as the school bus pulled up, I would just have a meltdown. On those days I would miss the bus.  Mom, bless her heart, would have to drive me to school.  I would be crying, clinging, and probably making it impossible to get out of the car. And then, in a scene straight out of a comedy, she’d have to give me a gentle but firm *push* to get me out of the car and into the school building. I can only picture what the teachers must have thought—seeing my mom walk into the classroom still holding her child, just moments after she was desperately trying to pull me out of the car door.

But amidst all this chaos, there was a shining star—Mrs. Taylor, my first-grade teacher. If it wasn't for her, I might still be hiding behind her desk, refusing to step into the big, scary classroom. Mrs. Taylor was the kind of teacher who could probably teach a class of wild monkeys and still make them sit quietly. She had a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts and had a way of making me feel safe even when I was trembling in my little school shoes.

Thanks to her I somehow managed to survive that first year. Without her, I might have been a permanent fixture in her classroom, the kid who refused to leave her side. But instead, I made it to second grade—probably still a little anxious, but a little braver too.

Looking back, I can’t help but laugh at those early school days. Who knew that my survival story would start with me being dragged out of the car and ending with a teacher who believed in me? 

**And to all the parents out there: Hang in there. Your little ones are just figuring things out—and sometimes, all they need is a teacher like Mrs. Taylor to get them through the door!**

**"The Journey to Inner Peace: Knowing Your True Worth in God's Eyes"**

 **The Power of Inner Peace: Why a Healed Person Doesn’t Take Everything to Heart**

In life, it’s easy to get upset when others say or do things that hurt us. But as we heal emotionally, we learn that what others say or do is often more about them than about us. A healed person understands that their words come from their own struggles.

Healing takes time and effort. It helps us build confidence and realize we don’t need to take everything personally. When we understand that others’ reactions reflect their own pain, we can stay calm and centered. This gives us peace, making us less affected by negativity and more focused on our own growth.

True peace comes from within. It’s about accepting ourselves and recognizing that we control how much others’ words impact us. When we stop taking everything to heart, we find a deep sense of calm and strength that stays with us through life’s ups and downs.

 **"Words can be empty and misleading, depending on the heart of the one who speaks them."**  The most important truth is knowing your value in God's eyes. His love and acceptance are what give us real worth, far beyond what anyone else might say or think.

Counting my Blessings Throughout The Journey

One song that I really love is *"Counting My Blessings"* by Matt Maher and Seph Schlueter. The lyrics  always remind me to be thankful for everything God has done in my life. Have your heard it before?  Here are a few of the lyrics: *"God, I'm still counting my blessings - For all that You've done in my life. The more that I look in the details - The more of Your goodness I find."* 

There are so many good things God gives us every day, even the small ones we sometimes overlook. No matter how busy or stressed I get, taking a moment to think at my blessings fills my heart with gratitude. It’s a reminder that God's love and kindness - IT IS EVERYWHERE, if we just pay attention. 

The song also talks about how our time here on earth is limited, but God's goodness is endless. It encourages me to keep counting those blessings, knowing I can never truly count them all because God's blessings are bigger than we can imagine. 

So, If you see me riding down the highway windows down, sunroof open, shades on, and music blaring—I just might be me praising God along with Matt and Seph, thanking Him for all His blessings. 😊  

God's goodness is always present. No matter what life throws our way, there’s always something to be thankful for. Let's COUNT OUR BLESSINGS and GIVE THANKS FOR GOD'S ENDLESS LOVE.  

The Journey to Embracing Your Light in A Dark World

 

**God Did Not Call Us to Be Liked — He Called Us to Be Light**

God doesn’t want us just to be popular or liked by everyone. He wants us to **shine** for Him — to be **light** in a dark world. When we choose to do what’s right, speak the truth, and love others, we make darkness very uncomfortable.

The truth is, when you shine your light, it shows what’s hiding in the dark — like sin or wrong choices. Some people don’t want that. They want to stay hidden. So, they try to blow out the light or hide it so their sin won’t be exposed. They don’t want the truth to come out because it makes them feel guilty or uncomfortable.

But God’s calling us to be brave and to shine, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Remember, Jesus Himself was rejected many times because His truth made some people uncomfortable. But His light helped set others free.

So, don’t worry about everyone liking you. Your job is to shine and tell the truth with love. When you do, you help others see what’s real — and that can lead them to change. Shine bright, because that’s what God called you to do!

A Heartwarming Journey with My Granddaughter and the Words "Come to Me"

 

**A Heartwarming Moment with My Granddaughter: "Come to Me"**

Today, I had a special FaceTime call with my adorable granddaughter. As we chatted, she kept repeating three simple words: "Come to me." Hearing her say that with so much innocence and love touched my heart deeply.

It made me think of how these words resonate perfectly with the loving invitation of Christ. Just as my granddaughter yearns for closeness and comfort, Jesus invites us with open arms: **"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."** (Matthew 11:28)

Her innocent words reminded me that no matter how busy life gets or how heavy our hearts feel, Jesus is always ready to welcome us. Just like my granddaughter wants PaPa and Grammy close, He desires us to come to Him and find peace.

This moment was a gentle reminder that God's love is always near, waiting for us to reach out. Sometimes, the simplest words carry the deepest meaning—"Come to me" is a beautiful call from both a child’s heart and the heart of our Savior.

The Beautiful Journey of Faith, Family, and Love for God and a Blue Dress

Growing up, Sundays were always a special day for my family. Every week, my sister and I knew exactly what to do—by 9:00 a.m., we had to be ready. We’d hear my dad outside in the car, blowing the horn to let us know it was time to go. No excuses—church was important, and missing it was never an option.

I remember mom dressing my sister and I in matching blue dresses, white shoes, and white lace socks. She would pull our hair back with a white bow - maybe to hide the haircut she gave us (ha,ha). She always took extra care, making sure we looked nice for church. 

One of my favorite memories from those days was singing a song my dad would make us perform—"I'm the Reason" by the Inspirations.  I didn’t fully understand all the words back then, but I remember my dad every time would cry like a big old baby.  I always wandered why was he so emotional- now that I am older, I understand. It was because church meant so much to him; it was a place of faith, love, and a connection to God. 

Today, I looked up the lyrics to that old song because I couldn’t remember how it went, and I even watched a YouTube video to listen to it again. Hearing it brought back so many memories of those innocent days filled with faith and family.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and relive those moments just for a day. It’s funny how childhood memories stay with you—though I hated that blue dress back then, I realize now how precious those times were. Don’t you wish you could go back and experience it all again?

Now, my dad has passed away and is in Heaven, and my children are grown. It feels like those days in the blue dress and singing with my sister were just yesterday. I’m so grateful that my parents took me to church and taught me how important it is to have a relationship with Christ. Those lessons have meant everything to me and helped shape my faith.

Looking back, I see how those simple Sunday mornings helped me grow and learn about love, faith, and family. Even though I didn’t appreciate that blue dress at the time, I love it now because it reminds me of those precious moments. I know I’ll see my dad again someday in Heaven, and I hold onto those memories with gratitude.

Cherish your memories, hold onto your faith, and always remember the importance of family. Those simple Sundays may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact on our hearts.