Shades of Gray

Call me a nut - you are probably right- but I am totally depressed right now. Why? I DON'T KNOW WHY!! Let's see, could it be a culmination of 3 1/2 months of spotty sleeping habits, S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), post-partum depression? Maybe all of the above! Have I lost my faith? NO WAY. I am so glad that in the midst of seeing the world in "shades of gray" I have a Savior who walks with me "even in the valley..."
Are you not glad that we do not always have to represent ourselves before God with a bubble and a giggle? Right now I would be on His hit list if that were the case because the best I could muster would be a gasp and a gurgle. He cares "when your head is bowed low" and He knows the pain of relentless despair.
Faith is based on fact, not feeling for me right now. But, God is there. Hang in there and we will all have joy in the by and by!!!

A History Lesson in the Making

Well, we are in a new era as a nation and I have two things to say:
1) Lord, have mercy upon us
2) Lord, have mercy upon President Obama
We are called upon by God to pray for those who are in authority over us and scripture teaches us that how our leaders direct the affairs of the nation will affect how we are free to worship and to live. The overwhelming responsibility and burden which this man has taken today should cause us to intercede on his behalf more fervently than we have ever done. Not only for how he leads us, but for how he allows God to lead him. I am optimistic this day because I believe that God will speak to and move upon this man's heart and life in direct response to our prayers on his behalf. Be encouraged, as my friend, Brent Vernon said on Facebook this afternoon, "God still has the last word, Yes He does!"

My Little Angels...ho ho ho

Here you see the most wonderful man in the world: My sweet husband, Alan Christner.

"Mother Mary" a.k.a. Emily, reverently awed by the Christmas candlelight service at our church.

Emily was very proud of her first snowman of the year! I helped her build it, but my hands got so cold that we only managed a "midget man!!"

Here is my sweet "little boy blue" on his 3-month old birthday! He is really starting to notice things and perk up when he sees me, Daddy or Emily. What a smile, huh? OKAY already! I know I'm gone over the little fellow :-)

Zippidy-Doo-Dah

I love the fresh, innocent perspective of children. God is right there beside them and they talk to Him like they talk to you and me. The other day, Emily was warbling at the top of her lungs (more than slightly off-key) singing about everything from wet diapers to Jesus Christ the Lord. She bounced into the kitchen and said, "Did you hear my pretty song? I was singing to Jesus." I thought about how often I only come to Him after I have tried to "sing" on perfect pitch and only when I have something really brilliant to say! Lord help me to have that childlike faith that can simply come to You as I am: off-pitch, everyday subjects and all. How You love to have your children REALLY talk to you. Help me to be REAL in my relationship with You. Can I hear a loud "AMEN" out there, anybody?
Timothy is really growing and eating and eating and eating... for those moms who nursed you know what this means: no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need none! Add to this the beginning of teething at only 3 months old and you can see why I refuse to change my profile picture. I would be completely unrecognizable - what with the wrinkles, straggly hair, dark, hollow eyes ... OK OK that is a little overkill, but I am feeling a bit goofy right now! HA HA Love to all and keep your heart in tune with Jesus. He's coming to get us soon and take us back for a day at His House. Just think, that day will never end and there will be no more sorrow, crying or tears. All that was a trouble to us on this earth will fade away in the glory of His Presence! Hallelujah and YIPPEE!!!!