Happy 2nd birthday Samuel!

To know that the God of the universe put on flesh and came to the earth in the form of a baby is amazing. How our minds can wrap around this fact and mystery is the result of faith. Faith that alone comes from God and indeed is a gift from Him. As we continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the many gifts that He has given us, I reflected on the things that I am thankful for. I am thankful for my family: a wonderful husband and a beautiful son who both remind me to live life to the fullest everyday. I am thankful to have been so blessed to know two wonderful, gifted and loving men, Caleb Morris and Grandpa Black, who we miss dearly. I am thankful for a group of supportive and praying family and friends that helped me cope through my miscarriage. And I am thankful to find out a month ago that I am pregnant! The baby is due toward the end of July. But what I am most thankful for is the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. My faith in Jesus Christ is what my life is centered and grounded on. My Jesus Christ gives my life meaning and gives my life purpose. It is in Jesus that I find faith, hope, and love. Here is an excerpt from my journal:

God, You are awesome in holiness. You are beautiful in majesty. Your heart is full of love and is overflowing. Your compassion is transcendent and has no limit. Your mercy is good and your justice is right. Your kindness is pure and your goodness is unfailing. Your joy is my strength and my salvation. Your peace surpasses understanding. Your patience is mind boggling. Your self- control is powerful. Your humility is friendly and your faithfulness is constant. Your truth is righteous and Your righteousness is truth. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You call me Your friend. Your grace abounds. Your fire is consuming. Your Spirit is my Comforter and Your Son is my Savior. You are the Bright and Morning Star and Your light outshines the sun. Your message is love and Your way is the cross.

Snow Days

I like peanut butter!

Our Big Helper

It snowed 8-9 inches here in Placerville, CA yesterday. They haven't had this much snow in the past 10-15 years. It was beautiful to look at and fun to play in, but difficult for people needing to get on the road and drive to work. At the Morris household we were without power for the day, so we heated water on top of the wood stove and in the evening we had a candlelit dinner.

I've been reading a book by Joni Eareckson Tada, "A Step Further", and one of the things she shares is how God taught her the way she reacts and handles trials can have an effect on the people around her. She said, "We are onstage. Others are watching. We can do our part well, building up the entire audience. Or we can ad-lib by acting out our own bitter feelings and bring dishonor to the Playwright. The choice is ours." As a result of a diving accident, Joni became paralyzed at 17 and for a few years after her accident she battled with depression, suicidal thoughts and wondered, "Why me, God?" But over the years the Lord has revealed to her that in God's Kingdom nothing happens by"accident," the Lord has a purpose for everything. She has been able to minister to people who are paralyzed and have other handicaps that I may not be able to as effectively as she does. And the Lord has made her more like Christ through it. Throughout her book, she has reminded me not to remain glum and discouraged whenever a trial comes, but to count it pure joy. And to know that the Lord has allowed this trial in my life for His good and for His purpose. Even when you feel hopeless, He will use your trials whatever they may be, to make you more like Christ. Refining and molding you into the beautiful creation of God that you were made to be.