Thursday, December 11, 2008

In the Spirit of Christmas...

I just wanted to write a little bit about this year and how this Christmas is very different from any in the past. I have had a truly blessed year and I know that Christ is the reason for every wonderful blessing that has come my way. I know that probably sounds like a given, but this year it has been more evident than ever before. I have always considered myself a Christian, but when I became pregnant with Preston, I decided I wanted him to grow up knowing God intimately; I didn't really get that chance to when I was growing up. I lived in a home that believed in Christ, but we didn't go to church or pray together. I wanted that for Preston more than anything. We started going to World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, TN and my life has changed drastically. The first year, I felt a difference inside, but when I began getting involved in Children's Ministry and getting to know more people there, my spirit began to grow in the most wonderful way. I really started putting faith in Christ to do everything in my life and looked to Him for guidance in most every decision. This year I have been able to stay home with Preston while watching and sharing the love of Christ with other children. My art business has grown from nothing to having several customers and friends. Southern Living at HOME has continued to be a blessing this year. My beautiful son just had his 18 month appointment and is just so happy and healthy. Things are so different this Christmas season. I really feel that I know what Christmas is about this time around and I will be twenty-nine tomorrow! I am glad in this 29th year of Christmas that I can celebrate what the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, really means. It means His life was lived and then given for us to be liberated from entrapment by the devil. In Him, we can have a life of true joy here on earth despite all the turmoil. Thank you Christ for giving me such a wonderful life here on earth and for all eternity. Thank you all for supporting and encouraging me this year. I hope you all have a wonderful and meaningful Christmas and a very prosperous and peaceful New Year in 2009.

4 comments:

Kristin said...

I am so glad to hear what Christ has done for your life this year. I am at that same point of knowing I have to get myself and my girls in church. Thank you for your story because it helps remind me of where I want to be at this time next year.

Have a wonderful Christmas!
Kristin

HappyascanB said...

Okay, is it too much to request a heads up when you are writing such a great post? I have tears in my eyes and am covered in chill bumps! What a great story! I hope you have the best 29th birthday EVER and that, just as you're planning, you celebrate this Christmas like no other! I just saw a great quote today: The best gift ever was not put under a tree but on it. Congrats on such success in your life!!!

melissa said...

Thank you Kristin and Bethany! You guys are great. I'm so glad my God story touched you both. I feel as though God is bringing people together all the time just to bless each other in small ways like this. You have blessed me as well.

Kristin said...

It is amazing how God works....bringing us all together to encourage each other in our faith, our businesses, and personally. I love the new picture of you and your son. It's precious!