As I meditated on this wonderful Christmas Hymn written in England in the 1800's I was so encouraged. Yes, it is tempting to be dismayed over circumstances whether it's what we, our kids, our friends our wonderful USA is experiencing, if that is our focus. Yet if we 'fix our eyes on Jesus' we'll know, as the song reminds us we are saved from satan's power (his temptations and his interference in our lives are a reality BUT we are saved from his power) and that brings me great comfort and joy. Sometimes I easily grasp the comfort knowing God is always in control but I forget the joy. And His Word tells us He has come that we might have joy, and have it abundantly.
And now a note from CA...the December trip was very encouraging. While Sue's overall condition has not improved, Sue, Dana and I met with an excellent Physical Therapist who did a 2 hr assessment of Sue and feels therapy can have an impact on her quality of life to a great degree. So that will start in the New Year. We see the Lyme Specialist as well as the Parkinsons docs in January.
Dana is recovering from shoulder surgery which is helping improve his quality of life and the kids are as wonderful as ever. I'm so blessed with building friendships with these 3 fun kids. One day I was driving Alisha to her Spanish Class and as we passed some trees beautiful in their oranges and golds she said "look at those trees, Grandma. They're get prettier each day, that's like Mommie, she gets prettier inside and out all the time."
And finally, God was 'so there' for me all the time. Since American no longer flies into San Luis Obispo I now depend on United. This time they could only get meto Santa Maria, south of SLO, but a car was waiting for me at the SLO airport (thanks to wonderful friends there). As I was trying to decide the best way to overcome this obstacle a lady walked up to me saying she'd overheard my conversation with the United agent and though she couldn't take me to SLO, she could take me as far as Arroyo Grande (where the kids live)! Turned out she lived 3 blocks from them and delivered me to their door.....so what are the odds of meeting someone in Los Angeles International Airport who lives 3 blocks from you and can meet your specific needs?
Confirms the earlier thoughts....about comfort and joy when we know that, in spite of the circumstances, God IS in control.
Merry Christmas,
Maxine
