Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Christmas Trees in February

Last year my father became ill the day I was taking down the Christmas tree and as a result it did not come down until the 2nd week of February. This year I began taking down and putting away decorations 01/07 (I leave them up through Epiphany.) and decided to finish 01/08...well, I rushed dad to the ER 01/08 and did not finish the job.

My cousin Paul arrived Friday night and said I know, you left it up all year and we laughed. It was up last January when he was here, it was down when he visited in October...but he conveniently forgot about that. Saturday night a childhood friend arrived, she was thrilled to see the tree up and decorated. The last 2 years, her parents have been ill during the holidays and she was not home to decorate. She asked if we could turn on the tree lights, I said sure. Funny how something so simple really blessed her. It was nice to bless her as she was here to bless me.

Through my sorrow and tears, I still want to be a blessing. I want to be the hands and feet of Christ as I go about daily life. I await the day I will see my earthly father again, I am secure in the knowledge my Redeemer lives, our Prince will come. Revelation tells us:

Look, he is coming with the clouds,and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him...

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Sisters, He has a name we do not know, it cannot be profaned here on earth...He makes us new, He is coming again...our futures are secure. Worship Him today!

8 comments:

Karen said...

You ARE a blessing to me. I see your sweet spirit shine throughout this blog.

love,
karen

luvmy4sons said...

Amen. Thank you for this post. God's comfort be upon you.

Linda said...

There is such comfort in the smallest of blessings - like a lighted Christmas tree.
Praying He will fill your heart with His peace and comfort you with His love.

Wendy said...

May echo Karen's words - you are a blessing to me too!
It is usually the simple things that bless us and make us feel loved - like Christmas trees in February.
Hugs.

twinkle said...

I just read about your daddy.
I hurt with you.
May I pray for you?

Father in heaven, You know the sorrow of this type of loss. Hold this beautiful lamb in Your Everlasting Arms, wiping away her tears, and comforting her with a new song singing over her. Bless her for her faithfulness and devotion to her earthly father. May she be comforted with the precious memories she has written on her heart. Care for her mother, tenderly, and restore their laughter in the days to come. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Steph said...

i'm thinking of you everyday. and praying.

all my love,
S

Anonymous said...

I believe through adversity you may even bless others more. I see your generous heart for others when it could be all about Annette. I know those days. :) Just know I'm praying for your hurt and your mom's that you may again see the sun shine and smile. You'll get the tree up sometime. There are other important things right now. Love you! AnnetteG

Cheryl Barker said...

Annette, with all that is going on in our lives right now with my mother-in-law's illness, I haven't made it over to your blog for awhile. I am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering through the loss of your father.

I pray that God will continue to comfort you and your family. And bless you for being a blessing to me and others while going through your time of grief. God bless!