Merry Christmas

For some reason God's timing has been on my mind a lot during this Christmas Season. I was listening to a CD the other day called Child of the Promise. It is a musical drama that features the voices of many well-known artists to tell the Christmas Story. The part I have found myself focusing on though is the first song, "That's the Way It Will Be" that recounts the prophecies of Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Micah about the Messiah. These prophets lived 500-700 years before Jesus was born yet they fully believed the promises and prophecies God had given them would come true. 700 years is a long time! It made me start thinking how God has planned and knew everything that would happen from the very beginning. His timing might be different than mine but He is the Creator and Author of life, including yours and mine. 

Last year at this time I had imagined that by now I would have already left and be serving in Indonesia. God had different timing in mind. To be honest I don't know exactly why but I am learning once again to trust Him and His plan. I wonder if it is because there is someone I need to meet or a lesson I need to learn. I don't know and may never know. I do know that each day is worth living to the fullest, enjoying moments with people and the places I go. 

This Christmas I will be with my family in Hood River. All of us together! And my grandparents (mom's parents) will also be joining us. For the first time in four years I don't work any part of the Christmas holidays. I am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends like the Stenbergs. 

Merry Christmas! I pray that you have special moments with family and friends and safe travel. 

Here is a video of the song I mentioned above from YouTube. I highly recommend the whole CD. For a little fun check out the song "Nothing Ever Happens to a Shepherd."