Happy Knitting!

Steve's sister, Liane, was able to come and visit us for a few days after Christmas. As you can see in the picture most of them are wearing knitted scarves which she made for them. She even taught Tori and myself how to knit. Tori picked it up quickly and loves doing it. I learned many years ago and she reminded me how to do it once again. Tori and I will be spending some quiet time knitting away, I think. We had a great time with Liane and even played the game "Sorry" quite a bit. Thanks Mom, Dad and Heather!

A Load Too Big To Carry

Tonight, on my way home from an evening celebrating the "Birthday of the King" I was listening to more Christmas music on our radio station. The "Breath of Heaven" song came on sung by Amy Grant. This song was new about 15 years ago (which I hardly can believe its been that long). Many people enjoyed it because it had great words and fitting music (a bit mysterious). As time went on it was used a lot and then just became a common Christmas song, one you expected to hear. Some may sing along not even listening to the words. Tonight it was new again, to me. As I listened to the words I began to pray them... as a Mom. The second verse is this

I am waiting in a silent prayer.

I am frightened by the load i bear.

In a world as cold as stone,

Must i walk this path alone?

Be with me now.Be with me now.

Chorus:

Breath of heaven,

Hold me together,

Be forever near me,

Breath of heaven.

Breath of heaven,

Lighten my darkness,

Pour over me your holiness,

For you are holy.

Earlier, as I was getting ready for this evening out, Andrew came in to talk to me with a despaired look on his face. Andrew told me he was scared and didn't want to watch the news anymore. Come to find out they were talking about Terrorists coming to live in Washington. I reassured him God knew all that was happening and He was and is in control. I shared with him that there may be some tough times ahead but God doesn't want us to be scared and worried about them. He wants us to trust Him, I definitely was speaking to the choir on that one. As a Mom, just as in the song, I am frightened by the load I bear. Because the world can be as cold as stone I see an urgency to prepare myself and my children for hard times. But thankfully we don't have to bear it alone. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is there with us is comforting. How often in that song does it say "Be with me" or "hold me together" or "Be forever near me" and "Pour over me your holiness", prayers for us as parents to be praying because we can't bear these burdens alone.

I'm thanking God for all that He is:

El Roi: the God Who Sees

and

Jehovah-nissi: The Lord My Banner