All I want for Christmas

I started sponsoring our first compassion child when I was in college. It was a wonderful way for me to get outside of myself and enter the world of a little girl who had little to nothing. Later on my husband and I decided to sponsor another child because we found out the need was so great and we were able to make a difference even if it did seem a small one. Since then we have been blessed through letters and prayers our sponsor children have sent us. It is true that when we give we are blessed, surprisingly blessed by our Lord.

This Christmas Compassion International has asked those of us who sponsor children to be an advocate for a child who still needs a sponsor. If you have a heart for children and desire to make a difference please prayerfully consider reaching out to a child in need of physical and emotional support. Sponsoring a child is a wonderful way for you and your family (including small children) to minister and be blessed by someone half way across the world.

You can contact me if you like, call the following number toll-free (800) 336-7676 or go to www.compassion.com/christmaschild

What's the story morning Dory?

The desire to get a dog would hit me in waves. I would pour over a dog book for a few days and then forget about it. Weeks later I would be searching on the internet and then realize the dog I had wanted would cost somewhere between $1,200-$1,500. No way! We gave it up until my brother mentioned that one of his boss' dogs had had a litter of puppies. Mmmm. We went to go see them and on the way home I felt unsure about the commitment of getting a puppy. My husband was the one who convinced me we could do this and that it would be a wonderful addition to our home. Besides she came at a very reasonable price....free!

It took no time at all for me to get pregnant and by then we had already said yes to getting a puppy.It seemed a little crazy to me but we stuck with the decision. So a few days after we came home from PA we had a black little bundle of joy filling our hearts and our home. I can honestly say that although raising a puppy takes a lot of time and effort, it is well worth it. Our little Dory (my husband named her) is smart, active, lovable and a cuddle bug. Little Miss has enjoyed the company and seems to be more active and confidant because of our little pup.

Be Near

It's been a long time coming for me but I'm so thankful that the Lord is gentle with those of us who some times go through life situations kicking and screaming digging our emotional heels in. My husband was wishing for our next child way before I even started contemplating the idea. August was the beginning for me. As most of you know I started the journey of seeking and undergoing a new round of treatment with one of the goals being pregnancy.

I remember getting up in the middle of one of my wrestling nights thinking about the reality of having another child. I heard a voice loud and clear rising up from my heart with firm love saying " Who are you to withhold a life from my world? what great things this child will do if only you will let go of your life." Matthew 15:24-26 was a verse that kept coming back to me over the past year and now as I stood by my little upstairs window I knew He had been preparing me for this time for a long time. Isn't that His way?

Now it's Christmas time and I'm around 11 weeks along in my second pregnancy letting go of all the busyness and holding on to the promise that I will never be left alone, praying that the Lord would satisfy and replenish this weary soul.

An Impossibility

Another wonderful way of looking at our Savior. Hope you enjoy. More posts to come in the future. So much to write about!
blessings. A


Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
December 20, 2009
An Impossibility


The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
-- John 1:14 NKJV

We talk a lot about the Incarnation as Christmas draws near. Incarnation is a Latin word that means "taking flesh." God "took flesh" and became the human Jesus. We say that so glibly. But the idea is so impossible.
God became flesh? It's like accepting that a battleship can fit into a bathtub. A skyscraper can fit into a dollhouse. A field of wheat can fit into a cereal box. More than that, it's like making blue paint out of blue sky. We can't fathom such things. In the same way, we can't imagine the God of the universe becoming a baby.
It's so odd. After all, the whole point was that God wanted to rescue us. But a baby can't rescue anyone; babies need rescuing themselves. Maybe because God couldn't make himself greater to impress us, he made himself smaller to attract us.
And the Christmas story is attractive. In all history there is nothing like it. If you stroll through cities around the world, you will see imposing monuments to outstanding men and women. But have you ever seen a statute of a famous person as an infant? You never see George Washington portrayed in a stroller. It would be silly.
But it's not silly to honor the Lord of the universe as a baby, because this child signifies the Incarnation. That God took on flesh is amazing and incredible, like an oil well fitting into an oilcan, or a mountain squeezing into a molehill. God became flesh - Wow!

To help you think about what an amazing act the Incarnation is, make a list of all the qualities Jesus gave up or limited to become a baby. For example, he who is the Light of the World chose to dwell in a dark womb for nine months. You'll be amazed at just what Jesus' choice meant for him -- and for you.

* * * * *

Emmanuel, God with us, words seem impossibly small and unwieldy to try to express the immensity of your love for me, and the gratitude I feel. Help me to live today in a way that would honor the sacrifices you have made for me.

Blessings,

Joni and Friends