Heavenly Father, we confess that Mondays can be rough for us,
but this week is especially hard.
While we’re preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus,
one of the most joyous occasions in history,
we’re reeling from the tragedy in Connecticut last Friday,
one of the most heinous events in history.
Our hearts must look like a mess to You -
broken for the families in the Sandy Hook community, but
thankful for our own families and
expectant for our celebrations, and
grieved for those whose lives will never be the same.
Please cover those families with Your comfort, and
give them an extraordinary awareness of Your presence.
Bless them with Your peace as they make decisions and arrangements
that break their hearts and crush their spirits.
And help them to turn their eyes upon Jesus.
Thank you for sending Him to us and for the assurance
that this world isn’t all there is.
In His name we pray, Amen.
Amen, Susan. Amen.
Thanks, Alycia. Lifting you up this week and praying you have a productive week.
Amen and Amen.
Thanks, Di. Hugs to you as you prepare this week. Hope you have a GRAND Christmas.
To remember the multitude of blessings in my life, even amidst what feel like storms. After this weekend’s news from CT, I see my storms as barely a ripple across a puddle.
So glad you and hubby are back home, surrounded by your kids. It’s an image that brings me joy, Susan!
Thank you always for your encouragement, and remember to get your “refreshment at the well”, too!
Amen, amen and amen! A worthy prayer…so grateful for the grace given by the one who gives His words when we don’t have any.
Today, we celebrate the birthday of our grandson Micah John…eleven years old.
My heart goes out to those who are so hurting and broken by this devastation.
Hugs,
Glenda
It’s impossible to comprehend such incredible evil, isn’t it? And yet we still need to celebrate with the ones we love. The pathways of life are complicated, which is the way God intended. We’ll have to ask Him about that when we chat with Him in eternity.
Thanks, Kim. Yes, suddenly even the aggravations seem like blessings, don’t they?
And it’s good to be home. I’m doing my best to stay rested
Yesssssss………and I pray my eyes are always on Jesus…thanks, Susan!
Mine too. Tragedy directs them there, doesn’t it?
Beautiful “pause” this morning, Susan! I remember Max Lucado saying once that instead of hills and valleys, our lives resemble more like parallel train tracks heading in opposite directions… we share both the good with the bad in life at the same time. Your prayer this morning reminded me to be thankful for my blessings and to be reliant upon God in the most dark of hours. We need to put Jesus at the top of our Christmas list more than ever and spread His love to those around us (love covers a multitude of evil). Thank-you, friend for taking the time to spend with us this morning as you’re too experiencing the effects of both train tracks right now. My prayers continue to be lifted for your family and may you feel the love across this vast land from my family to yours!
Thanks, Marisa. I loved your post this weekend. Sarah and I talked about the issues facing children with special needs. This world is a dark place, to be sure. Even more important for those of us who know Christ to shine for Him.
Amen…and thank you Susan for the beautiful prayer that my troubled mind could not produce.
Love you, Mom.
Susan,
Can I reblog this?
Glenda
Be my guest, Glenda
Susan, Marissa’s comment about Max Lucado reminded me of another message he gave one time. Someone was praising God for healing his child from a life-threatening illness and celebrating what a mighty, powerful God he served. And Max Lucado then asked, “Would He still be a mighty, powerful God if He had NOT healed the child?”
I keep going back to that truth–that regardless of what we’re going through God is still God, He’s still on the throne, and He still holds the keys to eternity. And sometimes that’s the only thing that can bring us comfort.
I heard/read that too, Vonda. And you’re so right – no matter what happens, He’s still in control. So glad His hand covers us.
I thank you for the pause, Susan . . . as we’re reminded of all that’s going on around us, we need to continually counsel and remind ourselves of the goodness of God. I appreciate this beautiful writing.
Thanks for stopping by, Verna. He IS good, even when the world seems to have gone crazy.
I needed this today, Susan — and based on your other comments, I’m not alone. My heart and prayers are directed towards CT as most of the families will be burying their little ones. Sigh.
Prayers continue for Steve as well as your entire family. Praising Him for all He’s done!
Love to you, Susan.
Thanks, Cathy. It’s hard to get in the Christmas spirit when so many are hurting. It’s unimaginable, but the reality of the world we live in.
I’m so glad you stopped by today, and we appreciate your prayers. He’s doing great!
Love you too – Merry Christmas!
Amen…Praying with you, Susan, for those families in CT..so so sad…read your emails with gratitude for ow well Steve is doing…hugs to you
In case I don’t blog next week, wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas 
Thank you, Dolly. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Susan,
I look so forward to your Monday’s pause…my treat for making it through a Monday. Your words captured the feelings of our heart. Thank you.
Continued prayers for your husband, your children, and YOU!!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Kim. So many broken hearts, but so many prayers ascending to the throne. Every day is a gift, and you know that very well!
Amen, Susan. thank you for letting me pray with you.
Thanks for stopping by today, Nikki. Happy to lift you up this week and excited to catch up with you tomorrow!
Thank you Susan. A beautiful prayer. I saw another blog post that included the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and are part of the Christmas song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Thinking of you