Those in need

Today, I can't get this guy named Carl out of my head. He lives in Texas, but I don't know much about him.
Let me tell you the story of Carl.
This is from my friend's FB page. "A man knocked on our door tonight...I was at a friends, wrapping gifts we had bought for a different family who was in need. This man wanted to shovel our driveway (that didn't need to be shoveled) for money to buy his son some Christmas gifts. My heart just breaks."
Her husband helped him pick gifts from the gift closet they have as well as took him to get some cash. Later, they found out they helped Carl, but it isn't what you would expect. They helped a man who is actually a con man. He's been going around her area telling a sob story, including tears about how in need his family is, but from reading his past things from her friends, I can see something.
While my friends were taken advantage of, they learned a lesson about taking care of others despite all others. Today, I keep thinking about Carl and what needs he must have to be stealing from people like this. For what needs he has that are not met in his everyday life. Today, while I pray for my friend's family and their understanding of this unusual insight from God, I pray for Carl. I pray that God touches him in some way. That he is able to see humanity as a great, kind touch from God. That God is showing him through other Christians that he doesn't have to steal or lie to get what he needs in life. I pray that God be with him in this season. May the Lord bless you Carl and be in your heart!

Santa's Christmas Prayer by Alda Monteschio

On Christmas Eve the other night
I saw the most amazing sight,
for there beneath the Christmas tree
was Santa kneeling on his knee.

His countenance was different than
that all-familiar, jolly grin;
his head was bowed, with hand to breast,
and slightly tucked into his vest.

For there in a nativity was
Jesus and His family,
and as I heard him start to pray
I listened close to what he'd say.

"Lord, You know that You're the reason
I take pleasure in this season.
I don't want to take Your place,
but just reflect Your wondrous grace.

I hope You'll help them understand
I'm just an ordinary man,
who found a way to do Your will
by finding kids with needs to fill.

But all those centuries ago,
there was no way for me to know
that they would make so much of me,
and all the gifts beneath the tree.

They think I have some hidden power
granted at the midnight hour,
but it is my love for You
inspiring the things I do.

And so when they begin to open gifts
for which they have been hoping,
may they give You all the glory,
for You're the One True Christmas Story."

What shall we wish for today....

Today is one of those days that was just absolutely crazy insane busy; therefore, I am just now getting around to my Christmas Wish for the day. These are a lot harder than I once thought they would be. I have so many prayers and wishes for individuals that I would just love to put out there. It makes it difficult to pick just one. I would like to stick close to my FB video post earlier today at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY.
I look forward to the day when we can all stand in line to see Jesus. I love that this is a true story out of the mouth of babes. It is so befitting that a child would come up with this original thought. My Christmas wish today is that someone sees Jesus in their everyday and feels Him in their hearts. Let's all stand in line for Jesus. Let's all bring Christmas wishes true where we can show non-believers the Glory of the Lord!!!

Wishes for Violet

As I start this post, I wish I could have every wish I make this month come true like yesterdays. Today, while we celebrate something that seems big to us, but is really small potatoes a family grieves. My Christmas wish for Violet is peace. I haven't seen an update since yesterday, so I don't know what is currently going on.
Violet has been battling Central Neuroblastoma. She was doing well and even went back to school to start out the school year. An MRI even showed no cancer 3 months ago. Unfortunately, she began vomiting and a new MRI showed that the cancer is back and very aggressive. She was given weeks to months.
Violet is coming closer to the end. This precious 7 year old who has fought for the past year for survival is going to see an end to her short little life very soon. I say this with a heavy heart as we don't know if she is even still with us at this point. The family is working to keep her comfortable and enjoy every last precious minute they have with her. I wish a peaceful passing for her, but this is about an entire community who has embraced her and her family. I am praying for peace for the family and for the children at school. So many that didn't even know Violet are praying for her and the family. They need to feel the arms of Christ around them in this time of pain. Continued prayers are what I wish for Violet and her family.

Let It Snow!

So here we are December 1st and the first real snow of the year is here. How awesome is that! Very excited to see it and see what Sofia's reaction is going to be this morning when she finally wakes up.
So I've been thinking about what kind of theme we should go with this month and have finally settled on Christmas Wishes. I welcome my friends to share their wishes with me for my blog. (You can remain nameless if you wish :-)
Today's Christmas wish is for my sweet hubby. As we start this holiday season and move into December, I think of my generous husband and how much he wants to provide for our family and help heal the hearts of his previous co-workers. My Christmas wish for him is a return to work; to a job that is appropriate for his skill set, that challenges him appropriately and puts a smile on his face. That is my Christmas wish for today.