December 17: Joy

The four gifts of Christmas: peace, hope, joy, and love. Really, that's all we need for a "good life." And today, I was reminded of that very thing. Tonight the Greater Atlanta Girls Choir had the privilege of performing at Home By Dark with many other musicians just as passionate as we are for sharing music. It was beautiful seeing true joy in each of our faces and voices and theirs as well. It infiltrated every life in the room like a contagious disease.

We were waiting backstage for our next song when the band began playing a lovely jazz piece. All of us girls already had the nervous energy bubbling inside of us and with the music playing, we couldn't help but dance. Every girl broke into her favorite dance moves before we all ended up doing the Macarena together to some Christmas jazz piece. That was a moment of joy. Nothing else mattered but the moment, being with all those girls, letting the music flow through and around us.

It's Christmas. Sure, the weather might not be right, the presents might not be wrapped, the cookies not baked, nor the travel plans finalized, but God is and has been handing us joy, peace, hope, and love, and it's about time we accept it.

December 13: Tis the Season

What a great day! I loved seeing people from age 3 to age 80+ worship the king. Sure it doesn't feel like Christmas to my skin in this 70 degree weather, but in my heart, it is most certainly the season for hope, joy, peace, and love, and I could not be any more grateful for the lovely church and musical groups I am a part of. I hope your advent so far is preparing you for the big celebration of the king's coming as much as mine is. Merry Christmas!

December 12: Fog

I've been lazy the past week about posting. But not today.

This morning there was a dense fog throughout the neighborhood. I was out, biking and walking, and was amazed by the way it obscures what it right in front of you, making it seem empty or distant. Even being certain of what is there, you have no proof; it cannot be seen until you're practically next to it; you must believe, even when it is obscured.

Some things, much stronger than fog, obscure our view of God. And yet, we must believe. Even when the fog is heavy, God is no further away than when we can see Him clearly. It is only our sight that is blocked, not his presence. Be encouraged. Even when we cannot "see" God, He is there, ready for us to open our eyes.

December 3: Such Beauty

Sometimes, I go through life so fast that it becomes a blur, and it takes something bright and obvious to amaze me of God's presence and creations. Today, He did just that; as I came over a hill, driving to pick up dinner and go home, the sunset sky was lit up with all sorts of bright oranges and pinks, accented by blue and red. It was beautiful and a sort of "reset" button. God is amazing, and when we rush through life, we may miss some of His beauties, but when we take time to enjoy His gifts, His presence becomes the driving force in our lives.

December 2: Reparation

This evening during hand chimes, where I lead a small group of 6-8 year olds, the kindest, gentlest and tiniest girl accidentally rang her chime into the neighboring boy's elbow. He responded with silent tears and a few groans. Immediately, she said "sorry! sorry! I didn't mean to hit you. I'm sorry! Are you ok? It was an accident." He stayed as calm as he could, but clearly was experiencing the sharp pain of a hit to the "funny bone." I advised him to take a break and listen as we play through the song once. He sat down meanwhile the girl picked up his chime in a compassionate manner, doing what should could to make up for her mistake. It was so sweet; I could see her pure desire to repair the damage she'd done, even though it was an accident. This is a perfect example of how God wants us to build His kingdom; any damages in our relationships, like holes in a quilt, must be sewed back together through forgiveness and efforts to repair the damages.