Special God Moments

In spite of all the stress and strain of ministry, motherhood, family, approaching holy season, world politics, economical 'cliffs' and other 21st century perils... I must say that I have been blessed my amazing moments of love, hope and joy.  Just wanted to share my fav God-moments from Thanksgiving to today.

• Thanksgiving celebration with my husband's family exceeded my hopes and expectations because was filled with precious memories and wonderful moments with family.  And the photos from the day do great justice of the warmth and love of our afternoon together!  yay!
• little notes and gifts have appeared on my office desk or in my home mail box from folks who love  me and wanted to offer their loving support and kindness.  You know, it is a joy to be kind to others... but what a gift when that kindness boomerangs back to you!  Wow, that is cool.
• enjoying a wonderful Christmas lunch with our church staff on Wednesday this week.. and catching up on non-ministry stuff, but each other's lives was a gift!
• meeting the new UM church start pastor along with my colleagues on Tuesday and hearing the excitement and passion for the un-churched did my heart and my ministry a world of good!
• listening to a good friend report that everything we asked for in prayer about her husband's surgery has come to fruition and how blessed they feel.
• snuggling with my girl in the morning darkness and listening to her share her wonder and fantasies about what Santa might bring!  
• enjoying a nice glass of wine with my husband (without kid, dog, school work, or housework) and planning our next date night adventure
• phone call from my mother in law today who said, "I got the pictures from Thanksgiving.  Wow- they are wonderful.  (then she cried) and you know the one with you and me... well, looking at your face I realized how much you love me.  Michelle, thank you for loving me."

See, no matter what else is going wrong in the world.. how stressed I am about my father;s care at the rehab facility or what outcome will happen, or if our church budget will end the year in the black, or if Duke basketball will continue it's winning streak or if broken marriages in our congregation will be healed or if the stock market will plunder or if whatever...  God is still moving among us.. bring life, hope, joy and peace!  

And isn't that what Advent celebrates?!: the coming of God INTO this broken, messed up world in which we live.