Certain things consistently arrive in our lives...Christmas time is one of those things. For me, it's a time to reconnect with my faith in a more simple way. It's also a time I enjoy "loving on" my family and friends. The two things are inexplicably linked in my mind, and I can't separate one from the other. So what's comforting at Christmas about these three things (faith, family, and friends)?

Faith = Back to the basics: the God of the entire universe figures out the perfect way to connect to his creation...he comes as a baby! Could he have made himself any more vulnerable? Now that's an action I can be impressed by! Who could've come up with a better plan, story..."way to start a relationship"? How completely cool is it? How could I NOT want to get to know that kind of God?

Family = remembering where I came from: the family I was destined to be in was the one hand-picked for me...not perfect by all means, but just right for a crazy, impetuous, passionate gal who desperately needs unconditional love, and LOTS and LOTS of forgiveness and grace...and people willing to laugh at her (keeps one humble) and with her (keeps one affirmed)...

Friends = special gifts that keep on giving: I have these amazing gifts that have been given to me in the form of people. Each one is such a HUGE,GINORMOUS blessing....were I to unwrap my passel of gifts right now I'd find": laughter, challenge, grace, forgiveness, double-dog dares, stimulating conversation, comfort, peace, joy, helpfulness, tear-sharers, memories, etc. etc.

This has been a really hard year, so the comforts of Christmas mean more than ever!