Finding Our Cheer

All day I have had different combinations of words streaming through my head...fragments of songs, parts of scripture, my own voice. Christmas feels different this year, but the magic doesn't have to be absent.

Today I set out to create some Christmas cheer for my little crew. I remember the feelings I had as a child this time of year and I want those same feelings for them. Regardless of current circumstances that weigh heavy on our hearts, they are only little once. We only get so many Christmases with them under our roof.

Starting with some sibling pictures down at the beach.

I am still undecided on sending out Christmas cards this year, but I wanted to have these for us.

After climbing on the Lifeguard tower, throwing rocks in the ocean and collecting toys left behind by other beach goers we headed home to get a little school done. While they worked I dusted off the ole' sugar cookie recipe, a family favorite for all seasons.

{the. best.}

 {master cookie decorator}

{snowman soup}

{brother/sister inside jokes}

Today marks the nineteenth anniversary of when my grandma died. My heart still aches to have her with us. I want so desperately for her to know Drake and our children. Like Juliana and my mom, we were close. If given the option to hang out with friends or spend the night with Grandma, I always chose the latter. I will never forget the day she died, when my Pop saw me for the first time he pulled me close and cried, "we lost her little Lis, we lost her." I was thirteen. My mom is one of my best friends, and her mom was one of hers. I can only hope my girls and I will be close like that. 

We headed back to the beach tonight with my mom in tow. Starbucks plus a sunset will never disappoint. 

{treasures}

{two of my girls}

{sand angels}

{too much beauty}

{group selfie}

Despite the current tears streaming down my face , the Christmas cheer is overwhelming me. The line in Joy to the World that says, "let earth receive her King" keeps echoing in my mind. My heart is so soft toward my King right now. Christ, the hope of glory, came to our world to redeem and restore our relationship with the unseen God. Are we actively receiving our King? Crucifying our own wills so that we can receive His love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Talk about a win win. Talk about cheer...

Praying that regardless of circumstances all of you are finding cheer this season and above all receiving our merciful Savior.

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his

shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of 

Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Joy to the world the Lord has come. Receive Him.