I am currently reading a Mother’s Devotional and the author was talking about her sister whose middle name is Joy. Her sister is somewhat mentally and physically disabled, but has such incredible joy about her. I think of all the problems she must encounter and yet her family says that Joy is such an appropriate name for her. I think of my grandmother who, when confined to a wheelchair, never complained, but continually sang, “This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.” I remember coming in from high school and telling her about my day. She would laugh until tears ran down her face. She had unspeakable joy. I think of the times I complain and feel sorry for myself due to the strain of being a stay at home mother. Yes, its hard, but I’m not stuck in a wheelchair with one leg! I wonder if I could give myself a middle name based on my character, what would it be? If other people could, what would it be? Do I really want answers to that question?

The ministry Ron used to work established a letter writing campaign to the American Soldiers fighting for us called, “Dear American Soldier.” After the anthrax attacks, they were forced to stop this campaign. People had sent in thousands of letters to be mailed to the soldiers which were now unable to be sent. To make a long story short, through some contacts, they were able to get those letters over there, but only a few thousand could be sent. They heard back from one company who said that when a box full of letters were poured on the table the guys just started grabbing them. One of the men, with tears rolling down his face, said, “Guys, you aren’t going to believe this. This letter is from my own daughter.” What are the chances?

My sister in law is pregnant with her 4th child. She is due in January. Her last ultrasound showed the baby was breech. They were going to try a version which is a very risky method of trying to turn the baby from the outside. She asked us all to pray for the baby’s safety and hers as well. When she went in for the procedure, the baby had turned on its own! There is only a 1% chance that that can happen.

God is a god of 1% chances. Just when you think it can’t happen – God steps in. Just when you think all is lost – there is God. Just when you reach the end – you find His hand. There is healing, hope, mercy, grace in the shadow of the Almighty. Once again, I stand in awe that He cares so much about the little things in my life.

I am so sick of people complaining about being checked out because they are from the Mid East or look like they are. Maybe I’m wrong. I’m not a minority and maybe I just don’t understand, but Good Lord! It makes no sense to me. Terrorist know how to fit in here. True Arab-Americans should be thankful that authorities are doing something to protect all of our families and friends. Should we just turn our heads so we don’t offend anyone? I’m not talking about people being rude to Arab-Americans. I think that is reprehensible. I’m just talking about security stuff. If the IRA came over and bombed and threatened us, I’m sure I’d be stopped at the airports, etc. But if I understood that it was for everyone’s protection, I’d hope I’d just deal with it. I’m sure its a pain, but come on.

I’ll also tell you where I won’t be on Christmas Day or any day there after — Ali. I hate to even type that name. I call him Cashus Clay. He changed his name because he “didn’t want no white man’s name.” Well, by golly, that’s what your mama named you! She went through the pain and agony of childbirth and raising. SHe has the right to name you whatever she wants! And why are we making a hero out of someone as prejudiced as Cashus Clay anyway? I try not to surround myself with racists so, I can say that I’ve never met any white man as racist as Cashus Clay is. Maybe white people shouldn’t go to this movie as not to offend Cashus. I guess it doesn’t offend him to take the white man’s dollar now, does it?

I have 3 words for Randy Moss: Breech of Contract.

If I were Denny Green, I’d “chunck” Randy Moss off my team so fast he’d know exactly what a spiral was. Find a player with some integrity and loyalty! He’s being paid 17 million and said, “nobody can make me give my all at every game.” Well, Randy, you can bite me! And for all the Viking fans who want to get rid of Denny Green because he’s had one bad season – well, you can bite me too!

Yeah, Merry Christmas!

I have been so busy this month with birthdays and parties and all that comes with the Christmas season that I’ve just been kind of blah about the whole thing. The stresses of life are killing me!!! However, last Sunday night I went to our church’s handbell concert and was reminded of what this is all about. I sat alone in the quiet and dimly lit sanctuary and listened to the bells sing out Silent Night, Joy to the World, Come All Ye Faithful. My heart filled again with the Spirit of Christmas. Frank Peretti tells the story of “All is Well.” Amidst a world full of pain, uncertainties, hate – all is well. Amidst my tired, lonely, frustrating, busy life – all is well. All is well. All is well because “unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) All is well. All is well. May I never forget why and may I never take it for granted.