Stay at Home Mom

I am aware that the holidays are a time of giving and joy. I know there are some people that have picture-perfect holidays. You have the perfect decorations, gifts, and food. You are looking forward to the parties, games, and traditions.

It’s my daughter’s first Christmas, and my husband and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary. I just launched my blog and am very excited to share my experiences with you all. I also hope to bake some goodies to enjoy.

Christmas hasn’t always been so joyful for me. I have had some Christmases when I dealt with grief. Some were spent lonely and wishing for that special someone. This year is especially hard because I miss sharing moments with loved ones that have passed away. That includes my father, whose birthday is today. He used to jokingly say that he was supposed to be born on Christmas. I miss his awful dad jokes, delicious desserts, and words of wisdom.

He will never meet his granddaughter in this life, and will not get to enjoy the things that can be easily taken for granted. Seeing her smile. Hearing her laugh. Holding her close. Watching her grow. Giving her kisses.

There are people with heavy hearts reading this blog. There are some who are lonely and others who are grieving. Life may have dealt some a hand they don’t want to play, and it may make them feel stuck with no good moves at all.

2 Corinthians 1:4 says “[He] comforts us in all our affiction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

I believe that I go through hard times to comfort others that need it. I emphathize with them. If I never went through loss and heartache, how could I witness that joy comes in the morning? Here are my words of comfort:

You are enough. You don’t look like what you’ve been through, because God gave you beauty for those ashes. You’re being molded for something more. Those people who chose to hurt and leave you, unknowingly made you stronger. You’re more than a conqueror through Jesus.

You can comfort others, too. Let them know they are not alone in this season. Give a smile to a stranger. Give a hug to a friend. Give your time to your family. Most importantly, give your heart to the One who is experienced at mending it. Let Him comfort you this Christmas. He knows and loves you. You’re more valuable than gold to Him, and He believes you are worth giving up everything for (even His life).

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely Your Sister,

JJJ.