Watching for the Light

Never before in my life has Advent seemed so important to me. In this season of waiting for the Light of the World the earth seems to be covered in darkness. The Church is under attack. Brothers and sisters are being murdered for their faith. God's people in Israel are under constant threat and very real danger.

If ever we needed the light, we surely need it now! Thankfully, this season is to remind us the Light is here! As I wander my way through Advent, I'm comforted.  Comforted in knowing my Savior brought His light into my life. I'll never know the despair of complete  darkness!

As this Thanksgiving weekend comes to an end, I give thanks for God gifting me with His Son.

The Single Life

In my life as a single woman there have been very few moments of real fear.  One such moment happened tonight.  As I was taking off my shirt it got caught on my earring. After a few panicky minutes while I was all tangled up, I couldn't help myself and began to laugh! Oh the perils of living alone!

Great grandma's little girl

This little sweetheart is my great niece Arianna. The picture was taken by her Aunt Nina. She's a most treasured and well photographed little one. Her mom, granny & quite frankly most of the family have captured hundreds of shots.

But this one is different. There's just something about this photo which keeps drawing me back. I think I've finally figured out why. In this one I see so much of her great grandmother! Those magnificently bright eyes, that oh so sweet smile, the delicate way she's holding the doughnut. All of these remind me of the woman she'll never know this side of heaven.

But thankfully there are many in Ari's life who can share all the great treasures we recall. So this is my hope & prayer for you sweet one:

May we teach you to love
as fiercely as she,
to carry kindness everywhere.

To have the never ending
patience she employed,
the steadfast faith which was her guide.

May you learn to be as wise as she,
to show the same generous soul
to all you meet.

And may you always, always know
just how much you are loved!

With love from Aunt Jené

Hymns and their power!

It seems everywhere I looked today I found myself amongst those in difficult times. As is often the case, the best I could offer in way of support is a big hug! Hugs show love, support, and empathy in a way words struggle to convey.

Yet more than once this day words were sung which brought peace to suffering. Just a few singing together in a hospital room can bring such a blessing to all. Consolation came today from a hymn written during the Civil War.

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

I can't really say it's my favorite hymn because asking which is my favorite is akin to asking a parent which is their favorite child! Even hymns which I may not know by heart always bring some sort of joy or solace.

So grateful for the blessings music brings to my life,

Jené