This Christmas will be our tenth Christmas in Charlotte. That is wild to think about! I can still vividly remember that first Christmas here—so many unknowns and the hard parts of it all were just beginning to hit. Ruby was 12, Molly was 11 and Mack was 9 (the absolute best age for little boys!).
This Christmas all three of our college kids will come home (for a very long break—21 years old, 20 years old and 18 years old). It struck me that this is our girls’ last college Christmas break! After this, Lord-willing, they will have jobs only-He-knows-where and may not be able to be home for Christmas? Or at least won’t be home for five weeks at Christmas! So I plan to soak up the time with them all and enjoy this season.
This morning I was listening to a song and one line says about God that He is “strong enough to carry me.” It took me back to late 2015 and the impression the Lord gave me before we even knew about this job in Charlotte—He was picking me up and turning away as He carried me. Once we knew we were moving, I kind of thought THAT was the reason He gave me this impression in my heart and mind. But once we got here and faced many challenges, I realized, “OHHHH, You are still carrying me through all of this!!” Loneliness, no church family, homeschooling not going like we hoped, unrelenting sadness, my mom’s death, raising teenagers, launching kids to college, continued church challenges, etc.
And this morning as my mind was thinking of some hard things that seem to rise to the top of my mind during the holiday season, I heard Him say, “I am still carrying you.”
Isaiah 40:11 “Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in the fold of His robe; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.”
I love the Message translation: “Like a shepherd, He will care for His flock, gathering the lambs in His arms, hugging them as He carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.”
I hope you realize God is a good Shepherd. He carries His children with tender care. He always leads us to good places. We can trust His goodness and care.
{can’t seem to post the video of Cain the Band singing “Wonderful,” but you should go find it and listen!}
Instead, enjoy this 2016/2026 comparison pic!
