It is impossible to think of this Christmas season without thinking of the HUGE amount of people who have blessed and encouraged my life this past year! I am SO grateful for each one of you! If I had the money I would have loved to send EACH of you a Christmas card this year. But after praying about it I truly felt that as I am watching every single penny I couldn't justify the all of the stamps that would be! SO if you did not receive a card I know that you understand the wisdom behind this decision as money is very tight!
As my family prepares to travel north for Christmas this year I appreciate your continued prayers for safety and for my health. Thank you so much for all of your prayers! May you and your family have a WONDERFUL Christmas celebrating the birth of our King!
With Love, Rebecca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Christmas 2013 Letter~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“The Light still shines in the darkness & the darkness has NEVER extinguished it.”
- John 1: five-
Merry Christmas family & friends!
As we approach this beautiful season of celebrating the birth of our precious Savior, I am truly in awe of God’s sweet mercy to meet us each new day. While this past year has been incredibly difficult, I see everyday the truth of Psalm 27: “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”.
It is impossible for me not to get choked up with tears when I think of your precious faithfulness of walking this incredibly long journey with me. Some of you have been walking this journey with me for the past five years & have fearlessly loved me each day. After the diagnosis’ of Lyme & Cancer came you were the first to rally & say that I would beat this. While I understand that have I have a huge fight & a LONG road in front of me I feel confident that after so many years of going downhill we have laid a foundation to truly start the healing process. This is simply because YOU have faithfully walked this road with me, blessed me with emotional support, given of yourselves, given abundant financial gifts that humble me, and for all of your countless support. I am honored to call you friends. You have never claimed to be so but you truly are my heroes. To those of you that have contributed money specifically for treatment I can't begin to express my humble gratitude. You truly provided the means to help me obtain treatment in California last April & May & have helped me to obtain current treatment & for my upcoming treatment in the new year. Without you this would not be possible! Your sacrificial gifts have reminded me that the Lord provides everyday & a beautiful reminder that He will continue to provide each day in the upcoming year. To those of you that have listened as I have expressed so many feelings in the past & have been incredibly kind with your words & encouragement I am so grateful. Your conversations & your words have truly touched my heart. What a BLESSING you are!
Through tears I have questioned the Lord as to why this journey is so long. Truthfully, I have not heard an answer to my many questions. Instead the Lord beautifully wipes my tears away & promises that He would never leave me & He has faithfully kept that promise. Truly, "wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And HOPE. And LIGHT. And... even beauty." (Joni Erickson Tada) I read a phrase recently that has truly spoken to me: “no matter the circumstance we are still under the same auspice”. How beautifully true. Even in the times that we think that the Lord has forsaken or forgotten us we can rest assured that our precious Lord has NOT & He has us engraved on the palms of His hands! (Is. 49:14-16). As I close out this letter I want you to know that no matter the circumstances sweet friends we are still under the same auspice. Hold fast to Him. Rest in His Him. May you be abundantly blessed by His love, His Joy, His Comfort, & HIS peace this season & in the year to come!
With lots of love y’all, Rebecca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*the above pictures are of my 2012 Christmas card*
8 comments
You bless me with your heart and strength! I am so glad that God crossed our paths this year :) Remember, He's got you wrapped tight in those strong arms of His and He knows the plans for your life! This valley of the shadow is just a valley before you reach the top of the mountain :)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Kat
I am so blessed to know you through this blogging world! Praying for you!!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a blessing to all of us! So thankful to know you!
ReplyDeletePraying for you! I have loved getting to know you and work with you throughout the year! Merry Christmas, love!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful Rebecca! I am so blessed to know you through blogging. You truly are one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Chelsea
http://www.anchorsaweighblog.com/
I love this post, Rebecca! Its truly is beautiful and allows your heart to shine for the real purpose. The Lord is not done with you. He is still writing your story and using you in mighty, mighty ways. I am so blessed to know you and be a part of following your journey. I wish you all the happiness and health this world can offer in 2014. Know that you are constantly in my prayers, friend. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Rebecca! Your heart is such an encouragement & your journey one of His beauty and grace. Prayers for you friend, and wishing you a very merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteRebecca… it's a pleasure to know… that I know you. You're brightness is reassuring that this world is beautiful and there is light… Keep Positive!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Wishing you the happiest New Year!