Celebrations, tears, learning new things, and miracles

Much has happened since my last update. We finished the lecture phase of the school of ministry development. It was a fantastic school! I learned so much about the character and nature of God. He is always good and always faithful! The Holy Spirit has spoken clearly to me every week applying the teaching exactly to what I needed to hear. This school has been a time for Jesus to gently walk me through a season of mourning. He is tender, but He will not allow me to cover up and try to hide the wounds in my heart from loosing my Daddy. Tears have been flowing but it has been healing. I have a long way to go, but I am no longer trying to just protect my heart. Jesus is the only one who can heal it so I must freely trust Him with my heart.
Going home for Christmas was absolutely Wonderful! My dear big sis Julia picked me up from the airport with her precious babies. Keely made me a "Welcome Home Aunt Lisie" sign. When she saw me her mouth dropped open, and she reached up to me saying " hold you Lisie" and I was more than happy to hold her close. I never knew what it would be like to be an aunt. Holding your own sister's babies melts your heart. I love me nephew and niece more than I could have ever imagined! Making my way over to the stroller and saw Jay's bright joyful chubby face smiling up at me. Oh that little boy heals my soul! I want to believe that he recognized his Aunt Lisie. I think he smiled extra big for me!
That evening I sat on the couch snuggling Keely and Jay next to the 2 most amazing sisters in the whole wide world watching a Christmas movie.....peace to my soul!
Being with family and friends was perfect. Then, to make it even better...Jesus answered my prayers and IT SNOWED!!!
Christmas, while it was wonderful, was also heart wrenching. It will never be the same again...but we reflected as a family on How my Daddy truly understood Christmas and how to celebrate Christ's birth to the fullest, without getting wrapped up in the things of the world. Even though it hurts we are determined to continue with what my Daddy taught us.
The room fell into silence as we pulled presents out from of under the tree from my Daddy... Julia, Christiana, and I gingerly opened delicate Christmas ornaments and snow globes. Tears poured... He was such a selfless Father and he loved his family so unconditionally. He had already began looking for the perfect presents for his girls. Oh how my heart broke....I miss him so terribly. How blessed we are to have had such an amazing Daddy who taught us about love and generosity by living it out.



To be continued...