Thoughts Along the Journey

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Advent begins tomorrow! I truly love the season of Advent, though: four weeks of heart preparation for the coming of the Lord. What an awesome time of the year. I especially love the dual meaning of it all. As we prepare to celebrate the Lord's birth, and the entire meaning of Christmas, it is with the privilege of knowing the entire story: He was born, He lived and taught, did incredible miracles, suffered and died on the cross, and rose from the dead--all for the love and salvation of mankind. So as "every heart prepares Him room," it is with the advantage of knowing the history of it all. But there's the dual meaning I mentioned. For as we prepare for His coming, it is also with hearts full of the knowledge that He will indeed come again. His second Advent. The fulfillment. The completion of it all. There is so much unknown about that future day. But it is with great hope that we prepare ...

I just wanted to take this quick chance to wish you all (in the U.S.) a wonderful Thanksgiving. I guess I missed Canada's...but hope you all had a wonderful one, too! My family started this week with a bad case of the stomach flu...first me, then hubby, then, eventually both the boys. Ugh! But, thankfully, we're all on the mend. We're in Michigan visiting family now. I hope you all have a wonderful day as you reminisce on all the goodness of God in your life! "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." II Thessalonians 5:18

This is pretty much what life feels like right now. Just trying to keep everyone happy and well-cared for, and keep it all in balance. Work is going okay. I can't say it's something I want to do for the rest of my life, but it's a good job. I work with some really nice people, too. The kids are doing okay. School is humming along. We've had some bumps along the way this semester, but overall all is well. Our oldest son is growing too tall, way too fast. He's about my height now! Hubby is doing well, too...other than a nasty cold. We are making some progress in future plans, so I'll have to clue you in when I know more on that subject. I do drop by your blogs from time to time, even though I'm not doing well with keeping new posts on my own. Happy fall, friends!

A friend from Kansas e-mailed the following to me. It was written by an educator in Kansas. It touched something deep within me. I felt I should share it with my blog readers. This message far transcends any building or school district and it is about kids everywhere. This email was written by Bonner Springs High School Industrial Technology Instructor, Kris Munsch. A few years ago, Kris lost his son to a tragic car accident while he was still in high school. Kris shares his story of loss with an incredibly open heart and mind and he welcomes the discussion of his story in hopes that it can make a difference in this world. He sent this message after we finished Parent/Teacher Conferences. I have read it over and over and am moved every time I read it by the raw emotion and incredible resolve that Kris has demonstrated. I have told Kris that he should publish this but he is far too humble to do so. We are truly fortunate to have Kris here in our community and I feel blessed for the oppo...