And he's off!

That's right, after the annual Durkee Christmas party this evening, Mike is headed to the train station for his week long trip to Johns Hopkins. My mom will meet him there tomorrow and then the tests and appointments begin. We have hope for this trip and wait to see what God will do. This week has been a bit trying as Justice had some issues, Mike's head has been bad, the little dog was vomiting, the pharmacies did not have prescriptions, the furnace went out and the water pump on our truck is going and needs to be replaced. BUT, here's the cool thing. Before the dogs had their issues, before the furnace went out and before we got word on the truck, God provided. I read this in someone's blog this week "Through all of these events I am reminded just how faithful God is and how many tiny things (and huge things) seem to fit together at just the right time to keep us buoyed, encouraged, and aware of our blessings." Mike's trip is paid for, the furnace repair is paid for and the money for the truck came in the mail in various forms before I found out about it. God truly buoyed our financial needs with the means to pay them all. He has continually provided for us throughout this time. There has NEVER been one bill I haven't been able to pay. THAT is amazing!

Mike and I have been on the receiving end of so much giving, that we wanted to pay forward in a small way this season. We hosted a Christmas party and on the invitation told our friends of a family that we had "adopted" this Christmas. It is a mom with 7 kids who needed help fulfilling Santa's role. I was astonished at the amount of giving that walked through the door tonight at the party. We drank hot chocolate, had a fire, listened to Christmas music and talked in the most of wrapping MANY presents for this family. It is so sweet to be able to pay forward (with a lot of help) the kindness bestowed on us.

This Christmas, take a minute to look where you can pay it forward or help someone in any number of ways. I can tell you from someone who has been on the receiving end, the blessing is rich and one of the only things that has kept my heart and head in this thing called life. Your giving is a reminder that God hasn't forgotten us. Consider that the Saviour of the world gave up His throne long ago to be found in a manger and save us. Pay forward His kindness to you as He continues to give to us. A very Merry Christmas, friends. God's richest and most wonderful blessings on all of you and your families!