I find it hard to believe, but we have made it to yet another Christmas.

God must have something better in mind for us  There is no other way I can explain it.

Even with all that we have been through this year (2011), God has brought us through so much and as a family, we have only drawn closer to one another.  

Must be because God cares for us and He cares about Christmas.  

This year has been pretty rough.  For starters, my daddy passed away this past January.  The house and family gatherings just aren't the same without Daddy regaling us with his wonderful stories.

Then, in February, just a month later, my husband lost his job.  Downsizing.  He has been pounding the pavement ever since, yielding no results.  He has gotten increasingly discouraged.

In April, after a brief reprieve, our oldest son, Carter, got sick and ended up in the hospital.  He had a particularly bad case of MRSA.  He nearly died, but miracle of miracles, God pulled him through and Carter made a full recovery.  He had a lengthy recovery that lasted several months, but by God, he made it and has now since returned to full health and is back to being a vey active young boy again.

In August, I buried my sister.  Lupus.  She had been sick for many years and as the years passed, her lupus got worse, totally disabling her to where she had to quit her job and go on SSDI and SSI.  She was in and out of the hospital (the last few months mostly in than out).  Death finally claimed her in August of this year; she was only in her middle fifties.

I miss her so much.  Christmas just isn't the same without Meggie.  She was famous for her gingerbread cookies and baking wonderous cakes that everyone talked about for weeks to come once the last crumbs had been eaten.

Then, finally, in September, I broke my femur.  Am still feeling the effects ot that.  I was in a car wreck; a drunk driver hit my car broadside (my side).  I was badly hurt.  I still have the walking cast on and am hobbling around on a pair of crutches clamped to my elbows.  It isn't easy, but I am managing the best I can.  

I work, but since my accident, I have been on medical leave.  Money has been incredibly tight, but loving friends from church have stepped up to the plate and have been providing for Joe (my husband) and myself the things we need: food.  Gas money.  Other financial blessings to help with bills, food, electric, house payments, personal needs, the needs for the kids, among other things.  My church friends have been nothing short of incredible!

Finally, after months and months of heartbreak and strife, things are finally starting to turn around.  My church frinds continue to visit or call, bringing us unexpected blessings.  Just yesterday, as an example, Greta brought a Christmas card over.  Inside was five brand new, crisp $100 bills.  "This is for you, Wanda", was all she said.  "God told me you needed this.  Enjoy.  Merry Christmas!"

You can probably imagine how I reacted.  I cried.  Oh, boy did I EVER!!

I heard from my boss yesterday as well.  He asked me when I was coming back.  I told him when the doctor gives the okay.  He then broke the news that my job was safe and that he was giving me a Christmas bonus because I have been a valuable asset to the company.  So more money for us.

It may be later than normal, but it looks like the kids will have Christmas after all.  God truly DOES care for His children, especially at Christmas.  Christmas is truly THE Season of Miracles!!