Go ahead. Make your day.

Over-joyed.
It may seem a little early to be thinking Christmas, but I love the season.
I'm the mom who played Christmas carols in July before it was the thing to do.

Thinking about Christmas, and yes I'm playing Christmas carols; I was overcome with joy.
I was standing in my dining room, and
His presence came in like a big hug.
Indeed, my cup runneth over.
The love of God is shed abroad in my heart with gratitude.

Oh joy to the world. The King has come.
How humbling to think the great God of the universe loved me so much.
Like the words to an old hymn, "What wondrous love is this, oh my soul."

He picked me up out of darkness so great I couldn't see light.
He gave me life when it seemed that all was lost.
He filled me with His joy unspeakable and full of glory.
I am amazed and thankful everyday, for the life He has blessed me with.

There is a story of a man, a greeter in a church, who loved praise and worship, raising his hands and dancing to the praise music. During the greeting he would hug everyone.  But, some people were offended by his smell.  So, the board of the church took him aside and spoke to him. They thought he had been saved long enough, he should be more mature.
He told them he couldn't help himself. Everyday was a special gift from God to him, for God had delivered him from years of alcoholism. The joy he was filled with when he was first saved was new every morning. He was so thankful for the life God had given him through Christ.

The wonders of God are new everyday. It takes my breath away!

I think Thanksgiving and Christmas are closely related.
'So much to be thankful for. I can start at Thanksgiving and continue celebrating through Christmas.

So, what's my story?
Briefly,
I tried to reach God with religion and works. At the end of myself He saved me.
Through the years of following Him there have been times of dark tunnels of tribulation. He has proven that He is faithful - always.
He has made a way when there didn't seem to be a way.
He has been my provider, always on time.
He has been my healer when doctors were at a loss.
He has been my peace, when trouble was all around.
He has been my strength when I had none.
He has been my friend - always.

David in the Bible was so overtaken by the blessings of his Lord, that he danced with all his might, right in the middle of all downtown! (II Samuel 6:14)
Overcome with joy? You bet.  Like David, like the church greeter, I will dance.
I will sing.

There is none like our God: Emmanuel-God with us, El Shaddai-All sufficient One, Jehovah Eloheenu-the Lord our God, Jehovah Jireh - God my provider, Jehovah Shalom-God my peace, Jehovah Nissi-the Lord my banner of victory, Jehovah Rophe-the Lord my health/my healer. He is Adonai - my Lord, my Master.

He makes all things new again!
He is worthy of our praise.

Let's be thankful!
It 's ok.
Go ahead, sit back, relax, have a cup of coffee. Let Him hug you with His presence, as you sit, all wrapped up in a blanket of His love.