The hustle and bustle of the holidays have come to a close with the exception of New Years Eve. Cec and I will stay home that night and enjoy a glass of sparkling grape juice--probably be in bed before midnight!!! The big bonus is that we get to keep our grandson for an overnight. What a way to bring in the new year.

Christmas was wonderful this year, particularly because of all the fun we had watching Dylan tear into his first ever Christmas gifts. Even at nine-months he was starting to catch on to the fact that beneath all that noisy paper was a special surprise.

The shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the decorating, the entertaining, and the worshiping--all of it's been recorded in my mental book of memories. And now that I've put away all the decorations, dragged the tree outside, vacuumed up the pine needles, dusted and scrubbed in order to put the house back in order, I have a bit of time to reflect and recharge. I love this time of year. But I also love the thought of moving ahead, seeing what's next. Time marches on, which to some can be a disturbing thought (we're not getting any younger), but I'm determined to stay positive and seize each moment.
God is good. I don't want to miss one single opportunity to spread His love and good cheer.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!


Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com

Thirty-one years ago today I pledged to love and cherish one man only, and I am proud to say my love for him has grown deeper and wider than I ever imagined possible! Praise God for entrusting me with Cecil MacLaren's heart. It was a wonderful day when he gave me his heart. It was a wonderful thing, Lord, you making it possible. What a lovely journey. Yes, there have been a few ups and downs along the way, but the greater part of this journey has been a tremendous thrill. Thank you, Lord.

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Today's Bible passage came from Psalm 27. "The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?"

This whole chapter speaks to the issue of trust in the midst of chaos. I love that even when I'm frenzied and panicked over deadlines, personal responsibilities, Christmas shopping, appointments, program rehearsals, holiday parties/entertaining, and the list goes on...God can quiet my heart with a simple verse of scripture. As I was reading this chapter, I stopped in my tracks at verse 8 -- "My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Very simply, God wants (even longs) to commune with us. He wants to hear about our busyness, go with us on our shopping sprees, listen in as we struggle to learn the songs for the Christmas services, tag along to the holiday parties, accompany us to our appointments. He wants to be with us. Question is--am I making a conscious effort to INVITE Him?

Lord, I invite you now to take control of my thoughts, my comings and goings. Help me not to forget YOU are the REASON for the season.

Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com

I'm bubbling over with excitement because a big carton of books - all with my name on it - arrived just yesterday. Through Every Storm is in and available--and ahead of schedule. When I tore the top off that box and saw those books my eyes welled up with tears at the wonder of it all. Just a few years ago, I never would have pictured myself a writer, much less a published one, but God saw the picture and planted a seed of passion in my heart. I am daily amazed by His goodness and mercy to me.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As is usually the case at this time of year, busyness abounds in the MacLaren household, even minus the kids. My shopping is well underway; in fact, almost completed. I enjoy finishing early so I can kick back and simply enjoy the season.

Tomorrow night Cec and I plan to see The Nativity Story at the theater. I hope it's as good as I've heard.

May God continue to rain down His blessing of protection on all of us.

Sharlene MacLaren/ www.sharlenemaclaren.com