Merry Christmas!

My all time favorite Christmas song...

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh, Mary did you know....
Mark Lowery

Sometimes

Sometimes I get really perplexed...

• When circumstances disappoint.
• With red tape, complex laws, and legal codes
• When I read that there are 8x more animal shelters in our community than for human victims of abuse.
• When my heart knows for sure...but words fail me
• That good work must have substantial funds to operate

Sometimes I am simply overjoyed...

• When I meet someone whose heart is bent and priorities set toward justice and service
  
• When my young teen granddaughter expresses interest in Chloe's Place.
• When we receive thoughtful notes or gifts toward the work.
• When someone joins in our work.
• When I envision Chloe's Place... fully operational
  

Sometimes I get really sad...

• When people do not value our work
• When I allow impatience to raise doubt
• When I focus on how quickly time passes, how much work is yet ahead, and aging.

Sometimes I get really angry...

• When seeing another demeaned or threatened
• At dishonesty... abuse... and hypocrisy
  
• When reading an account of yet another woman whose report of abuse was ignored.
• In competing for limited grant funds; knowing how the funds are actually used by some 'esteemed' organizations.

Sometimes I get really hopeful...

• When I learn of new technology that will help to communicate our needs and services.
• When I ponder inspired writings
• When I learn of other services for vulnerable, fragile moms and children
• When I recall those who have promised to pray for Chloe's Place everyday.
• When I remember that Chloe's Place is not mine alone