prepare Him room.

I can't stop thinking about Friday and Sandy Hook Elementary School. I can't stop thinking about the families of those who were taken too soon and all the precious souls now embraced by their Heaven. As I watched this clip of this heroic man and father, one thing Robbie Parker said, struck a chord deep within me. "As we move on from what happened here, what happened to so many people, let it not turn into something that divides us..."  Let it not turn into something that divides us. Let it not turn into something that divides us. Let it not turn into something that divides us. It's a line worth repeating. Over. And over. And over. Again.

There's already been lots of talk, plenty of opinions and exchanges of attitudes and judgments regarding the views of others. When we live in a world where unthinkable tragedy occurs, we live in a culture already full of division, where many are quick to speak, but few are willing to listen. We need more listening. And as Robbie Parker also so beautifully said, we need to be "more compassionate."

In this sacred time of year, often drowned out with excessive fluff, may we be awake and vigilant, purposeful and prepared, to offer Love room. Not by moving the couches or creating extra space for the five boxes of Christmas decorations (although many of our living rooms know this rearrangement all too well), but most importantly, may we prepare Love room, in the place He longs to dwell, in the place where music dances to a beat of it's own, in the place that sustains us all, our hearts.

This Christmas is going to be incredibly difficult for all the families and loved ones of Friday's victims. And by no means, can I speak for them or claim to know what they are feeling or going through, but if this Christmas we all work hard at fulfilling Robbie Parker's simple request, we could trade our pride with compassion, our division with embrace, and maybe, just maybe, we could ignite a tiny sliver of peace amidst all the pain and suffering. As 'Joy the World' begs, let every heart prepare Him room.

God who is Love, may we prepare you room.
Every heart.
Broken or mended.
Weary or anxious.
Tired or lonely.
Confused or doubtful.
Empty or sorrowful.
May every heart this Christmas, prepare Him room.

All the families of Sandy Hook, our thoughts and prayers remain with you.

♥ photo by one of my favorite photographers, Marianne Greig

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rainy days.

{although just posted today, this post was written on Wednesday, last week}

It was a weekend afternoon, years ago. I was young, in late elementary school or early middle school. Everyone in my family was busy working outside. The sounds of a good pressure clean and loud water hitting the glass windows, concerned my protective puppy as she responded with piercing barks of her own. It was as if she was warning the water not to mess with her and her people. And it was then that I knew, she'd do her best to protect me and love me in her own little way.

Coming home alone, after school, wasn't as scary knowing she'd be there, waiting for me when I got home. And even if I was ever scared, she'd accompany me under the bed, while I waited for the fear to subside.

Every sick day, every tough day, every high school break-up, she knew, and she was there.

Many of us are afraid of pain and we do our best to avoid it at all costs. And if you're of the people-pleasing kind, you particularly dislike seeing people you love in pain. So, on a day like today, when my childhood dog was put to rest, I want nothing more than to be strong, myself, and take away the pain from other family members who are sad, too.

But with all that's happened this week with our family, and with vulnerable conversations that were born from the pain, I couldn't help but write about the way pain affects us. I almost didn't want to write about pain for the sole reason that it may inflict more sadness or pain when so many, like myself, are quick to avoid it.

But pain is real, it comes with the territory of being human, and sensitive, and raw, and beautiful. This is life and life's not always easy. But the grass needs the rain, just as much as it needs the sun. And as much as rainy days can suck, sometimes you just need a good cry, and letting yourself or the ones you love have one is half the battle.

Whenever tough things happen, even the people we love are quick to search for a positive hidden somewhere in the negative...but the clouds need to release the rain and can't be discounted by the sun. The rain is needed, it is necessary, and therefore, should not be depreciated. Our tears have much to teach us about life, love, and ourselves, and crying as an outlet for pain should never be shunned or perceived as weakness. For in our vulnerability, our heart is open to love, true love, love that doesn't flee from pain, but one that holds your hand tightly and says, "let me walk with you in the rain."

Rest in peace, Sassy girl. I'll always cherish the rainy days I spent with you.

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spreading the word.

Just heard about one of the smallest  - most courageous - little warriors of baby girl's generation, Ruby Jane. After having liver failure at the age of 3 months, she lost her battle at 7 months old. Ughh, I can't help but cry as I type this. My heart aches for Ruby Jane's family today.

Baby girl was fussy going down for her last nap and rather than getting frustrated, I laid with her and held her as I kissed every inch of that sweet little face of hers and thanked God for her precious life. We can never do that enough. We take so much for granted. From the touch of her sweet hands on our face, to her cute facial expressions, to her excitement when we dance her around the room, to her oohs-and-ahhs when she tries to tell us what she's thinking, to her giggles when we tickle her, to her little rasberries when she's fighting her nap, along with her kisses that eat your whole face, to her most perfectly innocent love. There's nothing like the love of a child. Absolutely nothing.

Ruby Jane is a reminder of the tiniest warriors among us and all their brave, brave, families enduring so much for the sake of their smallest loves. I humbly ask you today for your prayers for Ruby Jane's family, as well as all the other families who have sick babies and children. And tonight Joseph, myself, and sweet baby girl are going to have extra long prayer time for Ruby Jane while thanking God over, and over, and over again for all the blessings we have.

If you feel motivated, here is Ruby Jane's donation website along with the link to St. Jude to help those families with sick little ones. My heart and prayers are with all of you tonight.

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