Thanks, Mom!

Well, it's a fact.  Christmas will be here in 9 days.  As I place the wrapped gifts under the tree and select the perfect stocking stuffers for my two children, ages 2 years and 5 months - who, let's face it, will have no recollection of this Christmas - I grow increasingly appreciative of my own mother.  Year after year, she spent hours making sure Christmas was wonderful for my three sisters and me.  Some years my parents did not have much money, but somehow there were always heaps of presents under our tree!  Now that I am a mom, I understand how much time, energy, and love my mom put into Christmas for us, and I love her even more... 

Having recently gone through pregnancy and childbirth for the second time, I also have a greater appreciation for Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  Can you even imagine being 9 months pregnant and riding on a donkey?!  She truly was an amazing woman.  I really like to listen to the song Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant this time of year.  It gives me chills to think about what the woman who was "Mom" to our Savior felt.  This song really describes all the fears and insecurities that all mothers feel as they strive to raise these precious children that the Lord has entrusted to our care.  He helped Mary through it, and I am confident He will help us too!

Breath of Heaven
by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant

I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I've done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load i bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now

[chorus:]
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Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
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Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me