Good Morning Girls!  I feel like the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas has flown by faster than normal this year.  I wondered what this Holiday season would be like for me.  I was especially curious as to how the week leading up to Christmas would be.

December 18th marked the one year anniversary of losing my dad.  I know the preferred Christian lingo is to say "he went home to be with the Lord"- and it's true, he did.  And when I think of how glorious that it, it makes me smile at the thought of seeing him again. 

However, the truth is there are days when in hurts more than others.  On those days I look at at his passing from my feelings and my pain.  And on those days I feel like I don't care as much about the fact that he is about to enjoy another piece of birthday cake with the Lord.  On those days I simply think about the fact that he's not here, with me, eating one of his favorite Christmas cookies (which is pretty much all of them Lol).

A year ago last night I was at his reviewal assuring hundreds of people that I would be alright, that I would continue to move forward, that I would look after my mom, and that I would always know how much my dad was admired and loved by many.

A year ago this morning I was at his funeral, speaking on what an amazing role model  and example of Gods  true love he was to all of us.  And again I assured many that the "Houle Girls" would be alright......

For the most part I feel as though I have honored the promises I made to so many on those two days.  I am doing better than alright.  I have moved forward.  My mom is doing great.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about how much my dad was loved by so many.  Sure, I may have had a few bad days.  A few bad moments.  And even a meltdown or two.  In the end however, I am still standing. 

I have made good on my promises.  I have made good on them because of the many promises made to me by God.  He has promised me many wonderful, glorious things- both in heaven and also here on earth.  On the days when I want to stay in the pit, I think of the many promises made to me, and then I think of the many promises I made to others.....and I slowly crawl back out and get back to living......

One day a couple weeks ago when I felt the heaviness of grief pushing me towards the pit, I asked the Lord why it had to be at Christmas.  Why every year for the rest of my life I would vacillate from extreme joy to extreme sadness the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

The response that spoke to my heart was "It doesn't matter when they go......this time is difficult for everyone who has lost a loved one."  I started thinking of those I knew who have lost people they loved over the last year, whether it be spring, summer, or fall.  I prayed for them.  I prayed that they would be strengthened and encouraged to live out the promises they may have made to loved ones.  I prayed the promises of God would manifest in their lives.

Girls, if you have been hurting this Holiday season due to the loss of a loved one, or simply the loss of a lifestyle....take comfort in the fact that God has made us many promises.  Promises that he is able to keep.....even on the days when we cannot keep ours!

Luke 1 :45 "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Peace, love, and blessed Promises to you all-
Jen