Talitha Kum

Robert and I had the privilege this week to share Clara's story with our senior minister (who was called to our church after Clara was home and did not know the details of what she faced last spring.)  Perhaps you remember when Robert wrote this and how the phrase "talitha kum" became a mantra of sorts for us -- and for many of you, faithful pray-ers -- during Clara's most rocky days.  Dr. Bob Setzer's sermon title today was Talitha Kum and I urge you strongly to take twenty minutes to listen to his take on Clara, Jairus' daughter, and miracles in your lives and ours.  It is beautiful.

Download the podcast by clicking here.

Mommy's Favorite Gift

Last year this time I was having a really hard time getting excited about Christmas.  It was strange.  I've always loved everything about Christmas.  I love the decorations and the music and the candles.  I love the stories and the cookies and the gatherings with friends and family.  I love the worship of Baby Jesus' birthday.   I know it's superficial and commercial and not the real "reason for the season" or whatever, but here's my confession: I love presents.  Even as an adult, I love making lists of things I might ask Santa for, and I've always really loved thinking of, shopping for, and making gifts for people I love. But last year all I could think about was Clara.  Any time someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas, all I could think was, "I want my baby to live."

Of course, nobody could promise me that last year.  At that time, we just didn't know.  But here we are, a year later, and that Christmas wish did come true.  Oh boy, did it come true.

 Christmas this year is really better than we could even let ourselves imagine last year this time.

No package could match this package

And no bow could be cuter than these:

Whether she's coming or going...

(And these days it's one or the other!)

Or just hanging out...

No other gift could remind us more of God's mercies and grace come miraculously to earth in the form of a little baby.

Amen.



bonus feature - more Clara chasing Rufus....

She sees you, Rufus!  Watch out!

down for the crawl!

"Uhh, uhhh, uhhhhh.... scoot scoot" 

One more scoot!

And he escapes again.