Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!
Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some
of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie
Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through
Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has
touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.
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earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on
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day.
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and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering
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to help support Pearl Girls.
***
Simple or Sparkle?
by Tracey Eyster
It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks
quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely
nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how
unglamorous it appears.
Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny
way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.
You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my
grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from
Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry
memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my
thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.
CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing,
gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the
birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating
with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank
envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut
from the property she grew up on.
All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see
she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others
and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”
Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing
her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who
came to know the Lord – a divine appointment. The very next day that little old
lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to
just the day before.
At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own
frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His
work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of
sparkle in comparison to others.
A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of
Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder.
***
Tracey Eyster wife, mom, relationship gatherer and
Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a
difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video
interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms
on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012.
You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal site
www.traceyster.com or www.twitter/momblog.com.
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