t-minus 6 days to Xmas

We're in the homestretch to Christmas now and I got a counter full of "crack"amel corn (yes, again :), family on the way here tomorrow, a robust cleaning list and some gifts left to wrap. But what's been on my mind for the last several days is what on earth to post here amidst the holiday madness. I've been sitting down in front of a blank screen for three or four nights now and truthfully nothing particularly witty or profound has come to mind.  What does keep repeating in my brain and echoing in my heart is the sincere desire to send some cyber-love to everyone and anyone who may read this. Just to clarify (quickly), by "cyber-love" I essentially mean words of encouragement :). 

It's been a heck of a 2010 for our house. A year full of delightful surprises, stretch opportunities, life-changing gifts, unforeseen challenges and overwhelming joy. While I'm not a betting woman, if I were, I'd bet it's been a heck of a year for all your houses as well. My hope and prayer for you and yours is that during the next two weeks and into the new year ahead there would be healing, hope, comfort, provision and restoration...and that wherever you are and whatever you may be going through, you would not feel alone. For those in that abyss-like, purgatory-ish zone that is "waiting" (for something or someone), I pray your heart would be sustained and strengthened.  

I hope to get back here at least one more time before Christmas and definitely again before we count down on New Year's Eve....but in the meanwhile, while you're out battling for your lives in checkout lines and parking lots...trying to keep sane despite a mountain of expectations...and searching for meaning in a holiday that can get swallowed up by Best Buy and Macy ads...go ahead and have a laugh... and a tall glass of crazy...or two :)