Christmas is finally here!

 Merry Christmas!

During this very busy and exciting time of year, we often loose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas isn't about the presents, Christmas trees, food, decorations, etc. even though those are all very enjoyable. Rather, it is ultimately about our Saviour humbly coming into the world as a new-born baby. Luke 2:6-7 says, "And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." The fact that Jesus was born inside a stable on that Christmas night, rather than in a palace like most kings, shows just how humble He was. Not only did Jesus take the form of man and suffer the things of man, but He was also born in the most humble of places and would later die on the cross for our sins. This Christmas let's focus on our amazing Saviour and what He has done for us. I hope you have a merry Christmas!   

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs this year: Lauren Daigle - Noel [Lyrics] - YouTube

-Abigail 

God's way and timing is ALWAYS best

                As a lot of you already know, my family and I moved to the UK as missionaries early this year. We were originally going to move over here the beginning of last August but then it got bumped to like October due to COVID and then bumped yet again this time to the beginning of February. It was very hard for me/us to be patient and okay with not knowing when we were going to move over here; at the time I couldn't see any point in the continued delay but now I wouldn't move over here a minute sooner. After we were over here only like a month and a half, my dear...dear Papaw passed away. Because we were delayed until the beginning of February, we got 6 whole more months to spend time with him that we wouldn't have had otherwise. 

        When we left the airport to fly over here, my Papaw was as healthy as typical. I never thought that the hug I gave him in the airport would be the very last one I could ever give him on this earth. It was very difficult for us when Papaw left this earth to go spend eternity with our dear Saviour. Due to cost, COVID regulations, time, etc. we weren't able to fly back for his funeral or visitation, but we were able to 'be there' through FaceTime. After Papaw's death, I went through a season where I was cold toward God and just couldn't understand why He would take him from us right now, I mean after all we had just moved across the ocean as missionaries. According to God's great mercy, He softened my heart yet again and reminded me who He is and caused me to repent of my anger towards Him.       

        When we're in the midst of trials and struggles, we don't understand what the point in it is, but when we are on the other side we can see it clearly. God has taught me so...much especially over the course of the past year, and, even though I still don't understand why He chose to take my loving Papaw when He did or what the purpose in it was, I do know that God never makes mistakes and that He alone is wise (1 Timothy 1:17). His way is always best even when we don't understand.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

God's Amazing Creation

 

Below are some pictures I took while we were on holiday (vacation) a few weeks ago.

Views of Loch Fyne after hiking up a big hill.

The trail we hiked on.

A very beautiful sunset from while we were on holiday a few weeks ago 

taken at 10:42 p.m.

On the way up to a lookout tower. 

  The view from the lookout tower overlooking Inveraray Castle below.

Inveraray Castle on a very...cloudy and dreary day.

Inveraray Castle and its gardens.

Some flowers from the castle gardens.

 A very peaceful and lovely stream we stopped at on a hike through 

 some woodland gardens.

Clouds or fog covering the tops of the hills on our way back from holiday.

            God's creation truly is amazing! He could've made everything the same color just different shades, but instead there are many...different colors and shades of those colors all around us. Also, every tree, rock, hill, cloud, animal, flower, etc. could look exactly the same but instead they are different sizes, shapes, shades, etc. All of creation points to one Creator and Sustainer.

The Purpose of my Blog

            This verse describes the purpose of my blog: to encourage other girls in their walk with the Lord and to praise the Lord in everything. I pray that this will bring honor and glory to God, and that He would use it for the furtherance of His Kingdom.