Day 358

Day 358 of  The Red Shoe Project just happens to be Christmas eve.  Some days never turn out as you expect them to, -- RED shoes or not!  Today was one of those days.  I awoke at 9 a.m.  to a text message from my dearest friend.  She had taken her husband -- who was experiencing severe chest pains --  to the emergency room at 3 a.m. and was now waiting to talk to the doctors.  Within minutes, people were lifting up prayers to the Lord.  With that, the peace of God fell upon her and by early evening, her and her husband were on their way home for Christmas with a prescription for a change of diet.  That was such an answer to prayer!  Thank you Jesus!

Late in the afternoon, I joined my friend at the hospital and we had a bite to eat together.  By that time, the scare was over.  God has shown Himself faithful.  She was grateful knowing that within hours they would be home resting this Christmas eve.  As we sat there in the little cafe drinking ice tea and munching on our veggie sandwiches, I realized how blessed I was to have such a great friend.  I was glad to be there with her.  As we talked about the Lord and His goodness, all I could think about was:

"What a great way to spend Christmas eve!

The church I attend had four Christmas eve. services starting at 3:30.  I went to the very first one,  just to be sure that I didn't end up missing out.  It was wonderful.  What I enjoyed most of all, however, was the ride from the parking lot to the front door of the church.  My friend, Dirk, was a volunteer for the special services and saw me get out of my car.  He whipped over in the little golf cart and offered me a ride to the door.

"Merry Christmas!"  he announced, 

bringing joy to my soul.  

"Merry Christmas!" I responded.  

You see, Dirk is one of the guys that rededicated His life to Christ this past year in my Starting Point discussion group.  Earlier today, he messaged me that he had been thinking about what I had said regarding Divine Partnership.  

"I'm a military man,"   he told me.  

"Instead of partnering with God, 

I prefer to think of myself as a 

soldier in God's army!"   

How awesome is that?  It brings joy to my soul that he sees himself as a warrior for God!  What a great Christmas present!  Thank you Jesus!

Later in the evening, my youngest daughter announced that she needed me to help her with a important craft project she was working on.  It's been many years since I worked on such artistic endeavors of the sort. Regardless, we put our heads together and tackled the job.  Several hours later, we successfully completed our task.   It was Christmas eve.  -- just the two of us -- sprawled out on the floor with ribbons, scissors, a hot glue gun, glitter and more.  Working together like that on a specific project was really rather glorious!  There we were functioning as a team!  Now that it's over,  I find myself shouting in my soul, "Thank you Lord for such a blessing!"  I can't quite put into words what that was all about, but it was one of my best Christmas eve's ever!

Today was filled with all sorts of Christmas festivities.  To name a few, there were  Christmas carols, last minute shopping, not one but two Christmas messages, candle lightings, and even a snow machine.  Don't get me wrong, all those things were great.

But what has me as content as can be 

is the time I spent with my family and friends 

along with the assurance in my heart that Jesus is Lord!

Merry Christmas dear friends!

Gail