Are you Watching for Christmas Miracles?
Driving in snow and cold is not one of my favorite things to do, but that is what I was doing on Monday. My daughter had to have some surgery and we chose a specialist who is about 100 miles from our home. Monday we headed back for her post surgery exam. We joked about driving over 200 miles for a 15 minute appointment, but I was determined to enjoy the time with her.
On our way home we stopped to fill her prescription. The place was alive with Christmas shoppers and we joined them while we waited for her prescription. Then off we went for the last leg of our journey home.
We were listening to classical Christmas music and just enjoying the ride when she suddenly realized she didn’t have her purse. She frantically searched the van – front seat, back seat, under packages. It was nowhere to be found. She realized she had left it in the cart when she put it in the cart park.
We were about a half hour from the store – actually closer to home than to the store. I had to make a decision. You see, I’ve always struggled with anger, and I felt really angry at the thought of adding another hour of driving to an already long day.
That’s when the miracle happened. I was able to show my daughter the same grace that the Lord has shown me many times. The same grace my husband has shown me many times – when I’ve left my purse somewhere – yes, I’ve done it many times. Now I always put the car keys in it so I can’t forget it. The same grace my children have shown me more times than I can count.
As we turned around to go back we prayed that the Lord would hide her purse from any dishonest eyes and that He would have mercy on her. When she started saying what a stupid mistake she had made I was able to say, “ I’ve done it too.”
We were solemn as we drove, not knowing what the outcome would be, only that I was at peace and could pour out God’s grace on my beautiful daughter. That was the miracle! Me – with my anger issue – was able to offer grace to her.
We pulled into the parking lot, down the aisle where we had parked, up to the cart park, and there was her purse – right where she had left it. There were other carts pushed into it, but the purse was still there as were here wallet, credit card, permit, iPod, glasses, and retainers.
How we rejoiced at the Lord’s goodness and mercy. I am so thankful to have this opportunity to share God’s grace with my daughter. This time I was able to respond in a good way – I’m still growing, however slowly, but I’m growing.
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9
Merry Christmas to all of my faithful readers. I’m not planning to post until next year. Next year – sounds like a long time away, but it really isn’t. We have three of our children at home yet and I’ve decided to clear my calendar and enjoy this time with them. We’ll bake, wrap gifts, get together with extended family and friends, and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Before I close up shop I want to do a review of a book I recently read.
21 Days of Gratitude by Shelley Hitz
Available on Amazon for $.99 for the Kindle edition
The subtitle: Finding freedom from self-pity and a negative attitude really says it all. I read this 50+ page book straight through, but it is meant to be read one day at a time in addition to journaling so it is more like a journey to discover how to change your negative thinking.
I plan to use it as my devotional after the first of the year. I think January will be a great time to turn from some of my negative thinking, especially since many people struggle after the holiday season.
Her abundant use of Scripture will help anyone to turn their focus on the Lord and off themselves, which really is the secret to gaining freedom from areas that you struggle with.
Her companion book 21 Stories of Gratitude is also available on Amazon for $.99 and in it she shares stories of gratefulness that will continue to help you look to the Lord who is the great attitude changer. 
Here is another ornament for you to enjoy from GildedGears.com Wouldn’t it make the perfect gift for someone you know?
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
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9 Comments
Kaye Swain
What a blessing and an encouragement – to you and to us. Having gone through the long process after having my purse stolen, this was – indeed – a lovely miracle and gift from God. And kudos on you for spending extra time with your family during this holiday season. Such a sweet and vital joy. Thanks for the heads up on the books, as well. I’m off to check them out.
Phyllis
Thanks for stopping by Kaye – I just stopped by your site – you are in an interesting time of life. Let me know what you think of the books.
Jessica
Thanks for sharing this.
Stopping by from the WW blog hop. Please come link up! http://savegreenbeinggreen.blogspot.com/2013/01/wordless-wednesday-monster-jam.html
Phyllis
I’ve never been to a monster truck pull – perhaps I’m missing something.
Nicole
Hello…I followed after you on Friendship Friday…Loved reading this miracle….blessings and more miracles to you…Nicole
Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
Hi, Phyllis. I’m stopping over from the ‘Heart 4 Home Thursday’ blog hop. I actually had left my purse at a Walmart a few years ago on Mother’s Day! Believe it or not, God let my patience and faith be tested a little more than I ever had imagined. Someone had actually stolen my purse from the cart I left it in, and by the time I got back to the store, it was gone! Thankfully Walmart had parking lot video cameras and caught the whole thing on tape. They weren’t identified until 2 weeks later, but then were pulled over and my wallet was still in their car. I had closed all credit cards and only had a few dollars stolen. The thieves, a husband and wife, were charged, but I’m not sure what their conviction was. I wasn’t interested in them getting hard time, but wanted them to know how it had affected me, so I wrote a letter that the judge presented to them. I pray that they saw their wrongdoings and have chosen to change their ways. Only God is the true judge in the end!! It’s amazing what He uses to help us work out our issues(mine being forgiveness) that we struggle with in life. Blessings to you!
In His Lo♥e, Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
Phyllis
Thanks for sharing Ann. I’m glad you are able to see the Lord’s hand in this. That’s sometimes difficult when we don’t get the outcome we would really like.
budgeteer
I’m glad that the purse was found! I feel rather like you – perceptibly growing but s-l-o-w-l-y. I enjoyed reading this, Thank you
Phyllis
Thank you for the encouragement. Sometimes slowly doesn’t seem fast enough. Have a blessed Christmas.