Jesus

"...Let's always remember that Jesus is the reason for ChRisTmAstiMe...."--Yancy   As I think about the ride we have been on during 2010, I am reminded and completely humbled that Jesus calls me His own. This may sound trite, but if it wasn't for Him, I have no idea who, or where I'd be...and I'm frightened to even consider the possibilities, knowing what lies deep within my heart at times.   Just thinking about Christmas and all the things it means to so many people, I know this year, for our family, it means so much more. The girls enjoy playing Hangman, and it was something they started in China, when we opened the new, cool washable Window Markers I packed in the suitcase.   Today, I was standing at the kitchen island, drying some dishes and JingJing and DanNi were playing Hangman. It was DanNi's turn to think of a word, and she drew 5 blanks and JJ started guessing. JJ guessed a 'J' because she thought it might be her name, since they'd done that several times. Then she guessed an "I" and it was wrong. I said, "I know what it is," and guessed an 'E'. DanNi laughed and wrote it down.   Of course, it was JESUS. I was so proud of DanNi and totally humbled. For ALL of you that have prayed for our family, or given to us in some way so we could bring DanNi home for Christmas, THANK YOU. You were part of that moment.   As frustrated as I've been over the last 3 months, it all disappeared in that instant. She is listening and I am so thankful. We took them to see the Rockettes last week and she said her favorite part of the show was Baby Jesus. I know that someday He will be her Savior and I cannot wait for that day...as I long for that day for JingJing, too.   And it was 6 years ago, right now, we were on a plane, flying to China to get our sweet JingJing. God has been so incredibly faithful to our family and has poured out on us way more than we could have ever dreamed. This time of year is so special for us and I am so grateful for our family and friends.   Our lives would not be the same without our sweet Meredith. She has struggled the last 3 months, but her laughter today when all three of them were playing Uno was such a blessing. She is such a thoughtful, caring little girl, our hearts have broken over the grief she has expressed over things in our family not being what she had hoped for...and we keep reassuring her that in time, all will be well.   No matter where you may be in your spiritual life right now; no matter the situation with family and friends, I want to encourage you with these lyrics, also from Yancy...   "...God knew EVERYTHING we needed and so He sent us JESUS; ; the greatest gift in all the world is with us now...."    May you have the merriest CHRISTmas in 2010... Stephanie Stephanie Bass Psalm 139 http://bassfamilyadoptionjourney.blogspot.com