I’m not crazy, I swear…

Yesterday, I exchanged gifts with one of my dearest friends in Huntsville. On my way to her house, I was listening to Christmas music and as Carrie Underwood* sang “Do You Hear What I Hear” I began to cry. I’m not crazy, I swear, but I have never burst into tears like that before. I couldn’t help myself though. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling for what seemed like no reason.

Sometimes, a song can touch a part of you nothing else can. It can reach deep down and explain exactly how you feel even you can’t find the words. That’s what happened to me yesterday. This year has been such a journey for me — reaching far beyond what you read here. Without my friends and family, I’m not sure the year would’ve turned out as it did. I am blessed beyond anything I deserve. And the friend whose house I was driving to has been instrumental in my life. I will never be able to repay her for her kindness, her guidance, her prayers and her support. She’s been a Christian mentor, a diabetes encourager and a best friend.

But why the emotion for “Do You Hear What I Hear” you ask? Because for me, it’s an incredibly emotional song. Part of my journey this year found me back in church after 10 years away. I am continually drawing nearer to God, and I am loving every minute of it of my rekindled relationship with Him. He gives me a peace and a calm like none other. Through faith and His word, I know I will be fine. No matter what my future holds, I know He has amazing things planned for me, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead. And this year, I am thankful and blessed more than ever before.

If you know me personally, you know I am a HUGE fan of birthdays — mine, yours, friends, mine. 😉 But Dec. 25 is the birthday of all birthdays. Can you imagine the buzz that was spreading around Bethlehem about Christ’s birth? As people learned, there was rejoicing and celebration, angels and shepherds. There were gifts of silver and gold. As my tears fell Tuesday night, I thanked God for the many blessings He’s brought me in 2011. Even with sadness and despair, I have found peace and complete happiness in Him and His word. I am so excited for 2012 to see what is to come. I haven’t looked this forward to life and to the future in a long time. As Christmas inches closer, I keep thinking of the power of that Christmas inside a stable. I wish I could’ve been in Bethlehem that winter night. I wish I could’ve seen the star and worshiped at the manger. What a glorious night it must have been.

*Would someone please tell Carrie Underwood to record a Christmas album? And while you’re at it, tell her to record a hymns album, too. Thanks.