Lent

My how things have changed! Last year, I entered the lent season from a very different place than I will this year. This year I enter with an expecting and thankful heart.

By now I'm sure you are all up-to-date on my Aunt Carla's health. She has ALS (Louis Gehrig's Disease), and there is no cure for it. I say there is "no" cure with such a mocking tone. God alone is our healer, and I fully expect to see a complete miracle in her body. As the rest of our family has been under attack medically, Aunt Carla has stood firm in her faith, and an entire region has been impacted by her amazing faith and unfailing love for Jesus. This lent season brings a new time of prayer and fasting. As Mike and I carefully choose the things we will give up this year, we keep in mind that we are fasting and praying in respect for all Jesus has done for us and all He will do in Aunt Carla I enter this lent season believing in prayer and fasting. I enter believing in the will of the one true God.

In other news, Mike and I have entered into a contract for a new house. We are working on inspections and loans and the like for a wonderful 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Levittow, Pennsylvania. Throughout our process to find a home for our future family, we prayed that God would drop us into the house that is within His will. We believe that He has done that, and we believe that He will continue to provide a way for us to own it. We had almost given up hope when God threw this little jewel at us. Of course, God has the perfect plan, so this came along in His time, not our own. Continue to pray with us for provision, wisdom, and discernment as we seek to bless God's heart in our real estate decisions. (Pictures will come as soon as possible.)

Sullivan Version

Christmas was absolutely wonderful in the Watson household! As a result, there will be two parts to this post: a Sullivan version and a Watson version.

Mike and I made the long drive to Louisiana and back. If 18 hours in a packed car aren’t a test to you marriage, I don’t know what would be. Nevertheless, we are home after a great trip, and we are still married.

These sweet ornaments are compliments of the Martin family.

The Martins and these ornaments are near and dear to my heart.

Our visit to Louisiana was a very short one, and it was extremely hard to get in a visit with everyone. Of course, we visited with Mom, Dad, Shasta, and Zeke.  Mike and I got to spend a wonderful evening of shopping with Mom to finish up some Christmas shopping. We had a great Mexican dinner with Dad and Zeke, and a fabulous lunch at Jehovah Java with Mom and Shasta. We got in a few others too though.

On Christmas Adam (which obviously comes the day before Christmas Eve), we exchanged gifts and fellowship with Aunt Cynthia & Co. It was so nice to have a visit that didn’t require me in a big white dress, Mike in a tux, and everyone rushing to say hello before the next thing on the agenda. Aunt Cynthia, Landon, Ashley, and Bubba all seem to be doing great. Mousey was a little ill, but she was still a joy! (Hope you’re feeling better, Mouse!) Now, sweet Paige and Reagan. Oh my goodness. Those girls (daughters of Bubba and Mousey) are the most precious girls I have ever been around. I told Bubba that I’ll have 100 daughters if I they’ll come out like his!

Paige had such a wonderful imagination playing with Zeke's old cars. I wish I could have taken a video.

Then we had some little visits with Nana. We spent the day with her on Thursday, as well as the evening on Friday. I was so glad we got to spend some relaxed time with her. It was nice to catch up.

Nana and Auntie Ruthie

On Christmas day, we were able to visit with more of Mom’s family. Papaw, Granny, and Aunts Ruthie, Debra, Lulu, and Carla and their families were all present for more food, fellowship and presents. It was so great to see everyone. I think I forget how much I miss them sometimes.

Papaw with his new Philadelphia mug.

Mike and I also really enjoyed getting to visit with Aunt Carla and her family for a little bit on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We are still praying and believing in Christ for a full healing miracle in her life. In Jesus name, disease has no hold on her.

Ok. That was a short overview of things that happened on our little vacation. I just don’t know how much more I can say. I got to see so many friends from LP that made me feel so special, and it was really wonderful to experience it all with my husband. JOY…Lake Providence, friends, family, Mike Watson.

I thought this may be a funny fact to leave you with: I got 4 pairs of shoes for Christmas (and a receipt for one that is still in the mail).

More to come about our Watson Version of Christmas………..

Meatless Mondays

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that my Aunt Carla has Lou Gehrig’s Disease. If you don’t read my blog regularly, you can read more about the diagnosis and my thoughts here.

Anyway…we’re still expecting God to heal her body completely. We’re prayerfully seeking His healing hands, comfort, strength, and understanding each day. A few weeks ago, our entire family did a one month fast. We broke it up amongst us, and everyone took a few days. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and fasting, so Mike and I have decided to do another round.

We have chosen to have “Meatless Mondays” until Christmas. We are not eating any meat or seafood on Mondays until we see Aunt Carla for Christmas. For example, I had only grapes, strawberries and a salad for lunch today. Mike had an egg salad. Tonight, we are eating broccoli alfredo pasta. It’s not a huge fast, we know. However, we will be sacrificing meat every Monday for a few months. This will keep fervent prayer on our minds until the end of the year….OR until we see a miracle in Aunt Carla’s life.

You are more than welcome to join us next week for “Meatless Mondays”! If you choose to join, please be in prayer for Aunt Carla’s physical and mental healing. As you can imagine, this is taking a toll on her whole being, as well as on her family. Pray for Uncle Buc, Sierra and Cheyenne. They all need peace and refuge in Him right now. Also, if you choose to join, leave a comment letting us know that you’re fasting and praying. If you have a good meatless recipe, let us know! We would love to try it.