God has a special love for the fatherless

I know way too many people who are fatherless. Too many kids are growing up without a daddy. Some dads just up and left. Some never showed up to begin with. And some have simply passed on from this life.

I’m thankful that I have my dad, Emilio, still here.  
That was us at the super Christmassy Dickinson Festival of Lights in December. Can’t wait to go again this year (it’s just 10 months away!) 🎄🎄🎄

My dad and I live about 4 hours apart. But his phone conversations are often encouraging, prayerful & sometimes sarcastic (which I find hilarious!)

However, we know our earthly dads, if we have one, are limited. Even the good ones, when they want to give us the world, sometimes they just can’t. They’re too far to help, or finances are tight, or the situation is simply out of everybody’s hands.

At times like that, we can feel fatherless. Helpless. Lost. 

But God is the “helper of the fatherless.” 

He hears & knows our desires. He strengthens our hearts. And He inclines his ear to do justice to the fatherless and oppressed.

I read this Psalm & wanted to share it with you. It changes our lives, our mindset and how we feel about ourselves and our kids, when we realize we are not fatherless. 

And our Father is a King.

“But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.
The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭10:14, 16-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

http://bible.com/59/psa.10.14,16-18.esv

God bless you!

Coppelia

Disney, Andrea Bocelli & dreams coming true

What a night! I really feel #hashtag #blessed by God!!! 

We finally decorated the tree, so our living room is twinkling, merry & bright. 

The kids had fun, which always makes things better. 🙂
And just as my hubby comes up with a grin & a Disney packet, which makes our upcoming vacation seem more tangible … just at that moment (I’m not kidding) my phone beeps. 
It’s a reminder that we are going to see Andrea Bocelli tomorrow … something I have dreamed of for years!!!
Adam gave me the Bocelli tickets as a Mother’s Day gift … he knows me so well! It’s like a double celebration: the anticipation (since May!) and now the concert! Aaahhhh!

Lord, on nights like this one, with my heart up in the clouds, dancing & twirling & giddy like a little girl, I just have to say Thank You. ❤️
James 1:17
“Every good & perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of heavenly lights… He never changes…”
Amazed, excited, sparkling & twinkling,
Coppelia ❤️

Make my wish come true …!

No, it’s not too early. And this is only the beginning of …
… the MOST wonderful time of the year!
Today is Day 1 of the 101 Days to Christmas countdown! 
But I’m not just going to post elf memes & go crazy buying stuff. What I love about this countdown is that, when all is said & done, you can look back and feel like you truly celebrated the real meaning of Christmas. 
If you’re like me, you know the feeling of rushing to buy last minute gifts & getting annoyed at crowded stores because you have been too busy with family visits & church events & school gatherings & shopping & gift wrapping & you never got to sit down with a peppermint hot chocolate & enjoy anything & the whole thing was just a blur? 
discovered the awesome website (www.101daystoChristmas.com) a couple of years ago. As much as I love the holidays, some times I would wait to decorate because I was too busy. Or I’d hold back from doing things I love like ice skating at the park, buying new decorations or splurging on certain gifts because I hadn’t really budgeted for it.

The countdown helps each day, starting today (yay!) with helpful tips & ideas to plan ahead, think through traditions and make sure you plan, schedule and budget what’s important to you. 

When was the last time you made time to think about this ahead of time?

“All I want for Christmas is … “

Think about it. Sign up for daily reminders on the countdown website. Dream & anticipate that this could be a truly special Christmas. 

🎶 Make my wish come true … all I want for Christmas is you! 🎶
~Coppelia