Prints of Grace: December 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 31)

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Oooooh Christmas Tree! This year my mom did not have good luck with live trees, which our family has always gotten in previous years. Her allergies acted up, so we ended up with an artificial tree by the time all was said and done. (Tree #2 is currently in my mom's front yard if anyone's interested.) The white lights came on the artificial tree and the colored ones are our traditional ones to use. I hassled my mom, saying that she was going a bit far claiming to be allergic to two different trees, so she could get an artificial one and put all of the decorations on herself. (When we were little, my dad was really particular about where decorations went on the tree, how far about they should be, etc.)

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Feast of the Holy Innocents I'm grateful for this informative post and the thought-provoking video included along with it. We must definitely continue praying that fear and the temptation to view others as less than we are will dissolve when encountered with love and Truth.

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Feast of the Holy Family This evening, we went to Mass at St. Benedict’s which was nice, though the Latin singing and prayer responses seem a little more challenging after a long day with not quite enough sleep. There was a Baptism as well. We welcomed a baby named Claire Patricia into the faith.

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Taking the Plunge This morning Kevin and I were up at 3:00am due to gastrointestinal issues (mine) and subsequent toilet trauma (ours). You know that you’re sticking in there through the “for better or worse” part of the marriage vows when you pull up in the Lowe’s parking lot before they open at 6am so you can both use their bathroom and purchase an auger to fix your toilet at home.

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Peace out! My sister Theresa packed up her SUV and headed back up to Ohio today. I’m interested to hear how the trip was since 1.) I’m not positive she got her cell phone and horrible service switched 2.) I don’t know how well her new GPS works 3.) She’s making the car trip without my mom for the first time, and 4.) they don’t have AAA in case of emergency. I know she had her iPod cranked and a friend to visit with on the ride up, so even if they got terribly lost and broke down, at least they’d still be entertained.

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Still devouring books! Don’t worry, I’m still devouring books and have some great ones to recommend. I just haven’t written the reviews for the most recent ones I’ve read, yet, so I’ll wait to tell you more once I’ve done that.

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Best gift from 2011! My husband was inspired to start going to daily Mass with me at the beginning of last Lent, and he hasn’t stopped. He even came with me when we were on vacation this summer!This is truly the best gift of the year to me, the gift that is most dear to me, one that I never thought would happen, and pure proof that nothing is impossible with God!

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Friday, December 23, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 30)

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Excellent Advent Advice Reflection Series

Part I: Stay Awake

Part II: Seek Him Who Seeks You

Part III: Hold on to Hope

Part IV: Celebrate the Season

Part V: Rejoice and Be Glad!

Part VI: Give the Gift of Quality Time I have found the gift I treasure most is that of quality time with loved ones. Add some yummy food, and the experience is downright delightful regardless of the weather! I’ve been very blessed to have several family and friends who have given the gift of their time to Kevin and me this holiday season…

Part VII: Wait Patiently What are we really waiting for this week, this month, this year? Around the holidays, we are often made to wait. We wait in long lines to take advantage of a slew of sales, mail packages, purchase Christmas gifts, visit Santa, buy ingredients for holiday meals, and baking festive goodies…

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Christmas tree down in record time! As some of you may recall, it was only last Thursday that my family gathered at my mom’s house to decorate the Christmas tree. Mom was concerned my sister Mary and I wouldn’t be happy that she and Theresa had gotten a different type of tree from the live ones we usually buy, but we were fine with it. The tree looked pretty, as ours always have in previous years.

It turned out Mom was the only one who had trouble with the tree. She’s apparently really allergic to Scotch Pines, so Wednesday night we had the second quickest ornament and tree removal ever for our family. As misfortune would seem her lot, my mom exchanged the Scotch Pine for another tree at the lot, put it in the stand last night, and by 1:00am, was having trouble breathing, so she threw a coat on over her pajamas and dragged the thing out the door. (Today she got an artificial tree, which we would consider almost sacrilegious if my poor Mom weren’t so allergic to all of the live ones she’s come across this year, at least from the lot where we usually get them.)

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Breaking tradition the hard way. These are some Christmas traditions my sisters and I really enjoy: listening to Christmas music as early as my mom can get away with pulling it out, decorating the family tree, watching a certain line-up of Christmas movies, and making and decorating Christmas cookies. Last Advent was certainly a change from the usual, with some nice added blessings.

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Triage for our Christmas Card List In the event that you didn’t receive a Christmas card from Kevin and me this year, rejoice and be glad! No, really. I’ve decided this year to concentrate my card writing/mailing efforts first and foremost on family and friends of ours who 1.) are currently in the hospital 2.) were just released from the hospital after major surgery 3.) are serving in the US military overseas, and/or 4.) have lost a loved one in the past six months.

One reason for this is that I write a personal note on each card I send, so it takes much longer than the sign and stamp kind. Since we have a number of loved ones who fit into one of the above categories, I’m concentrating my energy on prayers, phone calls, and notes of encouragement for them. Please don’t be offended. I assure you we’re keeping you in prayer. Thanks to all of you who have filled our mailbox with love, adorable photos, and kind cards!

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It’s Showtime! Though this year, Kevin and I both missed out on the Christmas show at Little Sisters of the Poor where my grandma lives, we have fond memories from when we’ve attended in the past. Actually, I can still remember the Christmas concert we did when I was in second grade, and we wore these tall cone-shaped Christmas tree hats and sang a song with the lyrics: “I’m gonna be Santa’s tree, so looky, looky, looky at me!”

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Jesus Christ is coming to town! The theme of this year’s Glorious Christmas Nights show put on by the West End Assembly of God was Hold on to Hope. Kevin wasn’t feeling well, so my mom, John, and I were the ones who went to the show this go round. As always, it was truly entertaining, great writing, funny, heartwarming, thought-provoking, and awe-inspiring!

I laughed uproariously during the modern part where they sang and danced to 70s disco music rewritten with Christian lyrics, and I was very amused by the Bethlehem shepherds’ musical number about how they hate sheep. I love how they combine Christmases present with a flashback to the first Christmas, and then the spectacular finale of Christ’s Second Coming. Of course, their performance of The Midnight Cry (always gives me chills-especially hearing so many hundreds of people singing it in person) is always one of my favorites.

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Emmanuel, God with us! I pray that you and your loved ones will experience the joy, peace, and love of the Lord flowing in and through you this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
I saw on a church message board: “Mary wrapped the first Christmas present.” Indeed she did! As you reflect on how small things done with great love can make a huge difference in someone's day, enjoy this video which is a great, powerful reminder that love and compassion are far more powerful than lots of money in making a difference in someone’s life.

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Excellent Advent Advice Part VII: Wait Patiently

What are we really waiting for this week, this month, this year?

Around the holidays, we are often made to wait. We wait in long lines to take advantage of a slew of sales, mail packages, purchase Christmas gifts, visit Santa, buy ingredients for holiday meals, and baking festive goodies. I saw a number of people at the mall yesterday waiting for other people who were trying on clothes, shopping in yet another store, playing in the children’s play area, eating lunch, ringing people up in the check-out line, counting the minutes until they could go on break or just go home…

I know others who are waiting to be discharged from ICU, waiting for their deployment to end, waiting for grieving the loss of their loved ones to become easier, waiting for a family member’s conversion, waiting for a new job, waiting for a clearer answer from God as to what life-long vocation He’s calling them to, waiting for retirement, waiting to give birth, waiting for the pain to stop, waiting for an apology, waiting to hear I love you…

We are willing to wait the longest for whom and for what we yearn the most. Are we waiting for our relationships to improve with our family? Our friends? Our Lord?

You’ve likely heard about the Secret Santas who have waited in line to pay off part or almost all of the bill for items people have put on layaway at Kmart. Waiting in line to pay someone else’s bill is certainly a charitable gift. I imagine the individuals doing this aren’t exactly pushing and shoving to get up front, which is also a testimony to the beneficence at the root of this gesture.

Can the deepest longing of our hearts be fulfilled by something from a store? No. The love we long for, the love that we need, only comes from the Lord. He often works in and through other people to share His unconditional love for us, but He is the True Source of all love, mercy, peace, joy, gentleness, compassion, and kindness.

Our dear brother in Christ sent me a link to the song “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?” by Becky Kelley. It’s a thought-provoking video I listened to and watched a few times through.

I had to ask myself who’s line am I in, anyway? Would I be more inclined to wait in line for hours if that’s what it took to get the gift a loved one wanted most? Would I wait as long as need be for the gift each heart yearns for most?

The most important, life-changing line my husband and I stand in several times a week, is the line to receive the True Presence of our Lord in flesh and blood in the Most Holy Eucharist.

For whom or what are you waiting?    Will your mind, body, and spirit be fed? Will you be given the gifts of true peace and joy in time and eternity? If not, there’s still time to get in the right line.

The Freedom to Refuse Love

I am often reminded that God gives us the freedom to refuse love when I spend time with my family. Over the years, there have been times when I have hardened my heart to family members whose own pain and insecurities at different periods mirrored those I kept deeply hidden in order to cope.

To those whom I kept at a distance, it probably seemed that I was judging them. Sometimes that’s precisely what I was doing, being hyper-critical of others as well as of myself. Other times, the true motivation was hidden even from me. In order to continue putting one foot in front of the other when I believed so many lies about myself, God, and others, I’d push people away.

Anyone who made it virtually impossible for me to remain undisturbed, especially emotionally or spiritually, I attempted to keep from getting too close. I didn’t want to have the pain and hurt I was feeling be triggered or exposed by what they were going through. I also feared what might happen if I was honest about what I was thinking and feeling.

Harsh criticism, judgment, and subsequent rejection were/are a few of my most prominent fears.

I offer my feelings of rejection, humiliation, and inadequacy to Christ on the cross. He alone understands the depth of the pain each one of us has gone through. He’s the only one who hasn’t walked away for a time or forever when we have been nearly consumed by suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit.

As hurtful as it is to find out that the homemade gift I spent days working on is in the back of a closet or that the letter that I spent hours composing carefully and prayerfully was never even opened, I know the rejection of God’s unconditional love has to be the most excruciating. Nothing I’ve said, written, made, done, or could do would ever match or even begin to express the magnitude of love God has for each one of us.

His gifts of unlimited love and true sacrifice through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, His life, Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection are the only unblemished offerings that exhibit the virtues of selflessness and charity, mercy and forgiveness at their best. I find myself wanting more than anything else to be able to love others as God loves us, at the same time that I see how each and every one of my attempts has and will fall short.

The best I can ever do is to accept God’s love for me, so I am able to pass it on to others. This has been one of my greatest stumbling blocks. I can so easily see and even feel the love God has for others. I often have no trouble at all sensing that the Lord is at work in and through others.

Though I’m undoubtedly still my own harshest critic, I have had quite a bit of feedback over the years about who I am, what I say, write, do, stand for, etc. from my family members. I’m most definitely guilty of spending more time judging people than loving them, myself included, so it’s not a huge surprise that same tendency is true of others close to me.

I sometimes feel a bit uneasy when I get together with relatives, as their criticism of me seems to be the most poignant and the most hurtful. A number of times my attempts to reach out to them have been met with silence, which can sting as much as outright rejection.


Lord, open our hearts to Your Love, so that it may pour forth in abundance over all those whose lives we touch. Give us the courage to be vulnerable, especially when we are most likely to be rejected, keeping in mind that all love given in Your name can be used for the salvation of souls in time and eternity. Amen.

Note to Readers: The title and subject matter of this piece were inspired by the daily mediation by Henri Nouwen with the same name, which you can read in its entirety here. For several months now, I have been receiving daily meditations by Henri Nouwen, e-mailed to me by the Henri Nouwen Society. Henri Nouwen is definitely one of my absolute favorite authors, so when I discovered that I could have reflections taken from the many remarkable books he wrote during his life, I immediately subscribed. (You can subscribe to his daily meditations by clicking here to sign up.)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I am the servant of the Lord.

Sunday afternoon, Kevin and I picked up the stroller and baby toys from my mom’s house that wouldn’t fit in the car after the baby shower and headed to the mall. We were excited that we’d finally get to see Purity again and meet Nathan (whose name means “gift from God). Mom and baby are the two we’ve been praying for since God was knitting him in his mother’s womb. A friend of a friend asked if he could give Purity my contact information last Spring. Of course, I said yes.

This took place during the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign at which time my mom prayed that each woman facing an unexpected pregnancy would have another woman to walk alongside her. In some ways, I’ve been given the opportunity to be one of the women who’s walked alongside Purity.

Nathan’s absolutely precious! He’s not even two months old yet. There are few things better than holding a little baby, but cradling a tiny baby boy at Christmastime is positively priceless!

Purity, her friend Kandie, her boyfriend, and another friend’s 3-year-old son Liam came to Richmond for a visit. We gathered at the food court to share a meal and visit for a while.

John jogged over from his apartment (literally), and his mom Cathy drove over to join us for a bit. Both of them took turns holding Nathan.

I held the little snugglebug for a while, then I took Liam over to play in the children’s area which was crawling with kids. He had a blast running laps, jumping up on things, sliding, dropping, and rolling.

I marveled at how Purity and her friends who are also from Kenya really are family to one another. (She has no biological family in this country.) Their friend Rahab had to work the night before and that day, so they’d brought her son Liam with them. I remarked to Kevin later how they were living out the idea that it takes a village to raise a child.

Kevin and I went to 5:30pm Mass at St. Michael the Archangel, and got to take part in the homily Fr. Dan Brady gave. He used a phrase from the Gospel as a refrain in his sermon which he asked us to chime in with at different times. It was a good exercise to practice saying and really meaning, “I am the servant of the Lord.”

Both Mary and her elderly cousin Elizabeth did this when they were faced with unplanned pregnancies. They didn’t argue that the timing wasn’t right or opt out of doing God’s will because of what the situation might look like to outsiders. They accepted their role as tabernacles of the Most High, and by their actions and words proclaimed, “I am the servant of the Lord.”

When I was holding Vivi at Mass, helping to keep her cousin Lauren occupied, and smiling at Katelyn down the row, Kevin whispered to me, “welcome to the village,” reminding me that he and I are both a part of children’s lives, open to loving them as if they were our own.

Later that night, James, who first connected Purity and me, had the gang over to their place for dinner. I stopped by later on to bring some gifts for Nathan and hang out for a while. Almost the entire time I was there, Nathan was on his back fast asleep. He looked so cute wearing his little sweatsuit and matching mittens.


Liam was still bouncing off the walls, getting into anything he could. We took turns attempting to channel his abundance of energy into indoor appropriate use of toys while we visited some more, talked about possible plans for the future, and figured out the riddles James was keen to share with us.
     Lord, thank You for calling each of us to be Your servants. Please help us to abandon ourselves to Your will as Jesus Christ, Mary, and Elizabeth and so many others across the ages. Amen.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Excellent Advent Advice Part VI: Give the Gift of Quality Time

I have found the gift I treasure most is that of quality time with loved ones. Add some yummy food, and the experience is downright delightful regardless of the weather! I’ve been very blessed to have several family and friends who have given the gift of their time to Kevin and me this holiday season.

It’s Gettin’ Real in the Kroger Café

Wednesday evening after daily Mass at St. Benedict’s, Kevin, Gabriella, Michele, and I went to Kroger for dinner. We ended up eating there, then talking for close to three hours. We discussed a variety of things, much of it involving faith, discernment, vocations, and using the talents God’s given us. At times our conversation was pretty serious and rather intense even to observers. “What is this, Vatican III?!” the man seated at the table next to us asked.
“Depends. Did you learn anything? If so, then yes!” my dear husband responded.

Sisters, Sisters

Thursday morning, Theresa came and got me so we could go out to breakfast, just the two of us, and have some time to catch up. Since she’s been even busier than usual this past semester, I only heard from her a couple times, so it was nice to hear about what life’s been like as she’s been studying, dancing, rehearsing, working, and having some interesting adventures in and around her apartment. We made a quick Target run, so she could get some supplies for the Christmas gifts she planned to make. (In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s still hard to believe my baby sister’s 20 years old!)

Tradition Time with the Family

Last Thursday evening, my mom made her famous chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, crescent rolls, and steamed veggies dinner for our family. She and Theresa had picked out the live Christmas tree, put it in the stand, and strung the lights. The carols were playing. The scent of fresh-baked brownies lingered in the air. Mom, Theresa, Mary, Jordan, Kevin, and I gathered around the dining room table for a delicious meal, then we made our way into the living room to decorate the tree. As has been our tradition for as long as I can remember, we have put the ornaments on first that we’ve made, or those that have special memories or sentiments that go along with them.

Me and the Boys

Friday Kevin, John, our friend Chris, and I had dinner and some really deep conversation at Panera. It was one of those evenings that we could just feel the Holy Spirit at work in and through the people before us, well aware that God has seen fit to bring us together as part of how He intends to draw each one of us closer to Him, give us hope for the journey, and inspiration to persevere.

Spiritual Diva Brunch

Saturday morning my dear Cursillo sister/spiritual diva from group reunion Christine invited us over to her house for brunch. All of her Christmas decorations were up, and the dining room table was set for a festive holiday breakfast. I hadn’t seen Christine, Barb, or Sandy in far too long. It was so nice to share a meal and hear about what’s been going on in their lives. Not all group members were able to attend, but they were all there with us in spirit and have definitely remained in our hearts and prayers. (We missed you Sharon, Candy, and Sharyn!)

Our Brother from Another Mother

Saturday evening our dear brother John had us over for homemade chili. We arrived in time to help sauté the green pepper and onions, stir in the beans, and mix all the ingredients together in one big pot. We listened to Christmas music and talked awhile both before and after partaking in the chili. We bundled up, and John took us for a ride to see a few of the more elaborate Christmas tree light displays. One family has been decorating their home and yard for the past 37 years! Yes, of course, they’re on the Tacky Lights Tour! We warmed back up with some hot tea and scrumptious baked goods.

Friday, December 16, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 29)

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Being Truly Present Though we hear it over and over each year, that the time, love, and energy we share with others is most valuable, we so often get caught up in the consumerism and craziness that this time of year encourages in our world. Don’t take the bait. Check out this message and video for inspiration to stay focused on what truly matters most: God’s Presence and our presence.

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Thanksgiving Redo As some of you may recall, Kevin and I managed to miss not one, not two, but three different Thanksgiving dinners this year because we were sick. We have some wonderful friends who didn’t get to celebrate Turkey Day together with the traditional fare. Laura and her husband Jeff hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at their home this past Monday evening that was absolutely delicious, positively delightful, and at times, downright hilarious. Okay, so the food was delectable, but the company made for some unbridled laughter. Thanks, God, for friends who have become family!

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Music, Signs, and Saying Goodbye Wednesday morning, I took Vivi to the daycare where Laura, a friend of mine I first met when I was in fifth grade at St. Mary School many years ago who now goes to the same parish we attend, works so we could watch her last concert with the kids there before she moves on to other pursuits. She was fighting back tears as she said goodbye to her students and their parents. hough we had to slip out before we got to give her a hug, she stopped by on her way home to let us know how much our presence had meant to her. She said she also really appreciated that I understand how difficult goodbyes can be, especially when they involve children you’ve come to care for deeply.
This is an excerpt from Laura’s FB status that evening: “… I was reminded recently…that teaching is so very personal. I am the vessel to inspire thinking and learning and questions. I offer myself to my kids. Regardless of their age or the material we are exploring together, it is a personal journey. And I find that the more vulnerable, honest and present I am, the more I risk embarrassment... the more memorable and successful the learning.”

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To Listen and Be Someone who understands… The gifts of active listening, genuine concern, and true compassion are some of the most valuable ones we can offer one another. I have a hard time describing how loved I feel when someone cares enough to listen to what I’m thinking and feeling, asks questions, clarifies, and shows that they want to walk with me even when my journey is leading me through a dark valley or a foggy forest. Lord, help us to be better listeners, so that You are able to work in and through us to love others and bring forth the light and hope of Your Presence within them.

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Excellent Advent Advice Reflection Series

Part I: Stay Awake

Part II: Seek Him Who Seeks You
Part III: Hold on to Hope
Part IV: Celebrate the Season
Part V: Rejoice and Be Glad! “Sometimes life is pure joy!” is what’s written on one of the mugs at my mom’s house with a drawing of Snoopy dancing on the front. When I was a baby, my Godmother Marcy decided I looked a bit like Snoopy’s fine feathered sidekick, Woodstock, because my hair would stick straight up, so that was one of my nicknames back then. We had some really fun times as kids.
When I think of pure, unbridled joy, I often think of children at play, singing, dancing, running, laughing, exploring nature…

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Santa Claus Is Coming to Town? A couple weekends ago our priest gave a sermon that included a reflection on the lyrics of the seasonal song he likes the least: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He doesn’t have a problem with the concept of Santa, who of course was inspired by Saint Nicholas, but he does find some verses of the well-known song to be a rather misleading.

     “He’s making a list and checking it twice; He’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…
      He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.
      He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake.
      Oh, you better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why…”

Upon closer examination, this seemingly inane song, sounds rather creepy. Do we really want kids thinking that some stalker Santa is watching their every move? Does it make sense to make a bigger deal over having our kids go sit on some stranger’s lap and tell him what we want for Christmas than to marvel at the circumstances and love implied by Christ’s birth? Yikes, let’s hope not!

An article titled “The Flawed Theology of Naughty and Nice Lists,” by Amy Henry is an interesting look at the role of Santa, God, and children’s behavior reflect what parents teach and how kids perceive things.
Interestingly enough, I spent many years thinking of God as more of a harsh judge or stalker Santa making a list of everything I did wrong. I’m grateful that our God is a just God, but also the One who is love and mercy itself. If someone’s going to watch my every move, then I’d prefer it be someone who loves me unconditionally.

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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree! Last night, we gathered at my mom’s house to enjoy one of our favorite home-cooked meals as a family, then decorate the Christmas tree. This year Mom and Theresa were the only ones who went to get the tree. Yet again, we have a really nice live tree decorated with little colored lights. With Christmas music playing and while sipping on cups of hot tea, we began pulling out the ornaments from a number of boxes. Our favorites to put on the tree are those we’ve made over the years, store bought ones that we’ve hung on our tree since we were little, and those with a certain sentimental value. Mom brought out a few of the Christmas photo collages she’d made a while back. For me, seeing the pictures surfaced some of the more difficult memories I have from Christmas past. Suffice it to say that we rarely, if ever, had a Hallmark holiday. Our family’s been through quite a lot over the years, yet some of our most treasured traditions have remained the same.

What are your favorite memories of celebrating Christmas when you were a kid? Who’s someone for whom the holidays might be lonely or particularly difficult this year? What will you do to bring them some holiday cheer?

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town?

A couple weekends ago our priest gave a sermon that included a reflection on the lyrics of the seasonal song he likes the least: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He doesn’t have a problem with the concept of Santa, who of course was inspired by Saint Nicholas, but he does find some verses of the well-known song to be rather misleading. “He’s making a list and checking it twice; He’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…

      He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.
      He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake.
      Oh, you better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I’m telling you why…”

Upon closer examination, this seemingly inane song sounds rather creepy. Do we really want kids thinking that some stalker Santa is watching their every move? Does it make sense to make a bigger deal over having our kids go sit on some stranger’s lap and tell him what we want for Christmas than to marvel at the circumstances and love implied by Christ’s birth? Yikes, let’s hope not!

An article titled “The Flawed Theology of Naughty and Nice Lists,” by Amy Henry is an interesting look at the role of Santa, God, and children’s behavior, reflect what parents teach and how kids perceive things.

Interestingly enough, I spent many years thinking of God as more of a harsh judge or stalker Santa making a list of everything I did wrong. I’m grateful that our God is a just God, but also the One who is love and mercy itself. If someone’s going to watch my every move, then I’d prefer it be someone who loves me unconditionally.