“The Bible says Jesus came for three reasons: to forgive our past, to give a purpose for living today, and to offer us a future, a home in heaven.” Rick Warren (paraphrased)
My husband John and I aren’t as young as we used to be, so we’re making a two-day trip out of our 18-hour drive to Tulsa to see our grandson and new granddaughter. John suggested we stop halfway in Nashville and stay at Opryland Hotel.
He remembers our visit there when the children were young. We ate desserts at a circular coffee shop that rotated inside the hotel. He and I people-watched while the kids explored the botanical gardens. On our balcony that overlooked the center of the place, we sat mesmerized by waterfalls and light-colored fountains that splashed to music. We took photos in coordinated outfits that looked planned even though they weren’t. It seemed only magic happened there.
Several years later, we returned to the hotel for a conference. John barely remembers going back because our experience was very different. We fought the whole time. I don’t remember the fight either, only the feelings of misery and disappointment. My resolution – I’d never go back.
When he suggested making reservations, old emotions surfaced and they weren’t the magical ones. I imagined how beautifully the place would be decorated, but I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by our last time there.
I did what I do when I’m frustrated. I prayed even though I knew it wouldn’t do any good. What could God possibly do about a fight from two decades ago? How could he fix in a few days how I’ve felt for 20 years? I sound ridiculous, I know, but that’s what God has to put up with when he’s trying to get through to me.
I sat down with my old notebook where I keep scratch paper for journaling. I typically shred whatever I write. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, named this sort journaling the “morning pages” and says this exercise is “the bedrock of creative recovery.” It’s writing down whatever comes to mind to get it out of our minds.
When I opened the notebook, the one I look inside almost daily, I noticed pages stapled together underneath the scratch paper. I must have written them around this time last year because I scribbled my word of the year for 2019 (intentional), which I haven’t remembered or used much.
I planned to read over what I wrote and shred it. Instead, I found an entry on the first page that answered my prayer I was sure God wouldn’t know what to do with. I had written “With Jesus here …” and added a note to myself to replay the most painful scenes of my life, but this time, imagine Jesus by my side. Imagine he defended me. Imagine he stood up to people who weren’t well enough to do the right thing. Imagine he said things like my favorite movie line from Good Will Hunting, “It’s not your fault.” Reading the entry reminded me of how I sat still a couple of mornings last year and made time to picture Jesus here, but then I forgot about it.
There were a dozen or so entries. Opryland Hotel was one of the first ones on the list. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on paper. I thought, This is just like God, only days before we celebrate him sending his Son to save us, and he reminds me in a powerful way about the phrase “With Jesus here …,” and he saves me one more time.
Reading what I wrote brought to mind my friend who taught at a writer’s conference and was called across campus to pray for one of the attendees, a grandmother who just found out she lost her grandchild. Each time my friend prayed out loud and said “Jesus,” the grandmother took a breath and her sobs quieted. Finally, my friend stopped the words and only prayed his name again and again, “Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.”
Since we’re visiting our son and his family who are unable to travel because they have a newborn, our daughter and her family will spend Christmas for the first time just the four of them instead of us all being together at our mountain house. Our daughter’s husband asked what she was most excited about. She said, “Going to church as a family because we haven’t done that since the children were born, and Christmas is about Jesus.”
I got choked up because I’ve made Christmas about my family and thoughtful gifts and everyone’s favorite cookies. I’ve made it about healing our marriage, lunches and dinners with friends, and sitting in the dark to watch twinkling lights on our tree. I’ve made it about fun dates and craft projects with our grandchildren and about giving extra to others.
I think I forgot Jesus, though.
I didn’t mean to. I’m sure he crossed my mind along with decorating and giving and baking. I put out manger scenes and angels. I teared up at our church services during the season. I listened to hymns and prayed for peace on earth. However, Jesus stopped being my main reason, so no wonder this past decade I’ve been frustrated and overwhelmed and not quite right about life.
In a few days, we’ll celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Not because we always feel wonderful, but because of the wonder written about Jesus in Isaiah 9:6.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
During the next week and throughout 2020, when we struggle, lose hope, or feel anything but wonderful, I want us to remember and remind each other to bring Jesus alongside us, to think what is possible “with Jesus here…” With him, we can take a step back, put space between us and the painful parts of life, and breathe. We’re reminded that because of him, we’re forgiven. We have a purpose. We have a future in heaven.
With Jesus here, we have a much better chance of our days being merry and bright.
In This Together (with Jesus),
Kim
Beautiful! Thank you Kim.
My best to you and your family.
Merry Christmas ❤️
Connie
Thank you so much for this reminder of Him being along side us. Also for reminding us of the real reason for the season and how blessed we are! 🙏
I needed to write it, Susan. I appreciate having friends on the other end to read it and add your feedback. It helps to know I’m not alone. ❤️
Oh, Connie, how I’ve missed you! I hope your Christmas was really special and that 2020 will be all about healing and happiness. I love you, my sweet friend. ❤️
Kim, what a blessing to have Him answer your prayer so clearly. He can share precious messages if we listen. And, yes, it’s terribly important to keep Jesus in Christmas. He is truly the reason for it. I don’t understand a secular Christmas at all. I love to read your writing. I always feel like I have received a gift afterwards. Betty
Awe, Betty, thank you so much! It’s a gift to have you read and comment. ❤️ I don’t understand a secular Christmas either, but unfortunately sometimes I’ve lost the true focus of Christmas and the whole year really. I saw a Charlie Brown meme that said something like this, “All I want for Christmas is my family and friends to know Jesus.” Yes. #morejesus ❤️ Much love!
Oh Kim, how beautiful! It’s one to never forget!
Thank you, Christy! Much love. ❤️
Thank you Kim! You seem to speak for me! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Tricia
Happy New Year, Tricia. I appreciate your comment. It’s comforting to have friends read along who know a little of my story (beyond my blog posts) and you still hang around. I’m so grateful for you. ❤️
Kim, once again your writing’s are Beautiful! You really need to write a book! I love to read your blogs. They are written with the heart.❤️
“With Jesus Here” we find joy!🥰
Awe, thanks, Lyn! You’re a dear and encouraging friend. I love “With Jesus Here” we find Joy! It’s true. So true. ❤️ I love you!
From Facebook (Kim Henson) ~
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Tatyanna Vander Holding onto the promises of The Lord. John 16:33 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
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Kim Henson Yes, Tatyanna Vander. Thanks so much for sharing this verse. <3 My goal in 2019 was to read the entire Bible. I made it about halfway and I'm still going. It's a study Bible so there's a lot more to read and comprehend than just the verses. The guide gives a lot of background, so I'm giving myself grace for not getting all the way through it. #mystory #Imstickingtoit lol 😀 I love you, my froggy friend.
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Tatyanna Vander Kim Henson YOU are an inspiration. I've never yet read the entire bible.
Debbie Stewart Richardson Thank you for sharing your ♡...travel mercies to & fro....
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Kim Henson Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Debbie Stewart Richardson. I appreciate you. <3
Judy Anderson Amen ! Merry Christmas, Kim!!!
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Kim Henson I hope yours was wonderful, Judy Anderson! Thank you. 🥰
Connie Lawson Love you, miss you, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Kim Henson I love you, Connie Lawson! Miss you too. <3
Gayle Sloan Safe travels! 💗
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Kim Henson Thanks, Gayle Sloan! <3 More than 40 hours in the car and we and our marriage survived. I call that a success. lol 😀
Mary McKerihan Wilson This is beautiful, Kim. I have missed reading your writing, and this is the perfect message for this Christmas season.
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Kim Henson Awe, thanks so much, Mary McKerihan Wilson. <3 I've missed yours too. Please let me know when you blog again. I've loved following your year and your love story.
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Gwen Cox Sawyer I think we are all somewhat guilty of losing sight of our true gift
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Judy Anderson Gwen Cox Sawyer I agree!
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Kim Henson Thank you, Gwen Cox Sawyer and Judy Anderson. It's so much easier to handle and to refocus when we're in this together. <3
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Susan Blanton Roche This is perfect! The reminder that He is with us always and the reason we celebrate Christmas is His birth.
Sometimes this time of year is hard. I think about my text to you the other day and how what I just read, I needed to hear. I love when God works out a plan! I needed this! My life is nothing like what I thought it would be 25 years ago. But in all the mess, God loves me! I'm so thankful for my family! (That includes you) ❤️
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Kim Henson Awe, Susan Blanton Roche, I love you so much! And your text was perfect! <3 God's all about the twists, turns, and surprises, isn't He? I appreciate my loving community of friends who I get to share this journey with - some of us online and some of us over meals that last hours. lol 😀 It was so helpful to write this out. It helped me to remember to take Jesus into every home and every situation over the holiday.
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Mary Catherine Sargent Thank YOU Kim. These days people push Thanksgiving aside, in August we see Christmas decorations, we need to be reminded the REAL meaning of Christmas. We have to slow down, take one day at a time, enjoy life, let Jesus control our lives, He knows everything we do and think. We can't fix our problems but Jesus can. Merry Christmas
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Kim Henson It's so true, Mary Catherine Sargent. Jesus can! <3 I used to hate hearing that because He seemed abstract and way out there, not reachable, and not very caring at times. Silent and absent when I needed Him most. For a couple of years, I thought He was actually scary and punishing. These days, I know better. Love you, sweet friend!
Tammy James Quinn Just what i needed Kim. Thank you and Merry Christmas sweet friend.❤🕆🎄
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Kim Henson Tammy James Quinn, you've been on my mind and in my prayers daily. I hope your Christmas felt gentle and held lots of sweet memories. I love you! <3
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Tammy James Quinn Kim Henson and I love you!❤
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Danita Clark Able
♥️
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Kim Henson Thanks, Danita Clark Able! 🥰
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Kathy Henderson Cluff Beautiful. Thank you Tried to subscribe to your website but couldn't
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Kim Henson Kathy Henderson Cluff, thanks so much! I hope your Christmas was extra special. <3 Thanks for letting me know about subscribing. I'll ask my website guru guy. lol 😀
Kathy Henderson Cluff That was beautiful. Thank you
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Kim Henson <3
Christy Young Want to remember this always. It was beautiful.
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Kim Henson Christy Young, thanks a lot, my friend. <3
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Rebecca Barnes-Hogg
❤️
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Kim Henson Rebecca Barnes-Hogg, 🥰 I need to get back to your page. I've missed you and your posts.
Maria Franken I love this and totally related.... Keeping Jesus 1st this season & having the best Xmas in years! <3
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Kim Henson He's the only way, Maria Franken. <3 I think Jesus had a lot to do with us getting together. He's a great matchmaker. 🙂
Linda Hopkinson Merry CHRISTmas Kim, this is beautiful <3 Sending you wishes for His LOVE and PEACE 🙂
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Kim Henson Awe, thank you, Linda Hopkinson. I love you! 🥰 I hope you and Hoppy had a wonderful CHRISTmas. <3
Lyn Snyder Hope your New Year is as great as you are!💖😘
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Kim Henson Lyn Snyder, you're too sweet! Happy New Year. <3
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Patty Smith I’m so glad you posted this...beautiful, and perfect timing for me.
Thank you. 😇
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Kim Henson Thanks so much, Patty Smith! I love that God's always right on time even when I don't think so. <3 Happy New Year, my friend.
Patty Smith Kim Henson
Happy New Year ❤️
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Two of the shares:
Rebecca's page ~
Rebecca Barnes-Hogg
December 21, 2019 at 5:04 PM ·
Wise words from my friend for now and throughout the new year, "think what is possible with Jesus here…”
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7 Marsha Novak and 6 others
Debbie's page ~
Debbie Stewart Richardson shared a link.
December 20, 2019 at 6:26 AM ·
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Jennifer Jones Parker Beautiful 💕
Thank you Debbie....
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Kim Henson <3