"JUST BE..."

Christmas has came and left us, again. Year 2026 is soon upon us.

In my "little girl" years, I looked forward to opening my gifts. I was so excited on Christmas Eve, I couldn't sleep. Mama would force me to go to bed.

Then I grew up, got married, had children, and the real-real life kicked in. Christmas began to look a little different. Instead of a feeling of anticipation for Christmas, it became more of a frustration. I begin to realize that growing up had a enemy called "BILLS", i.e. car note, rent, light bill, etc. The months seemed to grow longer while the money got shorter. Ya'll understand what I'm saying?

Now I'm in my senior citizen years. And trust me...Christmas 2025 looked different. This year I wanted to "Just Be..." Along the years, I have learned that Jesus is the true reason for the season. Throughout my life, I have experienced more tragedy than triumph. I have witnessed old and young friends die. I have experienced unanswered prayers. I have experienced broken relationships that I thought were solid. I have saw the strongest people turn weak and the weakest people become stronger. But despite every transition of life, I can honestly say I have also experienced the grace and mercy of an Unchangeable God! No matter how things change in life, God remains the same! That's good news because He controls everything!

2025 Christmas Day, I intentionally took very few pictures. I realized that I missed out on the intimate moments when I took pictures. Pictures are amazing to capture that special pose. But nothing compares to experiencing that intimate feeling ---just being in the moment--- that could only be capture in my heart instead of my camera.

As I approach Year 2026, I pray that God continues to pour His immeasurable grace on my life. That He empowers me with His wisdom to "Just Be" everything that He created me to be. I am not WHAT I been through. But I am who He says I am. My trials were only stepping stones to my destiny.

For His glory...

Written by Sandra Kelley 12/27/25