Having Hope Will Give You Courage

Christmas with our families was such a nice break. Watching Cameron's excitement and joy at opening presents was so sweet. She was happy to help everyone else unwrap their presents too! We had our first Christmas with Bo's mom on Christmas Eve. Cameron is now the proud owner of a little four-wheeler and a super adorable apron! And to top it all off, she got an adorable little kitchen with all the accessories to play with. We moved it into our kitchen so that she can play and still be near us while we cook for real. She even got a sweet little stuffed rabbit, a perfect replacement for the giant pig and pink bear that got left behind in Mom's house. Then Christmas morning, we all got together at my grandparent's house and celebrated Jesus' birthday. I was so thankful that we grabbed the presents under Mom's tree so that we could still give her the Kindle that we all bought. She can start a virtual book collection! It was tough to be my grandparent's house in the daylight since we could still see smoke rising from Mom's house.

We were able to see all of the Kilpatrick side of the family that evening where there was no shortage of presents or people! I was so proud that Bo's family is just as willing to love and support my mom. Everyone seemed to say, "Tell your mom if she needs anything..." We ate great food and Bo was finally able to watch a Cowboys football game with other dedicated fanatics.

We were fortunate to be offered a lovely home to stay in by an ACU coworker of Rachael's. This couple was traveling to visit family in Germany and had a great big house for mom and us to crash in. It had a wonderful split floor plan so we all had a bit of privacy, plus nice bathrooms for everyone and a comfy living room. We were happy to be able to relax and recoup in between insurance meetings and family time.

The unfortunate thing that took up most of our days was the inventory for mom's insurance. We were thankful that they didn't ask us to be as detailed as we initially feared, but it is still an exhausting process to remember each room of your house in great detail. How many bath towels were there? Where did I buy that chair? How old is the TV in the bedroom? What decade was the French armoire from? I know I probably seemed like a drill sergeant to my mother, but I really pushed her to get most of it done while I could help her. I didn't want her to face completing it when she was back teaching school and just get overwhelmed.

The news from the insurance fire inspectors was the same - no way to officially determine if some other problem started the fire, but it is most likely the heat lamp. But they both were in shock that the house was a complete loss and blamed it on the slow response and lack of action of the firefighters. Mom has declared that her next home will be somewhere that the Abilene fire department responds to! The huge pile of ashes was made a little less daunting when a friend of my grandfather's came and hauled off all the scrap metal. Now we will just need to somehow bury or get rid of the rest.

Mom seems to be truly peaceful about the situation. She knows that God is in control and that he has not abandoned her. I read somewhere that God doesn't give answers, but he makes promises. We are clinging to the hope that

-God will supply all her needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

-His grace is sufficient for her and Christ's power will rest on her. (2 Cor. 12:9)

-That he will make this thing work together for the good of those that love him. (Rom. 8:28)

May we all begin the new year praying with hope, loving with hope, and speaking the truth of hope. I came across this passage in Job chapter 11 when I searched for the word "hope" and thought it was so true of my wonderful mom:

7 “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?
8 Such knowledge is higher than the heavens— and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld — what do you know?
9 It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea.
13 “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
14 Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
15 Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.
16 You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.
17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
18 Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.
19 You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.