Lovely presents. Lovingly wrapped. Unfortunately the week before Christmas my house was broken into and the presents conveniently packed in a large basket were among the items stolen. Along with my laptop. With all my writing. And writers everywhere gasp in horror. It was difficult not to panic. The happy ending to the story – the thieves were caught, our stolen items are found and being held for evidence. The Christmas gifts were returned just before Christmas. A traumatic week filled with meetings with state troopers, claim adjusters and the noise of power tools as my husband installed deadbolts and a security system. Throughout the ordeal there was a deep thankfulness in my heart. Things could have been so much worse.
My image of Christmas adjusted quickly. The glitter and glitz disappeared. My home was violated. My possessions taken. Yet through it all, my constant thought and comfort. “They can take all the Christmas gifts but they can’t steal my Christmas. Because NO ONE can steal Christ from my heart.”
Peace on earth, good will to men. Amen.
NOTE: I apologize for no post last Friday. I’m working on a borrowed laptop. Winner of the Christmas dvd is Janice Garey. Happy New Year!
Praising God with you that you’re all okay and that your items were recovered! What a miracle!
And thanks, too, for the reminder that Christmas isn’t the glitter and the glitz, it’s the Love of God, delivered in as an infant-sized package, offering grace through sacrifice.
(And yes, I gasped when I read that your computer was stolen!!! Yikes–a writer’s nightmare!)
I pray God’s richest blessings as you continue to serve Him in 2012!
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Comment by Vonda Skelton — December 31, 2011
Vonda,
We do have much to be thankful for and it is a miracle they were caught – with our possessions still in the car! It definitely was a Christmas to remember. Working on a borrowed laptop for now till they release mine, then I will breathe much easier : )
Best wishes to you my friend, for a wonderful new year.
-Cynthia
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Comment by admin — January 1, 2012
With that blessed attitude & warm heart of yours Cynthia, you’re off to a great start of the New Year! May it be a gentle one for you & your husband, one of joy, hope, and health… and no more robberies!
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Comment by Elaine Stock — December 31, 2011
Elaine,
Thank you for your sweet comments. I remain grateful for God’s protection through this whole ordeal. And we had such a blessed Christmas..
Happy New Year to you and yours and looking forward to meeting up in the new year!
-Cynthia
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Comment by admin — January 1, 2012
I’m so glad you got your laptop and presents back. I hope your sense of peace and calm at home will return soon, too. Blessings!
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Comment by Cathy Richmond — December 31, 2011
Cathy,
I can honestly say that God is restoring our sense of peace at home. I have felt His presence and His protection through this entire situation. Though I admit to panicking about my laptop. I’ll rest easier once it is safely back on my desk.
Thanks for the comment and may God richly bless your New Year!
-Cynthia
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Comment by admin — January 1, 2012
Cynthia, thanks for posting to the loop this follow up to the story. Thanks to you, writers everywhere are now successfully backed up online! 🙂 Another example of how God can use tragedy to bring about good. SOOO glad you have everything back. Blessings and prayers as you and your husband (with the Lord’s help and strength) bring this whole thing to completion in court and in your hearts.
Love,
Bethany M.
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Comment by Bethany — January 1, 2012
Bethany,
Well, it’s nice to know that some good came out of this mess! Hoping to get more of our things back soon so we can get back to normal. In the meantime, working on a borrowed laptop. Thank God for friends who help us in time of need.
Thanks for your comment and a happy new year to you!
-Cynthia
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Comment by admin — January 2, 2012