I’ve been reading Ann Voskamp’s book, The Greatest Gift
    Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas.
It’s intended to be read during Advent.
Each chapter is is dated December 1 -25.
Although it’s January and Christmas has come and gone, 
and I’m only 1/2 way through the book, I’m going to keep reading.
She has such a way with words.
A true gift.
I want to carry a few profound thoughts with me into this year.
    What was intended to tear you apart, God intends it to set you apart.
    What has torn you, God makes a think place to see glory.
    Whatever happens, whatever unfolds, whatever unravels, you can never be undone.
    No matter what intends to harm you …
    God is never absent,
    never impotent,
    never distant.
    You can never be undone.
    In a place of faithlessness and doubtfulness and godlessness, God gives God.  The God who can reveal Himself wherever, whenever, to whomever; the God who is never limited by lack or restricted to the expected; the God who is no respecter of persons but the relentless rescuer of prodigals; the God who gives the gift of faith in the places you’d most doubt.  That is always the secret to the abundant life: to believe that God is where you doubt He can be.