About the Author

Robin is the author of For All Who Wander, her relatable memoir about wrestling with doubt that reads much like a conversation with a friend. She's as Southern as sugar-shocked tea, married to her college sweetheart, and has three children. An empty nester with a full life, she's determined to...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Robin,
    I’m missing my dad terribly even though it’s been 4 years since he passed. My latest string of errands did not a cheerful disposition make on this end either. I need to look for that “God thing”…I need to look up instead of around…I, too, need to look for what good thing my Heavenly Father has already provided, or is about to provide. I needed this post this morning!! May you have a joyous Christmas, Robin!
    Blessings,
    Bev

    • Bev,

      {{hugs}} Holidays can be so hard, bringing fresh a grief we thought was resolved. Losing a parent is never easy, so I’m whispering a simple prayer this morning for you (and those who share your sorrow) to sense the Lord’s presence and peace in ways that soften your sadness. Merry Christmas and warm wishes for much beauty in these coming days.

    • Bev,
      I’m thinking of you, I’m so sorry for what you are going through. it can be hard not having your parent(s) around to share the joy of the season. Please know, I am looking up with you.

      Merry Christmas and hope for a blessed Season…

      Penny

    • Bev, thinking of you, hard to miss your dad during the holidays, I lost my dad four years ago too. It changes but at least for me doesn’t get easier. Missing your dad is still missing your dad. Being with Jesus is of course the best about heaven, but no more death of sorrow, is truly appealing. Hugs, Joanne

      • You’re right Joanne…it changes but doesn’t necessarily get easier. Hugs back to you sweet friend…
        Bev xx

    • Bev,
      I miss my parents also. Mom died 6 years ago. Dad is well physical ok, but mentally not so good. Going to memory care early next year. Also in-laws have had health issues. A tough Christmas for me. Praying for you to have a good Christmas and know that God is there for you!

      • Beth,
        It’s so hard when those we love decline. I will be praying for you through this tough Christmas. May God grant you peace in His presence and hope through the birth of His Son. You are a blessing sweet friend…
        Merry Christmas,
        ((Hugs)),
        Bev

  2. Thank you for this timely devotional. I’m in a season of grief. Chronic illness tries its best to rob me of joy, and my thoughts and emotions tend to follow suit, that’s when I turned inward instead of seeing what God has for me in this place. Isolation/ loneliness have a way of making you feel as if you are the only one going through hard. I pray that God will use me to see that others need encouragement and to know that they are not alone! Thank you for the reminder to ” Look up and trust the Lord has something wonderful right where we are. “

    • You’re in a hard place, Kim. There’s no denying that. So I join you in praying for how your very circumstances will be a blessing to others. Not one thing in our lives is wasted, but sometimes it takes longer to see the redemption of our pain. God loves us more than we can understand, and I’m praying you grasp a glimpse of his goodness and love for you now and into this new year.

  3. Robin,
    Your post is filled with the wonder of the Lord. There is always something He does that amazes me. After the loss of a close family friend the other day He has been present in more than one way. So yes look up and trust in the Lord.

    Blessings to you and your family and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas!

    Penny

  4. Robin,
    This is a fleshing out of nothing is an interruption, it’s a divine appointment. But your phrases “But will you trust Me enough to believe that if you’re missing good things, there might be a God thing, a best thing right where you are? If circumstances kept me from doing something good and soul filling, would I dare there was something better and of greater value instead? When I stopped looking at my circumstances as inconvenience, and instead looked at them as Kingdom opportunity, I could hardly wait to discover what God had in mind. I really needed this, and really need a change in vision, new eyes, and new heart. I will ask how God is going to use this, and keep eyes and heart open to God opportunities for kingdom work. I too am isolated often, and find having to miss soul feeding opportunities so vital. It’s happened a lot. So I will follow this, it’s what I’ve been praying about.
    Blessings, and Merry Christmas, Joanne

  5. Such a wonderful post. I’ve been feeling the same nudge to look up (we’re home in New Zealand for three weeks, but coming home is bittersweet without Mum here anymore). This really speaks to where I’m at as well: “But will you trust Me enough to believe that if you’re missing good things, there might be a God thing, a best thing, right where you are?”.

    Hugs from afar to you this Christmas. So hard missing your daughter and missing moments you’d so looked forward to. Praying for joy to keep breaking through.

  6. Robin,
    I have been in a bit of a “funk” for a few days now. Hubby had to work and missed our candlelight communion. Dad being moved to memory care in January and in-laws having health issues. I feel kind of blah! I need to look up and see Him–the one and only who was born that day!! Need to count my many blessings!!
    Have a blessed Christmas!

    • Merry Christmas to you, too, Beth. Sometimes it’s mechanical to count our blessings, but something about focusing on the beauty right before and looking for the God in it brings us closer to him.

  7. Thank you for this Robin. Overload at work has left me not really feeling joyful this Christmas season. Thanks for the reminder to see our circumstances through our Father’s eyes, the one who loves us and has plans for us even when we don’t see them clearly. Enjoy a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

  8. Bev, I can tell you from experience that losing parents is always hard but that first set of holidays is somehow the most impactful. I lost my Dad when I was just 21 yrs. old and today I am 65 yrs. old…..and there are days that it seems like forever and a real fog but memories come in when least expected. While my sister and I shopped before Christmas, we ran into friends of my family from years back and the greatest gift when running into them is always the stories he tells of my Dad and Mother. He paints them in a light that only a Mother and Daddy should be in….he brings their character to life with tales from long ago and smiles and laughter that makes our hearts and minds rush back to years ago and the love the whole family shared. It is good to keep memories alive. It is a way of keeping them alive. Our Mother has been gone for right at 18 years and it is so fresh and new for me still, that I long for the touch of her hand or the sound of her voice just to know she is near. But we settle for the new home they reside in and the new life they enjoy….we look for brighter days and manage through those that seems a little darker than they should. God bless you during this holiday season and all the upcoming holidays that remind us of our parents and loved ones. In missing them this year, I had to experience for the first time in my life, not having my kids home for Christmas. I don’t know what is worse, losing a parent or missing children. Our lives have been on crazy this year and it has brought bittersweet feelings between siblings and caused a fracture in the family. So we, my husband and I spent the holidays alone, and I refuse to let the devil have any joy in that, cause I know that my kids are hurting too and with time and healing, we will be a family again. I ask for prayer for that and remember…..all things are possible through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Have a great day…..God bless you.

  9. Robin,
    Thank you for the posting. It is truly timely and so spot on. We do often times feel so frustrated with menial tasks that we would rather not perform but are required to do by law or else. But the fact that each day is bright and new and brings unknown joy from all sources around us, from sunrises, to sunsets, to music, to visitors, to meals with friends, to letters from loved ones and even just a moment to sit quietly and reflect on the days activities. So much joy is centered around our whole day and we all have pout mode….that is for sure and for me, I have experienced more frustration than usual and due to this is has caused stress and now my health has taken a toll from the year of stress and heartaches. The Dr. says, just get rid of the stress….I replied to him that it would require an attorney and a cemetery….just joking of course, but he said, if I did not find peace on some level, that this would continue and get worse and it has. Over the holidays, there have been days that I have not even been able to get out of bed due to the pain I am in. Then restoration comes and I have several good days and I go full speed doing the things needed to be done and then I am done again for several more days. So God is in control and healing is on the horizon for 2016. I am searching for my word for the new year and when I discover what it is….an all in compassing word….I will let you know. Have a great week and a happy new year and thank you for your continual postings which are uplifting and inspiring to all those who read them. You are a blessing in disguise. Martha