Have you lived long enough to have one of “those” years? Those unbearable years when moving through every day is very much like walking knee deep in wet cement. When you’re just certain life will take a turn for the better before year’s end and suddenly you find yourself right in the middle of December and low and behold…yep. You’re still knee deep in wet cement.
I know a lot of people who are right there.
I’m one of them. 
This year, I’ve talked with people who have lost a loved one, friends who’ve experienced financial devastation, divorce, someone with a child who is very ill. While Mike and I haven’t been through any of those things, we have had one hit after another with health and some family issues. (I’m not trying to be evasive, one day I’m sure I’ll feel the freedom to share some of our struggles, but truly, I need to get a little distance between us and 2016 first.)
I’ve found it difficult to focus on anything positive this season, instead, my mind and my heart are anxious and troubled.
So, right here, in the middle of December, I’m gently – but deliberately taking my focus and turning to what matters most…
My faith in God and my belief that He loves me so much that…
“God became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Did you get that?
God Himself entered into our suffering world.
So you and I can know that we aren’t alone…
God enters into our suffering…God walks through our pain right along side us. He knows our hurts and His heart breaks right along with ours…
Some of you are living out your worse nightmare. Right here on this cold-gray December day, life as you know it has changed forever.
You walk through stores and see happy people shopping and you wonder how these people can move about as if the world hasn’t stopped?
You find yourself wanting to scream at the top of your lungs: “HEY! I’m dying here…doesn’t ANYBODY care???
My heart aches to make everything better dear one, to give you a quick fix…
But I can’t. I can only point you the One who enters into my pain and walks with me though my dark days. The One who gave up heaven and came here to tell you how much you are loved. 
While He never promises us a life without pain, He assures us that He’ll enter into our suffering and walk with us.
Does that make suffering easy?
No.
Not easy, but bearable.
Tim Keller says: “Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.”
In case you might feel alone in your pain…please hear me my friend…He’s with you. I’m praying that He shows you, in ways that only He can, that He is as close to you as your next breath…
Sending love ~ ox
Debbie says
December 16, 2016 at 9:15 amBeautiful thoughts and words! Thanks for sharing them with us and your pretty home as well! God Bless and Merry Christmas!
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:26 amThank you Debbie..Merry Christmas to you my friend ox
Pat says
December 16, 2016 at 10:28 amSo beautifully put, and a great reminder.
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:53 amThank you Pat..merry Christmas my friend ox
Gwen says
December 16, 2016 at 10:29 amThank you for this post Robin. Your words resonate so deeply. We all get told the lie that this time of year is all Hallmark. Don’t get me wrong I love Hallmark but life here on this earth will never be that movie kind of perfect. You are so wise to focus on the love of God! My sadness comes when I think of those who have not believed that they are truly love by our Heavenly Father. Some days it is all that gets us through the night. Will be praying for those struggling. And reminding myself to stay focused on the One who brings light to the world.
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:27 amGwen…I so agree with you-sending you and yours love xo
Kristina says
December 16, 2016 at 10:55 amI love this today. Our family has also been hit hard this year with many health issues and financial struggles. It’s good to know we aren’t alone; that He and others like us are with us every day. Thank you for this post, I’m sure I’m not the only one who needed to read it today!
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:53 amKristina, I’m so sorry about your struggles this year- no doubt, we are in good company as we finish out 2016 with a bit of relief and hope for what the new year brings…sending you love and wish you and yours joy despite the struggle this Christmas..
Pinky says
December 16, 2016 at 11:43 amBeautiful post, Robin…as you always do especially when you are pouring out your sweet heart. I will be sending up prayers for whatever is troubling you. XO
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:28 amThank you my sweet friend…sending love ox
Gina says
December 16, 2016 at 12:02 pmRobin, I have been able to tell by your lack of posts, etc. that you have been walking through a difficult time. I think if we live long enough we will go through one of these seasons, years and Christmases. My friend’s sister has cancer and isn’t doing well and as we sat at cantata practice we discussed it. We called it a “heaviness” that surrounds Christmas sometimes. I’ve been thinking of that conversation for two weeks and see it everywhere. I feel myself attacked with “heavy” thoughts and pulled toward the feelings too. It is a battle. A battle, yes! That is exactly what it is and we know who is leading the battle. The one who would like us all to forget what (WHO!!) Christmas is all about. satan wants us to lose our focus and steal our joy. He is a thief and we have to put on our armor even more so this time of year. Oh, how I wish I was mature enough to just rise above circumstances and be steadfast, but sadly instead I waver. Thankfully, I am far ahead of where I used to be though, so I can take joy in that! 🙂 God is good and He won’t allow a circumstance not one moment longer than He deems necessary to accomplish what He wishes in us. I always love your heartfelt posts. Praying for you and your family this Christmas Robin. 🙂
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:39 amGina…I’m so sorry about your friend’s sister-I pray for God to hold her close and that her family would have peace- Your word … “heaviness” perfectly describes the feeling- I wonder if on this side of eternity, any of us will ever be able to (completely) rise above our pain, hurts or fears? YOu’re wise to understand that you are making progress over the years… (so many founders of our faith also struggled…the one that came to mind is Elijah- immediately after standing up to the prophets of Baal, he fell into depression and was overcome by fear to the point that he ran away …if we waver my friend…we are in good company- ) sending you so much love and Gina, I’m truly thankful (always) for your encouragement-
Kathi says
December 17, 2016 at 11:53 amWhat an amazing truth. God will not let us suffer one moment longer than is necessary to achieve His purpose. What a blessing this is to me this morning. Prayers now for each of our situations. Thank you for your words.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:39 pmKathi – thank you for your prayers my friend … and for your words of encouragement- sending so much love ox
vicky says
December 16, 2016 at 2:46 pmSuch a powerful message that resonates so deeply with me. Thank you for sharing your heart and reminding us that none of us are doing this alone. Love you dearly.
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:40 amVicky- you are my north star when it comes to grace under pressure…thank YOU my sweet friend – love you bug and wide.
Beverly says
December 16, 2016 at 4:56 pmGirl, you read my mind…and my heart. So ready for some good news, even though I know that He is “The Blessed Hope”, I would love to hear some answers to “why I am walking in wet cement”. That whole ” looking through the glass darkly” scenario is overwhelming. He promises to be faithful, and we just have to keep believing. Stay strong and keep sharing – we are all in this together!
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:49 amBeverly, I’m so sorry you’re having a rough time. Asking God show you how close He is to you and praying you find peace and that good news comes SOON!
When I read your thoughts wondering “why”, a quote from Ann Voskamp came to mind- I hold so fast to this when I want to scream that same question…WHY???
“God reveals Himself in rearview mirrors. And I’ve an inkling that there are times when we need to drive a long, long distance, before we can look back and see God’s back in the rearview mirror. Maybe sometimes about as far as heaven — that kind of distance.”
somehow, it soothes me to know that I may not understand for a long time…maybe not until I see Jesus..
Sending you and yours so much love and asking God to surround you with His grace, fill you with His peace and make your path straight…xo Merry Christmas my friend –
Ivory says
December 16, 2016 at 9:17 pmBeautiful kitchen, and uplifting messages. Thank you, and happy holidays.
Robin says
December 17, 2016 at 3:50 amthank you so much Ivory- Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend xo
Sharon says
December 17, 2016 at 5:44 amI,too, have been having that same “feeling.” I lost my husband last year.Yes, with God’s help ALL things are possible. That phrase has helped me more than anything. Yet, some days all I do is cry, I still miss him so. What makes it worse is to see the look on my children’s and grandlove’s faces when I know what they are thinking of …Him…They miss him, too. I can look around and always see someone worse off than me. So, I have come to realize, God has richly Blessed my family and me so, so much. So this holiday season, I wish you and your family peace,love and a very Merry Christmas. Be Blessed.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:55 pmSharon…oh honey, thank you for sharing your story…your profound loss. I wish I could give you a hug. Thank you for encouraging me – I pray that God continue to comfort you and yours every single day. Sending love xo
Shirley says
December 17, 2016 at 5:50 amSo sorry you are going through such a hard time. I don’t know why but 2016 seems to have been such a difficult year for so many people.
I send you Greetings from across the Pond. Thank you for such an uplifting post. Your kitchen is beautiful. My sister collects the same Christmas tree plates . They are so pretty.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:53 pmShirley my friend…isn’t it sobering to hear how many dear people have had such a hard 2016? I truly appreciate you reaching out and encouraging me…sending love xo
David Wise says
December 17, 2016 at 6:29 amRobin, I’m so sorry and my heart goes out to you for all the pain that you are going through . <3 I don't understand why things happen as they do and even though we know deep in our hearts that God is there for us sometimes that might not be enough to makes us fill whole and at peace again. All we can do is trust with all of our heart and deep into our bones that God will make us feel right again. The bad things might not change, but if he can give us the strength to accept it and deal with it might provide a little peace. Just to lift a little bit of burden from our hearts even if it's temporary can be a blessing. My heart and prayers are with you Robin and if God granted wishes like a fairytale story I would use them up on you. 🙂 I'll be praying for you. <3
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:52 pmOh David..thank you so much my friend. As I’ve told you, you’re in my prayers too. I’m asking God to bring healing to you and peace to you and Wendy…sending love to you and yours this Christmas-
Rhonda Tignor says
December 17, 2016 at 6:31 amRobin,
This is a precious word I needed to be reminded of. I love you for sharing! Your house is beautiful by the way.
Merry Christmas sweet lady to you and yours!
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:51 pmRhonda…my dear friend, how often I think of you. You’ve shown the grace of God as you’ve grieved and I’m so thankful for you and your faith – what an bright light you are …xo
Nancy says
December 17, 2016 at 7:57 amMy daughter and I ask often, how does anyone survive these trials without the Lord in their life? With Christ there is always hope and strength. But while you’re going through these trials it’s still hard. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:49 pmNancy…thank you so very much for the prayers my friend- Merry Christmas xo
Marty Walden says
December 17, 2016 at 9:22 amI love this sweet friend! Such an eloquent reminder that pain and suffering come to all of us but we are never left without Hope!
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:48 pmMarty..thank you for reminding me of the hope we have – sending you love my friend xo
Tawn Deavers says
December 17, 2016 at 9:30 amRobin,
Thinking of you during the Christmas season. I know exactly the feeling you were describing, wondering how people can walk happily around while you are struggling. I remember the day after Luke’s accident…we were on our way to the mall to get a suit for Gene for the funeral. I looked over at the car beside of us, thinking “How can you be smiling at a time like this? Don’t you know the heartache we are dealing with in our car?” God walked with us through the next several days and weeks. And what a blessing to know He is still walking with us. I love the story behind the hymn “It is Well with My Soul”. http://staugustine.com/living/religion/2014-10-16/story-behind-song-it-well-my-soul Thank you so much for this wonderful message.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:47 pmAwn…oh honey, I know you have walked through such suffering after losing your boy- my heart aches to think of it- thank you my dear friend, for reaching out and sharing your hope with me. sending you love …Merry Christmas xo
Gail Blair says
December 17, 2016 at 9:32 amSo perfect…needed the “refocus” today. So funny how I can be so focused on myself and my woes, and there are so many people hurting. I will be praying for you today. I love you.
C. Thorpe says
December 17, 2016 at 9:55 amThank you. I needed that reminder today.
Merry Christmas
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:44 pmMerry Christmas friend xo
Nancy Prescott says
December 17, 2016 at 10:02 amThanks for these inspiring words today. I need them to be able to hold fast to God’s promise to always be with us through good and bad. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Tell your sweet dad Merry Christmas from someone who has known him forever (kindergarten)!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
December 17, 2016 at 11:11 amRobin, I could tell that your family is going through some difficult times from some of your Instagrams and posts. I’m so sorry that it’s been a hard year. Yes, I’ve been there too and I can tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. He is faithful to bring us through and to a better place. It’s so hard when you’re in the middle of a storm, but these days will pass eventually and you will see more clearly. The Lord is good and faithful, even when we can’t see it first hand. Hugs! xoxo
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:42 pmRhoda- thank you for taking time to reach out and encourage us…I do believe it- that He is faithful to take us through the storm- but I sure needed the reminder- sending love friend xo
Shelly says
December 17, 2016 at 11:24 amDear Robin,
Thank you for this post. I have a really hard time seeing Mother’s and daughters shopping! Mostly if the daughter is my age. It just seems so unfair that their Mother is still living. My Mother was my best friend.
Blessings
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:44 pmShelly…oh I’m so sorry for your loss – The world is just not the same when our moms are gone. I understand. I miss my mom so much during the holidays…she “Kept Christmas well” and made sure her family did too. I wish you and I could meet for an afternoon of shopping 🙂 sending love my friend xo
Felicia says
December 17, 2016 at 11:53 amIt has been a hard year for us as well. A learning year. I’m so thankful that He came to bear our burdens. I can’t imagine this life without Him. I’ve prayed for you and yours just now. Prayed for peace, health and deep breaths of His goodness.
Merry Christmas
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:38 pmThank you so much Felicia- I’m so thankful for you taking time to pray for us my friend…I’ll be praying for you and yours as well – sending love xo
Daniele says
December 17, 2016 at 1:43 pmThis is beautiful Robin. Thank you for sharing! Such encouraging word for all of us. Love you sweet friend. You are in my prayers.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:36 pmthank you for taking time to reach out my friend…sending you and your beautiful family so much love xo
Terri says
December 17, 2016 at 4:34 pm(((HUGS)))
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:37 pmTerri….hugs right back sweet friend xo
Sharon says
December 17, 2016 at 4:34 pmBeautiful post, Robin. It breaks my heart to think of you struggling. Last year at this time, I felt the same way because of my health problems, financial stress and struggling marriage. 2016 saw the strengthening of my marriage and My health turned around in May of this year, but on June 25th my Dad suffered a massive stroke and it has rocked my world. Fortunately, he survived. However, his recovery has been very slow. In fact, tonight he and my mom won’t be able to attend Christmas with her side of the family tonight. It makes me so sad.
So, I have mixed feelings about 2016.
I wish we could sit and talk and person and carry one another’s burdens. Since we can’t, I’m so glad you wrote post and gave us a chance to visit online.
Prayers for you, friend. xo
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:36 pmSharon…oh thank you so much for sharing your struggles in 2015 and oh….your dad. I’m so sorry about his stroke and pray he’ll continue his recovery- I’d love to meet you face to face one day-it means so much that you took time to reach out- sending love my friend xo
Jenn in GA says
December 17, 2016 at 4:38 pmi’m sorry that this year has been so difficult. i just read something a friend of mine wrote about Christmas and God becoming Man for us that really made me stop and think. he wrote of our God: You felt the severity of the plan when You designed it. You assumed it all upon your entrance into this sin-wrecked dimension.
that really struck me. He knew what He was getting into, yet He came anyway because of His L.O.V.E. i’m sure i wouldn’t have done the same.
hope you will experience the redemption of these hardships, for He wastes nothing.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:33 pm“sin-wrecked dimension…” wow. How much He loves us. Thanks so much for sharing my friend xo
Karen Brown says
December 18, 2016 at 9:00 amRobin
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings when this time of year we rejoice in the birth of our Savior, our Prince of Peac but we are still challenged with lifes struggles. Such conflicting emotion! Fortunately we can find great comfort knowing that we are never alone and He provides us wiith the strength to carry on Thank you for your honesty and the wonderful work you do!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Joyeaux Noel to all!
Karen
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:32 pmKaren…how true-well said…our emotions are so often completely conflicted…sending love ox
Lynn says
December 18, 2016 at 10:55 amThank you Robin. I needed that. Merry Christmas.
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:30 pmsending love my friend xo
Cassandra E says
December 18, 2016 at 11:19 amThat is so lovely. Thank you. I recently had a conversation with a friend who expressed fear in these troubling times. I told her I’m not scared, and she (single) immediately said its because I’m married. I said no, that’s not it. (It helps). I had to come to a decision a long time ago. If God loves and cares for orphans sleeping on the dirt, and worse, then that’s how far I must be willing to go. Now, I’ll never be a child again, but that image is symbolic to me. The promise of a Father to me in all things, and the knowledge that life is so fleeting is my go to. Nothing is forever but Him.
Jennifer Clause says
December 18, 2016 at 3:10 pmSending up prayers for you my friend…life is hard ….hugs
Robin says
December 21, 2016 at 7:29 pmJennifer…thank you so much my friend xo