So, it's cold here (again) and it snowed (AGAIN) and let's just say my attitude about both those things isn't/wasn't the best.
So, to get me out of the weather funk, I thought I'd post some things that make me happy. In no order and not necessarily spiritual. . .
1)Really good music that stirs me
2)The color pink
3) Sunshine coming through a window and warming you up
4) How excited my kids get over the least little thing
5)Talking to a friend who knows all your skeletons and loves you anyway
6)A great pair of shoes
7)facebook
8)a good book that feels like a friend
9)old black and white movies
10)When my daughter hears the first measure of music to an old Amy Grant song and knows which one it is (impressive on a couple of levels for a 3 year old)
11) Beth Moore Bible studies
12) Hearing the kids scream DDDDDAAAAAAAADDDDYYYY, when the hubs gets home from work.
13) Looking at old pictures
14)a great handbag
15)Targets 75% off rack
16) Not to be out done, the Macy's One Day Sale
17) The ladies in my Bible study group
18)Gerber Daisy's
19)A great hair day
20)A diet coke on ice
21) A Quick Trip fountain Diet Coke mixed with a little cherry flavoring
22) Yummy Mexican food
23) ROAD TRIP
24)Laughing with the Hubs over things no one else on the planet would find funny
25) Hallmark Cards
26) planning a party
27) Great earrings
28)Diving into the deep end of the pool on a really hot, hot day
29) When the leaves are in their full color in fall
30) A big hug from one of the kiddos
31) A puppy sitting on my feet
32) Feeling like wherever the Hubs is, is home
What makes you happy?
The call or email from the teacher at school.
The 'can I chat with you for a moment?' from the Sunday school teacher.
Most every parent knows the dread those words can bring. I know at our house we've had our share of those little talks. Talks that make you feel like you are about an inch tall, the worst parent ever and that if your child makes it to adolescence it'll be a miracle sent from heaven!
I was thinking last week on our way to AWANA at our church, parenting can be so humiliating sometimes. J was completely wound up and I was a wee bit worried for his teachers that evening. OK, and for myself. Let's be honest, having children who can find trouble ever so easily can be, shall we be honest and say embarrassing?!
And, then I heard a voice say (not audible, but in the still of my soul-which is a miracle in itself when you are in a car with three children!), "Haven't you found your share of trouble?" "Haven't you shamed and embarrassed me over and over again?" "But, you are my child and I love you no matter what you could ever say or do, You are mine."
Once again, I was struck with the thought that the creator of the universe was also my Father. And, yes, OH YES, how I have brought Him more shame than I'd care to name. But, the miraculously, wonderful, amazing part-once I've repented and ask for forgiveness, he's never brought it back up again. Not once.
Now, make no mistake, I've often been reminded of my sin. Of the pit which I've so often jumped down into, but it was never my Heavenly Father who reminded me of those things!
No, He loves me and brings me back into the fold every time and wipes the slate clean.
So, as we finished our drive into church that night, I went over with J what I expected of him. How exactly he was to behave. But, then I said; "And you know what else? You are my little boy and I love you know matter what!"
Those big brown eyes said it all! And the tight hug and the I love you, Mom, were reminders that we all need to be reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of our parents. Earthly or Heavenly.
I am so thankful that the God who is the beginning and the end, who knows all and knew all the trouble I would be and cause Him, still loved me enough to call me His child.
The 'can I chat with you for a moment?' from the Sunday school teacher.
Most every parent knows the dread those words can bring. I know at our house we've had our share of those little talks. Talks that make you feel like you are about an inch tall, the worst parent ever and that if your child makes it to adolescence it'll be a miracle sent from heaven!
I was thinking last week on our way to AWANA at our church, parenting can be so humiliating sometimes. J was completely wound up and I was a wee bit worried for his teachers that evening. OK, and for myself. Let's be honest, having children who can find trouble ever so easily can be, shall we be honest and say embarrassing?!
And, then I heard a voice say (not audible, but in the still of my soul-which is a miracle in itself when you are in a car with three children!), "Haven't you found your share of trouble?" "Haven't you shamed and embarrassed me over and over again?" "But, you are my child and I love you no matter what you could ever say or do, You are mine."
Once again, I was struck with the thought that the creator of the universe was also my Father. And, yes, OH YES, how I have brought Him more shame than I'd care to name. But, the miraculously, wonderful, amazing part-once I've repented and ask for forgiveness, he's never brought it back up again. Not once.
Now, make no mistake, I've often been reminded of my sin. Of the pit which I've so often jumped down into, but it was never my Heavenly Father who reminded me of those things!
No, He loves me and brings me back into the fold every time and wipes the slate clean.
So, as we finished our drive into church that night, I went over with J what I expected of him. How exactly he was to behave. But, then I said; "And you know what else? You are my little boy and I love you know matter what!"
Those big brown eyes said it all! And the tight hug and the I love you, Mom, were reminders that we all need to be reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of our parents. Earthly or Heavenly.
I am so thankful that the God who is the beginning and the end, who knows all and knew all the trouble I would be and cause Him, still loved me enough to call me His child.
Like you as I watch the news I am overwhelmed by the images that I see.
Houses gone, hospitals gone, families gone.
Gone in just a brief moment. But the horror of that moment will live on for the people of Haiti for years to come.
In the midst of all the pain and sorrow, the question comes, because it always does. God where are you? Don't you love these people?
The answer lies right at the surface. He is there. He is here. He was there yesterday and he'll be there tomorrow. He'll be with the child that survives when everyone thought they wouldn't. He'll be with the rescue worker who doesn't think they can go one more moment yet they do.
He hasn't moved. His love for ALL people of the world has never changed.
We are now being given the ultimate opportunity to give to our neighbors in need.
The first thing we must do is pray. Pray for every precious person who is trapped. Every baby who doesn't know where it's next meal is coming from. Every mother who can't find her baby. Pray and pray hard.
Next thing we must do is give. Give and give generously.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Show the world your love of Jesus by helping someone else in a desperate situation.
We sponsor a child through Compassion International and find them to not only nurture the body but the soul as well as they teach children about Jesus.
http://bit.ly/HelpHaitiCI, please go to their website and give generously, just like you would if Jesus was the one holding the child waiting for it's next drink of water.
Because, don't be mistaken, He is right there!
Houses gone, hospitals gone, families gone.
Gone in just a brief moment. But the horror of that moment will live on for the people of Haiti for years to come.
In the midst of all the pain and sorrow, the question comes, because it always does. God where are you? Don't you love these people?
The answer lies right at the surface. He is there. He is here. He was there yesterday and he'll be there tomorrow. He'll be with the child that survives when everyone thought they wouldn't. He'll be with the rescue worker who doesn't think they can go one more moment yet they do.
He hasn't moved. His love for ALL people of the world has never changed.
We are now being given the ultimate opportunity to give to our neighbors in need.
The first thing we must do is pray. Pray for every precious person who is trapped. Every baby who doesn't know where it's next meal is coming from. Every mother who can't find her baby. Pray and pray hard.
Next thing we must do is give. Give and give generously.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Show the world your love of Jesus by helping someone else in a desperate situation.
We sponsor a child through Compassion International and find them to not only nurture the body but the soul as well as they teach children about Jesus.
http://bit.ly/HelpHaitiCI, please go to their website and give generously, just like you would if Jesus was the one holding the child waiting for it's next drink of water.
Because, don't be mistaken, He is right there!
Christmas decorations are down and put away for the next 11 months. Carols are a memory and our gifts have been tucked away. One thing that hasn't left us here in the middle of Kansas is SNOW. Lots and Lots of snow. And cold, OH MY! with the freezing cold!
So, we've been spending lots of time snuggled up together in our little house enjoying each other and finding ways to entertain ourselves.
Jude and Isabelle have been doing lots of drawing and coloring. So, much so that I might in fact be a tad concerned about deforestation. That was a LOT of paper for a few days!!
J's favorite thing to do is to draw pictures then write a story about them.
I's favorite thing, however, is to trace her hand print. LOVES, I mean LOVES this.
Makes her laugh and squeal with delight every time.
So, as we were tracing her hand for, oh I don't know, the thousandth time, I began looking at those little chunky fingers and the look of concentration on that beautiful face. Then she said, 'It's your turn, Momma'. So, I dutifully placed my hand on the paper as she traced around my fingers. When I lifted my hand and she stepped back to look at her handiwork, she said, 'Look Momma, we're just alike'.
Of course, I look at it and see all the ways the two hand prints are different, but in her eyes we were the same.
Which got me to thinking. Who's life am I leaving a hand print on? And, would I really want them to 'look just alike'?
Honestly, I look at my life and my crazy ways and see ALL THE WAYS I DON'T WANT MY KIDDOS TO BE LIKE ME! Expect one. When they look at me, I pray they see Jesus hand print. That everywhere they look they would see the nail pierced hand print and think, 'They are just alike'.
Some days it's probably easier for them to see than others. I know it is for me.
But, happy or sad, easy times or difficult, plenty or want, what I want them (and others) to see when they look at me is the hand print of Jesus.
Not a set of rules to live by (although important) not a list of good deeds done ( important too) but Grace. The grace and peace that only Jesus can reveal and reflect. If they can see those things, maybe we will 'look just alike'.
So, we've been spending lots of time snuggled up together in our little house enjoying each other and finding ways to entertain ourselves.
Jude and Isabelle have been doing lots of drawing and coloring. So, much so that I might in fact be a tad concerned about deforestation. That was a LOT of paper for a few days!!
J's favorite thing to do is to draw pictures then write a story about them.
I's favorite thing, however, is to trace her hand print. LOVES, I mean LOVES this.
Makes her laugh and squeal with delight every time.
So, as we were tracing her hand for, oh I don't know, the thousandth time, I began looking at those little chunky fingers and the look of concentration on that beautiful face. Then she said, 'It's your turn, Momma'. So, I dutifully placed my hand on the paper as she traced around my fingers. When I lifted my hand and she stepped back to look at her handiwork, she said, 'Look Momma, we're just alike'.
Of course, I look at it and see all the ways the two hand prints are different, but in her eyes we were the same.
Which got me to thinking. Who's life am I leaving a hand print on? And, would I really want them to 'look just alike'?
Honestly, I look at my life and my crazy ways and see ALL THE WAYS I DON'T WANT MY KIDDOS TO BE LIKE ME! Expect one. When they look at me, I pray they see Jesus hand print. That everywhere they look they would see the nail pierced hand print and think, 'They are just alike'.
Some days it's probably easier for them to see than others. I know it is for me.
But, happy or sad, easy times or difficult, plenty or want, what I want them (and others) to see when they look at me is the hand print of Jesus.
Not a set of rules to live by (although important) not a list of good deeds done ( important too) but Grace. The grace and peace that only Jesus can reveal and reflect. If they can see those things, maybe we will 'look just alike'.
Getting a lesson from God in the middle of children's Christmas program at their Christian school, may not seem like a big deal, and maybe it's not. But, I did see God in such a real way and different way last Thursday night, I've got to share it with you.
Each year since our oldest was in Kindergarten, we've attended the schools annual Christmas program. Each year, I'm moved and tear up at their sweet little faces and little voices singing about the new born King. Always sweet, always adorable, always worshipful.
This year there was added excitement as our 2nd son was going to make his debut on stage. He's been practicing for weeks and has enjoyed the three songs his class was going to sing so much. It has been so fun to watch him enjoy his music so thoroughly!
A couple things you should know about #2. He's passionate about life, he's- shall we say. . .loud, and he throws his heart, mind and body into everything he does.
All very fine and noble qualities. Also all traits that can often (O F T E N) land you in some serious trouble as you push your momma right to the edge!!
So, there we were Thursday night, all in our places. Grandma and Grandpa right there too, of course, along with little sister. Camera's ready to go.
Big brothers class was up first and they and he did a great job. ( One down, one to go).
Then here come the Kindergartner's . The little ones always make everyone smile.
As they took the stage with their solemn faces, you could tell they had practiced much, and been lectured about standing straight and tall.
The music began (which I immediately recognized from all that practicing) and they were singing away.
At this point something unexpected happened. #2 stepped up to the mic with 2 of his friends. Seems he had a special in the middle of the song. Never ONCE did he tell us this. I reached over to grab The Hubs hand, and my heart went to my throat.
Sing and sing away they did. LOUDLY, very LOUDLY and adorably. To Jesus, they sang.
I'll admit it, I was so proud. Beaming, really and crying all at the same time.
And, as I pondered the evenings events, I began to think about how God looks at me, His child.
His child who can be stubborn, loud and disobedient. Trouble with a capital T. (#2 is a bit more like me than I care to admit sometimes) But, even with all the trouble I can cause, when I do something for His glory, I believe He smiles. Smiles and delights, might I even suggest beams with pride as I do something solely to bring honor to Him.
No matter how many time outs or spankings I've had ( and trust me, He's had to give me my share!) His love and delight in me never changes.
A father loving his daughter unconditionally, no matter how many mistakes have come before.
So, maybe not the lesson you'd think I'd learn at Christmas concert, but a wonderful one none the less.
Each year since our oldest was in Kindergarten, we've attended the schools annual Christmas program. Each year, I'm moved and tear up at their sweet little faces and little voices singing about the new born King. Always sweet, always adorable, always worshipful.
This year there was added excitement as our 2nd son was going to make his debut on stage. He's been practicing for weeks and has enjoyed the three songs his class was going to sing so much. It has been so fun to watch him enjoy his music so thoroughly!
A couple things you should know about #2. He's passionate about life, he's- shall we say. . .loud, and he throws his heart, mind and body into everything he does.
All very fine and noble qualities. Also all traits that can often (O F T E N) land you in some serious trouble as you push your momma right to the edge!!
So, there we were Thursday night, all in our places. Grandma and Grandpa right there too, of course, along with little sister. Camera's ready to go.
Big brothers class was up first and they and he did a great job. ( One down, one to go).
Then here come the Kindergartner's . The little ones always make everyone smile.
As they took the stage with their solemn faces, you could tell they had practiced much, and been lectured about standing straight and tall.
The music began (which I immediately recognized from all that practicing) and they were singing away.
At this point something unexpected happened. #2 stepped up to the mic with 2 of his friends. Seems he had a special in the middle of the song. Never ONCE did he tell us this. I reached over to grab The Hubs hand, and my heart went to my throat.
Sing and sing away they did. LOUDLY, very LOUDLY and adorably. To Jesus, they sang.
I'll admit it, I was so proud. Beaming, really and crying all at the same time.
And, as I pondered the evenings events, I began to think about how God looks at me, His child.
His child who can be stubborn, loud and disobedient. Trouble with a capital T. (#2 is a bit more like me than I care to admit sometimes) But, even with all the trouble I can cause, when I do something for His glory, I believe He smiles. Smiles and delights, might I even suggest beams with pride as I do something solely to bring honor to Him.
No matter how many time outs or spankings I've had ( and trust me, He's had to give me my share!) His love and delight in me never changes.
A father loving his daughter unconditionally, no matter how many mistakes have come before.
So, maybe not the lesson you'd think I'd learn at Christmas concert, but a wonderful one none the less.
My lovely city has a blanket of white this morning.
Nothing says 'it's almost Christmas', like a fresh snow. Not enough for a snow day for the big boys, so it's little girl and I at home today snuggling with hot cocoa and a little Dora Christmas. What a great way to spend a morning!
The house is decked in our Christmas best. I love traditions, so getting out boxes and looking at each well loved ornament and telling the story behind it is so much fun for me!
I've noticed my kiddos are developing this sentimental side too, as they pull out their special ornaments and tell stories about them and listen to the stories of some our favorites. ( I have a ornament on our tree I made in the 1st grade-complete with year, I don't think the 6 year old knew there were years with 19's in them!)
Listening to their giggles and stories this year as they pulled each decoration and ornament out warmed my heart so much. Reminded me once again how privileged I am to have these three people call me mom. God is so gracious!
Of course, having little helpers means your tree doesn't exactly turn out like something that would be photographed for Southern Living. You can tell which child put on which ornaments by how high they are clumped and lumped together.
I don't have the heart to 'fix' them and spread them out. We had so much fun putting them on together.
The day will come, sooner than I'd like to think about, were we'll be singing 'I'll be home for Christmas' missing one of them who couldn't make it home to Mom and Dad's that year, that I'll leave the clumps. I'll leave them and remember.
Not pretty to others, but to this Momma another memory to tuck away until next year.
Nothing says 'it's almost Christmas', like a fresh snow. Not enough for a snow day for the big boys, so it's little girl and I at home today snuggling with hot cocoa and a little Dora Christmas. What a great way to spend a morning!
The house is decked in our Christmas best. I love traditions, so getting out boxes and looking at each well loved ornament and telling the story behind it is so much fun for me!
I've noticed my kiddos are developing this sentimental side too, as they pull out their special ornaments and tell stories about them and listen to the stories of some our favorites. ( I have a ornament on our tree I made in the 1st grade-complete with year, I don't think the 6 year old knew there were years with 19's in them!)
Listening to their giggles and stories this year as they pulled each decoration and ornament out warmed my heart so much. Reminded me once again how privileged I am to have these three people call me mom. God is so gracious!
Of course, having little helpers means your tree doesn't exactly turn out like something that would be photographed for Southern Living. You can tell which child put on which ornaments by how high they are clumped and lumped together.
I don't have the heart to 'fix' them and spread them out. We had so much fun putting them on together.
The day will come, sooner than I'd like to think about, were we'll be singing 'I'll be home for Christmas' missing one of them who couldn't make it home to Mom and Dad's that year, that I'll leave the clumps. I'll leave them and remember.
Not pretty to others, but to this Momma another memory to tuck away until next year.
WOW! Long time no writing. Like you, things are continuously busy around here.
We had a great Thanksgiving weekend at my parents house. Lots of yummy food and even better company. We spent the weekend putting up decorations and enjoying the beginning of the season. Friday evening we spent the evening at our local arboretum which sponsored a luminary walk.
It was absolutely beautiful. We were out in God's spectacular creation walking among candle light stopping along the way to listen to some very adorable boy scouts do a sing a long, a Native American play some flutes and then listen to some amazing Dickens carolers.
As we stopped to listen to them, I looked around and wondered how many people were actually hearing the words being sung so beautifully. The carol that struck me the most that they sang was God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. If you've never paid attention to the words, you should. Basically, the gospel summed in a few lines.
Like many of you, I get annoyed with the whole 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas' agenda that seems so prevalent these days. And I have been concerned that Jesus is being taken out of this global celebration. But, as I pondered these things this weekend, I began to wonder can Jesus be taken out of the Christmas season?
From the tree to the stars, the angels and lights and carols we sing, He is there. Even the X in Xmas has in origin in Biblical meanings.
I am certainly NOT saying Jesus can't be forgotten during the Christmas season as we became overwhelmed with gifts, baking, decorating, parties and political correctness. Yes He can certainly be forgotten, but He cannot be removed. Whether we acknowledge him or not is something completely different. Each decoration we place, each gift we give should be an act of worship to our Saviour born in a manger so long ago, who still saves the world and us today.
So, Merry Christmas to you! Jesus is why we celebrate-so celebrate BIG!
And -God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen let NOTHING you dismay
REMEMBER Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
OH Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Comfort and Joy
OH Tidings of Comfort and Joy
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