I'm Back

Well, I'm back after a 6 month hiatus! I didn't intend on taking that long of a break, but I did. The end of my summer seemed to bring lots of exciting adventures that I just didn't have time to stop and blog about it. Then I went back to work in August and since then it seems life has been quite the whirlwind, but I must say I'm lovin every minute of it!!

I 'm finally getting to blog because we are kind of stuck indoors today due to the nice ice storm that came to visit! :)   I must say I love days like this because.... I stay in my pajamas all day, I lay around and eat junk/ comfort food, I have my family with me ALL day, and I get to do a few things that I want to do!! Also, the school I work at is on late schedule tomorrow. YIPPIE!!!! Although, this does not mean sleeping in for me. I really don't remember what that's like because I have a one year old who seems to think he needs to wake up between 5:30-6am everyday!! This works out great on work days, but not so much on the weekends. Oh well, on the positive side, I've learned I get SO much more done between 6am - 9am, than any other part of the day AND coffee is my friend! I keep telling myself to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride because I know one day I'll look back on these years and realize how fast they went.

Well, around our house, we're in high gear for Christmas! The decorations are out, the gifts are bought, (well, for the most part), and our hearts are focused on the real reason to celebrate, Jesus Christ! I must admit, with all of the commercialism of Christmas, it can be difficult at times to keep our homes focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Now that I have a son, I've also been thinking about how to nurture him in God's Word and in understanding the real meaning of Christmas. I realize that my life and example will ultimately demonstrate this truth to him. Obviously, a child's understanding of God always starts in the home. So, I've been more mindful of how does my life reflect what I SAY I believe about God. Especially here at Christmas, I'm taking a step back, knowing what I believe about Jesus Christ, (his birth, death, and resurrection), but does what I believe reflect in the way I live my life. Because I do NOT want to be a Christian who says all the RIGHT things to my son but never show him that I believe it with my life.  So through prayer, I'm surrendering to God. It would be real easy for me to come up with a bunch of "things" to "do" to feel like I've accomplished this task. But, I know it's not about me and that I'm only human and that I can be a self-seeking, sinful human being at times. So, I continue to give it to God, read His Word, and follow His lead. So, for now we're keeping it simple! 

So, now that you know what I've been thinking on lately, I have more to update on but just don't have the time tonight to get it done. SO, hopefully, I'll post later this week on happenings around here and how my sweet boy is almost 14 months old!!!! So crazy!

Anyway, be blessed and keep Jesus the real meaning of YOUR Christmas!!!!!

Lord Reign in Me

Happy New Year!!

I'm very excited about 2012! Although I must admit, I was ringing in the new year in deep sleep. We've had such a busy, fun, family packed two weeks that my sleep schedule has suffered and I'm gonna feel it when I have to go back to work this week. We celebrated Christmas three times over the past week and it seemed that Christmas could go on forever! One thing that I love about our Christmas celebrations is that every year it's a little different. This year we celebrated with Trevor's family on Christmas, Trevor and I celebrated the day after Christmas, and then we traveled to my parents to celebrate on the 30th. It has been a blessed week.

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I've been thinking a lot about 2012. I've been thinking of goals I want to set and changes I want to make. It's no secret my husband calls me "the list queen". I know I may annoy some people with my lists. I have a to-do list at work that I keep on my desk to keep me on track of things needed to be done each week.  I have a cleaning list, monthly menu list, shopping list, gift list, and so on. To keep them organized so I don't lose them all, I keep them in a  three ring binder. To some people that may be too much but it works for me. So, making lists and setting goals for the new year just comes naturally. I can be quite detailed when it comes to my goals but this year I'm trying to keep it simple. I have been praying about this years goals... to have a clear direction of what God wants me to do. As I've been thinking about this, one song always comes to mind and we sang it in church today, Lord Reign in Me.  I think this is my song for the new year. The words reflect my heart and desire to be filled with more of Him and less of me so that I can be vessel He works through. In case you've never heard the song, here it is.....

 

Praying you have a blessed new year!!!!

Keeping Christmas Simple

Since Trevor and I've been married, for the most part we've kept Christmas present giving simple. As we started out, 12 Christmases ago, we agreed we would stay within a budget and purchase gifts that we could afford. Some years we didn't get each other anything, some years we bought a together gift of something needed or just bought for stockings, and then there have been a few years where we did purchase gifts for each other. Even our first year together, we decided not to buy gifts but that we would make something for the other. That's when I discovered my husband's talent in carpentry. This was my gift!!

That Christmas was so sweet and special.

For the most part, we've done really well sticking to a budget. We always wanted to make sure we had some funds to buy presents for family. Over the years, especially our second Christmas, money was extremely tight. We were both seminary students and had moved to New Orleans. As I love to give and enjoy picking out presents for others, I had to learn to be creative in order to stay in a budget. That particular year, we combined gifts for couples in our family. Over the years, as I've really learned who God made with my likes and dislikes, I realized how much homeade gifts mean to me and how I enjoy making gifts. I guess I'm kind of old- fashioned. I think how our society over indulges themselves and sometimes I wish I lived in a more simpler time period where "stuff" really was not the focus. So, since God placed me in this place and time, I'm gonna try to keep my home focused on keeping Christmas simple and to adopt traditions and gift giving that glorifies God. - Not the way our world abuses it today!

I also attribute this to my upbringing. My parents were always thinking of others and lived it out in front of me. Every Christmas Eve for most of my childhood and until I was in college, my parents invited a couple from our church to eat Christmas Eve dinner with us. This couple did not have children and didn't have any family close by. My brother and I kind of adopted them as grandparents and always looked forward to spending Christmas Eve with them. I have so many wonderful memories of them, who've both gone on the be with the Lord.

Another year, as a family, we went and bought a Christmas tree, some decorations, and groceries for a family who faced financial difficulties and who were in great need. When we went to deliver the "goodies", no one was home. So, we left the items on their porch. I can remember being so excited. We weren't able to see their expression but what an impact that made on my life!

Another year we delivered presents to a family with young children who were not able to afford gifts. I could go on and on. An important part of this that impacted my life is that we would pray for and with the families.

So as an adult, I want to continue looking for opportunities to bless, encourage,and be the hands and feet of Christ.- Not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Christmas is in the air

Well, the countdown is on.... Thanksgiving is over and I can officially play Christmas music in my house. Yes, I married to a man who does not want to listen to Christmas music or watch Christmas movies until after Thanksgiving. I totally understand that Thanksgiving needs to be celebrated first but I think why not enjoy Thanksgiving while listening to Christmas music... heehee! But I must confess that I have secretly been listening to it for several weeks now!!
Well, we had a great Thanksgiving and I really enjoyed being with family. Especially my niece and nephew of whom I don't get to see enough of....

                                                  

Oh, yeah, I promised a picture of the pumpkin roll- although it's half-eaten!!

We had a really fun day filled with love and memories! 

Now, it's on to Christmas... Trevor and I usually decorate the house and tree the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year since we were away with my family we decorated Saturday and Sunday. I love decorating for Christmas... it brings back so many memories of when I was child and how much fun it was to decorate with my family - So thankful for so many wonderful family memories as a child. 

Of course, since I've been married, I've kept some of the traditions from my childhood but Trevor and I have made some new ones as well. A few years back, friends of ours introduced us to "themed" trees. They had several trees in their house and all were decorated with a theme. We thought it was pretty cool so we started the tradition. Every year since 2004, we have had a themed Christmas tree. Our first themed tree was a candy tree. Of course, I've taken pictures every year and I scrapbook the memories. It's so fun to look back and see all the different trees and ideas we've had.  Well, this year we've struggled with ideas. So, I'm just going for a primitive looking tree. 

Ok, the picture is not the greatest... (Dear Santa, I need a camera for Christmas!) but I bought fabric and cut strips and tied them to the tree. I also bought some little brown stars from here and used them as ornaments. It's still a work in progress. I took an afghan that my mom had made and wrapped it around the bottom as a tree skirt. I think it turned out cute but I love primitive decorating so this is right up my alley!!

                                    My tea cup tree in the kitchen.

And yes, you are seeing correctly! One of my wise men has been be-headed... eek! I use to leave the whole set out all year but one summer about three years ago, I bumped knocked over the table I had set it on and I had decapitated one of my wise men. So sad... So since then, I only leave out Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus year round and of course the "special" wise man gets to set out as well. Trevor hot glued his head back on but I was moving him and picked him up by his head.... not very smart!!! So now he's headless again! 

 8 days until my Christmas break begins and 19 days left to Christmas... I'm choosing to bask in God's love, enjoy the blessings He gives me everyday, and take each day as a celebration and an opportunity to share what God has done through His son Jesus and what He is doing in my life.

Christmas Presents

You know... some of the best Christmas presents are not always found underneath the tree. I found this especially true for me this year.

I'll start with present # 1 my car!

My husband and I have had our car for about 3 years. It's been a great car, nothing fancy, but it always gets us where  we need to go. We've not had any problems with it until a few weeks ago. I began hearing this knocking noise when the car was in park and proceeded to get louder as I put it into drive. Now, I know very little about cars but what I did know is that this noise sounded serious and expensive! Knowing this was probably going to be an expensive repair, but needed to be done, Trevor went ahead and made an appointment to get it fixed. We thought our full warranty on the car had expired, but to our surprise and delight, we had 68 miles left until the expiration. Therefore the expense would be covered through the warranty! God is awesome!

    

Now the second part of this story is that we took the car in to get fixed on Monday, December 20, and did not get it back until yesterday, December 29! Wow, can I say I'm so thankful for my car! Going 9 days without out it has made me appreciate it more.

Christmas Present #2- Rest & Enjoyment:

This present is actually a result of not having my car for a week! Fortunately, because I was on Christmas break when my car was being fixed, there weas no need for a second vehicle. Thankfully, I had planned ahead and had purchased most all of my Christmas presents, except one, (don't worry, I was able to purchase it by the end of the week.. thanks to my husband!) Therefore, I had no need to be out or to go shopping. Although, I must say I'm also very thankful for friends who were willing to share their vehicle with us as we traveled to my parents house for Christmas. I can't express into words how restful and enjoyable my week was. I was able to slow down and take time to really enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. If I would've had my car, I know for sure I would've found a reason to go places and buy things that weren't necessary and I would've missed out on the rest and quiet that was found by staying at home. I guess I've learned that staying on the go is an esy way of keeping you distracted from what's important. It can also keep you distracted from what God maybe trying to speak to you. I was able to unclutter my mind and enjoy rest. My simple week was a blessing from the Lord!

Christmas present #3 Completing our Dave Ramsey class:
We finished our last class on Monday, December 20, and have gained so many valuable tools to help us live financially in a way that pleases the Lord. We are currently working toward baby step #2, which is is the debt snowball. Our goal is to have this completed, being debt free except for our house, in 15 months. We continue to pray and use Godly wisdom as we plan and prepare for our future!

Christmas present # 4 Health InsuranceBack in November, I unexpectedly lost my insurance benefit through my job. As this happened so quickly and suddenly, my husband and I were trying to make some decisions and explore our options. Well, the day I received the news at my job, it just so happened to be the day after our Dave Ramsey class on insurance. I found this to be odd but at the same time I felt comforted believing that God had a plan. Eventhough I was surprised, He wasn't. And actually, Trevor and I had talked about looking into getting insurance apart from my work because it was so expensive. Well, we were able to contact one of Dave's insurance reps in our town and were able to purchase health insurance with her, which was much cheaper than I had before with the same coverage and with dental added on!! WOOT! WOOT! Again, I give all praise to God! He is so awesome that He is able to take our negative situations and turn them into blessings! :)

Christmas present #5 is two- fold: Snow and FamilyThis year for Christmas we traveled to my parents house in SW Virginia (a.ka. snow captial of VA!). We arrived on Christmas Eve and awakened Christmas morning to a beautiful snow fall. Now they already had snow on the ground, several inches in fact, but it was beautiful to watch and it sure did encourage the "Christmas" atmosphere. Now, it became a bit of a traveling issue trying to return home but it still made me warm and fuzzy all over!

While we were at my parents, I was able to see my brother, sister-in-law, and my niece and nephew that I don't get to see often enough. We had such a wonderful time together. Of course it's always fun to watch the kids open their presents. But it was definitely a gift for me just to be with my family. The gifts under the tree will in years be forgotten but the time and memories spent talking and sharing with my family will always be cherished.

Ok, so I had some extra special presents this year! This has definitely been an unsual Christmas but one where I know I'll look back and be able to see God working around me... even if at the time I didn't always see it as a blessing.



I'm praying that you'll see and experience the overwhelming comfort in knowing that God has not forgotten you and that you are placed in the shadow of his wings!