Christmas is Here!

When family is 3,000 miles away, you must meet via web cam.

The surprise is out of the box! Does she look happy or what?!

Daddy's Christmas gift quickly became Emily's weapon of choice. Yikes!

Umm, Mya.... I don't think that's how it works. You're sister pulled one over on you.

Matt making the sound effects as if it were actually on. Emily enthralled in the new book.

She loves the new hat and barbie (just like when mommy was little!)

Matching tinkerbell jammies! How perfect! Only problem.. they dressed themselves, and Mya ended up wearing size 3, and Emily size 5. They didn't know there was a problem until daddy noticed the shirt was a little small on Mya. He looks at Emily and sees her shirt is falling off of her. We made some adjustments. :)

The look of concentration. She wants her art to be good!

Mya wanted to show her daddy the cookie she got from school. But she wanted to eat it before he got home. We decided to do both, we had to take a picture.

Her favorite color.... and in a sucker! What could be better? "It's blueberry mom!"

A light show that was rigged to music broadcast on a radio station. So cool!

The biggest ornaments I've ever seen. I think it's safe to say these won't break if you breath on them. These were on the way to our concert.

The intricate details always fascinate me on these old buildings.

Matt and I had a special treat one night. We were able to go to this concert for the second time.The first time was about 4 years ago, and so worth going again!

Our Bible Study's Christmas Party. This was one game that got a little violent in the process.

And the winner in his game attire.

We have been learning to make new crafts at home! Here are a few things we've been doing, plus some other photos from the past few weeks.

Honesty

When I read something that hits me hard. The things that I feel, but don't know how to say. I love when others can be so open and honest with their words, with their feelings of inadequacies. We all have them.

Here is what I related to, and how I would SO loved to change about me:

That night I knew it: I’ve become the parent I knew as a child. The one I looked straight in the face and fierce vowed I’d never be. But my ears ring with the echo of my voice, that voice: Can’t you see what a mess this is? How many times do I have to tell you? What were you thinking?

How did I end up here and I want to muffle out me and the 24/7 forge of children that can liquefy the steely resolve.

I had wept molten. I beg God to burn off the soul dross.

How can a mother be frustrated her child is not as she longs him to be, when she herself is not as she longs to be?

(This excerpt taken from "A Holy Experience")

I am praying for you, my friends and loved ones. Please, may I ask for your prayers as well? Have a Blessed Christmas.

The annual Christmas tree adventure! Yet another year of getting our own fresh Christmas tree! Yes that is a shovel because we've started the tradition of not only getting a fresh tree, but digging it up so we can plant it when we're finished. We did this last year, and the tree we used is still in our front yard.

Mr. Ralph our neighbor came out with us despite the snow and temperatures in the 20's. He brought some antlers to show the girls. I guess Mya thought she should give them a proper burial so she put it under 2" of snow... That should do it!

Holidays...

...and hurt. It doesn't seem as though those two words should be together. Yet, I look around and see that I can't ignore the fact that they ARE together. People loose loved ones to death, loose loved ones to divorce, or are reminded of the painful past of what it used to be like. My heart grieves.

I am so blessed, and I am full of joy as I see our family come together to celebrate these days. Yet, I don't want to turn my head and ignore the pain of those around me.

Lord, what would you have us do? What would you do? I ask that you open my eyes and our eyes to see this time as an opportunity to tell others of the hope and healing your Son brings. Not only did you come to pay for our incredible debt, but you came to show how intimate you want to be with us.... in our daily lives. To show us that you see the deepest longings inside us and want to make us whole. You don't want our lives to just exist, but to thrive fully. You...give...LIFE to every part. Help me to surrender my selfishness and embrace Your purpose for my being here. Let Your power flow through me and bring reconciliation to a world in desperate need.

Some Fun Shots

This was a class project when Mya was "Kid of the Week". This is her drawing of herself.

Thanksgiving Day

Starting the day with dressing dolls. They were very into the imaginary world of princess.

Wanting to be a part of preparing the turkey. "But daddy, why is the blood coming out?" and "Why doesn't it have it's feathers?"

We had a surprise by our neighbors. They came over to give the girls a ride with their new ponies and wagon. It was too cute! Those ponies may be small, but boy are they strong!

It's Here!

The white stuff we've been waiting for!

Can you tell she's excited about it? What a way to start the day!

And of course you HAVE to eat it. This is her third cup full.

We're hoping it's still around when Mya and Matt come home.

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this; that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and ungodly.

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

1 Timothy 1 & 2

He Is...

a faithful God who does no wrong

a forgiving God

a fortress of salvation

a glorious crown

a jealous and avenging God

a Master in heaven

a refuge for his people

a refuge for the needy in his distress

a refuge for the oppressed

a refuge for the poor

a sanctuary

a shade from the head

a shelter from the storm

a source of strength

a stronghold in times of trouble

an ever present help in trouble

architect and builder

builder of everything

commander of the Lord's army

Creator of heaven and earth

defender of widows

eternal King

Father

Father of compassion

Father of our spirits

Father of the heavenly lights

Father to the fatherless

God

God Almighty

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

God Most High

God my maker

God my Rock

God my Savior

God my stronghold

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

God of all comfort

God of all mankind

God of glory

God of gods

God of grace

God of hope God of love and peace

God of peace

God of retribution

God of the loving

God of the spirits of all mankind

God of truth

God our Father

God our strength

God over all the kingdoms of the earth

God the Gather

God who avenges me

to be continued...

Can you imagine? All this and more in one person. One spirit. One Father. As I read on these, I realize just how many I have experienced in my life. I can't help but praise Him for who He is.

The Day After

When family is too far away to join you for the holidays, you question as to which would be the second best way to celebrate and rejoice over all the blessings in life. We have come to realize the best in life is to share in EVERYTHING. That is the good, the plenty, the hurts, the wants. Life together is better.

We took the opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to our home to share in our joy this Thanksgiving. We had the common bond of family being too far during the holidays. Beginning on Monday, I spent small portions of the day preparing the home, preparing the food. I think I will do this for many years to come. It allowed for little stress. It allowed for the children to help. It allowed for peace of mind, and many prayers of thanks and gratitude. Yesterday we had the joy of sharing with 14 people. Three families. What precious time was spent together.

I hope that each person was able to spend the day with happy thoughts of all God has given in His love. I am reminded through my current reading of how important it is to be mindful of who gives us what we have. I take no credit. I have no power that He has not given, including the breath in my body. Thank you, Father. You are so good! In all circumstances, you are good.

Promises

Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord you God.

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of you herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face, they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways.

Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.

And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods...

The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand.

Deuteronomy 28

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deut. 29:29

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27

Keeping with the Good

Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Walk by faith, not by sight.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

Comfort each other and build one another up. Warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4 & 5

Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy- meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Future Hope

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity,

There is hope in your future, says the Lord, that your children shall come back....

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever. for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

..the voice of joy and the voice of gladness... the voice of those who will say, "Praise the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, His mercy endures forever "

the days are coming, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised.

Jeremiah 29- 33

...do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust Him.

For You have met me with blessings of goodness. My glory is great in Your salvation. You have made me exceedingly glad with your presence. Through the mercy of the Most High, I shall not be moved.

I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the people I will praise You.

The Gift of Giving

I have come to love this blog. I don't feel comfortable cutting and pasting from someone else's blog, but I would recommend reading what she wrote.

What she has done is something I have wanted to do for years. We have yet to convince every member of our family, so we wait.

Just imagine though.... to change everything as we know it... the impact on not just our own family but everyone we know. Isn't that what "Jesus IN us" is suppose to do?

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

Christmas: Thinking about Whose Birthday It Is

Help me Remember

And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.

And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His promise which He swore to your fathers.

Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surly perish. As the nations which the Lord destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God.

"Know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenants and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands; and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him.

If you obey, "He will love you and bless you and multiply you. You shall be blessed above all peoples. And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, but will lay them on all those who hate you.

"For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all people; but because He loves you, and because He would keep the promise which He made. The Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage.

Teach these to your children. Do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord. When your child asks you, "What is the meaning of the testimonies?" you shall say, "We were once slaves, and the Lord brought us out with a mighty hand; the Lord showed signs and wonders before our eyes. It is for our good always, that He might preserve us alive.

Deuteronomy chapters 6-8

Father, I ask that you let these words fall on us and soak our souls. Let your truth change who we are into who you WANT us to be. I know alone, I can do nothing. But with You, all things are possible. You want nothing but good for us, and not our version of "good", but a shining light that all may see You in us. Bless those who seek Your face. Strengthen us when we are weak. Remind us that you find no fault in weakness. It is then that You are strong. I love you with all my heart. Keep drawing me near. Change me.

Walk with Me?

I am wanting to take a journey to a better place. I don't know where I'll end up. Actually, I hope that it doesn't "end". I know it will leave me in a better place than I am now. I know that when you leave a familiar place, it isn't always comfortable. Nonetheless, I will go. I know I won't regret the work involved. Or the time spent.

I was hoping you would join me.

Here we go!

The past ten days or so have been full! We've had a holiday, a couple Birthdays, family visiting, daddy leaving on a trip, pumpkin farm, pony ride, cold weather, and a new love for crafting jewelry. Let's see what pictures I can get up!

*Mya makes her own jewelry and mommy just helps putting the closures on. She's very dedicated to her work. The picture with all the stuff is what she made today alone.