Singing Praises!

"I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;  before the gods I sing

 your praise;   I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your

 name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness..."  Psalm 138:1-2

I have been feeling very thankful lately.  That is not a bad thing.  It is a great mindset that can improve your day instantly.  :)  I have been looking back over the past year and seeing how much God has blessed us and I am humbled.  God is SO good.  We just need to take a moment and acknowledge it.  Sing His praises because He is worthy!

I look at my kids and feel so much love and purpose.  Are they perfect?  uhh...no!  But, none of us are.  I feel so blessed that God has given me these children to care for and protect.  What an honor to be a Mother.  So many women long for that, and I have three. I don't take that for granted.  He protected me and my children through my difficult pregnancies.   With God's help every step of the way, I have two boys bigger than I and a daughter heading to middle school.


Last year, we were house looking.  Which after they year before of renting and moving a couple times, sounded wonderful!  A home.  But, the house looking part...not as much fun.  If you've done that recently, then you know how frustrating that can be.  We were looking for a foreclosure, trying to save some money.  We found a wonderful real estate agent and she took us to house after house.  We even bid on several.  Nothing ever came through.  The foreclosure market can drive you crazy.  

Then, we looked at this home in June.  The owner was in her 80's and was there while we looked at the house.  It was like walking back in time, welcome to the 70's show!  Nothing in the house was updated, but it felt like home.  We looked at it on a Friday, bid on it on Sunday, and she signed the papers on Monday.  We moved in August of last year.  Amazing how God works!  I know looking back, that God was making us wait for this home.  I don't take it for granted.  Yes, this old house needs some attention, but it is a work of love.  God blessed us with more than we expected!

The family and friends that have helped along the way.  My brother-in-law has spent a lot of hours here helping with the electrical.   My mom helped me go through all the rooms full of stuff and get the bedrooms painted while the kids were at camp.  Even my friend's dad, Joey, helped me with the tile in the kitchen.  We had some 5 gallon buckets of paint given to us from friends.  And even some ceiling fans given to us for bedrooms.  Recently, we had friends bring an auger to dig holes for a wood fence and another friend take a day off work to help us get them set.  What a blessing!  God has used so many people to bless us this year.  How could I not feel thankful?

There was a year or two where God was sharpening me, molding me, making me stronger.  I was stripped down to the basics of what is important:  God and my family.  Those times are necessary but not much fun to go through.  I feel so blessed.  Family.  Friends. Home. And now, a reliable car!  God is SO good!!

The Glory of Christmas

Today, when you take look around there are lights.  Lovely, elaborate lights that twinkle with the tune of Christmas songs.  There is of course shiny garland or that fancy tulle that is all the rage right now.  Shiny ornaments shine in the lights.  Beautiful wrapped presents longing to be opened.

Long ago, the only light was a star guiding the way.  There was not any shiny, sparkling garland.  Not even room in a hotel.  Just a manger where the animals where kept.  Yet, even with the simplest of things:  Glory was found!  A babe was born.   And even wrapped in rags, His glory could not be contained.  Angels spread the news.  Wise men traveled long distances.

 

It is amazing to me how the world today can get it so wrong.  It changes from the celebration of Christ's birth to "Season Greetings."   It has changed from a day of remembrance and thankfulness, to a month of spending lots and lots of money.  Did you know the average people are spending for this Christmas is $854??  I don't know about you, but that's a lot to shovel out in a month.  No wonder so many credit cards are max-ed out.  I believe we should learn what the Grinch has learned.  "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas means a little bit more."

 

Where is the God in your Christmas plans?  God came to us as a babe.  As a servant humbling Himself.  As a Savior to die for us.  Because He loved us and wanted more for us.  The best gift we can be given happened a long time ago.  Once we accept His gift, God's love and glory shines through us.  We are God's pride and joy.  We are God's glory.  Let US SHINE with His love!  At Christmas and throughout the year.



God's Beauty

We went for a hike today. To be in the midst of God's Beauty is a
wonderful thing! I look everywhere and see the flowers showing
us God's glory!  It is beautiful!
 

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Psalm 150:6

A blush of pink...

Snowflakes in the middle of spring...

Sunshine in the petals of flowers...

A Weed full of Wishes! :)

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles. - Anne Frank 

2012 Spring Contest!!

I know, I know...it's been a while since I've had a contest.  Sorry!

But ~ it is Spring and almost Easter!  Such a blessing to look around and see God's creation in bloom!  To be reminded of the resurrection of Christ.  Life is such a gift!

We get so busy making baskets for other sweeties in our life.  So, it is time for YOU to get a basket filled with goodies. Or maybe you know some one that could use a pick me up.  Sign up and I could deliver it to their local home.  Cookies!  Cupcakes!  Who knows what I'll be making!  Of course, I do know there will be some chocolate! ;) 

Sorry but I have to add one rule.  :(  You must live in Northwest Arkansas.  (or at least able to meet me in Northwest Arkansas)    So, if you would like to join in on the fun ~  hit the comment button and leave me your name.  It's very easy to do!  Contest opens tonight.  The drawing will be on April 3rd.  Good Luck everyone! =D

Spirit of Christmas

"For to us a child is born, to us
a son is given; and the govern-
ment shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The day that children look forward to has come and gone. The wrapping paper has been cleared up. Christmas music will be coming to an end. Tomorrow everyone will go back to work as if it was just another day. Just another weekend. It's kinda sad.

I know, I know. I think the problem is that I didn't really get into the Christmas spirit until well...a maybe a week ago. Now, it's over and time to put the decorations down. Time to get back to normal. And, I'm not ready.

I don't want it to end. Not because of the presents under a tree. Not even for the wonderful BBQ that we had for lunch with homemade coconut pie for dessert. (although it was great!) I know it is not even the decorations that I'll miss. Those things do not make this season what it is.

It is the reminder that Christ chose to come to Earth. For Us. He became a man that felt pain and heartache. For Us. He came knowing that He was to die. For Us. Amazing! And because of Him, during this time of year, we tend to give a little bit more. We tell others how much they are loved. Family and friends become more dear.

Yes, I know. Those are things that should happen all year long. Maybe that should be my goal for next year. To carry the spirit of Christmas with me 12 months of the year ~ not just one. To make sure family and friends know how much they are loved and appreciated. To give more of myself and any resources that I may have all year long. To remember God everyday...even in my busy mess that I call life.

Love From the Oven

The cookie tray is done! We got busy today and did some baking. Luke made his favorites: coconut macaroons and snickerdoodle. Faith made chocolate & peanut butter chip cookies and a new pinwheel recipe. Joey made banana and sweet potato bread. I finished up with some brownies and fudge. I hope the firemen are hungry because their tray is full!! :) I love getting the kids in the kitchen. I used to be able to get them all in there, but now it's one at a time. In a few years, they will be able to follow the recipes without any help. That's good, right? To make them self-sufficient? Hopefully, they will still want me in there even when they don't need me in there. Hopefully they are learning to reach out to others, even when it is not convenient to do so. To help even when it is not expected.

"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:1-2

A wonderful thought, isn't it? To be in the presence of angels without being aware. Christmas is a time of miracles. So, who knows? Maybe there are some angels walking around here! It is my prayer that you have a Christmas full of miracles, big and small.

The Gifts of Christmas

That sounds easy enough, doesn't it? Keeping Christ in the center. We try to do it the rest of the year, don't we? Why is it that in the mist of the celebration of Christmas ~ Christ gets pushed to the side? Even Charlie Brown was looking for more in 1965. Remember his baby sister, Sally, said that she'd been very good this year. She had a long list of presents but if Santa was too busy, he could just send money. We haven't changed much over the past 46 years, have we?

What are we teaching our children? I didn't grow up in a church. Christmas, to me growing up, was a time for presents. Presents galore! All shapes and sizes! Go to sleep at night with a bare tree to wake up with the jackpot! (It still is my mom's favorite holiday.) But, where is Christ in the ribbon and boxes? Or where is Christ when we hand out cash and gift cards? As you probably remember, the Christmas story in the bible does mention gifts from the wise men.

"And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and
they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they
offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:11

A celebration of life to see the Christ child. What an amazing moment that must have been! And, so today, we continue that tradition from the first Christmas. Gifts to celebrate. Now as a mother, Christmas is not about getting everything the kids want from their list. It never has been. (so hard for my mom) As long as they have a few things under the tree that will bring a smile, it's fine. It is about letting others know how much they mean to you. About letting them know that you think of them...pray for them. It is about letting them see a side of you that you might not show the rest of the year. During Christmas, we should let the love of Christ shine even more brightly through us to family, friends, and stangers.

Instead of just signing your name to your Christmas cards ~ just take a moment for each one and write a note for that person. I know, I know...that takes time. Seriously I know. I could only do about 8-10 a night before my hand would start hurting. But, when else are you going to send them a card and let them know how much you appreciate them?? Tomorrow we are going to bake for the fire station. We do that every Christmas since my Dad passed away. We deliver the goodies to the fire station that picked up my Dad and took him to the hospital before he died. What can you do over the next few days to show Christ in you? I am looking for ways to show Him through me. Little things that He places in front of me to do. God is not found in the gift itself but the giver.

SomeTHING vs. SomeONE

It's Christmastime once again, just in case you are still in denial. If you are a last minute shopper, then please, continue in denial for another week or so! ;) Me? Usually I am totally done by November except for stocking stuffers. I always love finding things throughout the year for my kids or my nieces and nephew. This year is, not so much. That's okay. As long as there are a few things for the kids to open Christmas morning, that is all that matters.

Christmas, after all, is not about the pretty paper and shiny ribbons. It is the story of love. Love from a Savior to you and me. Love that we should share with one another, not just during Christmas ~ but everyday. I find it amusing that while we are singing about peace on earth and good tidings toward men, people are hateful, pushing, fighting, stealing... all in the name of Christmas. (pepper spray? Really??) All for that next best gift. All for someTHING.

SomeTHING to fill up that void that everyone is searching for. SomeTHING to make us feel happy and content. SomeTHING that is real. When in fact, there is noTHING that can do it. Only someONE can fill that void in our hearts. SomeONE that is real and can make us content. The only someONE that we need is our Savior. He can do it all.

There have been several funerals this holiday season. I have another one of Monday. Funerals have a way of putting things in the right perspective. When it comes to the end of your life, all that stuff that was once under the tree which is now in a closet, doesn't matter. That is just stuff taking up room. The THINGS that matter are not THINGS. They are ONES. The someONES in your life that fill you with joy and make you smile. And, the someONE in Heaven that will give you peace now and always.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever." Psalms 30:11-12

Joy of Creating

Love Sunflowers!
Simple A-Line Dress

What To Do With Halloween Material?
Cut It Up And Sew It Together! These Are Kinda'
Match-y For Faith And Abby

Still More Material? Make A Ruffle Skirt Too!
This Is Faith's Favorite And I Used One Of
The Boy's Old T-Shirts For The Base! :)

Thursday I realized that my alone time was almost at the end and I hadn't even dug out my sewing machine! I even got two new patterns at Hobby Lobby when they were half price. I realize that when it says "simple" ~ it might be simple, but I am need a sewing for dummies pattern before I can follow it!! :( So, I dug out some of Faith's clothes so I could figure out length and widths I could use and tried it free-hand. I had one dress that didn't fit. Pretty good odds considering I have no idea what I'm doing!

Can you tell that I have some Halloween material?? LOL Yeah, I still have some left too. I have two tubs of different material that I have collected through the past couple years. And, some my mom has found for me. (Hence, the Halloween material!) There is a second hand store that would have fabric remnants and she would get yards and yards for $3-4 bucks. Of course, none of my kids have ever wanted a shirt of orange spiderwebs or cats, so that material just sat there. Until I was looking through Faith's clothes and found a skirt that inspired the ones I made. I even had enough to make my niece, Abby, a skirt kinda' like Faith's. (you can find the waist measurement of different sizes online to know how much elastic!)

Now, that my projects are finished for now, it is time to put my stuff back up. :( I don't think that I will wait so long before I dig everything out again. I enjoy it. Now, though, that cleaning list I was supposed to get done last week?? It actually has to happen this week. After all, school starts next week and the kids will be tired and cranky .... maybe even mommy too! ;~D

Everyday Gifts

11. Smell of Rain

12. Beautiful flowers in the Spring


13. Being an Aunt :)

Each day, God has gifts with my name on it. Gifts with your name on them as well. So, many times I go through life without noticing these gifts. I just need to stop, notice, and be thankful. What blessings He gives each and every day!

Making A List...

I read this book about a month ago, but I've still been thinking about it. It has stirred a wanting in my heart ~ a desire in my heart. To start my own list. My Gift List from God.
It is so easy to go through each day and by the end of the day, do you remember the gifts that God has given you? Or do you remember your boss that blamed you? Or your kids that talked back to you? Or your car that wouldn't start?

I know that myself, some days it is hard to remember the good things. Those small gifts that God gives us each and everyday. (or those big gifts too!) Once you start making your list, you can look back over your day or your month ~ and see and remember your blessings. In her book, she gives us part of her list throughout. From the sunrise over the fields to the blue jay at the window. Those moments that make you smile and remind you that God is here, where you are.

So, right now my list starts. I'll share some of my list throughout my blog. Just to remind each of us of the gifts that God has given.

1. For God that loves me despite me
2. Grace that helps me when I fall
3. Three special kids that call me, "Mom"

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father

of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

Christmas Meaning

This time of year is filled with so many things. Some good. Some bad. So many times I feel like the meaning of Christmas is lost in the shuffle. Christmas is to celebrate Christ, His birth, His love, His grace. It is not "Happy Holidays." It's CHRISTmas. It's not the pushing. The shoving. The shopping. This wonderful time of year does not always bring out the best in people. I guess that is why my favorite holiday has always been Thanksgiving.

I grew up in a home that REALLY 'celebrated' Christmas. Well, when I say 'celebrated', I mean my parents made sure that was lots under the tree. That was the one holiday a year that my mom did some major shopping! Which as a kid, made it an awesome day!! LOL The tree would be empty and in the morning, it would be full of presents. Even now, she makes sure that Kent & I plus my three kids have stuff to open Christmas Day.

I just want to take back Christmas to a simpler time. I don't know if it's possible in today's world, but I'd like to try. We have always read the birth of Jesus in the Bible and 'Twas the Night before Christmas' every Christmas Eve. I always bake Jesus a birthday cake every Christmas Eve. Then, every Christmas morning before we open any gifts or look at our stockings, we stand around the cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Next year will probably be Faith's last year to believe in Santa. (She'll be in 4th grade) I've slowly moved away from that. They haven't went to see Santa in a couple years. They have never wrote their wish list and sent it to him. (they actually give it to my mom!!) As the kids get older, I want to focus on what Christmas is really about.

Yes, gift giving is part of the Christmas traditions. I do love shopping for my kids, nieces, & nephew. I love finding that gift that you know will make them smile. I think in the Christmas story we read, we should include Matthew 2:1-12. After all, this where the gift giving comes about. We need to teach our kids the whole story and why we do some things. This is a perfect example.

Matthew 2:11: ". . . they opened their treasures and presented him with

gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrth."

In fact, as my kids get bigger and older ~ I want to go back. If as a babe, Christ received three gifts fom the wise men. Are we any better that Him? The Perfect One? So, that is what I want to do. Each Christmas morning, to sing 'Happy Birthday' and for each of us to open our three gifts under the tree. I want to take the focus off of our wants. To put our focus back where it belongs. On Christ.

Christmas Thoughts

One of our favorite things to do as a family is put up the Christmas tree. We unwrap each ornament and each of the kids get to place 'their' ornament on the tree. Until a couple years ago, they each picked out a new one each year. When they started kindergarten, they each got an ornament for school. Now, we add a family picture to the tree each year. As you can see, it's not just about my kids. It's about family. I love to see how much they've grown and changed through the years. Look at my niece and nephew in the corner picture. They are both in college now! My niece at the top is in kindergarten. My Dad passed on last year. My tree may not be the fanciest tree with ribbons and bows. But, I look at my tree and I see the connections of family. The love of family. It's become so large that my pretty ornaments don't even make the tree anymore! And ~ I wouldn't have it any other way!

This year has been harder for me to get into the Christmas spirit. It has been a hard year in many ways. Yet, I'll stay up and sit and look at our tree in the silence of the evening, and the meaning of Christmas is there. The love of Christ is so apparent in the blessings He has given. I love the saying that the most important things in life are not things. It is so true!

But, even so, with Christmas comes a little Christmas shopping. :-D Most people know that I'm not a big shopper. Honestly! Kent lucked out on that one! Unless, of course, it's Christmas time! I love to go looking (and some buying) for my kids, my nieces, my newphew, my Mom. Yes, as they get older, it becomes more of a challenge. But, it's kinda a test to see how well you know them! ;-) I do admit it though. I broke down and asked my newphew what he needed. So, I have two weeks left and one gift to buy yet for Faith. And, I know what it is. Not bad, not bad at all. Good Luck to you as you finish you Christmas shopping!