It's Almost Christmas....

I just love this time each year, even with all the scheduling and busyness, I love Christmas. We got our tree up and decorated in record time! Partly due to the fact that I bought a fake, wait, "Artificial" Christmas tree last year. Now, I don't want to hear any thing about that, it was essential to our safety really. Last years tree became so dry with our wood stove burning constantly, I really thought the tree would spontaneously ignite at any moment. This year we can keep the tree up until Valentine's Day if we so choose, which we might. The rest of the house is all decorated too, though I didn't even open some of the boxes, simpler is better, right? I do wish it would snow, I absolutely loved having snow last year, it just seemed much more leisurely and relaxed. There was plenty of time to visit and play! I still took time to bake and create, hoping the gifts would be enjoyed. Now on to wrapping, why oh why do I wait until the last minute? Every year I vow that I will begin wrapping as soon as I have the presents, but again this year there are stacks of presents in my closet waiting to be wrapped!! Next year I will be more diligent, next year!

Lead On

How easy is it to allow someone else to lead? I know it isn't easy for me at all, because I am a "control freak". Allowing someone else to lead is probably THE MOST difficult thing for me to do. But, I love how God works on my heart, always subtle and very gentle. Earlier this summer, God revealed to me something about my nature that I needed to change, and it was a little scary. My family and I went to a water park, we had a great time with all the fun water slides. Water everywhere. But, in the midst of the fun, I discovered something about myself just by going down a really big water slide backwards! I hate not being in control, not being able to see where I am going or having any control in the matter. Whether that is a particular circumstance in my life, my home or whatever else there is to control, I HATE not having control. Now honestly, I did know this about myself, but have actually been pretty proud of the fact that I am a control freak. The funny thing is, God knows this about me too and He is asking me if I trust Him enough to go down the "water slide" of life backwards! Can I do it? We will see. This will be a huge test of my obedience to Him.

Graduation

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Daughters and their Dad

This years Father-Daughter dinner was wonderful and my girls looked so grown up. As the girls got ready for their big date with Dad, I was overwhelmed with the thought of how quickly time goes by. I have heard it over a hundred times, especially when they were in their toddler years...how fast time goes by and they grow up. But the impact of that statement really hit both Dave and I this year. They are growing so fast, and in just a couple months, we will officially have a High Schooler. Each time I think about that, I have to stop myself from going further down the path toward adulthood with my children. For now, I will enjoy the age they are, not wanting, for one minute, to rush this or wish the days away. They really do go by so quickly!

A Simple Act of Worship

I wanted to share this amazing song and beautiful worship video. As I really took time to listen to the words of this song as well as observing the depth of those worshiping, I was deeply moved, and also a bit envious. I thought to myself "could this be a small taste of what we may experience in Heaven someday??" I don't know for sure, but I sure hope so! I also realized how many times I am inadequate to really worship God. I realize I don't have the best voice, I will never sing like this woman, but my heart many times is not into worshiping. Honestly, I was convicted, I don't give my Father the adoration and worship due Him, and I need to get better at it. So, I encourage you to take a moment to click on the link below, and start or finish your day with a little adoration to your Creator! It is so apparent these people really understand what it means to "worship" our Father.

Enjoy!

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c75ae0615c9ae4c335b4

The New You!

I was hit by the sudden realization we are in a New Year! I know, it comes after Christmas every year, so why am I so surprised?? The celebration of the new year has always been a symbol of change and new beginnings, which is encouraging...to realize you have a fresh start. That got me excited, but what topped this thought was when I was watching my bible study online and the teacher made the most inspiring comment, she said ...."Why do we walk around like we are 100% fine, putting on the cloak of perfectionism, when behind closed doors we are really only about 70% o.k.?"
Wow, that really hit home for me, and made me think....which is pretty exciting in and of itself!. I realized I need to be sure I haven't put up my facade, walking around as if I am 100%, when reality is, I will never be 100%, at least not until I die. Don't get me wrong, I am content and excited about what God has in store for me in 2009, but her comment really challenged me to be more real, more authentic. I don't really like to write out resolutions, cause it seems so cliche', but I love setting goals, so this year, I will attempt to be what I really am...no facades or cloaks, just the real me! That may be good or it could be bad, either way....the truth be told, it's who I am.