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.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
On the twelveth day of Christmas...
the blessing I found.....TIME!
How does the old saying go??? Out of the mouths of babes?
Though she really isn't a babe anymore, Hailey said it best: "I think this has been the best Christmas so far. We haven't been running around crazy, in the car all day. We have just been spending time at home, watching movies and playing in the snow. I really like when we can do that."
Dave and I have been intentional this Christmas, to not get caught up in the frenzy of activity that can take place this time of year. Hailey's comment was a confirmation to us both, that even though this slower pace has felt foreign in so many ways, we made the right choice, and our kids have noticed.
The best Christmas gift...the gift of time and rest. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
How does the old saying go??? Out of the mouths of babes?
Though she really isn't a babe anymore, Hailey said it best: "I think this has been the best Christmas so far. We haven't been running around crazy, in the car all day. We have just been spending time at home, watching movies and playing in the snow. I really like when we can do that."
Dave and I have been intentional this Christmas, to not get caught up in the frenzy of activity that can take place this time of year. Hailey's comment was a confirmation to us both, that even though this slower pace has felt foreign in so many ways, we made the right choice, and our kids have noticed.
The best Christmas gift...the gift of time and rest. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
On the eleventh day of Christmas....
the blessing I found.......GIVING!
This blessing isn't really a new one to Christmas, giving is one of the main messages of the birth of Christ. But, as a family, we have a tradition of giving. We set aside a certain dollar amount and then go grocery shopping with half of it and then present shopping with the other half.
The kids look forward to this tradition and begin reminding us early in the season.
We take all the goodies to Open House Ministries here in Vancouver, and I love watching the kids as they unload all the purchases and present them to someone at the shelter.
I am very grateful of the generous nature each of the kids is developing, but I know it takes Dave and I as parents, being intentional with these life lessons.
I pray the gifts we brought will be a huge blessing to those who receive them.
This blessing isn't really a new one to Christmas, giving is one of the main messages of the birth of Christ. But, as a family, we have a tradition of giving. We set aside a certain dollar amount and then go grocery shopping with half of it and then present shopping with the other half.
The kids look forward to this tradition and begin reminding us early in the season.
We take all the goodies to Open House Ministries here in Vancouver, and I love watching the kids as they unload all the purchases and present them to someone at the shelter.
I am very grateful of the generous nature each of the kids is developing, but I know it takes Dave and I as parents, being intentional with these life lessons.
I pray the gifts we brought will be a huge blessing to those who receive them.
Monday, December 22, 2008
On the tenth day of Christmas...
the blessing I found.....HOME!
O.K., so I know we have been house bound for a couple days, but we decided to venture out today to finish up our shopping and brave the roads.
The roads weren't really much of a problem, it was all the people on the road and on a mission!
We planned on taking our time and making our excursion somewhat relaxing with no real time frames and that really helped.
When we were all done, I was really grateful to drive up our driveway and see our beautiful home all lit up with Christmas lights.
Another blessing, though a bit materialistic, I feel so blessed to have a warm place to rest.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
On the ninth day of Christmas...
the blessing I found....A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON!
It was a great day to lay around in our pj's and watch as many Christmas movies as we could stand! We enjoyed homemade cocoa and lots of snack foods.
Yes, it's true, you can get a little cabin fever with all this snow and cooped up, but man it has been great.
I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
But, for now...we will look at all this snow as a huge blessing!
It was a great day to lay around in our pj's and watch as many Christmas movies as we could stand! We enjoyed homemade cocoa and lots of snack foods.
Yes, it's true, you can get a little cabin fever with all this snow and cooped up, but man it has been great.
I am sure the novelty will wear off soon enough!
But, for now...we will look at all this snow as a huge blessing!
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