Christmas symbols

Well the house is decorated, though I didn't put up all that I normally do, not wanting to make it too cluttered for showing or to have to pack it all back up for moving if it comes to that. :)  It looks nice. It will be a challenge for 2 little ones not to touch it (much), but I did leave a basket of Christmasy things for them to play with as part of the decor. I was reading yesterday about all of the symbols of Christmas and how they point to Christ, it is a good way to teach little ones about Jesus and be ever mindful of him.
Tree-evergreen and branches pointing heavenward  = God's constant love/life; look to him
Lights-Jesus = light of the world
Star-star of Bethlehem = God's guidance
Holly-crown of thorns = Jesus suffering
Candy cane-shape of shepherd's crook/J = Jesus caring for us
Even the colors of Christmas remind us of Jesus: red=his blood, white=his purity, green=everlasting life

advent

I did not celebrate advent as a child, but have enjoyed it as an adult very much. I like having a structured time to read the word, pray, and sing each night around the glow of the candle(s) of the advent wreath. It is a time to look forward to celebrate Jesus' coming to the earth and contemplate his return to it as well.  On the blog this year, I will post some verses during Dec. 1-24 to celebrate advent with you here.
Enjoy the day everyone!

puzzles and cards

One thing that I love about the holidays is doing puzzles and playing cards with family and friends. It is such a nice way to build memories and spend time together. So pull out those board games and roll the dice. It is good for kids to see how to have fun without electronics, how to wait for their turn, and win or lose how to have a good time.

black Friday

I will be headed out shopping in a bit, but I am going to be very considerate about what I bring into my home and into the homes of my family and friends. Knowing that we don't need much and not wanting to clutter up closets, cabinets and shelves.  I do enjoy shopping and have to remind myself that true joy is not in the stuff or the deals but in knowing Jesus and loving others.

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a happy and blessed holiday. Remember to take time to bless the Lord for his provision in your life as you spend time with family and friends.

Ps. 136.2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his loyal love endures.

the brokenhearted

Yesterday, while my friends and I were having lunch, the waitress approached us and was nearly in tears.  Her boyfriend of 6 years had recently broken up with her, and she was hurting. We really wanted to share about the Lord's love with her, so I told her that God was the Lord of the brokenhearted.  She said that is searching for something to fill the void in her life, I pray that she is open to the moving of the Holy Spirit in this time and finds Jesus. Last night, I prayed that Christians would be seated in her section at work. I did give her a card with my number on it, hopefully she will call.

Ps. 34:18 The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.

others centered

 I used to think that I needed to work on my self esteem, but the more I know the Lord, the more I realize that I take plenty of time for my self and I need to work on being others centered.  This self focus starts off at a young age as my not yet 2 yr. old daughter reminds me daily that she is "so cute" and my 9 month old cries if I have to redirect her actions.  Yes, the self has plenty of presence and doesn't need to be esteemed. Now, I want to focus on loving others and teach my daughters that as well. 

Phil. 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Church in the country

There is something to be said about going to church with your extended family. I love visiting the little country church that has been attended by my family for generations. Singing hymns from a hymnal and sharing a meal together all bring back good memories of my family. It is nice to be around folks that knew those that have passed on, and I feel very comforted knowing that I'll worship again with them one day.

Ps. 26:12 My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the LORD.

Be still

Early this morning, my almost 2 year old woke up crying for me.  I went in to comfort her, but she was wide awake. She kept telling me things like: "I'm so excited." "I want to play with toys." "I have good ideas." "I want breakfast." "I am so cute." "I want to brush my teeth."  I kept telling her to "be still". This is very atypical, but it did last for a loooong time.  While I was laying in the floor beside her bed, holding her hand, I was thinking this is probably how God feels at times. He wants us to rest in Him, we want to push our ideas on Him.  He wants us to trust his ways, we try to do our own thing.  Today, I'm even more aware of my need to be still before him.

blessed beyond measure

While being more deliberate in finding things to be thankful for this month on facebook and in the blog. I continue to realize just how blessed I am.  I was making out a Christmas list the other day and there is not one thing that is truly a need for my husband, myself or for my girls. We are blessed indeed in the physical as well as spiritual.

Ps. 89:15 How blessed are the people who worship you! O Lord, they experience your favor.

bathing beauty

With all the hustle and bustle looming before me, I am trying to establish some routines that will bring peace to my life. One thing I am considering is a weekly bath. Not only will it give me some quiet time, but it will provide a way for me to be frugal too. I have a ton of bath supplies that I rarely use, as do most women I know, so I think some tub time is in order to use the facial masks, bubble bath, body scrubs and the like.

Esther 2:12 Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments––six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments.

God is good

I think in parenting and in being a wife I am learning so much about the Lord.  Yesterday I talked about submitting to my husband even when I don't understand. I know we often ask the same thing of our children. Surely it is true of God as well, because His ways are higher than ours.  But let today's verse bring comfort and hope to you in that place where you truly don't understand.

Ps. 119: 68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.

my dear husband

I am thankful for my husband, he is the spiritual leader of our home. I am blessed by his covering. He is a good man, God's man for me. Even when I don't totally understand (NO Christmas music before the day after Thanksgiving) I want to follow his lead. I know that is where my protection is; plus I want to set a good example for my girls.

Eph. 5:24 But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

child training

I am so thankful for men and women of the faith who've taken time to listen to me, and I want the same for my children ... it is important to have a community of believers involved in your life. Hollywood would like to raise your children. The world wars against parenting as well. Oh Christian, pray, get involved, set God's standards, love your children and train them.

Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

naps R good

I am so thankful when the girls take their naps at the same time.  Yesterday I took a cat nap too. It really helped the afternoon go a lot smoother than the morning. Mollie and I were butting heads at every turn it seemed. I think we were both tired. I want to show love always, even when I'm tired, but I confess that it is so much easier when I'm rested.

Mt. 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

family foundations

I am so thankful for my family. My mom and grandma came for a visit yesterday, it was good to be with them. There is something special about sharing the routine of our daily life with our family. It blesses the girls and myself just to have people who love us doing the everyday things with us. It also blesses me that mom allows me to have time to run a couple of errands while she tends the girls.

2 Tim. 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

veteran's day

I am so thankful for our vets past and present who have paid for the freedoms that I enjoy with their time, energy, and sometimes their lives.  May God bless you all. If you know someone who serves or has served, be sure to thank them today.

Ps. 12:7-8 You, Lord, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people, for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.

date night

I am so thankful for my husband, who regularly takes me on dates. It is important to remember that it is the husband/wife relationship that is the key to the health of the family. Kids are great, the house is nice, but they should not become the priority over the marriage. Make the effort to connect with your spouse in meaningful ways on a regular basis, you'll be glad you did when your kids leave home and you still know your mate.

Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

happy people

I am thankful for the happiness that I see in others. The day is always more pleasant, when the people you are around are exhibiting joy. Oh Lord, let me be that kind of person to my family and friends as well as strangers.

Ps. 34:5 Those who look to him for help are happy; their faces are not ashamed.

fall back

I am always excited for that extra hour of sleep that we get when it is time to go off of daylight savings, but it is hard to get on schedule the next few days, especially for the little ones.  Please be mindful of them and yourself and have an extra measure of grace for yourself and those around you while everyone gets adjusted.

Ps. 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. 

Constantly pray

Currently, I am with some women from church on a prayer retreat. It is so refreshing to be away from the demands of my home and given to prayer.  I am expectant, hopeful and excited to see how God is going to use this time that we've set apart for Him to change us.
I am so thankful that we can have such access to the Father. Christian, we serve an awesome, mighty, holy God who invites us into His presence.
Pray, constantly.

1Thes. 5:16 Always rejoice, 17 constantly pray, 18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not extinguish the Spirit.

happy heart

I think veggie tales got it right with this one...a thankful heart is a happy heart.  If I am busy thinking of things that I am thankful for I am much more content in the day. I am thankful that all of my needs are met.

1 Tim. 6: 9-10 Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root  of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

2 dearly loved children

I posed the "what are you thankful for" question to Mollie, my almost 2 yr. old at breakfast yesterday.  Her response, "Betsy" her 8 month old sister.  I tell you, it made me nearly cry.

Eph. 5:1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children

friends

Whenever November arrives, I begin thinking seriously about the things for which I am thankful.  I asked my husband what he was thankful for, his reply, "our friends". I could not agree more. We have awesome friends.

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.

for freedom's sake

Oh blog reader, please don't forget to vote today.  I am so thankful to live in the US and am reminded when I see the news of the war raging in the Middle East that this freedom should not be taken for granted. Get out there and cast your vote today!
I was looking up some stats about voting the other day and the only one I'll share lest you get too bored-- American women didn't get the right to vote until 1920.

1Pet. 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

vote

We have the privilege in our country to be able to participate in choosing the leaders that govern us.  Please take time today to make arrangements in order to get to the polls tomorrow. Do your homework on the candidates-read about them and the issues they stand for, don't just listen to the ads on tv. Prayerfully consider who you should choose, and cast your vote accordingly.

Rom. 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.