My Heart Is Full

This morning our oldest son, Jake, was baptized. He became a Christian two years ago, when he asked Jesus into his heart while swimming at his grandparents house. I know, crazy! As a parent, I had pictured in my mind that his conversion would be preceded by this deep conversation, filled with great wisdom from B and I, (ha!) not so. And looking back, I love that it happened the way it did. The Lord planned it in such a way that neither B nor I could take one ounce of glory for his decision. Child-like faith. So simple, so pure and innocent, yet so very powerful.

I could hardly contain myself when I saw my child step into the pool of water. He looked so small, yet so big. His voice was so steady and sure when he announced, "Jesus Christ is my Lord." Yes, son, through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ and to the glory of God the Father.

We were surrounded by several of our family and friends, and as we all stood in Jake's honor, I was overwhelmed by how many people have poured into our lives, and how that is now spilling over into the lives of our children.

Grateful. Overcome. Overflowing.

We are so proud of you Jake!

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:17-19

A Day Late And A Dollar Short

I'm a day late posting this You Tube video, but even a day late, it's worth watching...and I'm a dollar short, because, you know, it's the day after Christmas!! :)

Emmanuel

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 8:14

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours...

Redneck Recliner

You might be a redneck if you prefer your homemade recliner, made out of a laundry basket and step stool, to the REAL leather recliner right behind you!

Channeling Sybil

About a month ago, B and I took a personality test online. Because I had taken one in the past, I thought I knew which category I was going to end up in but about half way through I figured out real quick that I didn't know myself as well as I thought! You see, I'm a pretty outgoing person, I love being around people, I love to talk, and if you know me (which most of you-if not all of you- reading this do) this is no surprise to you. However...when I began adding up the scores I was shocked to discover I have a split personality! 50-50 right down the middle, and get this - I'm split between Sanguine and Melancholy! WHAT??!! I have to say the melancholy threw me for a loop at first, but the more I have thought about it, it is absolutely true! Yes, there is a big part of me that loves people, loves to laugh and make
people laugh, be spontaneous and loves to go to parties and just have fun...however, there is also a big part of me that loves quiet, order, to be alone and still. I think what has happened all of these years is that the other side of my personality was so "big" that it demanded most of my attention, and frankly, I felt like that is why most people liked me and what they expected from me. I am now learning to embrace my true self...who I am in Christ, that is. He made me and He doesn't make mistakes, so obviously He has a purpose in these two aspects of my personality that He wants to use for His glory.

During this time of year the struggle between my "split personality" starts to heat up. The Sanguine side of me loves the festive celebration, the parties, the shopping, the fun of it all, the Melancholy side - not so much. That side wants to snuggle up on my couch, surrounded by my perfectly cleaned house, sip a hot cup of coffee while (with no phone ringing in the background) I have a long quiet time with my Lord.

So what's a girl to do?? Here's what I felt the Lord telling me today...embrace it. Embrace the marvelous and wonderful way He made me, because here's the truth of it all...without my Sanguine side, I would be missing out on one of the best parts of my life here on this Earth - relationships. I would be missing out on all the laughter and warmth that comes from the people He has brought into my life. I would miss out on the opportunity to speak kindness into a overworked sales-clerks life, or to give a smile to a lonely stranger. Without my Melancholy side, I would be missing out on the peaceful moments with my Savior that breathe the very life into my tired bones. I would miss out on the still small voice that whispers encouragement, strength and love into my Spirit, and I would miss the quiet moments with my children when I get glimpses into their precious little souls.

Balance. Only by the power of His Spirit.

So go take the test...you may not know yourself as well as you think you do! hee hee!

We partied like it was 1999

We survived the craziness! It was fast and furious, but believe it or not, it was actually fun! The two Christmas parties went off without a hitch. Our SMBS party was Friday night at the church. We ate some good Mexican food and enjoyed some uninterrupted adult conversation, thanks to the church nursery. We played the ever-popular gift exchange, which is always fun. Each couple brought a $10 gift card to exchange. There were your typicals, Target, Starbucks, etc. but the highlight was when a girl opened her gift card and announced she just received a $10 gift card to Fat Dog's Liquor Store!! Needless to say, she was just joking, we're Baptist for goodness sakes, we wouldn't be caught dead buying anything from a liquor store! hee hee! We had a great time, but I have to admit, I am glad that one is over. No more planning meetings!
Saturday we enjoyed a rare treat...B was actually off work. We aren't used to having him home on Saturday, so it was really nice! We finished our Christmas lights then cleaned the house to get ready for the party that night! It was so fun! We ate good food, laughed and laughed, then exchanged white elephant gifts, which was hilarious. I'll have to post a pic of my new "bag"! Oh, it's a sight to see!
After crashing at about midnight...which is really late for us these days, I awoke at about 6:15 to start getting ready for church. It was our Choir Christmas program. We sing all 3 services, which doesn't sound all that bad, but it is exhausting! I know, I am sounding really old! Anyway, it was great. I love singing in the choir. Which, again, I know, makes me sound really old, but seriously, it's such a blessing! After the program, I came home and got my nap on! I mean, I didn't get off the couch for 4 straight hours! Oh yes, it was nice! We topped off the weekend by picking up MeMe and Poppy and driving through "Up in Lights" a drive-thru light exhibit. The kids loved it, and so did we!
This week finds us trying to finish shopping, but most of all, slowing down to enjoy the season. I love this time of year, and I really want to take it all in. It is, after all, our last Christmas in this house...yeah, that's another post for another day. :))
Until then...
Merry Christmas!

Craziness

Oh my, has it already been over a week since I last posted??? Well, things have been a bit crazy around here. We finally got all of our decorations up (well almost...the outside is just about done), and I even managed to start my shopping, and Santa...well let's just say he hit the jackpot!! I can't wait to see the boys faces! :)
Anyway, back to the craziness, we have two Christmas parties this weekend, both of which I am helping to plan (one is even at my house!!) and our choir Christmas program is this weekend as well! The good news is after this weekend, we are pretty much wide open, so hopefully things will slow down.
This is my absolute favorite time of year in my neighborhood. The trees are gorgeous. Whenever we leave the house I am always commenting about how beautiful and colorful they are. One morning last week on our way to school, I asked Trent, "how do you think God changes all of the colors?" Trent answered, "I think he has a hoooge, hoooge, marker and colors all the leaves!" That just made me smile!