Trust ...

So ... some reading this might have heard of "getting a word" for the year. I'm thinking about a new year right around the corner and what I would like to see happen. Goal setting ... I'm a humongously (is that a word) goal oriented person. So, I'm praying about and considering what this year's "word" might be. 2007's word was "freedom" - I've had some new discoveries about what it means to be free. Whether it's spiritual freedom, personal freedom, whatever. I need freedom, but I realize now that freedom the way God designed it has nothing to do with what I want to do with my life, but more about how I can serve Him with my life. Because of Jesus sacrifice for me, I am free from sin (forgiven) and can serve God with purpose! Free to use the unique gifts he's given me to bless those in my sphere of influence. Perhaps that sphere of influence has grown with the start of this blog - open to whomever might happen upon it! I hope that's true. Well, 2008's word seems to be "trust." Whoa. Scary. I need to trust God for his provision. I need to trust that what my husband says is what he means. (It's okay to laugh if you can relate). I need to trust my gifts. No more doubt. No more worry. ...yeah right, I'm human, but I believe this year is going to bring some growth in that area. In an effort to do something creative everyday, today was a journal day. Here's what I came up with as part of my journal entry - thought I would share it with you. It's simple, but I like it. copyright 2007 all rights reserved

Here's to a new year and a continued journey in the freedom to trust God for everything!

Christmas break ...

Here we are with two weeks off school and two active boys who need structure. I wish I had a basement to send them to. Oh well ... I guess I'm going to have to be creative! Ha - but this is not the kind of creativity I like. My favorite answer to the kids boredom is suggesting all the chores around the house that are calling my name but not getting done. That seems to help them find something to do in a hurry!

Here's a picture of my daughter in her Christmas dress ... just before the sheer under layer ripped ... oh joy. She only got to wear it once but ... she was beautiful.

A special thanks to all of my friends for your feedback regarding this new blog. Your encouragement means the world to me!

Blessed ...

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." I can't remember where to find that but it's scripture. (Edit: James 1:17, thanks Lina!) God is good to us! Just yesterday we were blown away with blessings one after the other! I'm so grateful - God opened the floodgates of His love on our family yesterday and it overflows into today. What a beautiful thing ...

1. We were given a bounty of groceries by a dear friend ... just because ...
2. A friend found tickets to Wicked for $21.75 and we're going in February!
3. My husband brings home a 32" TV that was given to him for free by a customer who had upgraded to a plasma tv. (32" is huge compared to the 19" we're accustomed to!) Kenny installed it last night and surprised the boys with it this morning.
4. We received a very generous anonymous gift by someone who knows us well. Just to use in a way that would be a blessing to us!
5. I was able to work on our christmas card all afternoon! What joy - I feel like I've rediscovered Christmas. Here are the results of my zoning out in my creative spot. To me ... Hope is the center of Christmas!

Front: the exposed section of text is Jeremiah 29:11-13Back

copyright 2007 all rights reserved

Wishing all my readers and their families many happy memories and lots of hope in the coming year!

Strange but cool ...

Check out the white elephant I got Wed. night - it was the last legitimate steal of the night! Isn't he cool? ... in a strange way I'm so drawn to him. Does anyone remember Salty (or was it Psalty)?

Christmas pictures

So, I tried getting a cute picture of my kids for our christmas card this year. Here's what they gave me... isn't this lovely?

... and this is just adorable too?

the perfect pictures for the not-so-perfect-normal family.

maybe we'll just use them anyway ...