Caroline will be four this weekend. I have never been so happy to celebrate a birthday in my entire life. After almost losing her last year to a strange infection there is not a day that goes by that I don't kiss her forehead, take in the scent of her hair and thank God for her life. Not just a fleeting thought that I'm so lucky to have her, but that I am truly thankful for her life.
I know that God chose her to walk down that difficult path last year as hard as it was on her and our family because He had a purpose. He used her in a mighty way to strengthen people's faith and prayer life. I know HE used my little girl and her illness to teach me some mighty lessons and stretch me personally. Yes, God, I have learned. Not only have I listened and learned but I have put those lessons into practice in my life.
But am I ever so grateful that this birthday I will not be sitting in her empty room crying. God left her here to live a life that will bring glory to His name. I have been given the charge of teaching her and guiding her to know her mighty creator. What a blessing.
Oh I love her so.
She is a bright ray of sunshine to our family everyday. She is funny and smart and sweet. She mothers her sisters oh so tenderly. Her gentle spirit is a constant reminder to me on how to live. She dances and sings through her days.
It sounds so cliche but I can't believe she is four. Seems like yesterday I rocked her tiny eight pound body, and held her close to my chest almost in disbelief that she was here and she was mine. After our ordeal last year I did the same thing just last night.
We baked cupcakes for her class this week. It is the first year she can crack the egg free from shells falling in the batter. She is growing up.
Needless to say, I don't take our precious time on earth together for granted anymore. As her birthday approaches I celebrate her life and all that God has planned for her. May I always hear His voice in leading and guiding her little life to point to our Savior in every way. May I teach her to have a thankful spirit regardless of circumstances, that dependence on God is the only way to enjoy an abundant life and that the peace of Christ flows freely from the throne of grace.
I am ready to blow up balloons, eat pizza, unwrap presents and chase Aubrey all around Ollie Koala's for her birthday party this weekend as we celebrate our sweet Caroline Noel. She will always be our best Christmas gift.
Happy Birthday my sweet girl. I love you so much it hurts at times.
Thank you Jesus.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday Quickie
If you all are like me you are in full holiday swing. Social calendars fill up, school parties, shopping and the list goes on.
Honestly, this year I am not buying as much as I have in the past. A personal choice for our family. However, I have found a couple gifts that I thought I would share with you all too. I don't know about you but I am always thankful for unique gift ideas that have meaning.
It's no secret if you are a regular reader of my blog that I love the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. So it's no surprise that I am telling you to buy this book for everyone you know and yourself too. However did you know they make this devotional for different ages? This year they made a copy for 2-4 year olds. Actually, it is not too "babyish" (Brynn's word) for my eight year olds either. It is a beautifully illustrated Bible storybook. If you are in my family and have a toddler aged child don't buy it because you are probably getting it from me.
Also something my sister, Stacy bought for me, Hidden in My Heart CD series is Bible scripture put to music. It could be used as a lullaby CD for bedtime. But often on crazy days when we are running around we play it in our car. It helps me to keep perspective and keep God at the forefront of my mind. Not always easy. On the way to school this morning, which I would describe as hectic (maybe a little bit of an understatement) I hear my sweet Caroline singing along to it in the car. The song was the Bible verse, " Be Still and Know that I am God." She is being equipped for life with memorization of scripture and doesn't even know it;) Perfect.
Hope your shopping goes well this year and that these ideas help. You can buy them both on Amazon.com
Honestly, this year I am not buying as much as I have in the past. A personal choice for our family. However, I have found a couple gifts that I thought I would share with you all too. I don't know about you but I am always thankful for unique gift ideas that have meaning.
It's no secret if you are a regular reader of my blog that I love the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. So it's no surprise that I am telling you to buy this book for everyone you know and yourself too. However did you know they make this devotional for different ages? This year they made a copy for 2-4 year olds. Actually, it is not too "babyish" (Brynn's word) for my eight year olds either. It is a beautifully illustrated Bible storybook. If you are in my family and have a toddler aged child don't buy it because you are probably getting it from me.
Also something my sister, Stacy bought for me, Hidden in My Heart CD series is Bible scripture put to music. It could be used as a lullaby CD for bedtime. But often on crazy days when we are running around we play it in our car. It helps me to keep perspective and keep God at the forefront of my mind. Not always easy. On the way to school this morning, which I would describe as hectic (maybe a little bit of an understatement) I hear my sweet Caroline singing along to it in the car. The song was the Bible verse, " Be Still and Know that I am God." She is being equipped for life with memorization of scripture and doesn't even know it;) Perfect.
Hope your shopping goes well this year and that these ideas help. You can buy them both on Amazon.com
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Christmas Lights etc.
Christmas. I love it! One of my favorite times of year. I love the sights, smells, and especially the music. My radio is already faithfully set on the continuous Christmas station. The sweet tune of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" is whirling in my head.
We put up our tree last weekend. Yeah, the sentimental time turned out to be a little challenging. I had seriously built it up in my head. Unfortunately, more than half of the lights on my pre lit Christmas tree did not light up. Ben was at work and my brother in law hurt his back. No help available. So I just strung working strings of lights over the ones that were not cooperating Necessity... the mother of invention. Sit and cut the non working lights off of the tree...no thank you.
After the debacle we lovingly, reminisced about each glitter colored toilet paper roll, paper angel, popsicle stick creation and of course our Baby Jesus ornament that plays music. Aubrey informed me that she made almost 90% of the ornaments on our tree including the crystal one that says, "First Christmas Together Year 2000."
Wrapped in blinking lights, red tulle, and covered in fancy and homemade ornaments our tree stands in all it's glory. I have the lights turned on pretty much around the clock because it makes me happy. The girls share my holiday enthusiasm. But whoever thought we could create a beautiful, flashing object, with lots of colors and textures all decorated with a star on top, sit it in the middle of our house and tell children not to touch is crazy. I have literally spent the last few days telling all four of my girls that they are going to knock the tree over and "Please look but don't touch." Not excluding my 8 year olds... We have already had two ornament casualties (um, now make that three) which shattered in a million pieces on the kitchen floor as a tiny human (who will remain nameless...I give you one guess) was bringing them to show me.
I learned early in my parenting career to put all ornaments I value at the very top of the tree. The only way little hands can reach them or break them is if they tip the tree over. I'm not saying that won't happen because it could very possibly happen, but it's added security. I also know that about 2 weeks before Christmas the entire bottom half of our tree will be undecorated because I eventually get tired of picking up and rehanging the ornaments.
It's all good. It's worth it. Christmas is better with my kiddos.
Who knows our elf Jerry may reappear any day now. However, Caroline is convinced this year he's not coming back because Anna touched him last year and she is positive he lost all his magic.
Let us enjoy the festivities and memories of the season.
The Tree reminds us of Jesus.
Revelation 22:14
The ornaments reminds us that Jesus is the "precious stone."
1 Peter 2:4
The lights on the tree remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.
John 9:5
The lights on the tree also reminds us of Jesus and how he fills the universe and promises us we will shine like the stars.
Philippians 2:15
The presents under the tree remind us of the wise men and of the spiritual gift of faith.
Matthew 2:11
Romans 12:6
We put up our tree last weekend. Yeah, the sentimental time turned out to be a little challenging. I had seriously built it up in my head. Unfortunately, more than half of the lights on my pre lit Christmas tree did not light up. Ben was at work and my brother in law hurt his back. No help available. So I just strung working strings of lights over the ones that were not cooperating Necessity... the mother of invention. Sit and cut the non working lights off of the tree...no thank you.
After the debacle we lovingly, reminisced about each glitter colored toilet paper roll, paper angel, popsicle stick creation and of course our Baby Jesus ornament that plays music. Aubrey informed me that she made almost 90% of the ornaments on our tree including the crystal one that says, "First Christmas Together Year 2000."
Wrapped in blinking lights, red tulle, and covered in fancy and homemade ornaments our tree stands in all it's glory. I have the lights turned on pretty much around the clock because it makes me happy. The girls share my holiday enthusiasm. But whoever thought we could create a beautiful, flashing object, with lots of colors and textures all decorated with a star on top, sit it in the middle of our house and tell children not to touch is crazy. I have literally spent the last few days telling all four of my girls that they are going to knock the tree over and "Please look but don't touch." Not excluding my 8 year olds... We have already had two ornament casualties (um, now make that three) which shattered in a million pieces on the kitchen floor as a tiny human (who will remain nameless...I give you one guess) was bringing them to show me.
I learned early in my parenting career to put all ornaments I value at the very top of the tree. The only way little hands can reach them or break them is if they tip the tree over. I'm not saying that won't happen because it could very possibly happen, but it's added security. I also know that about 2 weeks before Christmas the entire bottom half of our tree will be undecorated because I eventually get tired of picking up and rehanging the ornaments.
It's all good. It's worth it. Christmas is better with my kiddos.
Who knows our elf Jerry may reappear any day now. However, Caroline is convinced this year he's not coming back because Anna touched him last year and she is positive he lost all his magic.
Let us enjoy the festivities and memories of the season.
Isaiah 9:6 -- 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.
Merry Christmas!
My mantle garland looked beautiful and was working beautifully, lights glowing perfectly and then today all the lights stopped working totally. Sheesh...can this girl get a break from the light problems this year?
My mantle garland looked beautiful and was working beautifully, lights glowing perfectly and then today all the lights stopped working totally. Sheesh...can this girl get a break from the light problems this year?
The Tree reminds us of Jesus.
Revelation 22:14
The ornaments reminds us that Jesus is the "precious stone."
1 Peter 2:4
The lights on the tree remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.
John 9:5
The lights on the tree also reminds us of Jesus and how he fills the universe and promises us we will shine like the stars.
Philippians 2:15
The presents under the tree remind us of the wise men and of the spiritual gift of faith.
Matthew 2:11
Romans 12:6
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