My baby girl Aubrey Charlotte will be 3 tomorrow. It seems like yesterday she was born but her three years of life have been a whirlwind. I watch her ride down our street in her little red sports car with her friend Ella and I know that will be reality sooner than I would like to admit. Okay let me clarify, not the red sports car part but me standing on the driveway watching her drive away. Trying to capture every special minute.
Her only requests: Take me to Chuck E Cheese. This is a labor of love I seriously do not like Chuck E Cheese. And #2 buy me a Baby Alive Walking baby doll. Grandma Kneisley delivered on that one so needless to say my baby girl will be thrilled tomorrow. We are shooting for Chuck E Cheese early because who wants to be there on a Saturday afternoon? Yikes! Pizza for breakfast anyone;)
Caroline and I picked her out a pink tricycle. It said ages 1 to 3 but honestly Aubrey is about the size of a 1 year old so it should fit her perfectly. Caroline is scheming as I type the best way to wrap it. I suggested a big bow but she didn't like that idea.
Some of the unique things I love about my Aubs. She is the smallest person in this family, however, her courage and confidence abound. She is never afraid to tell how she feels. As a mother I am trying to teach her to speak kindly, and season her speech with grace. You get more with sugar than with salt, sweetheart. She is a mother to the core. We cannot even run to the grocery store for milk without taking our baby dolls. Dad tries to discourage but I think he has given up on that battle. Babies must come with...always. She is constantly comforting, bouncing, feeding and swaddling. I say she is getting some good practice for the journey of motherhood. Not for the faint of heart. My sister and I swear she will be the next Michelle Duggar. I love Aubrey's eyes and how expressive they are. She will use those baby blues to her advantage one day! I truly could sit and watch her all day long. Her facial expressions are so over exaggerated and dramatic it is very entertaining. Her smile lights up a room.
On her birthday I am choosing to forget that she writes on everything with pens, empties cabinets, floods the bathroom daily, waits too long to potty, tips over the Christmas tree and is the messiest eater I have ever encountered...well there is always Anna. So I don't know if that is true but I wouldn't trade Hurricane Aubrey for the world.
My absolute favorite thing is when she puts her face up to mine, looks me right in the eyes and says, "It's me and you Mama, it's me and you." Be still my heart, love overfloweth for that girl! At that moment that child could flood my entire house and I wouldn't care.
It's me and you Aubrey. Always and forever. Don't you forget it.
My prayer lately for my daughters is that I trust God enough to let them live their lives. I don't want to be a "hover" mother always worried about what will happen. That is not God's will for us Mamas! He entrusted us with His children.Think how much you love them...He loves them more! May we fully depend on Him to give us wisdom and insight to parent them. He does not want us pacing the floors, wringing our hands, worrying. That's hard. I am a "what if", "worrier" to the core. May I not get in the way of God's plan for their lives. May I be prayerful enough to know when God is opening and closing doors for my children to walk through even if it would not be my choice for them. And whatever they do, where ever they go, may their lives point to our Savior for all blessings come straight from above.
I have been working lately on rising earlier than the littles to get my quiet time in and myself together before duty begins. It has made a difference. When I ask Jesus to fill me up and I give Him my day right from the start everything works better. Praying I can keep this going. I used to do my Bible study at the end of the day but when do we really need it? Throughout our day. It's better in the morning!
I love my little peanut so much and I cannot wait to celebrate her life tomorrow. She was an unexpected, added bonus to our family. A true gift from God and I give Him all the Glory.
Ohh there is the doorbell. It is the UPS man delivering my 100th grand baby..the walking Baby Alive doll. Gotta run.
Aubrey Charlotte Kneisley I love you to the moon and back. Happy Birthday. Happy 3rd birthday!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Holy Roller.
I have contemplated writing this post for a while and just have never done it. But today I am. I was asked a couple of months ago to share my testimony and it made me think about my Christian walk and how it has changed over the years.
I accepted Christ as my Lord an Savior at the young age of 8. I remember praying every night before I went to bed. I was raised in a Christian home. We were always involved at church. I believed in God. But one thing I realized about 5 years ago is that although I always believed that God was real and the Bible was the ultimate truth I didn't really "get it." I followed my mother's example but I hadn't really figured out anything on my own. Why did I believe what I believed? Did my life show a dramatic difference because of what I believed? I have to admit no.
Yes, I was a good person, I even tried to point others to Christ but what I have come to realize is that is not enough. Did my life really show that God had infiltrated every part of my being. Did receiving the Holy Spirit really effect the way I thought, talked, treated others? Did I really find the importance of having a daily devotion time? Did I hunger and thirst for the Word of God and want to seek it out? No. Plain and simple. No.
We have all seen the wear Christ on your shoulder and put him in your purse when it is not convenient for Him to be there example. That was me. Without even purposefully doing it. I have been struck lately by how many people do that on a daily basis. Do you sit in church on Sunday to check it off of your "To Do" list or do you really desire and have a personal relationship with the Lord? There is a difference. It is not about religion people. It's not about rules, and who can do good deeds...it's about a relationship.
You cannot have a relationship with someone you don't invest time in and communicate with.
Being a "good" person will not get you to Heaven. I cannot stress this enough.
A verse that really hit home when I heard it a few years back is
I accepted Christ as my Lord an Savior at the young age of 8. I remember praying every night before I went to bed. I was raised in a Christian home. We were always involved at church. I believed in God. But one thing I realized about 5 years ago is that although I always believed that God was real and the Bible was the ultimate truth I didn't really "get it." I followed my mother's example but I hadn't really figured out anything on my own. Why did I believe what I believed? Did my life show a dramatic difference because of what I believed? I have to admit no.
Yes, I was a good person, I even tried to point others to Christ but what I have come to realize is that is not enough. Did my life really show that God had infiltrated every part of my being. Did receiving the Holy Spirit really effect the way I thought, talked, treated others? Did I really find the importance of having a daily devotion time? Did I hunger and thirst for the Word of God and want to seek it out? No. Plain and simple. No.
We have all seen the wear Christ on your shoulder and put him in your purse when it is not convenient for Him to be there example. That was me. Without even purposefully doing it. I have been struck lately by how many people do that on a daily basis. Do you sit in church on Sunday to check it off of your "To Do" list or do you really desire and have a personal relationship with the Lord? There is a difference. It is not about religion people. It's not about rules, and who can do good deeds...it's about a relationship.
You cannot have a relationship with someone you don't invest time in and communicate with.
Being a "good" person will not get you to Heaven. I cannot stress this enough.
A verse that really hit home when I heard it a few years back is
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
I didn't get it. So many people don't get it. It's not about going through the motions.
I have been bombarded lately with scripture about living in the spirit. I have been a Christian for so many years and I haven't heard a lot of people preach on this topic or explain what it means. I had been trying to live the "Christian life" by my own human power in my flesh instead of letting the Holy Spirit fill me and take control of my thoughts, my mind, my tongue and my actions. When I finally surrendered it became so much easier. God can accomplish what my flesh cannot if I just let him. What freedom there is in letting him take the reigns and lead. Truly lead...be in total control. But in order to do this I must die to myself and my selfish ways.
Call me Baptist, a holy roller, Bible thumper. That I am. The only reason I exist is for my life to point to Jesus Christ in every aspect. And let me tell you many days I fall way short but it is my life's desire.
So thankful to be enlightened by the truth of God's word.
Do you live in the flesh or the spirit?
Proverbs 30:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Friday, January 25, 2013
This and That. Work, Kids, Man Caves and Ministry.
How do you like the title of this blog? Totally original I know.
One of my prayers over the past year is that God will show me people that need encouragement or a gentle touch. That He will make it obvious to me. I can be utterly distracted at times.
As I have always said don't EVER pray for something if you don't really mean it. If you don't want a full time job helping people don't pray that God will make you aware. Because girlfriends, He will. I can't tell you how many times lately a random person has popped in my head. A person that may not have been on my radar screen. Someone that made me think, I need to send a card to them, or I should send an encouraging text msg or I should check in with that person I haven't heard from her in awhile. I often get an overwhelming feeling that someone is struggling or lonely. Man, am I in tune to all that. It's a blessing and a curse. Not a day goes by that I don't think of someone I can help. I know it is God speaking to me and now I just need to work on my follow through. My batting average isn't great lately. My time is constrained.
You see I took this thing called a job. Now, I do not need to get on my feminist soapbox and tell you what a full time job being a stay at home mom is. I kinda already had a job sans pay check. But to be perfectly honest as much as I like staying home I was feeling the need to broaden my horizons a little. Some days I was absolutely positive that my brain had turned to mush. So when a perfect opportunity came my way I jumped on it. Work from home, flexible schedule, working for a company I believe in and love. However, I didn't realize how hard finding the time to work would really be.
Working from home sounds like a dream but it's a little hard. My time goes like this, make a few calls, clean up Vick's vapor rub that Aubrey has smeared all over my house, make a few calls, check my email and clean up an accident that Aubrey had on the bathroom floor and then walked through to tell me she can't wipe very well. I'm just saying it's not all it is cracked up to be. Now one thing I am enjoying is that little thing called a pay check that is appearing in my mailbox every couple weeks. Haven't had one of those in awhile. My little slush fund. I know Ben is probably enjoying way less charges on the debit card.
I am sticking with it. I am conflicted daily over ministry opportunities and working. I don't have to work and I know this is not everybody's situation. So don't send me hate mail. My hat goes off to you working mothers I am struggling to juggle it all---take care of my family, work, and be an encourager which I feel God has called me to do. I do know that things that seem small are often very big things to people. So, go ahead and do them no matter how minute something may seem. I am trying to follow the same rule.
I am praying about everything. This song came to me this morning in the shower.
Lord, you are more precious than silver, Lord, you are more costly than gold, Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you.
I thought about the meaning of the words and I want to emulate the last line in my life.
Still chewing on it. Just waking up everyday and giving my day to Him. That's all I can do.
Since Christmas, my living room has been turned into a man cave. And I allowed it. Ben has been talking for at least 5 years about getting leather couches, and a big screen TV. For years I fought it. A big screen over my mantle? No thanks. But I let him do it. He's like a giddy school boy. He sits in his reclining sofa smiling from ear to ear trying to prove to me how much better TV is on a bigger TV with high definition. I just nod because honestly, I can't tell the difference. But he loves it, I tried some girly throw pillows to soften the brown leather and I don't know how well it worked but it made me feel better. I am missing the mantle decorations that had to be taken down because they were obstructing the view. Marriage is about compromise... and Ben sure does live with alot of women. Surely he deserves this right? He did listen to me when I put the kibosh on cup holders in the sofa. Thank heavens.
Speaking of compromise Ben finally caved and got us both iPhones for Christmas. We now lay in bed on Saturday morning playing Words with Friends with each other while we let all hell break loose on the other side of the bedroom door. It is worth it and I'm getting pretty good. Maybe I will beat him some day.
Thanks for all the kind words about my blog after the last post. The message that came through was less is more, keep writing so that is what I plan to do for now. Thanks for supporting me.
One of my prayers over the past year is that God will show me people that need encouragement or a gentle touch. That He will make it obvious to me. I can be utterly distracted at times.
As I have always said don't EVER pray for something if you don't really mean it. If you don't want a full time job helping people don't pray that God will make you aware. Because girlfriends, He will. I can't tell you how many times lately a random person has popped in my head. A person that may not have been on my radar screen. Someone that made me think, I need to send a card to them, or I should send an encouraging text msg or I should check in with that person I haven't heard from her in awhile. I often get an overwhelming feeling that someone is struggling or lonely. Man, am I in tune to all that. It's a blessing and a curse. Not a day goes by that I don't think of someone I can help. I know it is God speaking to me and now I just need to work on my follow through. My batting average isn't great lately. My time is constrained.
You see I took this thing called a job. Now, I do not need to get on my feminist soapbox and tell you what a full time job being a stay at home mom is. I kinda already had a job sans pay check. But to be perfectly honest as much as I like staying home I was feeling the need to broaden my horizons a little. Some days I was absolutely positive that my brain had turned to mush. So when a perfect opportunity came my way I jumped on it. Work from home, flexible schedule, working for a company I believe in and love. However, I didn't realize how hard finding the time to work would really be.
Working from home sounds like a dream but it's a little hard. My time goes like this, make a few calls, clean up Vick's vapor rub that Aubrey has smeared all over my house, make a few calls, check my email and clean up an accident that Aubrey had on the bathroom floor and then walked through to tell me she can't wipe very well. I'm just saying it's not all it is cracked up to be. Now one thing I am enjoying is that little thing called a pay check that is appearing in my mailbox every couple weeks. Haven't had one of those in awhile. My little slush fund. I know Ben is probably enjoying way less charges on the debit card.
I am sticking with it. I am conflicted daily over ministry opportunities and working. I don't have to work and I know this is not everybody's situation. So don't send me hate mail. My hat goes off to you working mothers I am struggling to juggle it all---take care of my family, work, and be an encourager which I feel God has called me to do. I do know that things that seem small are often very big things to people. So, go ahead and do them no matter how minute something may seem. I am trying to follow the same rule.
I am praying about everything. This song came to me this morning in the shower.
Lord, you are more precious than silver, Lord, you are more costly than gold, Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with you.
I thought about the meaning of the words and I want to emulate the last line in my life.
Still chewing on it. Just waking up everyday and giving my day to Him. That's all I can do.
Since Christmas, my living room has been turned into a man cave. And I allowed it. Ben has been talking for at least 5 years about getting leather couches, and a big screen TV. For years I fought it. A big screen over my mantle? No thanks. But I let him do it. He's like a giddy school boy. He sits in his reclining sofa smiling from ear to ear trying to prove to me how much better TV is on a bigger TV with high definition. I just nod because honestly, I can't tell the difference. But he loves it, I tried some girly throw pillows to soften the brown leather and I don't know how well it worked but it made me feel better. I am missing the mantle decorations that had to be taken down because they were obstructing the view. Marriage is about compromise... and Ben sure does live with alot of women. Surely he deserves this right? He did listen to me when I put the kibosh on cup holders in the sofa. Thank heavens.
Speaking of compromise Ben finally caved and got us both iPhones for Christmas. We now lay in bed on Saturday morning playing Words with Friends with each other while we let all hell break loose on the other side of the bedroom door. It is worth it and I'm getting pretty good. Maybe I will beat him some day.
Thanks for all the kind words about my blog after the last post. The message that came through was less is more, keep writing so that is what I plan to do for now. Thanks for supporting me.
Friday, January 11, 2013
2013
How is it 2013? I remember when the year 2000 seemed like the future and I imagined it would be just like the Jetson's. It is and it isn't. Still driving a car around not flying to the grocery store yet. That little thing called an iPhone that I got for Christmas is pretty Jetsony (Is that a word?)
I have to admit I have been going back and forth about my blog and whether I should continue to write it. It is hard to find time and I want to do it justice not just write something quickly because I haven't written in a long time. I have been pondering if it is safe to put all my girls pictures on here each week. I have thought about not including pictures, but it's not as good and beautiful and plus I got a new camera for Christmas...a good one that I can't wait to use. I don't know if all this is the devil getting in my head and trying to discourage me or what. But today I woke up and felt like I needed to write. I am still trying to decide.
What a year. 2012 started out so terribly I shutter to remember the month of January. But I look at my healthy Caroline and I can say "Okay God, I get it." I can kind of see what you were doing. I see what I needed to learn, how others faith and prayer lives were renewed along with my own. How people's kindness impacted my life dramatically for eternity. I will never be the same. Honestly, Caroline's sickness was awful and painful and it was hard to see her suffer and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. However, God calls us to be thankful for trials and this is how I have been able to find the good in the midst of the storm and rejoice through my suffering.
2012 stretched me beyond my wildest imagination. What I could endure, what I could learn, how grateful my heart could feel, how out of line my priorities could get, how much I could enjoy my family, what more I could add to my schedule (I took a job working from home), how much I could love my children. But what a year it was. Can't say that I'm not a little glad to start 2013 though...
Of course by putting all my lessons learned into practice.
Some new endeavours to start the year. Joined the steering team to help start a MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) at my church. Back working for my old company which I love. It has been challenging finding the time to work and mother. Being a working mom is not for the faint of heart. I have never done it before so I'm getting into the groove.
In 2013 I want to love people more, be a more present mom, get organized,be successful at my job, minister to people in need and I want my life to exude Jesus Christ. These are not resolutions. I feel the minute I call them resolutions I won't do them. These are my hopes.
I'm gonna try.
A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. This is not fluff, it's true. Here's to stepping into 2013.
I have to admit I have been going back and forth about my blog and whether I should continue to write it. It is hard to find time and I want to do it justice not just write something quickly because I haven't written in a long time. I have been pondering if it is safe to put all my girls pictures on here each week. I have thought about not including pictures, but it's not as good and beautiful and plus I got a new camera for Christmas...a good one that I can't wait to use. I don't know if all this is the devil getting in my head and trying to discourage me or what. But today I woke up and felt like I needed to write. I am still trying to decide.
What a year. 2012 started out so terribly I shutter to remember the month of January. But I look at my healthy Caroline and I can say "Okay God, I get it." I can kind of see what you were doing. I see what I needed to learn, how others faith and prayer lives were renewed along with my own. How people's kindness impacted my life dramatically for eternity. I will never be the same. Honestly, Caroline's sickness was awful and painful and it was hard to see her suffer and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. However, God calls us to be thankful for trials and this is how I have been able to find the good in the midst of the storm and rejoice through my suffering.
2012 stretched me beyond my wildest imagination. What I could endure, what I could learn, how grateful my heart could feel, how out of line my priorities could get, how much I could enjoy my family, what more I could add to my schedule (I took a job working from home), how much I could love my children. But what a year it was. Can't say that I'm not a little glad to start 2013 though...
Of course by putting all my lessons learned into practice.
Some new endeavours to start the year. Joined the steering team to help start a MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) at my church. Back working for my old company which I love. It has been challenging finding the time to work and mother. Being a working mom is not for the faint of heart. I have never done it before so I'm getting into the groove.
In 2013 I want to love people more, be a more present mom, get organized,be successful at my job, minister to people in need and I want my life to exude Jesus Christ. These are not resolutions. I feel the minute I call them resolutions I won't do them. These are my hopes.
I'm gonna try.
A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. This is not fluff, it's true. Here's to stepping into 2013.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Caroline
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.
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.
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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