Fun Filled Weekend!

Well, Abby is really into the Veggie Tales these days, and the Christian Book Outlet was having a birthday party for Jesus this weekend.

Bob

and Larry stopped by to meet the kiddos.

You could have your picture taken with them.

Abby was really excited to see Bob and Larry until.......they showed up. I guess she thought they were going to be a lot smaller. She did not want to meet, touch, talk, or stand by them. I tried really hard to persuade her to get her picture taken with them. I was willing to stand holding her by Bob & Larry......last minute....she didn't want to do that.....soooo....I asked her to take a picture of me with Bob & Larry. The results.....

Fun Stuff!!

Sunday

"The one who sows to please his sinful nature,

from that nature will reap destruction;

the one who sows to please the Spirit,

from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap

a harvest if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:8-9

A Princess She Will Be

On some days, a girl just needs to feel like a princess. I can relate.

As a mother, I have to choose my battles. I've learned clothes are something my 4 year old values at the moment. I have come to accept she has her own ideas, thoughts, and opinions about clothes. She knows what she likes and what she does not!

This was not a battle kind of day.

Apparently, a girl can do anything in a ballgown.

Shop. Draw. You name it, done!

Her dentist is cringing as we speak!

And so, a princess she will be!

When the Holidays are Hard.

I think this not only relates to losing family members, but also dealing with broken families.

a MUST read, please click above & enjoy...

Happenings...

Well after stuffing my belly full last week, here is a little peek at what I have been up to since then...

Abby did this one. She was inspired by Evan's painting!

Around this time of year, I always get in the mood to make things...hundreds of ideas in my head....not enough time to do them all...craziness. You think I would learn to start the projects early in the year. I guess it's the weather...when it's cold outside...why not stay in and make something! I guess I'll give up on some of the ideas.....for now.


Happy Decorating!

Happy Thanksgiving

My Thankful List

(I'm into lists these days!)

• My husband has a job
• Family
• Root beer
• Laughter
• Socks
• Warmth
• Books/Magazines
• A brain to think with
• Grace
• God's Sovereignty & Love

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28

Joy Challenge Day # 40

Completing the Joy Challenge!

• Achieving
• New found knowledge
• Journey
• Inspire
• Conquer
• Fragrant
• Loving

Joy Challenge Day # 39

Joy Challenge Day # 38

Learning about joy.

So, I'm almost to the end of the challenge of intentionally finding joy for 40 days! (I do realize it has been longer than 40 days...sigh.) What I have learned through this journey brings me joy today.

• My mind has the tendency to wonder over to the negative side first. Because of this, I have to retrain my mind to wonder over to the positive side first. This challenge has help me start the process. I look for the joy moments throughout my day rather than staying in those joy buster moments.

• I have purpose in my life. God has created me for a reason. When I find myself doing the things God created me to do, I have joy. It's always a good feeling knowing I am doing the things God wants me to do.

• Loving others. I tend to hide from Love instead of running open arms toward it. God wants me to "love one another." Everyone. He doesn't just want me to love my family and friends, or people who are nice to me. He wants me to love the people who are mean to me, the people who snub me, the very people I want to run away from. I'm taking baby steps, but this is heavy on my heart lately.

• Last & certainly not least, I find joy in my relationship with God. I can't even describe what it's like to have a personal relationship with God. This may sound weird to some people. I am overwhelmed with joy because of my right relationship with Him. Confession. Forgiveness. Love. Strength. Power. Open. Growth. Patience. Peace. Joy. Happiness.

Don't knock it, until you try it!

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

Joy Challenge Day # 37

This season of my life.

I have talked about me not being the "mom" type. I love my daughter, please don't get me wrong. And, I did want to have children. I just always felt like I wasn't ready to have them or that I wasn't capable of taking care of them. I guess I thought I wasn't a very nurturing person. It's a challenge for me. Parenting is difficult. However, as a stay-at-home mom, I'm growing and maturing as a person. Not just as a mom but as a person. My attitude has changed, and I have learned a lot about myself. I'm a mom, a good mom - not a perfect mom, but a good mom. I'm thankful for this time in my life. I have the time to do bible studies. I have time to sit and read the bible and to pray. I have time to spend with God and this brings me joy.


"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:22-24

Joy Challenge Day # 36

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:30