He is holding our hand

Have you ever felt so in wonder of what Christmas will bring you. I have been in wonder this Christmas. Not for what would be under my tree but I wanted my gift to be about seeing and then being able to do. I struggle so much everyday to be the mom I want and desire to be. I make horrible mistakes I find myself apologizing for in my day to my precious kids. I have been praying for this part in me to be changed from a mom who feels impatience or frustrated by my kids... to one who is able to listen, respond, cry more, hug more, kiss more, say yes more, discipline with love not impatience. My prayers are being answered as I read more, listen more, take in more .... so I can be the one my Lord has designed me to be. A woman who is full ! 

I loved this Christmas card (one of my blogger friends in Nashville) posted on her blog today. This brought tears to my eyes as I remembered I am not alone in this. My Jesus is walking alongside me as I raise, nurture, care for, pour into my kids. Isn't is a beautiful picture? I can't see God but I know he is holding my hand every step of the way.

Recently, Alayna asked me if I have ever seen Jesus. I told her no, I have never seen him. She then asked me how do I know He is real. ( my kids always have such deep questions) I told her that sometimes it is not what we can see but what we believe. The conversation ended there but I know more will be asked later. I loved this picture because I believe this is what reminds of how to believe!
In a time of year where celebration, hope, joy,  or even tears, sadness,  and emptiness are felt. Jesus brings us himself. My Jesus is walking with me and you this Christmas season. I hope you know He is there holding us even if we can't see him!!

Prayers of blessings... of hope and love to each of you as we each find our gift and receive this

Merry CHRISTmas 

LOve to you All!

christmas card picture time

The other day I realized I needed pictures of my kids for our christmas card. So we headed to the backyard. I had a blast taking these pictures along with a few frustrations because I was trying to get that perfect picture... in the end I now have some fun memories of my kids just being total goof off's while trying to capture that perfect picture... which I did get but I am not showing here!

I will give

This morning I had a chance to think deeply about all the blessings of my life. One being the shoes on my feet I wear everyday. The many shoes I get to choose from. My slippers in the morning.. because it is so cold... My gym shoes, my dress shoes, my casual shoes, a few pair of flips flops ect... As a shoe lover, I too often take for granted the blessing I have to be able to put shoes on my kids feet everyday.

When we were in Mexico this last October I remember looking down at the kids feet at the work camp we visited. There most of the kids had NO shoes. I was sad to think that they run around all day with no protection from all they are exposed to. I thought how would you be able to provide shoes for little ones and their parents who work all day in the feilds.

Well, I found my answer. This morning I took not more then 3 minutes of my day and $15 to donate 6 pairs of shoes. ( the link is on the right). I thought to myself that I would show my kids what little we can do and how great of a blessing it can be to 6 people somewhere else in the world. The 6 of us have more then 6 shoes. I wanted them to remeber what we saw when we were in mexico. Now that we are how the impact doesn't have to stop. We can still give !

I don't know if you have 3 minutes, $5 to give... for 2 pairs of shoes this year. I think I wear more then two pair of shoes a day!! They also cost more then $2.50 a piece. 

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

I feel so blessed and running over. I want to listen, hear and do what the Lord is telling me to do for his people. Those he loves... those who he sent his precious christmas gift for too! 

Blessings 

15 down.. 35 more to go

28 days ago I didn't think I would be here!
I stand on the scale at 15 pounds less then I started 28 days ago. I look back on this last month and think of all the obstacles that have been thrown my way. Yes, I say throw because they all came in like they were being thrown at my body some how. I started my 1st week with a visit from aunt flo a whole 5 days early. I pushed through and made it through that week 8 lbs lighter. I then left the next week with excitement to spend 5 fun days with my family in the mountains. Little did I know it would end in strep throat .. my most hated sickness ever!! Then after finishing my meds... losing another 6 lbs. I got hit with a fun womanly infection caused by those lovely meds and then my good old Aunt flo decided to fly in on her jet plan two days later 4 days early !!

I must share that if you can ever be discouraged to just give up and go back to your old ways this would be it but I am so glad to say I stuck it out. I only had about 6 days that I didn't eat right due to that lovely sickness of strep!! Due to being stuck in the mountains with no meds for two days it definitely slowed my body down a little but I did still loose a pound that week!!

I know the scale does not tell all.. so you must go to the closet. When I put my clothes on and have to cinch my belt 3 loops tighter and can wear shirt I haven't felt comfortable in for sometime... I am proud to know I did it finally!! My promise I made to myself is one I didn't break. It feels so good to sit here and sing celebration !!

I started with a promise, I would give 6 days... now 29 days later it is not just a habit but a new way I am choosing to live and eat. When I look in the mirror and know my hard work has paid off. I am so motivated to keep going. My goal of 50 lbs by May 2009 ... 30 & fit and not 30 & fat!! It is possible to see my goal in reach. A new way of life in the process so rewarding as well.

Sacrifice means a deeper meaning to me as I have gone through this time. I am feeling held deeply in this time knowing my sacrifice is pleasing to not just me but my Lord. I am a creation of his not just to sit around and indulge but one to live a life that is full. I am full !! Thank you Lord for holding my hand through each day and choice I made. AMEN!!

A 1st for me!

So my friends I have made my 1st pumkpin pie and turkey ( with the help of my Dries's) 

We had a blast baking and making our 1st turkey thanksgiving dinner. I used a recipe I wasn't sure about for the turkey and it came out moist and delicious ... after a number of hours of cooking!!

I am not a chef but I did have a great time cooking all day with my family!!