Getting in the spirit!

Thanksgiving is over... FINALLY!!! Sad to say, as much as I anticipate the day... I am really tired of turkey right now!!!! We actually went to eat Chinese after church today. Michael was thrilled! He ate his weight in lo mien noodles and fried rice. You can take the boy out of China but... well.... you can fill in the rest!


We came home and spent the rest of the afternoon preparing the house for the holidays. We had managed to get the outside lights up on Friday... and as it was cold and rainy all day today, I was thankful. So today was just the inside.



As I began to put the garland on the banister Michael started to get excited... he bounced from the banister to the table that holds the Christmas Village. Now, I have quite a collection of houses and churches, and I have 5 that I keep up all year above the window in the living room. Last week he began asking to turn those on, and has turned them on daily since. So he was beside himself when the whole village started going up. Once I was finished he declared it "beautiful"!



Then we moved on to the tree. This is Michael's third Christmas with us. The first two he was more of a witness to the festivities than a participant. Apparently this year, all that has changed. As Carly began unpacking all the ornaments (a ton of those as well!) he was grabbing them as fast as he could, running to place them on the tree. Most of our ornaments are filled with memories... purchased on vacations or received as gifts. There are ornaments with grandkids names as well... with new ones added with each addition! I love to look at each one and remember where we were when each was purchased. Someday when Michael is older I hope that he will appreciate each one as I do.


I did shed a tear as I placed the tree skirt under the tree. Our dog, Roscoe, went to "doggie heaven" this year, and he slept under the tree each year, snuggled down under the tree, dreaming of chasing rabbits. I found myself really missing him at that moment. Hugs from Carly and Michael made it "all better".


Watching the excitement on Michael's face and hearing the laughter as Carly handed Michael each ornament, I began to feel a hint of anticipation. The holidays are so different when you view them with "child-like" wonder.


And I think that this is the way we should be viewing our walk with Christ... through the eyes of children. Always looking at the wonder of all that he has to offer us. Always feeling excited by what he places before us each day. Always finding the laughter in the moment. Always anticipating his return. I know... as adults it is hard to hold on to that child-like wonder. But... I think it would be well worth the effort... don't you?!

Scribbler....

I go to check out my sister friend Rebecca's blog and find I have been bestowed an award! How cool is that... SUPERIOR SCRIBBLER!!! Okay... must admit that I love to write! So this was exciting!!!!! So here are the rules per the original award giver!!!


1. Each Superior Scribbler must pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award. In my case... thanks Rebecca!
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit the original post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List.
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog

Okay... now that all of the rules and regs are taken care of, I must confess... I am going to have to give this some thought! So... I'll spend the weekend comtemplating, and get back with you next week! Have a blessed weekend!

******* Check out the following blogs*********

1. Chapters - wonderful insight that will make you stop and think!
2. Stacy from Louisville - this will definitely make you laugh!

While there aren't five of them listed here... I know that these two are very deserving... and my others have already been nominated... happy reading!!!!!

Let the Feast Begin!

Tomorrow begins the first of our Thanksgiving Celebrations. Our church will have it's dinner following second service. This pitch-in style meal will feature all the fixin's... Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Rolls and Desserts... ahhh.... can't you just see it?!

Thursday we will gather with my family and then Saturday we will gather with Mickey's! The meals will be much the same as the one at church... all the good stuff set out to enjoy... and fellowship to fill the day. I look forward to this week all year long. It sets the stage for a month of Christmas anticipation. Lights go up... the tree goes up... shopping gets finished... presents get wrapped. So much to do so little time!!!

As I thought about all of this today, I realized that we have a banquet being prepared for us in Heaven... even as I write this... the table is being prepared! And as awesome as our meals are on Thanksgiving day, they will pale in comparison to what the Father has in store for us. So my question is, if I am anticipating this earthly feast because it ushers in the celebration of the birth of Christ... am I also eagerly anticipating this Heavenly banquet that is being prepared? After call, this banquet will be in celebration of the RETURN of Christ!!!!

Who is in your family?

Family - the word can bring about a sense of belonging, or a sense of dread. The word family can give you the warm fuzzies as you are whisked back into your past, remembering the good times you shared with those you love. The word family can also bring about a sense of fear, as the memories of darkness and dread overtake you.

One thing about the word family is true in either instance... you can't choose your family. At least that is how the saying goes. But you know what... as Christians we are taught something different... you can choose to become a member of God's family... and as a part of that family, you receive the gift of brothers and sisters who will share your ups and downs with you... and love you just because they are loved by Christ. Notice I didn't say because they love YOU, but because Christ loves THEM!

It is an amazing thing that happens when Christ resides within you. That love that he has for you just begins to seep into every part of your life. If you truly embrace his love, then it can't help but spill over into your day to day life. You will find that you truly have a love for your brothers and sisters that makes them family. You begin to share in their joys, to mourn their losses, to embrace their pain... and you begin to realize that no matter who your biological family might be, you have been blessed with the gift of a "church family" who has come to mean a great deal to you.

So, to my "church family" (and you know who you are!) I just want to say that I am so happy to have you as a part of our lives. You make my family complete... and it is a joy to have you as my brothers and sisters!

Captivity

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

Lately I have felt led to send this verse to a few friends and family members who are going through struggles in their lives. I love this verse, found in Jeremiah 29 (11-14), because it is a continual reminder for me that no matter how MY plans might fall short, God still has a PLAN FOR ME... and I know that his plan is perfect.

Like many, when the plans I have made for myself seem to fall apart, I call out to God, asking him to "Make it all better", and I know from this verse that he will listen to my prayers. When I am seeking him with my whole heart, I can rest assured that He will find me... and the best part... He will bring me BACK from my captivity.

Captivity... an interesting thought isn't it. You might say that you aren't a captive... you are held by no one. But I believe that at some point or another we are all held captive by something: addictions (food, alcohol, drugs), finances, our sinful desires. Or what about being held captive by our fears? Fear of the unknown... be it in our marriages, our health, or our circumstances. Captivity leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless.

I have been there... more times than I can count... and each time my freedom occurred when I turned to God in prayer, seeking him with my whole heart, and I allowed myself to believe that there was still hope... a hope that rests squarely in my relationship with Christ.

So what is holding you captive right now? Whatever it might be, I hope that you will bury this scripture in your heart and find rest in the knowledge that God's plan is to prosper you... and give you HOPE!!!!

Time away

Mickey, Carly, Michael and I were blessed to travel to Cincinnati this weekend to join family for a wedding celebration. Our lovely niece, Jennifer, was married on Saturday.

We traveled up on Friday to join the family at the rehearsal dinner, held at The Montgomery Inn, one of Cincy's famous rib joints. I must say that the ribs there were excellent, as was the chicken (HAD to get the combo!) Carly tried the Coho Salmon, she has been wanting to try salmon for a couple of weeks. It was good also.

On Saturday, we spent time visiting with family and watching the kids play in the pool. Michael enjoyed that, and he took a much needed nap prior to the wedding because of it! ALWAYS a blessing! Then we were off to the church.

Jennifer was a beautiful bride, and the wedding went off without a hitch... the reception was wonderful as well. The food was delicious, and we even got in a little dancing. This morning, we met with family for breakfast before heading back home. It was nice getting to spend so much time with family we don't get to see very often.

As we sat at the wedding, I couldn't help but listen intently to the service. The minister talked often about wishing Jen and Kevin "a love that would last as long as they were on this earth." I know that we all wish this for them as well, but as I sat there I couldn't help but pray for more... I prayed asking God to fill them with a desire to love HIM, because that love... it will go beyond a lifetime.... it will last FOREVER!

Even as a couple stands before a minister reciting their vows, I believe that they should be fully aware that for their marriage to work GOD must be at the center of their lives... and in this day and age I am not convinced that all couples have learned this before they take their vows. It is the single most important factor that will make what they feel on their special day last a lifetime.

And you know what??? Even if you have been married for a few hours... or a few years... it is NEVER TOO LATE to place God at the center of your marriage! It will mean the difference between a lifetime and forever!

One of my favorites...

... I have to tell you that one of my favorite times of the year is fall. Oh, I admit, I hate that my allergies kick into high gear... I hate that the flu bug begins it's rampage around the schools... and I hate the fact that it gets darker earlier... but I absolutely love the colors! As I sit here, I am watching the beautiful yellows, oranges and reds fall lazily to the ground. (Mickey hates that part!) Living in a wooded area affords us much color, and I always struck by how creative God is!

I can only imagine as He and Jesus, accompanied by the Spirit, sat down to map out their landscaping plan...

The Father: So, what do you think... all maples, or should be mix it up a bit?

Jesus: Let's mix it up... make it exciting!

The Spirit: And how about some nuts on the trees... I'm sure they'll come in handy.

The Father: Okay... maple, oak, elm, walnut, hickory... and some nice green leaves, different so we can tell them apart.

Jesus: And some color... how about that? Maybe some yellow... and reds... ???

The Spirit: ... and orange... don't forget the orange, it is one of my favorites!

The Father: Do you think they'll like it??

The Spirit: Do you think they'll notice???

Jesus: Don't worry... they'll love it... who wouldn't love a beautiful crisp fall day created just for their pleasure??

So, okay... I have quite the imagination... but I know that as God designed this earth He had you and I in mind... and I have to tell you... I am overwhelmed as I look at the glory of His creation. And while fall signals the onset of winter... I know that spring isn't far behind!

Happy Fall Ya'all

Last night we had friends and family in for a Fall Harvest Party... costumes were encouraged, and as you will see, our little family was very inventive! Unfortunately I didn't manage to get pictures of our friends, but I know there were alot of cameras flashing all evening long, so there is evidence somewhere. Enjoy the show!

Meet the man of my dreams!

Our "woodland" fairies and Luigi (left) as well as Lucille Ball and Dorothy (Mario was napping)!

And below is our Dorothy with her ruby slippers... gotta show those!

La Carlotta (think Phantom!) and our own personal Ninja!

And below... well... I am my own favorite holiday!