Not What You'd Expect as a Summation of Christmas

Every time I've tried to sit down and do this blogging thing this week, I've either had too much to say and not enough time to type it all, or nothing to say and at a loss for what to include. So, bear with me.

I could say the usual "Christmas was great," "Drew had fun," "We all ate too much, and enjoyed every second of it," but, while these are true statements, that doesn't really paint an accurate picture.

This Christmas was different for a lot of people, mostly because of economics. Ours was not different in this regard, but our "economics" have determined our Christmas be that way the last few years since our decision for me to be home full-time. I think what was different about our "simpler" Christmas this year is that now I am used to it, and more settled with the idea. I would not trade the way it is for the 'old' way at all. I guess for the first time in my life, I completely GET that Christmas is less stressful, more fun, less ridiculous, more focused, and more centered on truth this way. I did not turn into crazy, spazoid woman, trying to complete list upon list of Christmas tasks. What is a Christmas task, anyway? Isn't that a contradiction? Nothing about Christmas should be a task. They don't belong in the same sentence. Anway, I'm losing sight of what I'm saying here.

Miracles happened in my life this past week of Christmas, and because I wasn't centering my holiday around the usual 'stuff' that goes with it, I was able to be still and recognize them as such. These are not things that would leave you all saying, "Yep, that thar was a meer'cle." But, because of what God has been doing, stirring and directing, in my life, and in the life of my family, He has performed miracles. In other words, things that only He could do.

He has also given me the gift of time. Time with my husband, time with my son, time with both sides of our extended families, and time to be home, together, at the same time. That just doesn't happen in a normal week, and that was (is) a most valuable gift. Time to tend to the relationships in my life that needed tending and cultivating. Time to reflect on what He has done in the life of our family, since we were married, and since Drew was born. Time to reflect on our thankfulness for His provision for our parents, siblings and their families. Time to draw near to the One who gave us the most precious gift ever- His only son.

So, there is some of it. Not sure if more will make its way here in the near future. My thoughts have hit a stopping point for now.

Christmas is Coming!

I am so thankful for the way the Lord has changed how we do Christmas. He has been making little adjustments each year since we've been married, and while I'm sure each year will bring something new, this year is especially exciting to us.

Our excitement is based on the joy of sharing the story of Christ's birth with our son, who knows this year, by visual representation, who Baby Jesus is. It is based on learned lessons from Christmases past. It is based on setting aside that which does not bring glory and honor to the celebration of our Lord's birth. It is based on not scattering our time or our resources. It is based on seeing for the first time the wonder and awe of Christmas through our 'baby' boy's eyes. It is based on our thankfulness for this family God put together, and has chosen to bless us with each day. It is based on the freedom of simplicity and the joy of contentment. It is based on remembering that though God prepared the hearts of the people, in spite of the absence of all other practical preparations, He chose to send His only son, our Lord, to this earth and provide the one gift none of us would be alive without.

I would love to hear how this Christmas will be extra special for your family. Or, let me know how your celebrations have 'evolved' over the years.

The Girl I Used to Be

I found this poem (on this site) and instantly burst into happy tears... I hope it blesses you all as much as it blessed me.

She came tonight as I sat alone...
The girl I used to be...
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye
And questioned reproachfully:

Have you forgotten the many plans
And hopes I had for you?
The great career, the splendid fame,
all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height
With all its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you
And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad
For I wanted her pleased with me...
This slender girl from the shadowy past
The girl that I used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand
And guided her up the stairs
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay
Innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems,
And precious they are to me;
That silken robes is my motherhood
Of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love,
And the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls
For the dear ones who come and go

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest,
She smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw the woman that I am now
Pleased the girl I used to be.

Waiting on... and Receiving... God's Answer

I have to share my joy and give God all the glory for His answer to my prayers! The Lord spoke to me about a particular situation in my life this past weekend through the sermon of our Pastor. Now, normally I am rather transparent with my posts on this blog. However, for several reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to share the specifics publicly. But that is not what this story is about anyway- it is about God's faithfulness to provide me an answer in the situations that burden my heart!

The last few weeks have represented a real struggle to me; I have gone back and forth about what, if any, action was to come from me with this issue. I have had moments of wanting to give up, of selfishness, of self-centeredness, of love, of compassion, of desire to do the right thing, of desire to do what pleases me the most, of desire to do what God would want from me, of apathy, of I'm-not-backing-down, of Your-will-be-done. You name the emotion of struggle - I felt it.

On Saturday, while Pastor was faithfully speaking and sharing the Word of God, several points were made about our responsibility in prayer when we just don't know what to do! While Pastor's points were all beautifully organized and conveyed, we all know that seldom do you get to go home from a sermon and follow the steps, one right after the other, in the correct order. We also know that God does not operate off of a checklist (i.e., if I do this, then this, then that, my answer will come). No, He operates on the basis of our heart and His will.

In the weeks prior, God had also used certain people in my life, without their knowledge, to speak truth to me through their words, even though they were talking about something else completely different.

I sensed that God was at work, and just prayed for, first, help and strength to do the right thing, and second, that the whole situation would be over. I was tired of being in turmoil over it!

Well, I had since explained to the Lord after that service over the course of Saturday evening and Sunday, that I wanted His will, and His plan, to prevail. While I was still frustrated, He heard my heart, and began to work on my behalf.

I HEARD FROM THE LORD TODAY! He resolved this situation, and provided me the wisdom to handle it, not only with grace and love, but with joy and happiness. I am SO THANKFUL for His hand, and how He manages to care about the things that do not take Him by surprise! Thank you, Jesus, for ending this strife and for allowing me the 'time' to seek your will!

Uncle Jason and Aunt Jo-Jo

We spent some time at the park last Saturday with Uncle Jason and Aunt Jo-Jo... I will let the photos speak for themselves. Of course, Andrew had a ball and it was extra special because it has been a long time since we've been able to visit with them.

Festival of Lights

Last Friday, Mom and I took Drew to see the Festival of Lights at Ave Maria. It is when the 'town' has it's town center blocked off just for pedestrian traffic to enjoy the outdoors and fun for the Christmas season.

There were Christmas music performances of all sorts: orchestral, vocal and even dancing (something like a cross between clogging and Riverdance). Santa was there to pose with children for free photos. There was a mini-locomotive for the kids to ride. All the shops were open. Food could be purchased at the two town restaurants, The Bean or Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Food could also be purchased at any number of tents set up around the town center for very reasonable prices. We had six tacos for $5. Then we had smoothies that were BOGO at the Smoothie Cafe.

However, the most impressive are the displays of lights that canvas the whole town. My personal favorite, only because I had never seen such a vignette, is that of Santa kneeling and praying to Baby Jesus.

Nuns were walking about, which always catches me by surprise! Children were laughing and playing, all in a very family-friendly environment.

We have attended several events held at Ave Maria since their Grand Opening, and it is always worth the short drive to do something different outdoors.

Make your Opinion Count.... for my hair!