Overwhelmed and overpriviledged

Well this Christmas would definetly rate up there with one of the best. If my mom were still here, I might make this my number one. My children all received presents that from their viewpoint were exactly what the wanted and more! They all were very gracious on top of that and really poured out the thank you's this year. We all received gifts from each other, homemade or store bought, all in all they are exponentially wonderful! What a wonderful Christmas eve we had opening our presents that morning, spending time with the kids, and then packing to leave for our annual vacation with the family. Late afternoon we ventured out to find some lunch/dinner and came home for more packing and getting dressed for Christmas Eve service. We had a wonderful service which reminded me once again why we do Christmas and then left for family. Traveling in style with my new Christmas present (yes, mama got a new ride) and breaking it in for our annual treck. We flew in around the time Santa would land on the roof top and deliver his toys, tucked out sweet little ones in only to awaken early the next morning. Able to spend time with my step father and just us, with Christmas lunch and then back to the inlaws for more food and presents. Most importantly we have just been able to hang out and spend time with family and friends and relax. We've enjoyed our annual stay, not that it is over but just wanted to touch base and let you all know, I'm relaxing. Believe it or not I don't even have a plan! I just wake up every morning and then we decide on what to do! Build a Bear, shopping, eating, family, church, reading my newest book, and eating some more! God truly showed me the meaning of Christmas is to follow Him, cry on Him, let Him do the planning, and trust in Him more than I ever have before! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Merry Christmas

Today, in the depths of my heart, I have an overwhelming joy and a Christmas spirit that has not been there before. God spoke to my heart yesterday and truly has continued on into today. He has assured me once again that He is in control. That Christmas is about Him and not just more things for me to do. He continues to show me His presence and His sustaining strength in my life. 2008 has been the most challenging year thus far in my 39 years upon this earth. I believe that He is working in a most incredible way and I am thankful. Today I am thankful for all the hard times past and all the hard times to come, because I know He lives and He lives inside my heart today! I pray today for all of you, that your Christmas will be a merry time of remembering Him and your new Year a thoughtful looking into the future of what your mission is to be in 2009! I love all of you so very dearly and so very thankful for each one of your prayers for my family and I this past year!

My blogging will be sporadic between here and 2009.

On the 11th and 12th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

12 beatiful roses

11 degrees outside!!! (brrr)

10 Candy Canes,
9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)

8 cookie platters,

7 carols singing ,

6 Christmas Parties,

5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,

4 Christmas Stories,

3 Blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

My husband gave me a dozen roses for our anniversary and one morning it was 11 degrees outside. But most importantly the one beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree reminds me of the one beautiful tree my Savior was crucified on for you and for me. So as you look at your tree remember that the lights are shining echoing back that the light of the world came and we celebrate that coming on Christmas but that we should be lights of the world always as the evergreen tree never turns brown. We should also reflect that it was a tree that was chopped and made into a cross and that Jesus willing came and died upon that cross for our salvation. This is what Christmas should remind us of! Merry Christmas!

My 15th Wedding Anniversary!

I cannot believe that 15 years ago today, I woke up ready to marry the man I love! I still remember that day and everything about it. I always wanted to be married at Christmas time and I'm so glad I did. Mike is everything I wanted in a husband and more. He is very handsome, tall, athletic, and lots of hair (not sure he will ever lose it). More importantly than looks he loves God above me. He is truly a man after God's own heart. That is what keeps our marraige amazing. He is more than I could imagined in my husband and I am so excited that I've been married to him for 15 years! Woohoo! It keeps getting better and better. I am more in love with him today than I was when I married him 15 years ago. I pray that God will allow him and I to be married many, many more years. I love those anniversaries of 50 and even 60 years of marraige! Thanks to all of you who are helping us celebrate!

On the 10th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

10 Candy Canes,

9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)
8 cookie platters, 7 carols singing ,
6 Christmas Parties,
5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,
4 Christmas Stories,
3 Blessings from God,
2 manger scenes,
And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

On the 9th Day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

9 more presents to buy!!! (I'm running behind this year!)

8 cookie platters,
7 carols singing ,

6 Christmas Parties,

5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,

4 Christmas Stories,

3 Blessings from God,

2 manger scenes,

And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!

On the eigth day of Christmas . . .

My true love gave to me . . .

8 cookie platters (lots and lot of goodies coming to my house at this time),

7 carols singing ,
6 Christmas Parties,
5 hanging Stockings!!!!!,
4 Christmas Stories,
3 Blessings from God,
2 manger scenes,
And 1 Beautiful, lovely Christmas Tree!