This was her UNcoached reaction.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tiny Little Mommy
My 1 year old niece Kaelynn got her first babydoll for Christmas.
This was her UNcoached reaction.
She knew - instinctively, that you kiss the face. She knew that you carry the baby on your shoulder. I think this is a beautiful display of how God puts in the hearts of little girls - from the very beginning - the skills they will need to be mommies some day. I just hadn't seen this in a "mommy" this tiny. Or so cute. Not that I'm biased or anything!
This was her UNcoached reaction.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy 2013!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! WELCOME 2013!!
"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4, NASB
I am excited to once again be participating in the LPM Blog's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. The first verse I've chosen to memorize is the one above, Psalm 37:4.
The Lord has already started to make this a theme for me, before this year even started. I listened to a message Beth gave on this verse and it really ministered to me. I also listened to her book, "Get Out of That Pit", which was very helpful.
I have been dreading 2013 in some ways for many years, because this is the year in which I will turn 40. Being 40 is not a bad thing, but it's yet another milestone year that reminds me I'm not where I thought I'd be (wife and mother) - where I've believed I've been created to be - my whole life. But I believe God is in control and His plans are better than mine, even when I don't understand them.
I do not view Psalm 37:4 as God being a vending machine and that I can ask Him for whatever I want and He will give it to me. I know that's not how it goes. I do believe that the Lord is capable of doing all things (see the verses on the sidebar there, Ephesians 3:16-21), especially changing my fleshly desires into His desires for me. Maybe His plans for me - at least for now - don't include being a wife and a mother. He has certainly given me a great life with friends, family and a great job and church. I have so much more than so many and have no reason to complain. The voids I feel in my heart I need to seek Him desperately to fill, and I know He will.
I want 2013 to be a year of great personal spiritual growth. I know that will not happen if I am not committed to seeking God in a new way. Much as God loves us, He is not into forcing us to spend time with Him - it needs to be our choice. I need to carve out more time in my day to be with Him and be in His Word, which is the only place I am going to find His desires for me. It is the only place I am going to find Truth. I need to spend more time in deliberate and dedicated prayer, seeking His face both for issues in my life and interceding for others. I want to get off the spiritual plateau I've been on for a long time due to my own lack of desire for MORE. The Almighty God of the universe wants me to seek Him and I have settled for less. It's unthinkable, but that's what I've done. God forgive me and help me not to repeat that mistake this year!
I hope that 2013 will be a year full of God's best blessings for you and your families - and that no matter what happens with circumstances, you will choose to seek Him and yearn to follow Him closer - each day. Because with all that's wrong with this sinful world, the only way 2013 is going to be a good year is if we follow hard after Jesus. In Him alone is all that is good and right and blessed.
Emmu-el came to us in the form of the baby in the manager. That baby is the Son of God who longs to be Lord of our lives. Let Him in and I promise you, you will never regret it. It won't be a smooth ride, but then, what counts costs.
Lord, I desire to delight in You this year as never before. Give me the strength to follow hard after you, no matter the circumstances and would-be distractions 2013 has in store. For in You alone is all that is good, all that is right, all that delights. All praise to You!
"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4, NASB
I am excited to once again be participating in the LPM Blog's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. The first verse I've chosen to memorize is the one above, Psalm 37:4.
The Lord has already started to make this a theme for me, before this year even started. I listened to a message Beth gave on this verse and it really ministered to me. I also listened to her book, "Get Out of That Pit", which was very helpful.
I have been dreading 2013 in some ways for many years, because this is the year in which I will turn 40. Being 40 is not a bad thing, but it's yet another milestone year that reminds me I'm not where I thought I'd be (wife and mother) - where I've believed I've been created to be - my whole life. But I believe God is in control and His plans are better than mine, even when I don't understand them.
I do not view Psalm 37:4 as God being a vending machine and that I can ask Him for whatever I want and He will give it to me. I know that's not how it goes. I do believe that the Lord is capable of doing all things (see the verses on the sidebar there, Ephesians 3:16-21), especially changing my fleshly desires into His desires for me. Maybe His plans for me - at least for now - don't include being a wife and a mother. He has certainly given me a great life with friends, family and a great job and church. I have so much more than so many and have no reason to complain. The voids I feel in my heart I need to seek Him desperately to fill, and I know He will.
I want 2013 to be a year of great personal spiritual growth. I know that will not happen if I am not committed to seeking God in a new way. Much as God loves us, He is not into forcing us to spend time with Him - it needs to be our choice. I need to carve out more time in my day to be with Him and be in His Word, which is the only place I am going to find His desires for me. It is the only place I am going to find Truth. I need to spend more time in deliberate and dedicated prayer, seeking His face both for issues in my life and interceding for others. I want to get off the spiritual plateau I've been on for a long time due to my own lack of desire for MORE. The Almighty God of the universe wants me to seek Him and I have settled for less. It's unthinkable, but that's what I've done. God forgive me and help me not to repeat that mistake this year!
I hope that 2013 will be a year full of God's best blessings for you and your families - and that no matter what happens with circumstances, you will choose to seek Him and yearn to follow Him closer - each day. Because with all that's wrong with this sinful world, the only way 2013 is going to be a good year is if we follow hard after Jesus. In Him alone is all that is good and right and blessed.
Emmu-el came to us in the form of the baby in the manager. That baby is the Son of God who longs to be Lord of our lives. Let Him in and I promise you, you will never regret it. It won't be a smooth ride, but then, what counts costs.
Lord, I desire to delight in You this year as never before. Give me the strength to follow hard after you, no matter the circumstances and would-be distractions 2013 has in store. For in You alone is all that is good, all that is right, all that delights. All praise to You!
Friday, December 21, 2012
His Name is Called...
EMMANU-EL.
God with us.
Matthew 1:23,KJV: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Of all of Jesus' wonderful names, I think this one is my favorite, and the one that brings the most comfort, especially as a single woman who is often lonely, even when I'm not alone. To think of all Jesus left in Heaven to come here to earth and live as a man - and then die the horrible death He did - just for you and for me, is amazing. He came, to be with us. So the lonely need be lonely no more.
Wherever this finds you, this weekend before Christmas, stop for a second and praise the Lord that He came to be WITH US.
Merry Christmas!
God with us.
Matthew 1:23,KJV: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Of all of Jesus' wonderful names, I think this one is my favorite, and the one that brings the most comfort, especially as a single woman who is often lonely, even when I'm not alone. To think of all Jesus left in Heaven to come here to earth and live as a man - and then die the horrible death He did - just for you and for me, is amazing. He came, to be with us. So the lonely need be lonely no more.
Wherever this finds you, this weekend before Christmas, stop for a second and praise the Lord that He came to be WITH US.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Christmas Traditions
I'm linking up today with Kelly's Korner about Christmas traditions.
Growing up, we lived in Ohio far away from both sets of grandparents - Mom's parents were in NY state and Dad's in TX. So it was generally just the 5 of us for Christmas. We went to church on Christmas Eve and then afterwards were allowed to open one gift, and it was usually the gift from my Dad's mother and stepfather (not sure why, it just was).
Christmas morning, before any presents were opened, my Dad would read the Christmas story from the Bible, in Luke.
Then one by one, we would open gifts one at a time, so we could see what everyone got - so Dad would open one, then Mom would open one, then I would, then brother #1 would, then brother #2 would, then back to Dad again, etc. until we were finished with all the presents. I prefer this method over everyone tearing into everything and no one knowing what each other got and seeing the expression on each other's face when Mom opened your present, etc.
Then, we kids would lay out our presents on the sofa on display so Dad could take pictures of what we got to send to grandparents and for the record in our photo albums. We were blessed that we always had great Christmases - nothing lavish - my Mom didn't work outside the home until my youngest brother went to school, and when she did 100% of it went to college savings - but we got (what I now understand to be) generous presents each year.
Throughout Christmas Day, we would play Handel's Messiah on the record player (yes, I'm that old!) That's some of my favorite music ever. We talked to our grandparents on the phone - which, because it was expensive to talk long distance - was a special thing. We had Christmas dinner - usually ham, Mom's broccoli/green bean casserole, crescent rolls, some kind of jello salad, then pecan and some other kind of pie. There were probably mashed potatoes but since I don't care for those I don't remember!
From the time I was 12 years old throughout my junior year of high school, Christmas morning also involved delivering the ginormous newspapers first. My parents were so "generous" to give me a paper route for my 12th birthday. To their credit, they did a LOT of the work and that money went to pay for college. The papers were so huge Christmas morning because they had all the day-after-Christmas sale ads in them.
Unfortunately with us now geographically spread out in 3 states and by thousands of miles, my two brothers and their families, Mom and Dad and I haven't been together for Christmas since the last one at the homestead in Lima, OH in 2005. Maybe some day it will work out. Mom & Dad have stockings for everyone just in case - including an extra for my spouse-to-be in case the Lord brings one, just so it will match with all the others! :)
So for the past 6 Christmases and this one too, it will be Mom and Dad and I in Houston at their house. Thanks to the wonderful technology of FaceTime, hopefully we will see my brothers and their families and be able to talk to them sometime that day. Later in the afternoon, my Dad's side of the family - his sister and her children and their children - will get together for dinner and we will enjoy being part of that. Since 2001 when I moved down here to TX I have enjoyed being part of a large extended family Christmas dinner.
But if you had to ask me my favorite traditions, I would say listening to Dad read from Luke and listening to Handel's Messiah play in the background. Because if we lose sight of what Christmas is all about, all the traditions in the world are just worthless.
Merry Christmas!
Growing up, we lived in Ohio far away from both sets of grandparents - Mom's parents were in NY state and Dad's in TX. So it was generally just the 5 of us for Christmas. We went to church on Christmas Eve and then afterwards were allowed to open one gift, and it was usually the gift from my Dad's mother and stepfather (not sure why, it just was).
Christmas morning, before any presents were opened, my Dad would read the Christmas story from the Bible, in Luke.
Then one by one, we would open gifts one at a time, so we could see what everyone got - so Dad would open one, then Mom would open one, then I would, then brother #1 would, then brother #2 would, then back to Dad again, etc. until we were finished with all the presents. I prefer this method over everyone tearing into everything and no one knowing what each other got and seeing the expression on each other's face when Mom opened your present, etc.
Then, we kids would lay out our presents on the sofa on display so Dad could take pictures of what we got to send to grandparents and for the record in our photo albums. We were blessed that we always had great Christmases - nothing lavish - my Mom didn't work outside the home until my youngest brother went to school, and when she did 100% of it went to college savings - but we got (what I now understand to be) generous presents each year.
Throughout Christmas Day, we would play Handel's Messiah on the record player (yes, I'm that old!) That's some of my favorite music ever. We talked to our grandparents on the phone - which, because it was expensive to talk long distance - was a special thing. We had Christmas dinner - usually ham, Mom's broccoli/green bean casserole, crescent rolls, some kind of jello salad, then pecan and some other kind of pie. There were probably mashed potatoes but since I don't care for those I don't remember!
From the time I was 12 years old throughout my junior year of high school, Christmas morning also involved delivering the ginormous newspapers first. My parents were so "generous" to give me a paper route for my 12th birthday. To their credit, they did a LOT of the work and that money went to pay for college. The papers were so huge Christmas morning because they had all the day-after-Christmas sale ads in them.
Unfortunately with us now geographically spread out in 3 states and by thousands of miles, my two brothers and their families, Mom and Dad and I haven't been together for Christmas since the last one at the homestead in Lima, OH in 2005. Maybe some day it will work out. Mom & Dad have stockings for everyone just in case - including an extra for my spouse-to-be in case the Lord brings one, just so it will match with all the others! :)
So for the past 6 Christmases and this one too, it will be Mom and Dad and I in Houston at their house. Thanks to the wonderful technology of FaceTime, hopefully we will see my brothers and their families and be able to talk to them sometime that day. Later in the afternoon, my Dad's side of the family - his sister and her children and their children - will get together for dinner and we will enjoy being part of that. Since 2001 when I moved down here to TX I have enjoyed being part of a large extended family Christmas dinner.
But if you had to ask me my favorite traditions, I would say listening to Dad read from Luke and listening to Handel's Messiah play in the background. Because if we lose sight of what Christmas is all about, all the traditions in the world are just worthless.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Our sweet redhead's first birthday
Last weekend Mom, Dad and I went out to CA to celebrate Kaelynn's first birthday. It was so much fun. Kaelynn is a sweetie pie. I was surprised to learn that she can actually pick out Hello Kitty. At first my brother and sister-n-law thought it was a fluke but then store after store, it kept happening. So that became the theme for the party. We think it's the big face she sees and likes - and the contrast of the white with black. Her Mommy got balloons with Hello Kitty on them, including a HK mylar balloon that was bigger than K. She literally said "oh...wow!" I had never heard a one year old say that before!
Kaelynn was fashionably late to her party because she overslept, but we were glad she had a good nap to be in a good mood to host her guests. We had a house full of about 30 people, including about 8 kids age 6 and under.
When it came to cake time, we were curious to see what Miss Kaelynn would do. Even though the cake was delish (had fudge in the middle of the chocolate layers!), she wanted nothing to do with it!
Kaelynn learned to walk the week before her birthday and is so cute toddling around. She is a very happy baby.
By far the most precious time for me, though, was the time I got to hold Kaelynn and rock her and read to her. I know I look a mess in these pictures, but I had just gotten up. I love how she points to the embroidery on my shirt - and then how she looks up at me, trying to figure out who I am. Those moments, as well as the ones spent trying to get her to go to sleep at night (she's not the best sleeper and we put her down 2 nights when Mommy and Daddy were out) - were so special. Because I know all too soon she'll be too big to rock and hold and kiss and cuddle. I love you, sweet Kaelynn Mae. Happy 1st birthday, precious girl!
Kaelynn was fashionably late to her party because she overslept, but we were glad she had a good nap to be in a good mood to host her guests. We had a house full of about 30 people, including about 8 kids age 6 and under.
When it came to cake time, we were curious to see what Miss Kaelynn would do. Even though the cake was delish (had fudge in the middle of the chocolate layers!), she wanted nothing to do with it!
Kaelynn learned to walk the week before her birthday and is so cute toddling around. She is a very happy baby.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Happy Birthday, Kaelynn!
Kaelynn, my beautiful niece, is one year old today! I will be headed to CA for the weekend to celebrate her birthday tomorrow and am so excited.
This is such a cute age. She just started walking and like every baby, she walks like she has wooden legs and wobbles from side to side. Everything is a discovery at her new vantage point on life/height at which she now sees the world.
She is as cute as she can be with red hair and big hazel eyes. She looks like her Mommy but is beginning to look some more like Daddy, especially when she smiles. She is a delight and we are praising the Lord for her little precious, healthy life. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
This is such a cute age. She just started walking and like every baby, she walks like she has wooden legs and wobbles from side to side. Everything is a discovery at her new vantage point on life/height at which she now sees the world.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thank you Veterans!!
Today is the one day a year that our nation sets aside to honor our veterans. I have to admit that prior to my friendship with The Yellow Hats, I was one of millions of Americans that took veterans for granted. But knowing people my age that selflessly serve with their family has really opened my eyes to the sacrifices that modern day vets make. I have a much greater appreciation now for all of our veterans - past and present.
On Tuesday this week I was going around to people at work and asking them if they voted, saying that people have died for the right to give us this privilege to make our voice heard. I was absolutely speechless when one girl said "I don't vote". When I said that many people throughout our country's history had died to give her and protect her right to vote SHE ACTUALLY SAID "I didn't ask them to die for me". I had to walk away, people. I was so angry I had no words (which for me, is saying a lot). I really couldn't believe she had said that. How absolutely irreverent and clueless, among other things I could say.
But I'll save my "why you should vote" soapbox for another day. I try to appreciate veterans and their sacrifices now year-round and not just one day a year.
THANK YOU to all veterans - past and present - serving here and abroad - for all you sacrifice to make and keep our country free. I am gravely sorry for taking you and your sacrifices for granted and hope that one day you will receive the honor and gratitude you deserve!
On Tuesday this week I was going around to people at work and asking them if they voted, saying that people have died for the right to give us this privilege to make our voice heard. I was absolutely speechless when one girl said "I don't vote". When I said that many people throughout our country's history had died to give her and protect her right to vote SHE ACTUALLY SAID "I didn't ask them to die for me". I had to walk away, people. I was so angry I had no words (which for me, is saying a lot). I really couldn't believe she had said that. How absolutely irreverent and clueless, among other things I could say.
But I'll save my "why you should vote" soapbox for another day. I try to appreciate veterans and their sacrifices now year-round and not just one day a year.
THANK YOU to all veterans - past and present - serving here and abroad - for all you sacrifice to make and keep our country free. I am gravely sorry for taking you and your sacrifices for granted and hope that one day you will receive the honor and gratitude you deserve!
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