I love Christmas time, and would rather keep all the Christmas decorations up and Christmas music playing, but I suppose I must take the tree out and pack away all the decorations for another 10 months and 6 days (if I wait until the day after Thanksgiving). So, my blog is getting its 2009 facelift and the music changes for awhile. I am so thankful that I can have Christmas all year long in my heart though. It's not about the tree and the lights, the decorations, the food or the presents. But rather the presence of my Lord and Saviour. Christmas is about the babe in a manger who willingly left His throne in Heaven to take on the robe of flesh; becoming man so He could feel our infirmities and give His life for ours on the cross. Christmas extends to the grave where He lay buried for three days and then gloriously arose to promise us eternal life when we simply put our faith in Him.
Christmas is the joy that flows through my life.
Christmas is peace that comes from trusting God.
Christmas is love that shows to all mankind.
Christmas is Christ! And when you know Him, you have Christmas all year long!
Reflecting and Rejoicing
Reflections on 2008:
A year ago, we were living in Knoxville, preparing to make a move back to the Memphis area where God was once again directing us.
Wondering what was in store for the coming year, amazed at how fast the year past had flown by.
Leaving behind dear friends as we cherish the life-long friendships made.
A new house; first-time home-buyers, still in awe at what God provided for us!
A new church family with a growing circle of friends.
Charis starting first grade and Matthew in K-4.
A new violin teacher for Charis.
Faith's first birthday in July.
Andrew learning to potty-train.
Rejoicing in a new year: 2009
Once again, standing at the crossroads, wondering what lies ahead. God has been faithful and will continue to be, as He never changes. But change for us is good; those things He uses in our lives to mold us more into His image. Complacency should not be found in the Christian's life. We should be growing, drawing ever closer to our Lord.
This year will be one of changes, as the Lord tarries:
A new U.S. president (what a change!) for our country
Another year older for each of us.
I pray for more wisdom, more peace, more grace, more Spiritual growth.
I pray for salvation for my children and loved ones.
May this year be a more blessed and Christ-filled one than 2008!
Happy New Year!
A year ago, we were living in Knoxville, preparing to make a move back to the Memphis area where God was once again directing us.
Wondering what was in store for the coming year, amazed at how fast the year past had flown by.
Leaving behind dear friends as we cherish the life-long friendships made.
A new house; first-time home-buyers, still in awe at what God provided for us!
A new church family with a growing circle of friends.
Charis starting first grade and Matthew in K-4.
A new violin teacher for Charis.
Faith's first birthday in July.
Andrew learning to potty-train.
Rejoicing in a new year: 2009
Once again, standing at the crossroads, wondering what lies ahead. God has been faithful and will continue to be, as He never changes. But change for us is good; those things He uses in our lives to mold us more into His image. Complacency should not be found in the Christian's life. We should be growing, drawing ever closer to our Lord.
This year will be one of changes, as the Lord tarries:
A new U.S. president (what a change!) for our country
Another year older for each of us.
I pray for more wisdom, more peace, more grace, more Spiritual growth.
I pray for salvation for my children and loved ones.
May this year be a more blessed and Christ-filled one than 2008!
Happy New Year!
Our Christmas
We enjoyed a simple family Christmas this year, and what fun we had watching the children open the gifts under the tree.
We bought a fresh cut tree from a local nursery, set it up with lights and let the kids hang most of the ornaments, while we decorated the mantle and banister.
When they went to bed, we wrapped up a few gifts and placed them under the tree. Over the next few weeks, the gifts gradually increased along with the anticipation.
We bought a fresh cut tree from a local nursery, set it up with lights and let the kids hang most of the ornaments, while we decorated the mantle and banister.
When they went to bed, we wrapped up a few gifts and placed them under the tree. Over the next few weeks, the gifts gradually increased along with the anticipation.
On Christmas morning, we woke about 8am and readied ourselves for the day. I made breakfast and we ate, then cleaned up. After reading the Christmas story, we began pulling gifts out for the kids to unwrap. I'll let Smilebox let you in on the enjoyment of the day:
Charis Dawn!
We celebrated Charis' 7th birthday on Sunday, December 21. So, this slideshow is just of her birthday and her violin recital. Be sure to pause the Christmas music before you go to Smilebox so you can listen to the clips of her songs! And come back to leave a comment for her if you like!
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