Saturday, November 29, 2008

Message through music

I went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra yesterday with my mom. I have heard their music for years and have fond memories of them because they were one of my father's favorites. The show was fantastic and while there, I was able to really listen to the words and receive the message they were sending with each note.

There were several songs I loved, but there was one that really got me ~ "This Christmas Day". As I narrowed my ears to really hear what was being sung I was amazed that the words so perfectly described what is in my heart this season. See, I have always loved celebrating Christmas! It is a time that since I was a child was filled with magic...the lights, trees, shiny ornaments, cookies...everything that goes into it. As I grew, the appreciation did too. I began to focus more and more on Christ and the reasons to celebrate, which only made the season more magical for me. That said, this year is different and I wasn't able to put my finger on it, until last night. These words and suddenly the lightbulb came on:

"She's coming home this Christmas Day
All at once the world
It doesn't seem the same
And in a single night
You know it all has changed
And everything is now as it should be

I have the ornament
I have the perfect tree
I have a string of lights
I have a chance to see
Everything that my heart thought could be"

It's not the "she" that's coming home, it is the "he" that did.

That's why!! Right there. Everything is as it should be - my family back under one roof, united!!It is everything that my heart thought could be and more! I have been given that chance I always dreamed of - a chance to see my husband in a whole new light! To know a man that I am learning more about each day. My eyes well up just at the thought. He is such a gift to me and with each day that passes this season my heart grows more and more and my gratitude to God rises with every breath. I can not rejoice enough! For that alone, every individual light on our tree will be its own shout to the heavens and each it's own praise to God. Every cookie delivered will be in the name of our Savior, every song sung will be to honor our King and each gift will be wrapped with precise awareness of the gifts we've been given!!!

"...My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46-47

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

Not much to say! Just wanted to add a note that I am thinking of you all and hoping you each have a terrific holiday! Individually there is so much to be thankful for, I hope that you and your loved ones can easily recount all of your blessings!

Big hugs!

~ Ephesians 5:19-20 - Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.~

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Youtube warning!!!!!!

Bella loves to play on the computer. We have always monitored what she does on the computer, limited her time and chosen not to join certain websites to keep her safe. Yesterday she was on a couple of times throughout the day, all while both of us were home and doing things. Last night we were reviewing her history and were not shocked to find the typical 10 year old sites and some others such as youtube. Bella likes to watch movie trailers or the parodies that are put together of some of her favorite characters to music or just some of her favorite music, such as, Miley Cyrus, Cheetah girls, etc......

We decided to look deeper into her viewing of Youtube just to check. What I saw astounded me and leaves a deep deep sorrow in the pit of my being. Bella started by searching for Barbie then she was looking for an old, but familiar and favorite character named Kim Possible. What seemed like a simple and innocent search turned into a parent's nightmare. As we clicked on each link of videos viewed it revealed the very characters she was searching for in very serious, x-rated condition. One video went as far as to show Barbie and Ken having physical relations while hitting one another. Now this was late and we haven't spoken to Bella about it, we plan to do so later today. I don't know how much of these videos she watched, but in my opinion even the slightest was too much and knowing that Bella is in a curious faze because of the normal physical changes in her it is likely that she watched.

We have done everything we can to talk with Bella about sex. To explain that it is a gift from God to be shared between a husband and a wife. That it is a beautiful way to show their love and a way to aid in the bringing of new life to a family. NOW, my beautiful, young, christian child has these images seared into her brain. Images that by no means depict what sex should be. I have been praying this morning on just how to handle this, just what to say and while I know I must turn it over, it stills saddens me so incredibly much that my daughter's first experience with intimacy is via horrific and deplorable videos on youtube.

So I warn you parents, while there are perfectly innocent videos on the site, there are those also posted by creators who does not think, nor care of the significant and long lasting ramifications of their desire to harden a children's character!!!!!!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The "I believe" bug

I follow several blogs and found this on An Open Book and loved the idea...so here it goes.....

I believe I know God more and more every day.

I believe I am blessed with an incredible family.

I believe my husband is phenomenal.

I believe God moves mountains!

I believe St. Louis has surprised me.

I believe I will see snow this Christmas.

I believe that my friends are amazing!!!

I believe that chocolate milk is destined to end up on the floor.

I believe that three year olds are supposed to ruin clothes.

I believe that 10 year olds think they know everything.

I believe that cookies were meant to be devoured intimately.

I believe in Lysol!

I believe that highways are wonderful.

I believe that the letter "l" likes to stick.

I believe that dogs are among the best creatures created.

I believe that dog hair can hide anywhere!!!

I believe a little mess makes a home.

I believe in joy.

I believe that everything I need to know is biblical.

I believe in simplicity.

I believe Jesus Christ died for our sins.

I believe peanut butter is an essential part of a diet.

I believe age has it's privileges.

I believe Bella loves to talk.

I believe that I need to finish painting.

I believe that I could listen to music all day.

I believe in my prayer group.

I believe that God is in it!

I believe that there is nothing that can't be overcome!

I believe in LOVE!

I believe in Hope!

I believe in Grace!

I believe hearts change!

I believe families belong together!

I believe in babies!!

I believe its fun to play!

I believe that Dorian has the cutest ears ever!

I believe that construction crews find great pleasure in waking a neighborhood.

I believe the itsy bitsy spider is contagious!

I believe in peace!

I believe in streets of gold and crystal waters!

I believe in my prince of peace and king of glory!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Complacency

Complacency - 1 : self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.

This has heavily been in my heart this week. I have seen and heard much from society lately that is frightening to me. Our nation is currently in a serious state that has many people concerned about their futures, that I do not question. Our intentions or mindset during this time, however, is. Many times we are not holding ourselves accountable for what we have done or areas that we have contributed that have further complicated our own personal standing. We are quick to call to God for help and shortly after we find ourselves out of the pit, we fail to recognize God daily. We draw near when we need him, but when things are good or going the way we want, we no longer spend time with Him or in His word. We focus our energies on earthly things and people that we think will bring about the changes we need and get so wrapped on the right things to say, do and people to do them that we end up leaving God out. Our entire focus shifts, ultimately, to a very selfish perspective that is all about the "greater good". What is best for everyone. First of all, it is impossible to please EVERYONE. Our desires and wants as human beings change nearly daily, so what we think we want or need today will not be the same in a year. We excuse each other's sin as our way of saying we love one another, we want opportunities to be entirely equal across the board even when it goes against God's direct word. We spend so much time and energy on what we think we have a purpose for, but in reality we don't really stand for one thing. And in the end, it all comes down, again to individual desires. Though we think we are helping one another, will we really be there for one another in the end? Truly, ask that question. When everyone gets what they want, will they finally be content, or will they only want more. Something else to fill a lacking? Complacency is a sickness, a sin. Take this scripture from Revelations for example:

~Revelations 3:15-17 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."~

First of all, how many times do we say things such as this - - "I did this, I did that, I have this....etc...". We fail to give it back, both in the glory and praise of it and in it's true physical sense. Also, how many of you like to drink lukewarm water? I would venture to guess that it is not your preferred tempertaure. It's shear taste is bland and disgusting. Most like it either cold or hot. This is a great example of believers in Christ that follow him in a half-hearted or indifferent way. Who consider themselves self-sufficient. Indifference leads to idleness, which goes entirely against God. He wants us to stand for something, His word clearly defines His will for us and we continue to seek a way that is entirely self satisfying, all the while thinking, we are loving one another and embracing one another. Think about it, would you knowingly throw a loved one into a fire? No, of course not, but how is going against God's word any different than that? It's not. We choose in this day and age to take apart God's word, we want Him with us when we think it's necessary, but any other time, when "we have it under control"....we are comfortable with the distance we put between God and ourselves.

The big question to ask yourself is, "What do I stand for?" and "Why?". Are we living each day looking forward to "that" day or are we just looking forward to tomorrow, to the change we "think" we need. Are we placing our hopes in earthly idols, following God only halfway? Or are we allowing our faith to burn and stir us into action for God? For the real greater good!!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Ribbons and Curls and Dresses that twirl....

this is what my life is made of.

No matter the occassion or the simplicity of the day, it seems that I find myself surrounded by things of the girly nature. Lately, Soph is mad about a small tutu she has, she insists on wearing it with her leggings, pajamas, you name it. And I have absolutely no intention of denying her this right. In fact, as we speak, she is twirling and twirling in the room whilst her ponytails whip around her. It really is divine to watch, really! To see the pure enjoyment on her face, the pleasure she gets from something so incredibly uncomplicated. It is again, another moment in the many that remind me of the innumerable mercies and gifts I have been given. This is but tiny minutes in the big picture that provide such beautiful clarity for those things which really matter! Not the houses, or cars, not the trips or technology, and certainly not the rights or the wrongs....but the most fluid of moments when you are granted a new set of glasses. Glasses that allow you the ability to see one thing; you know what I am talking about - that glimpse of heaven. And just like many times this week, I can look at my 3 year old and realize a genuine peace and joy in her that is breathtaking, a sense that makes my heart melt with gratitude for the obviousness of God in my life!

"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." ~ Luke 10:21

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

We are back!

And had a terrific time. There was not one thing I would change, short of another day! The girls even enjoyed themselves and had so much fun playing with their dolls.....of course, we had to hit the American Girl Place on Friday. Bella brought one of her dolls to have her hair "fixed" and Soph was in awe of the many dolls. In fact, she fell so in love with one that resembled her, Mart snuck away and purchased it, the big softy!!! Anyway, a great time was had by all. We truly fell in the love with the city and can not wait to go back!!








Friday, November 7, 2008

Off to the Windy city with the family for a weekend. I am really looking forward to it. We've got lots of things planned, snacks and movies packed for the road and are ready to go. Although, I will add, that as much I as I am looking forward to it....I will personally be dressed like the abominable snowman himself....."cold" is not my friend! Back soon!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Emergency Warning Systems

This morning the city of St. Louis decided to test all of the warning systems. So about 10am a loud voice could be heard coming from the sky telling residents that the alarms were about to sound and reiterating that there was no cause for concern. I watched as one of our dogs, Dory, began to go a wee bit crazy. So I brought him inside and began to comfort him, which got me thinking......what a great idea. A warning system; an alarm to tell each of us when something it about to go wrong, to give us the heads up to take shelter or procede with caution. Like an internal alarm....you know......"warning - you're about to trip over that curb", or "warning -you're about to say something stupid!". I mean wouldn't that be brilliant? Something that resounds in your mind and just blares the instant you think something idiotic or utter words that should never be spoken. My, wouldn't that save us alot of aggravation and embarrassment? Come to think of it, I guess we've already got one, the Holy Spirit! But as hard headed as I can be, on occassion, I could really use the blare instead of the oh so gentle tug!!! ;)