Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! This is me enjoying my wonderful Christmas gift from my parents. They gave me a cookie jar full of cookies just like my Nanny used to make and also the recipe to make my own. What a wonderful surprise. Don't you love it when someone gives you a gift that you didn't know you needed or would have even been able to come up with it yourself? Yet, how many times are the perfect gifts those we cannot imagine in our own mind? Sounds familiar? Enjoy your family today and the gift from God that we could not have imagined in our own minds... Jesus!

The First Star

This is a very special Christmas star. Brent and I put it on layaway along with an artificial tree at Walmart for our 1993 Christmas. I remember when we finally paid it off and were able to bring it to our little apartment at Bible School. What a special time that was. I long for those simple days again when picking up a tree from layaway was a special occasion.

Just another reminder of the more we gain, the more we lose. I was thinking about that this year as I have been reflecting on a lot of our family memories. We were the happiest when we did not have as much. I think that is the lesson God teaches in his Word and it truly is the heart of being a Christian! Finding that peace and fulfillment in Christ will leave you fully content!

Happy 16th Anniversary Brent!

It is our anniversary today. We have been married 16 years. I told Brent if we had begun our life from the first year we were married, we are now at the legal age to drive! We have been through so many experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. I think we have the marriage vows covered so far,(in sickness and health, richer or poorer) and God has blessed us to come so far in the short time we have been married.

We have brought three children into this world, adopted one special little girl, and have lost two babies in miscarriages. That is a lot of children that God has entrusted into our care. Somehow I do not feel capable or qualified to do all that God has asked me to do and constantly call Him on this! God reminds me that I am not capable of doing this alone and that is why He brought Brent to me. Brent is the special gift that allows me to keep going when I do not feel like it. He is my complete opposite yet my complete fit. Where I lack, he has the ability. It is amazing how perfect a fit he is for me!

Happy Anniversary, Brent! I love you!

Pink Christmas Cane

This is an ornament Brent requested from his mom that they used to put on their tree when he was growing up. I am not sure of the sentimental value, and I need to ask Brent to tell me the story behind this ornament made of felt pipe and glitter. He loves this ornament and it has been faithfully on the tree every year. Isn't it amazing how we can get attached to something so small or trivial as a small handmade ornament? I know for a fact that Brent would notice if it was not on the tree.

God views us like this! We can seem so insignificant, faded and small but he notices when we are missing or have gone astray! We mean so much to Him even when we do not feel that we amount to anything!

Sunday School Ornaments

What tree is complete without a few Sunday School ornaments on it? I cannot even remember who made this one, but it is faithfully on the tree for the last few years. It is special to me because the children made it and it represents that part of each of our lives when we could simply worship Jesus by using crayolas and construction paper. What a wonderful concept to take the time to enjoy who Jesus is with the creativity and freedom that coloring can bring!

Dakota was coloring for me a coloring page that she brought home from Church this week. I have included it below. I love that Jesus has a pink face and the manger has a very fashionable blanket. Dakota worked very hard on this picture and after some time she looked at me and said, "Mom, I want to go there!" I asked her where she meant. "I want to go to Baby Jesus!" she replied. I asked her if she meant the place in the picture? "Yes, Mom. I want to go there. It is dark and the moon is outside" and she went on in her own way to describe the scene. The realist in me almost started to explain to her that we cannot actually go there, but Jesus is in our heart, etc. Then I stopped myself before I began. Why can't we go there? Why can't I let her enjoy that beautiful curiosity and belief that so many of us have put away. I have to say I was envious of Dakota in that moment. My hard heart that disbelieves so much and struggles in so many ways would soften to mush if I could just once again pick up a crayon and color Jesus, and all at the same time long to be part of the picture!

Cross Stich Ornaments

I made these our first Christmas together. I believe I started them before we got married and had them ready for our first Christmas tree. Does anyone cross stich anymore? I got to thinking about that when I was looking at them this year. There was a time that this was a very popular craft. If you have ever cross stiched before, you know how much detail goes into something even as simple as this ornament. First you must have all the colors of thread. There is a special code for each color. You have to find that exact color at the store and arrange all the colors before you even begin. There can be multitudes of colors in even the smallest cross stich pattern. Then comes the map. The map tells you exactly where to start and how many rows of each color goes on the cross stich fabric.

I got to thinking about our lives as Christians. We are always being prepared by God aren't we? We are complicated in that God has many plans for us and never uses us just as we are. He brings people and experiences into our lives to help us be prepared for what He has for us. Just like the multitudes of colors in the cross stich, these people and experience make us a masterpiece in the end. It isn't always easy to see the outcome in the beginning stages. It usually doesn't make sense, but God sure knows what will be the big picture because He is the one holding the map.

Cross stich projects are never quickly done! I think that might be the reason they aren't as popular as they used to be. Have you ever seen a Cross Stich for Dummies book? I haven't! There isn't any shortcuts to this craft. It is a craft of patience and painstaking detail. We desire the quick and easy with full results. God doesn't get the glory in that. It is the masterpiece woven with many colors that brings God the glory.

Pilot in Training

I bought this for Brent in 1999 from a pilot catalog. Brent flew a lot during this year and loved each minute of it. I was so happy to see him doing something that he loved so much. Unfortunately he has not been able to fly in a long time. I pray that one day he will be able to get his pilots liscense and have the ability to fly.

God gives us crazy dreams and desires to keep us alive inside. Everytime I find myself in a dark,lonely place, I also find myself void of any dreams or aspirations. God's gift to us is the desire for adventure! It is what keeps us alive at times of hardship and stuggle.

Reindeer

I received this ornament when I was in elementary school from a childhood friend. I still have it to this day and it reminds me of the joys of childhood. We lose the appreciation and wonder of the simplest things as we grow older. I still remember that this was a special ornament that you could only get if you bought a certain amount of gift certificates from McDonald's. It was such an honor to me to own a unique ornament such as this. I remember thinking this to myself!

McDonald's was such a special treat and seemed to have some magical value to me. Today most children view the experience as just another dinner in the car on the way to somewhere! How things change! I long for these days once more where McDonald's was a magical treat and getting a special promotion was the highlight of my Christmas!

Mr and Mrs Andy

This ornament was a couple long before Brent and I were! My parents had them on their tree and now I have the privelege of hosting them every Christmas on mine! They have stayed true to their love throughout the years and I make sure they are placed together on the tree every year in tradition.

Remember when Raggedy Ann was loved more than Barbie? She has such a comfort about her and so many little girls had their very own doll to go to sleep with every night. What simple times we long for. The comfort of a rag doll.

Nothing but Love....

The year was 1995. We were all living in one house at some point of the year. When I say all, I mean Brent's parents, Jennifer and her family, Todd, Deborah and Brent, Tyler and I. None of us had money and I can't remember how we all made it through that year. I was not working outside of the home, so I watched Sarah so Jennifer could work, transported people to and from work and tried to put dinner on the table when I could for everyone. We truly had nothing but love that year.

That is what I love about this ornament. Jennifer made us these. Mine is the only one that had made it though all the moves intact. I love that we all survived that year and something beautiful came of it. I love handmade gifts! There is so much love and thought put into them.

With a failing economy, I am very scared. I keep wondering how we are going to make it each and every day. The last time I remember feeling like this, was during the time of this ornament. We did pull through. We did it as a family. It took everyone doing their part. We need to find that courage and strength and teamwork to do this once more! Through God, we will survive!

Our First Ornaments

These were the first two Christmas ornaments Brent and I bought for each other. I actually remember us buying them together. It was in Wisconsin and we bought them before we got married that December. I remember what a special moment that was realizing that we were forming our own family and were starting our own decisions. Decisions that were as simple as choosing which ornaments we would purchase for our very own Christmas tree.

How far away that day seems to me right now. I wish that was the biggest decision we had to make this Christmas. Choosing and ornament for a tree seems such a simple and magical moment to be experiencing and yet doesn't every good story start with a simple moment such as this?

I love that Brent and I are still able to put these two on the tree together after all these years (almost 16!) These little plastic ornaments have made it through many moves, homes and various Christmas trees. God has blessed our marriage as well. We have also been through many moves, homes, children, illnesses and experiences. God had been faithful!

My Silly Little Man

This brings back some of my favorite memories of Christmas. This is not the original silly man, but one I had found a thrift store. He looks almost identical to the one I remember from my childhood. I actually have him sitting on my desk to look at while I work.

When I was around Dakota's age, I remember seeing him for the first time. My Nanny would put up a special wreath every year and this little man was perched up in the wreath along with the other decorations. I loved to look at him and my biggest desire was to hold him in my hands.
"Nanny, I want to hold that silly little man in my hands!" I would beg over and over and over. It was explained to me that he was glued onto the wreath and could not be released from his Christmas captivity. I cannot tell you how many years that went on. It became a Christmas tradition for me to beg and plead for this request.

I love this story because I know if Nanny had taken him off the wreath the first time I asked, the story would have been over. It would not have carried on from year to year. Doesn't God do this for us? If He gave us what we wanted every time we asked, our story would not continue on and on..... He loves to keep His story alive in us. The hardest part is realizing that it isn't about our desires but Him.

Christmas Tea Ornament

It was 1996, I believe and I stepped out in my uncomfortable zone and went to a women's ministry function at Northland. It was a Christmas Tea event and an ornament exchange. I honestly feel very uncomfortable at those types of functions as I feel like it is a "whos-who" of perfect moms and women and I am always the one that had failed at everything in my opinion. Nevertheless, I felt led that year to go to this event. I believe I took Brent's mom with me so that I would not be alone in my endeavor. I cannot even tell you what ornament I took, but this is the one I received. I love it that it is handmade and someone took the time to make this for me even though they did not know who would be receiving it. It is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing it each year on the tree.

It always reminds me that stepping out of your comfort zone has its rewards. There are people that want to serve you and give to you if you only allow them to.

Our Tree

Here is our tree. As you can see, we are a far cry from the caliber of the Northland Christmas display! Notice how all the ornaments are on the top half? Avert your eyes to the bottom right corner of the photo.....that is the reason why. Sweet little baby kitty loves to find an ornament she wants, bat it off of the tree and take it to a secret hideaway. That is the reasoning behind the top-heavy tree. How does something so sweet and innocent cause so much trouble?

She loves to sit by the tree. Because of her, we are all drawn to the tree whether it is to pick up an ornament off of the floor or to sweep up broken glass. She makes us remember to look at the tree and I love her for it!

Christmas Thoughts

This the Christmas tree at Northland this year. It is absolutely beautiful and has that "look but don't touch" feel about it. It is a grand tree and is wonderful to see when you walk in the front doors. It is not a real tree, though. It does not hold memories, handmade ornaments or any sentimental value whatsover. That is because it is everyone's tree! Over the next few days, I am going to share with you our "real" tree. It is not grand or glorious and most would not stand more than 10 seconds to look at it. As I said before, it is the only Christmas thing we have going right now. I would like to share with you our ornaments and the story behind some of the special ones. I am going to try to post one a day until Christmas or until I run out!

Christmas Spirit

I usually cannot wait for Christmas, and yet for the past few years I have felt a numbness towards the whole Christmas experience. I am not sure what happened. I used to thrive on traditions and the wonders and joy of opening each box carefully put away the year before. These boxes of decorations and memories still sit in the garage waiting for me to get them. We have a tree up and a few ornaments decorate this tree, but that is all. I feel no desire to hang up lights, or and other decorations this year.

This morning I decided to look to a dear old friend for some Christmas cheer... Peter Marshall. I wish that I could have heard him speak in person. I love what he says and have always found comfort in reading his sermons.

Christmas

by Peter Marshall

We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas -- for all the old famliar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who had made all things was one night to come as a babe, to lie in the crook of a woman's arm.

Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring Thee the gift of our love -- a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. But now, on this Christmas Day, that love would find its Beloved, and from Thee receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.

We bring Thee our gratitude for every token of Thy love, for all the ways Thou hast heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone.

And we do pray, Lord Jesus, that as we celebrate Thy birthday, we may do it in a manner well pleasing to Thee. May all we do and say, every tribute of our hearts, bring honor to Thy name, that we, Thy people, may remember Thy birth and feel Thy presence among us even yet.

May the loving kindness of Christmas not only creep into our hearts, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas stay with us now and forever.

In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray. Amen."

God's Blessings

We were blessed by God last week! The team from our partner church in Egypt were here in Orlando for a sports conference. We were able to host several of the team in our home. What a blessing each member of the team was to our hearts. God sent his comfort and heart to us through them. I am so thankful that we could receive such encouragement at a time that we needed it most. I love God's timing. It is perfect.

Romans 1:10-12
In all my prayers, I ask God to make it possible for me to visit you. I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith. What I am saying is that we can encourage each other by the faith that is ours. "
"

Provision

Have you ever seen a traffic light bulb being changed out? I haven't until the other day. This truck pulled up and put up the ladder, replaced the bulb and was done before the next rotation of the light. What an opporutnity to actually see this! I take for granted the fact that there are bulbs in the traffic lights that work and have never stopped for even a second to think that someone is watching over these lights to make sure they are always working. If they are not working, someone is dispatched to fix them before any accidents occur.

What provisions has God given you that you take for granted? He does so much for each of us, and it usually includes something we do not even realize is a provision in our life. If you are blessed, you can see this happen in front of your eyes!

Psalm 115:5

" He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever."

Mending a bumper....

I saw this in a parking lot yesterday and discovered that I was looking at a portrait of myself. Can you see the resembelance? I feel this way. I have made many mistakes in my life and feel that I have many dings and dents. Just like this car, I try to fix things that I have no skill to fix.

Apparently there is no way for this trunk to close, so packing tape was used to keep it shut while driving. We many snicker or laugh at this sight, but in our lives do we not do the same thing? We claim to know how to fix things only God can mend. We work in our own efforts and we settle for a sad substitute when sometimes God wants to just bring us in the body shop and have us shine like new.

Psalm 30:1-3

" I will exalt you, O LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave [b] ;
you spared me from going down into the pit."

Smitten.........

Remember my post earlier in the year when Dakota was terrified of meeting the characters at Disney and the boys had to stand with the characters instead?

see: http://thetallmanfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/extra-mile.html

I took Dakota to Disney today and she is now smitten with the characters. She just loved seeing the princesses. She kept asking to go back and see them for the rest of the day. She was so touched that Cinderella asked her so many questions and wanted to know about her. It was such a blessing for me to see Dakota be able to enjoy that moment.

I am also touched that God does that same thing for us. He wants to know about us. Sometimes He brings us little moments of joy just to let us know that He cares. It is those moments that allows us to charge forward and keep going when things get tough.

Psalm 138:5-7


"Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
and the power of your right hand saves me."

Costumes

I had fun making costumes this year. I actually made myself one, which I hadn't done for almost 10 years. I had found the necklace in Egypt and really wanted to make an Egyptian costume inspired by the colors from it. I made Dakota's costume and two others. I am realizing that the boys are getting older because they are now just content to put their camoflauge on and be on their way trick or treating! They no longer have high dreams for a special costume. It is a strange feeling that I do not have that opportunity to what I have always done, sew like crazy getting everyone's costumes done on time.

I have been reflecting on the realization that things change. I get so set in my ways and centered on the small problems that I am dealing with. I fail to stop and realize that I am also losing what is familiar every day as the kids get older and more independent. Watching them grow and struggle, succeed and fail, and just become who they are meant to be has been an amazing and scarry thing all at the same time. I am trying to trust God this week to appreciate and wonder in the moment today knowing that this moment will soon be gone.

James 4:13-15

" Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

Biggest Decision

I was driving in my car yesterday and it occured to me as I passed church after church with the "Vote Here" sign out front, that in America, a majority of our polling places are places of worship! Our country makes its biggest decision at church! We fear the government taking God out of our schools, workplaces, and daily lives yet fail to find it a blessing that the government turns to our churches every four years to host its biggest event........The presidential election. What a wondeful way for us to serve others.

I am also challenged by the fact that I am still a Christian no matter who becomes president. I am also challenged that when your candidate does not win, others are watching! How will you react? Will you be bitter? Will you immediately start to trash the new president? What an opportunity to witness to others by showing kindness and respect. People are watching, it is never rudeness, bitterness, or unkind words that shows God's love to others. If that were the case, the life Jesus led on this earth would have been so different. He would have fought back at the cross and made sure that a protesting riot broke out as they brought him to Calvary. That is not the example he led.

I am excited by the opportunity that we will be challenged these next 4 years. We desire the mindless position of citizen where someone does all the thinking for us and we do not have to worry about what happens next. That is the comfortable zone we all desire. We now have to pray (which we should be doing anyway) for our country and that we find the strength and the discernment to do what is right every single day. I love our country! I love the fact that we have a winner and a loser on election night, we do not have someone merely telling us who the next president is. We have spoken as a country and the results are in. What will you do next? Someone will be watching, not only God but others who need him.

Daniel 2:20-22

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him."

The Voting Line

Brent and I went to vote today. It was about a 1 1/2 hour wait. This line curved around almost twice when we got to the door to vote. It was an interesting experience as people just patiently waited to cast their vote. I did not hear anyone being vocal about their wait or impatient. We met a few people along the way as well. A local realtor happened to be standing in front of us and we got to talking about the market and he was able to give us quite a bit of insight on his end of the business. He had been all over the world and lived in South Korea for over 10 years.

We would have never talked to him that long had we not all been forced to stand in line and wait. I am challenged by the opporutnities that are presented each day. They are there for a reason. It is like an adventure we set out to experience each day with God. He has a plan and an experience for us, we just have to agree to let Him work each day.

Brent and I and the boys watched the latest Indiana Jones movie this past weekend. ( I know we are a little behind the times) It made me think how our Christian walk should be like that type of adventure! The movie always has him teaching in his classroom and then someone always comes to the door and BAM! he ends up is some kind of adventure where his friends become his enemies and his enemies becomes his friends and in the end he always gets the prize.

I know God works like that....You are just going through your normal life, minding your own business and BAM! your life gets turned upside down. Your friends become your enemies and your enemies become the ones who teach you the most. You might find yourself apprehensive of what is coming next. Fearing the unknown, but at the same time realizing that there is great reward on the other side. God doesn't put us down an adventuresome road for His entertainment, but for us to lean on Him for strength. It is very scary and exciting all the same, so grab your hat and your whip and get ready!

I Corinthians 16:13

" Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."

Brent's Blog

Brent is now coaching football for the fall season. I am so proud of him and the way he has been teaching the boys so much this year about attitude and responsbility. He has done an amazing job showing them that there is more lessons for life than just the sport itself. If you would like to follow their journey, he is now blogging their progress:

http://awinningattitude.blogspot.com

Getaway............

Brent and I just returned from a three day cruise out of Port Canaveral here in Florida.

Pray for Cindy

Please say a prayer for my friend, Cindy. She is battling Stage 3 breast cancer right now and my heart goes out to her every day. I have this ribbon on the back of my car so that I will think of her everytime I go out. You can follow her journey through her blog site: http://armygirlsx4.blogspot.com

She has been such an inspiration to me during her journey. Please pray for a miraculous healing in her body. She is such a caring, generous, and wonderful person. I struggle with why God would allow someone so sweet to have to go through this horrible disease. I know God's plan does not always go along with our mentality. Please pray for His strength to get her through this time in her life.


Isaiah 55:8-13
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

Samaritan's Purse

We were able to hand out shoeboxes while we were in Egypt to many children. This photo was taken in Cairo in the Deaf School. We were preparing to hand them to the children as they came through the room. We did not have enough for each child there as it is impossible to ever have enough when you have no idea how many children there will be. It is so hard to tell children that you have no more to give. They all have such a sweet spirit and I never saw a child throw a fit because they walked away empty handed.


If you have ever participated in Operation Christmas Child and filled a shoebox...Thank you so much. What an honor it was to see them receive these boxes in person. Sometimes we tire of giving when we do not see the fruits of the gift. Please know that each box is loved and received with such joy. The video is of the children at the orphanage receiving the gifts. We had enough for these children as we were told ahead of time exactly how many children there would be.

Egypt

This is a photo of me and a lady from the Senior home in Cairo, Egypt. She was such a blessing to me! I have really had a hard time getting my thoughts together after I returned from Egypt. It was an amazing experience and like no other I had experienced in my life. I was introduced to a people that I had never met, living in conditions I had never seen and still they had such joy and a generous spirit!

Humor

It has been a rough couple of weeks with various things and I had a good laugh over this one! I love these Bill Gates/Jerry Seinfeld ads. I think what I like about it is that you have no idea what it is about but it is funny. It reminds me of the slap-stick comedy that became popular during the depression. With our economy looking the way it is, it will be interesting to see what direction our entertainment industry takes.

Determined

There are many fuming Packer fans right now! By now I am sure you have heard the news that Brett Favre is now a Jets player. Wasn't it just a few months ago we said our tearful goodbyes? It is funny to see so many fans take this in such a personal way, "why would he do this to us?" I have even heard Tyler ask.

Personally, I think it took him more courage to come back and play in the sport, than to have gracefully retired in his hallmark card ending. Honestly, he is 38 years old, and starting out-of-shape in a football season that is about to begin. Not to mention he is playing in the foreign land of New York! I have thought about this since last week and have come to the conclusion that he would have physically stopped breathing if he did not play. I think football season was coming around and he realized that he would not make it by simply sitting on the couch with a bowl of chips and dip and watching the game from a lazy-boy! He had to play or he would die....

I would love to serve God that way. I want to be in that place where even when I have the opportunity to receive praise and recognition for what I have done and are presented the chance for an easy life, I will just go right back out and keep serving Him. I want to be that way even when it isn't the popular thing to do and people hate me! That takes determination and courage that only God can provide .

I love this passage about Paul... He was the original Brett Favre!

Acts 21:12-14

" When we all heard this, we and the people there begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But he said, "Why are you crying and making me so sad? I am not only ready to be tied up in Jerusalem, I am ready to die for the Lord Jesus!"
We could not persuade him to stay away from Jerusalem. So we stopped begging him and said, "We pray that what the Lord wants will be done."

That Salon Feel.....

I got my hair cut this week. I really got it cut, too! Probably 6 inches and it is the shortest I have ever had it since high school. It looked so easy to do as the stylest used a blowdryer and roller brush. I went home and didn't want to wash my hair again because I knew what would happen if I did. I woke up today after washing it last night and can NOT get it to look like it did when I walked out of the salon. I did exactly as she did, (in my own version) and cannot get it to have that Salon look.

It makes me think of "that salon feel" that occurs in so many situations... recharging at a conference, getting married, starting a new job, getting your tax return money....I could go on and on. with examples. It is that feeling you get when you think, "I actually think I can conquer the world!" Then life happens and you realize that Salon feeling will not last every day. But that's okay! I think God gives us those little moments to jump charge our joy factory and sometimes that feeling can get us back on our feet when we need it most. I like the verse below from James. God basically tells us, "enjoy the good times and praise Me for them".

James 5:13

"If you are having trouble, you should pray. And if you are feeling good, you should sing praises."

Jealousy!

Dakota is so jealous that she is not the baby of the house right now. I haven't seen her like this before. She has been crawling on the floor, wanting me to hold her and talking like a baby since my neice Cadence has come to visit. It is always interesting to see someone when they get put out of their place and how they react. We all feel comfortable in the little position we have placed for ourselves and usually feel quite threatened when someone shows up better than us or even the same as us.

Romans 12:16

"Live in harmony with one another.

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate

with people of low position."

Do not be conceited.

Everything Water

Isn't she just an angel?.......The last few weeks have been all about water. I don't know what happened, but Dakota has just entered that stage where she realized how much fun messes can be. I have had an overflowed toilet. sinks, floors, you name it... she has made a mess with water. I am not sure what she gets out of the experience, but I know what I have gotten out of it....extra work! One day she came to me Soaking wet head to toe holding two pieces of bacon in one hand and my tweezers in her other hand. I didn't even ask what she was doing, just went searching for the water source. Scarry thing is, it took me quite awhile to find which sink was overflowed.

My word for the week is patience! The boys just couldn't go to sleep tonight, finally at 3:30am I heard noises again and went to find boys staring at me wide awake. Now they are asleep and I can't go back to sleep! But, because they were up, I was able to find out Brent had emailed me telling me he arrived safely in Egypt and had finally gotten an internet connection. That I am thankful for! I think I shall learn the lesson of patience a little more every day!

Proverbs 19:11
" A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense. "

No Word

Brent was not able to take his phone with him to Egypt because of the expensive rates, so it just sits here on my desk. I have never been in the situation when I have not been able to get in contact with him if I need him. So..I just sit here and wait for word if he made it there okay or not. I know that they will not have the ability to have the internet for a few days, so I find the silence deafening. I am amazed what I take for granted.

It is hard to trust God in situations where you will not know the results for a period of time. I am learning to stretch my faith and trust in Him

Psalm 9:9-11

" The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Sing praises to the LORD, enthroned in Zion;

proclaim among the nations what he has done."

Airport

Tyler and I saw Brent off today at the airport. It was sad to see him go, but I know that God will use him in great ways. As I type this he is flying on his way to Cairo ( a 12 hour flight) I am thankful that we were able to finally get everything packed and accounted for and he can just sit back and relax.

Goodbye

It is hard to say goodbye to someone you love! Brent leaves today for Egypt and it will be the longest we have ever been apart. I feel very blessed to have someone to miss! I feel blessed that someone will miss me! I am praying that Brent will enjoy his time to serve in an area that he has never been. If you would like to catch up on his journey to Egypt, you can catch his blog:
http://brentsjourneytoegypt.blogspot.com/

Genesis 31:49
"And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

Grounded!

Dakota got a new doll in the mail from her Aunt Deborah and Uncle Patrick yesterday for her birthday. She was so excited and I had not seen her play with dolls for awhile as she normally is seen with toy cars and trucks. (The results of boys in the house!) She read to her doll and sang to her doll and then I heard a "you are not being nice!" and she took her doll to her room and put the gate up and grounded her. All I could think was OUCH! That is her viewpoint of motherhood? :) Don't you just love seeing yourself in another's eyes? I know there were times Dakota defnitely needed that time out as we have been through quite a few toddler moments, but you hate realizing what you look like in doing so. I know there are times she will need a time out again, but I am convicted to listen to how I go about in doing so.

Proverbs 3:11-12

" My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline

and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,

as a father [b] the son he delights in. "

Mirror

I was thinking this week about Mirrors. When I worked in the podiatry office, we would get diabetic patients in our office quite often in which would come for just a check up and find out by the doctor that they had a wound on the bottom of their foot. Every once in a while I would hear, "Emily get the mirror" from the doctor and I would get the large mirror for her to show them the wound on the bottom of their foot. Most diabetic patients have no feeling in their feet at all and do not even know when they have stepped on glass, nails, tacks and other sharp objects. We had a patient with a nail in their shoe who was walking around for quite a while with it sticking in his foot every time he put his shoes on. Because they cannot see the bottom of their feet they usually do not believe they have the wound at all. The doctor has to get the mirror to show them the bottom of their feet. Once they see the gaping wound, they really do not have anything else to say but, "You're Right".

Ever ask God to show you any areas that you need to work on? I am scared sometimes to ask that question as in my mind I feel I cannot see those issues at this time, so they probably do not exist, right? Then he gets his big mirror out and shows me what I cannot see in myself or refuse to believe about myself and all I can say is, "Your Right."

Psalm 51:5-7

"Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ;

you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Cadence

I had the privilege of meeting my niece for the first time yesterday. She is so sweet. Just had to share with everyone!

The Impossible?

I just had to share this with everyone. No matter what your political views are, you have to admit that this is an amazing video! I actually got goosebumps when I watched it for the first time. I love how this organization has taken the most opposite people and pair them on a couch to sit and agree for just one moment. You know the saying, "When Pigs Fly" or "When the Cubs win the World Series"? I think that this is up there with that. The thing is, people listen to a statement this big. It is nothing to see these two people argue, but to be peaceful and agree? This is exactly the impact God's love and compassion can make on others. It isn't the nice to the nice, but the kind to those who probably don't deserve it. But who really deserves kindness? I know I don't. I love that God has been kind to me regardless of my displays of imperfection.
I love the following passage, it goes along with the "When Pigs fly" theme.

Isaiah 11:1-9

The Branch From Jesse
" A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -

and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;

but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling [a] together;
and a little child will lead them.

The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest.

They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea. "

The Table

I took this picture when Brent's parents came to visit us a couple of weeks ago and we were all sitting down to enjoy a meal together. It made me think about the whole idea of sitting at the table with friends or family and the feeling you have when you know you are wanted. We were at a church function last Friday and there looked to be no place to sit as we came in with our food. Some friends saw us and motioned for us to join them. There looked to be no room at the table to me, but somehow with some creative rearranging, they made room for us to sit. That is such a wonderful feeling, isn't it? God provides that for us every day. In the bible He brings that same analogy of being invited to sit at the table. I am thankful for that opportunity.

Luke 14:9-11

" and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Pose

Dakota was sitting out by the pool one day last week and I went for my camera because she looked so cute sitting there. The problem is when she saw me with the camera, she had to pose! She actually fixed her hair and this was the look she gave me for her photo. Where does she learn these things? I am amazed at the difference between girls and boys. I go for the camera to take a picture of the boys and they are either putting rabbit ears behind their brothers or making faces. Posing cutely would be completely out of the question. God sure made us different, didn't He? I am thankful for that. It is our differences that make us thankful for each other and keeping us looking to him to be complete.

I Corinthians 12:5-7

"There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. "

Lazy Days of Summer

The boys have said many times that they have been bored this summer. Colton and Wesley enjoyed a moment this past week driving their remote control boat in the pool. If this is their idea of bored, I sure wouldn't mind that problem! Summer is such a wonderful time of the year for children. The rush of school, tests and projects are over for at least a few months and the only job is now to keep occupied with things that they enjoy. I could use a few lazy days of summer myself!

Exodus 31:17

"This day will always serve as a reminder, both to me and to the Israelites, that I made the heavens and the earth in six days, then on the seventh day I rested and relaxed. "

Happy Birthday Dakota!

Today is Dakota's birthday. We had a little get together this evening and Mama and Papa were also there to share in her special day. Dakota loves the whole birthday idea and the cake and presents. She needed a little help from dad to blow out the candles! We love you, Dakota and thank God He sent you to our family!

My Brother

My brother is currently serving in Iraq and we are praying for him daily. It is hard when you worry about someone so far away. I was thinking recently what the difference was between worrying about someone far away vs right in my own home. I have had to realize that I do not have control over every circumstance whether near or far. Only God has that privilege. Somehow, being close by makes me feel like I do! I need to trust God whether near or far because only He knows and controls the future.

Ecclesiasties 8:16-17

" When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth—his eyes not seeing sleep day or night- then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it."

Almost Real

Brent and I hosted a presidential party last election at our house. I made our living room look like a convention hall with banners, flags, balloons and other decorations. We hosted the telephone conference with Laura Bush and the president joined in at the end of the phone call. We had a cut out of the president which every one had their picture taken with. What does it mean to get a photo with something that is almost real?

I am not sure why I hang onto things that either aren't real or have the possibility of being real. Whether it is a thought, imagination or situation that may never happen, I find myself hanging on to guilt or even feeling that are not real. I know God doesn't put those thoughts in my head or encourage guilt. I am learning to let go of my fears and live for him. God is real and he is a real influence in my life if I allow him to be.

I Thesalonians 2:12-13

"so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. "

The Perfect Picture

Okay, so we had to purchase this portrait from her school. Actually, I have to admit I bought the whole CD so we could print as many as we want anytime. I am usually not pulled towards buying the school portraits, but how could I resist? My neighbor actually said, "she's not my kid, but even I would buy this photo!" I have no idea how they took the perfect picture of Dakota, I have yet to do so myself and I love photography.

Isn't it wonderful when things work out perfectly? Doesn't she look perfect and would never do anything to get in trouble? I will answer that with a hmmm......

Psalm 50:1-2

" The Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.

From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth."

Peace at Heart

I am praying for peace this week. I need the kind of peace that can calm the most worried heart.


"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad! I love you and thank you for all that you have done for me as a baby, child, teenager, and now an adult. I thank God that you are in my life!
Love,
Emily

Carefree

This is a photo of me in my teenage years on one of my summer youth group trips. I miss those days! I long for the carefree days of the past that included worrying about what I was going to wear and if every experience was going to be "fun". I had no idea in this photo what path my life would go in the future. It is amazing to realize that I would be married just a little over 3 years after this photo was taken. I would not have guessed in a million years that I would find myself with four children and all of the blessings that have come my way in the past years. There are many experiences I would not have minding doing without, but I know that every experience has brought me to the place where I am now. I am glad that God chose to help me grow throughout the years and look forward to what he has in the future.


Psalm 71:5

" For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth"

Roller Coaster

Colton worked on this roller coaster set from last Friday and continued on for many days until it was completed. There must have been hundreds to thousands of little pieces and a huge instruction book that he used to complete it. I have never seen Colton so frustrated trying to put something together. This project defnitely tested his knowledge and I think helped him develop even more skills putting things together. I was proud that he finished it after wanting to give up so many times. I think sticking through the frustrating, hard times are what make us stronger and appreciate those accomlishments.

Psalm 119:110-112

"Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
I have made up my mind
to obey your laws forever,
no matter what. "

Appearances

More photos from the drama of our rental house. (Remember the one I prayed that would sell?) I went in the back yard shortly after our renters left and wanted to check out everything. I remember thinking to myself, "At least the basketball hoop is still there". As I got closer I noticed that there was a jump rope tied to the pole on the hoop. As I got even closer I noticed that was keeping the whole thing up! They had broken the pole off and had tied the rope to it to keep it standing upright. One tiny push and the whole thing was ready to come crashing down!

Ever know anyone like that? Someone that looks like they have it all together at all times, but if you could really get close enough to know them you might find that they could fall apart with one tiny shove? I know I can be that way sometimes. Just like the basketball hoop, the true story is that no matter how much I might look together, I really can't function if I try. The only thing that will make me or even this basketball hoop functional is to take it down and repair it. God specializes in renovations! Just look at Israel, how many times did God completely take them down to bring them back up? I am comforted by the fact that my God loves to fix things!

Isaiah 58:11-12

"The Lord will always lead you.

He will satisfy your needs in dry lands

and give strength to your bones.

You will be like a garden that has much water,

like a spring that never runs dry.

Your people will rebuild the old cities that are now in ruins;

you will rebuild their foundations.

You will be known for repairing the broken places

and for rebuilding the roads and houses. "

Boys

Everyone always talks about little girls and how quickly they grow, etc., but I got to thinking how precious boys are as well. So quickly they grow up as well, and the adventure of strapping on a canteen and heading out in the woods fades as they get older. The boys were all set today to go on their way and I just had to take a picture. I know one day I will miss the dirty faces and the smelly shoes. As they get older I realize how precious each day is and the wonder of adventure that they have brought to my life.