Today

Outside my window... is a junk yard of kid toys... a rusty red wagon from my childhood, two electric cars that need some paint, a trampoline, a play house, a swing set... and lots of fun in the Florida sun.

I am thinking. . .  about Christmas  - what it is really about - and about all the trappings that seem to trap me from remembering what Christmas is really about....

I am thankful for. . . a loving husband who is a lot of fun... three healthy children... a baby in heaven... and my parents and Kenny's parents (who are also my parents).

In the schoolroom...scribbling stars yellow with Pumpkin, and enjoying the start of the Advent season! Oops - forgot today was December 1st - well, maybe we won't do Advent after all...

From the kitchen. . .  planning on having soup and salad for dinner... but not just any soup - soup from La Madeline (Tomatoe Basil -my favorite) - Thanks mom and dad for bringing it from Texas. Salad will be fresh greens, homemade vinaigrette, feta cheese, chili sugar toasted pecans, and mandarin oranges.

I am hoping. . . to have a clean house again someday.

I am hearing. . .listening to a song about dogs in the school learning that includes lots of dogs barking.

Around the house. . .

putting up Fall decorations and getting ready to decorate the Christmas tree.

One of my favorite things. . . Pumpkin spice creamer - which unfortunately was not at Publix this week... sad.

A few plans for the rest of the week. . . a friends wedding!

Here is picture thought I am sharing. .Thanksgiving Feast with my mom's Chicken'n Dressing, Ham, Sweet Potato Casserole, Fruit Salad, Green Beans, and Rolls. Dessert (not pictured) Apple Caramel Pie and Rum Pecan Pie with White Christmas Ice Cream for the Kids.

#5 Books

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." 
                         John 21:24-25



I love to read... especially the Bible. It brings comfort. It is 
amazing how a familiar story can have a different meaning that fits your situation. I love looking at the Bible during life's questions. It never stops amazing me how God answers so many questions in one BOOK.



I have never been perfect at the "daily devotion." I seem to go in spirts sometimes... but on the days when I miss... I realize I missed hearing from God, and missed his fellowship. I have also found that my tendency to read the Bible mirrors my growth in Christ. When I skip a few days, I find that I am not connecting with God and relying on him on those days. 

I have been working my way through the Bible. Right now I am starting Ezekiel and reading in Acts.  Anyone care to join me? 

#4 Friends

"Bear one another's BURDENS." Galations 6:2

This past week, the burdens were heavy. Too heavy to carry alone... thank you dear friends for coming along side and listening to me weep... for sharing a prayer on the phone, for sympathy, for compassion, for knowing and understanding. The burden was too great, but it was spread out... and the load was lightened. Not gone, nor forgotten, but lighter none the less.

#3 Rest

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

Matthew 11:38

#2 Hope

Hope - What could be more hopeful than a baby at the age of one? So much promise when they are starting to walk, talk and dream... 

Where do I get my hope? I have it. I have hope. I am thankful to have hope. This week I needed to remember where I get my hope from.

"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

     for his com passions never fail.

They are new every morning;

     great is your faithfulness, 

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; 

     therefore I will wait for him."

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, 

     to the one who seeks him; 

It is good to wait quietly 

     for the salvation of the Lord."

Lamentations 3:19-26

Duck cookie - Squash; Grass picture - Sweet Pea; Learning to walk - Pumpkin; Cake eater - Pumkin
All pictures taken right around their first birthdays!

#1 Sheep

Know that the LORD, He is God;
         It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
         We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

                                Psalms 100:3

#1 Happy to just be a sheep.