Christmas time is here.....

I am journaling tonight on behalf of my sister, Heather...who has let her blog go for a while. I thought I might step in and write a few things that are on my heart, and from recent conversations I know these things have been on her heart too! The most wonderful time of year....Christmas is right around the corner and all of the last minute things on to do lists are coming to an end. Cookies have been baked, gifts have been wrapped, and the anticipation for Christmas is in the air. As things slow down I begin to reflect on what Christmas really means. I meditate on the true meaning of Christmas and how our focus for the season should be on the one who came to this Earth to be our Savior. Jesus Christ was born to save us from our sins. He came to bridge the gap between God and man, and He sits at the right hand of God pleading our case for us. He desires a deep personal relationship with us that requires daily meditation on His word and following His lead. I am so thankful that Jesus is the Lord of my life, and that He knows everything about me. He came to this Earth so long ago, and He came just for you and me. As we celebrate Christmas let us not forget the true meaning of this season. That it is not just about the gifts under the tree, but about the amazing gift God sent to us-Jesus!

Life is good!

I've got my toes in the water, toes in the sand, not a care in the world, and my camera in my hand....life is good today!

Well the day has finally arrived. We are leaving for Destin, Florida tomorrow morning and I can't wait. I am so excited for a vacation, and as always the Lord has blessed me with some unexpected gifts that I am so grateful for. He is an on time God who is in the business of refining us to be just what He wants us to be. I am so thankful He has planted John and I here and as long as He has us here I am going to continually count my blessings and be content in every situation. The next time I post I will either be on the beach or just getting home from some much needed time away with the ones I love. Destin, here we come!

Destin on my mind.....

I think I am in a state of shock that we are only 11 days away from our vacation. It is the only thing on my mind these days. I have made list after list after list of all the things I need to bring with me. I just can't wait to relax on the beach with the sand in my toes, take lots and lots of pictures, and just enjoy the time with my family. I have the best family in the world. The Lord sure knows what he is doing.

'Beach Livin'

I am so excited to share with you that we are fiinally getting to take a family trip. My mom, Dave, Steph, David, Jake, Drew, Tate, Bub, and myself are all going to the beach in Destin, FL. I can't even imagine how much fun we are going to have. We have an entire week of relaxation planned. I am so very thankful for my family! We will be sitting on the beach 5 weeks from today, and I can't believe how fast the time is flying. It will be over before I know it. I want to cherish every moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go Cardinals....Here we go!

Just got back from the USSSA AA 11U World Series! I had the opportunity to watch my nephew Jake and his Stockton Cardinal Comrades play some great baseball and cheer them on! I had such a great time and though it was extremely hot--I couldn't think of a better place to be! I am such a baseball fan and almost lost my voice from yelling so loud. I am so thankful to be living in Stockton and have these special moments with my family! I feel so blessed and I know I am right where the Lord wants me to be!

Wonderful Peace

It amazes me how fast things change in our lives. How we start each morning with an agenda or plan as to how we "think" things are going to work for us that particular day. I am learning very quickly that when you let the Lord lead your life . . . even when things don't go the way you thought they would . . . he is there to help you through those times. I know it has always been a given for me and my family to say that the Lord is in control, but when you TRULY let go and let GOD . . . you stand in awe at how wonderful he is. I had a strange phone call today. It was not very good news on the other end of the phone. In all of it however, I want to give the Lord the glory. I truly relied upon him today for strength and he supplied every need. I know that through him . . . I don't need to get upset and dramatic. He wants me to remain calm and level headed so that I can hear what he is saying to me. It is a comfort like no other. Nothing can compare. Thank you Lord Jesus for teaching me to listen to you. You give such a wonderful peace to those who listen. I love you!

LIVE-LAUGH-LOVE

Today was such a blessed day. I spent the day at my sister's house with her and my mom and my nephews. I absolutely love days like this. It was a day of rest, relaxation, and conversation. It always amazes me . . . the bond between my mother, sister, and I. It is something that the Lord has truly blessed me with. There is an unspoken comfort in just sitting around chatting about life. Where life has taken us . . . and where life is going to take us. Few find this rare treasure these days. I am just glad we are the few that have the opportunity to share such a special bond with each other. Thank you Lord Jesus for family!!

Spring is in the air.....

Today was so beautiful. Just the right amount of sunshine, and a subtle breeze to make things just perfect. It seems that on a day like today--you can't help having a spring in your step. I wonder if that's why they call this season "Spring". It may be just that--or maybe it's because the flowers start to "spring" up out of the ground. Whatever reason, Spring is one of my favorite seasons. Thank you Lord for such a beautiful day to remind us of how you make all things new. You are a great God!

Another Snow Day!!!! YEAH!!!!

Well this is the view from my front door today! I love the look of it, but hate being out in it. It is SOOOO cold. We went to the movie store last night to prepare for today (praying for no school so my nephew Jake could stay the night) renting 3 movies and a game for my nephew to play while he is here enjoying the weather with us. When we got home . . . we started watching the movie and our TV went out. This of course upset my husband, but I actually like times like this. Him and my nephew have had more fun today WITHOUT that silly TV than they have in a long time. I love the way the lord works.

A lovely Sunday afternoon . . .

Today has been such a wonderful day!! God has truely blessed me. I visited a new church this morning and really liked it. Then after church I had my mom, Dave, and Granny over for lunch. It was nice getting to visit with my family. Now that everyone has left . . . my husband and I are enjoying a quiet afternoon together. I love days like this. When you get to sip on hot coffee and chat with the one you love. I truely thank God for all his many blessings. I love being right where I am at!!!!

I had the best day with you . . . today!

Stephanie . . . I want to let you know that I truly had the best day with you Saturday! Your the BEST sister EVER and you were so much fun! Thanks for letting your hair down with me!

So . . . I wanted to let you all know how thankful I am to have my family. Especially my sister!!!! Saturday was a "girls day of fun". I don't think I have ever had so much fun! We laughed so much! It truly was a stress free day. Nothing but the wind in our hair! Well . . . that is a figure of speech because we got our hair done that day and trust me . . . we would not let the wind blow it to much! :) Can't mess up the pretty do! The Lord definitely knew what he was doing when he gave me Stephanie for a sister. She is everything I need her to be!

Well it has been awhile since the last time you heard from me-so I thought I would update you on some new things in my life. There has been a new addition in my life as of 1-2-09. His name is Ori, and he is a sweet little Shih-Poo puppy. He is so sweet and my 5 year old miniture princess schnauzer Kendra is adapting very well. She is a good big sister as of now, but I am sure that when the honeymoon period is over she will get her knocks in. I will try to get some pictures downloaded soon so you can see just how cute our little Ori is. Hope the new year finds everyone doing well, we are just great! Talk to you soon.