2012 here we come

This is so exciting...a brand new year with some of the same old goals and priorities, but with fresh energy and new packaging. :)

Last year, my theme was "here" = be all here, in the moment, enjoy life and laugh, delight in my children, etc. Our verse was Romans 12:10 "Honor one another before yourself." That one will be a life verse and my prayer is that it's made an impression on our minds that will sink into our hearts.

Grant and I have been talking a lot about "restful/relaxed presence" lately and really want to emulate this toward our children this year. Some say that what children most need from their parents is a relaxed presence from day to day. So often it's a hurried, busy, directing, correcting, not really "seeing" them, task oriented, not delighting, self-focused, agenda driven kind of presence that we give our children. What does this teach them about the world? What does it teach them about us and what's important to us? What does this teach them about themselves?

I just read this post by Noel Piper in which she describes her yearly Bible reading plan. I am encouraged and motivated by her honest story for many reasons, but one in particular. At the end, she mentions looking for all the ways God is with us as she reads throughout Scripture this year. What a great parallel for me as I strive to practice a real presence, truly being with my children, relaxed and restful, this year.

I'm excited to learn from Him and rely more and more on His strength and grace. I'm excited to enjoy my children, husband, and neighbors as I practice relaxed presence.

St. Nicholas and Merry Christmas

Last year we received Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne for Christmas. It tells part of the story of St. Nicholas with beautiful illustrations.

Recently I saw this similar story along with many other poems, games, and printables online.

Enjoy reading some history relating to our modern traditions, and enjoy remembering and anticipating the PEACE and JOY of Christ's coming this Christmas season.

______________________

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!


Our new family member, Bella.


Yummy hot cocoa and bread.

Enjoying a Christmas play with friends.

take courage

"What more appropriate word could God have said to Mary as Jesus was growing up:
Take courage, young mother, you build more than you see. And so it is with every one of us. Nothing you do is a trifle if you do it in the name of God. He will shake heaven and earth to fill your labor with splendor. Take courage, you build more than you see."
- Piper in this quote

being squeezed

It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men…

~ C.S. Lewis

I love that quote...and the sentiment of this post...to trust and praise God in every moment, no matter what.

Obviously, I don't like seeing my sin, feeling sinful, and watching others get burnt in the process. But I really don't like it...and it leaves me battling guilt and pride, insecurity and apathy. A cycle of emotions to take to the Lord, pray through, and ask for His grace and strength, perspective and wisdom. He is always able and always abundantly merciful, patient, and kind. Pray your pain.

What is it that is squeezing you the most these days? How are you viewing it? As an opportunity to draw you nearer to God and to praise Him? As something to stuff under the rug and then move on, get over it, and be happy anyway? As the world out to get you and you the victim of hard circumstances?

crafts and ideas

Here are some of our Thanksgiving craft ideas for the upcoming week:


This banner idea "Give Thanks" will be a great reminder and will go along well with our family theme from the past few months. We have been collecting grateful thoughts and writing them on a large banner in our kitchen. I've also been writing my own in a journal (motivated by Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts and blog).



This idea might be a keeper for other holidays as well. I was thinking about getting linen scraps for the base of the place mat. After the holidays, it might be a nice wall piece if I found a good frame. Or, I could have my friend make a frame to match the style.



I like this idea for so many reasons: it involves a nature hunt, it's so versatile and can be used for birthdays and any holiday, and it doesn't create too much of a mess if I let my kids do it completely by themselves.

Any easy and fun homemade ideas you want to share? I'm especially looking for homemade Christmas gifts the kids can give to grandparents. :)