Me

Today's post is a big different than usual. I'm going through a book called, The Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free in my Bible study group. Today the lie we focused on was God is not enough. Looking at that, I know that its a lie; however if thoughts become beliefs and beliefs lead our actions, am I really acting like I believe that? I've been thinking about it all day, and I really believe I have been sucked into that lie. I know that God is enough, but do I really believe it? If I'm being honest I don't believe God is enough. It doesn't show in my actions. I want to believe it, but the world around me tells me and shows me so many things that I think I need. Sure, I need God plus a job that meets my needs, plus a perfect marriage, plus obedient kids, plus a nicer house, plus, plus, plus.... The list could go on and on, and yet the Bible tells me in the 73rd Psalm that "my flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Did you get that? My Portion. My Portion Forever. Wow. How does that change me? How should it change me? If I'm going to believe the Truth that God is enough, its got to show in my actions. I don't really know what that looks like completely, but I have a feeling it has something to do with being content with what I have, and prioritizing what really matters in my life. Maybe its inviting God into the tough days and allowing Him to be enough for that moment. Life is crazy, and busy, and full of so many things and people that pull me in such different directions. Perhaps believing that God is enough starts with believing, really believing, that what the world offers isn't enough... I don't need more stuff, I need more of Him. I don't need to have what other people have, I need to have faith that God will "give me this day, my daily bread" My basic needs have always been met. I have seen Him meet my needs. God is faithful. God is all I need... I've been thinking of a song that a girl from college wrote. I think its called, "You are More than Just Enough". Maybe I'll bring it to group on Thursday. I don't know if this got you thinking at all, but if it did, I hope you will dig a little deeper and see what God might speak to you about. And if you are living like you believe God is enough, then maybe you can pray for me. Pray that I will recognize the lie and embrace the Truth that sets me free, that I'll find practical ways to make that belief become an action.

Thanks for listening. I've got to go find that CD...

camera crappers, party, and snow

Friday evening I was taking pictures of various items around the house for the scavenger hunt on Saturday (Aliza's b-day party). As I was about to snap the pic of the changing table in the office, the camera slipped out of my hand and crashed to the floor. After a choice 4-letter word, I bent down to pick it up. The lens cover wouldn't close, nor would the zoom, and the picture on the screen was a big blurry blop. (sigh) Yeah, I totally busted our camera :( How frustrating, especially on the heels of our gps dying. Well, its not totally dead, but I prefer seeing a whole screen when I'm getting directions and not a clear half, with a majorly fuzzy half. Darn electronics. Of course, we still have the random issues with our tv too. We'll just be sitting there watching and all of a sudden - black screen. It just turns off. We have to unplug it, wait a couple seconds, then replug. Annoying, but at least manageable... if I'm finding positives ;) So, we ended up getting a new camera yesterday, just in time for the party. Oh, and you'll love this - I took ONE picture of her party. Her first friend party and I have ONE picture to show for it. Lovely. The kids had a lot of fun. We did the scavenger hunt, turn shifts sending the kids out to the bounce house in the garage, and did tatoos too. What's a four-year old party without tatoos :) A good time was had by all!

I've included the ONE party picture as well as some snow shots. (We can usually walk under the tree branches- in the pic- that are laying on the ground!) We got over a foot in about 6 hours last week! It was crazy. Its still weird to drive around and see so much snow all over. We've still got a good 8 inches on the roof. I hope it holds...

Oh yeah, in other news, Eben lost another tooth. I figured after the bottom two, he'd lose the top two, but no - it was another bottom one. I think the adult teeth were pushing those little ones out. Right now he still has 3 loose teeth. Good times :)

Christmas Break

Today officially ends our Christmas break - our first one away from family. (first pic is our Chrismas dinner - ham and all!) Sometimes it seemed like it would never end, yet now I think, "Wow, its already come and gone!" I guess that's how it goes these days. We went to the local golf course to sled, hit the bowling alley, went out for breakfast one day, and swam at one of the hotels in town. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera for any of that :( Oh well. The kids also loved the "staying in" bag - a brown lunch bag filled with things to do in the house, such as color, marbles, play-doh, puzzles, computer, etc... They loved picking something out of the bag! It made the otherwise 'normal' idea of playing games (or whatever was drawn) seem exciting. I highly recommend it! A big Christmas gift hit has been the bounce house. We've blown it up several times in the garage and the kids have at it. They get bundled up, and can only bounce for 1/2 hr at most, but they have fun! They have also loved playing their new computer game, "Charlie Church Mouse". They play it at least once a day! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Van!

Jared and I have been able to go out twice, and tonight makes #3! We went to a movie the first time, and then on New Year's Eve our church had a married couples dinner/game show night. It was a lot of fun, and I even won one of the 'minute to win it' games. I had to be the first one to get a cookie from my forehead into my mouth w/0 using hands. It only took me 3 attempts. And our reward? A whole bunch of movie passes! How perfect for us :) Today is Jared's birthday, so we'll just be heading out for a nice quiet dinner just the two of us. I'm looking forward to it!!

We've had lots of fun, but not without a little sorrow too. My Grandma Lloyd was reunited with Grandpa in Heaven on December 28th. It was not a huge surprise, but still hard to take, especially so close on the heels of losing Grandma Schilling. I found it interesting that both of my Grandma's were born just a month apart, and they died just 2 1/2 months apart. So, now I am officially 'grandparentless'. So weird. Jared said I can share his Grandmas with him. :) This coming Friday I am off to MI again for a funeral. I hate to leave Jared alone with the kids, but he seems fine with it. Friday and Monday shouldn't be too bad since Eben will be in school all day, and Aliza will be gone for the morning. Its the weekend I feel bad about. That's a long time alone with the kids. I am planning on asking a friend to take Eben Saturday morning, so he has a little bit of a break. Please pray for him with the kids. They are a handful sometimes ;)

Hope all of you have a wonderful 2011 :)
Love from CT