Putting up the Christmas Tree

 Today, we started Christmas decorating. We all kind of have a cold so it was a little interesting but the girls had SUCH A BLAST! I know the older they get the more fun it will be year after year and that makes me so excited for them!

 Annabelle is such a great little helper and she helped daddy put up the big tree.

 Of course Adelyn had a snack or two

 and sang us some songs :)

 Annabelle decorated the little tree for the bathroom and

 they both decorated the "sentimental" tree.

I loved every second of it! Holidays are so so fun! I pray all the time that they will understand really what Christmas is about. It is a HUGE responsibility for a parent to teach children these things! I ask God for wisdom every day and that He will search my heart for what doesn't please Him...

Occasionally I will go through this funk with blogging. I write about it periodically. I am just such a thinker, maybe even an over analyzer and I think about why I blog. And sometimes I take breaks because I want to make sure I know why I blog. So anyway, I had been on one of those "thinking breaks" when I went back through some of the posts I had written and was so thankful to God that I had periods of my life and events in writing, that I had "saved" memories via blogging etc and I had a renewed focus on making a lasting memory book for our family. I loved looking at how THANKFUL TUESDAYS started and how God has transformed my life through them. I loved looking at all the scriptures He had brought my way during hard times.

As I was putting these pics up and trying to rest and was thinking, I decided to listen to a John Piper sermon. He has an app and you can literally pick a topic and listen to one of his many sermons by topic or scripture. 

Anyway,the scripture is John 2:15-17:
Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.

It reminded me of my whole blogging struggle and even the struggle so many have been talking about around me and I have been thinking about myself of how we make sure Christ is in the middle of Christmas for us and our kids. I definitely don't have all of the answers but I one of the things John Piper said so resonated in my soul. He said something to the effect of:  "We cannot compartmentalize God. It is not possible. We don't 'get life' when we do because God is a part of every single thing we do. Our goal and mission in life no matter what we are doing should be to glorify God."

So, I am thinking about that in my own life, practically. I feel like I cannot make it here in Ohio without constant dependency on God but that is not the issue at hand. The issue is why do I do the things that I do? Are they to glorify God or are they to satisfy me or glorify me? The hard and awesome thing about this question is that no one can answer this question for me but me (or God revealing the answer to me) and I cannot look into someone else's heart and judge their motives as to why they do what they do either. So the question remains. 

I put up Christmas decor because I think it is fun. I plan parties, fun birthday parties because they are fun. These are hobbies of sort and I know God loves to watch me enjoy the creative side of my brain because that is how He made me but I can only glorify Him through it by literally giving Him all the credit for everything I do and by consciously abiding in Him, asking Him what I should and shouldn't be doing with my time to most glorify Him or so my life will display His life through me the best I know how. So, then, the answer loops back around to not compartmentalizing my God. If I choose not to compartmentalize Him but allowing Him to speak and live through me in all areas of my life I am glorifying Him. 

  

I realize this type of analyzation might drive some mad because it you just love God these things flow somewhat naturally through you without having to think so hard on them but for me thinking through things is always beneficial.

I believe all of this totally knocks out the argument that you can "overspiritualize things."

Growing up I heard so many times the the term "overspiritualize." If we allow God into every "compartment," every part of our life, we will be "thinking on things above." We will be "praying without ceasing" we will be talking about God in all areas of life and to some we might even be "overspiritualizing,' but I believe this is what God wants from us. It doesn't mean decorating for Christmas or throwing parties or blogging or reading, running, watching a movie are bad things..sheesh no! It means we should allow God into all of these areas of our life, to be the Lord of those areas, to rule them for us. 

If you are reading this, you should just really listen to the sermon. It is so good.

 Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You (in comparison to my delight and love for You Lord.) My flesh and my heart may fail, but you God are the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

Any thoughts???

Merry Christmas!

{card from www.shutterfly.com}

We are setting up our Christmas tree etc tomorrow! I am very excited! I know it is going to be so much fun with the girls this year!

Also, I found this advent calendar at happyhomefairy.com. I am excited to work on these with the girls!

Hoping ya'll are having a Merry Christmas Season.

Thankful Tuesday

 I am going to have to do a list again for THANKFUL TUESDAY because this post is the longest one ever! I am kinda playing catch up!

1) We had such a great Thanksgiving! We are thankful for any time we get to spend with our families!

 2) The girls had such a great time playing outside in nice nice weather!!

 3) We got to see my grandparents and my dad's side of the family on Thursday. The girls had a blast with their second cousins and we ate some yummy yummy food!

 4) We traveled to Little Rock to see Adam's side of the family which included a family dance, a gold tournament, a granny walk, meals galore, and lots of sister in law and cousin time!

 5) My mom came to Little Rock and spent the night on Friday night so we all got to see and spend time with her too, Annabelle even got to have a slumber party with Lala!

6) We had no idea we would get to see Gigi and GePaw on Sunday night! We got yummy Huey's and ice cream and had such a great time!

 7) Ok, here is where I am backing up. I will preface this with we have have the opportunity to spend some quality time with such great people lately and we are upper thankful for our friends and family!

 8) So, we are thankful for the visit from the Fishers! We got to do some really neat things! The ice cream store at one of our favorite malls was opening and they were giving out free ice cream! So, we all got some and it was delish! We also visited Rockey's! It was the Fisher's first time! Oh and Marmie brought us new pajamas!!

 9) One of the girl's best friend's Maddie had a b-day party at the gymnastics place! The girls loved every second of it. It was such a fun fun party! So thankful for sweet friends and friends that had kids the same time I did!

 10) I got to celebrate my friend Carmyn's new baby coming!

 11) So thankful for fun parties and friends! We went to our first ever gender reveal party! I guesses a girl (hence the headband!) and I was right!!

 12) Thankful that His word continually convicts my heart. It's so hard, but so good for me. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

I have been in Romans 14:10-13

¹⁰ Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.

¹¹ For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise].

¹² And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God.

¹³ Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.

Whew! I have so much to be thankful for!

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Psalm 103 & Thanksgiving

Psalm 103
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;[a]
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
22 Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
My grandfather read this psalm on Thanksgiving. He said his mama believed it was the best psalm ever written. I think she may be right...
I am so overwhelmed with thankfulness for all The Lord has given to me and blessed me with:
He has not handed me over to the enemies but have set my feet in a spacious place. (Psalm 31:8) He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because he delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:20) He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3) He is my God, and I will give Him thanks; He is my God, and I will exalt Him. I will give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (Psalm 118:28-29)
I plan on blogging (sometime soon) about our trip! It was so great, but until then, here are a few pics:

Love them to pieces

 The girlies just looked so adorable in their little turkey shirts yesterday! I cannot believe how much they have grown since last year! I went back to look at the pictures and I was amazed!

 Tonight I decided while we were eating dinner to straighten Adelyn's hair on a whim. Can you tell she likes it? (Little cheeser!)

 And we went back to normal after bath time. She is just hilarious! ...

but not without getting a video of her seeing herself for the first time with curls :)

And had to put this one of Adelyn wanting to work out with me! ha! Her weight is really heavy! :) It reminds me of a video we have of Annabelle working out w me! I love it when they do this! What a reminder that they are going to copy my behavior!!!

So thankful for the laughs today!!! :)

Thankful Tuesday

 Today I am thankful for:

 1) My sweet girls who come with me and play while I try to practice for Sunday mornings. It is hard sometimes to take care of the girls while I practice but when I really think about: first of all: I am so glad to even have my girls and second of all: I am thankful that they get to hear the gospel through the music and thirdly: I am so humbled and thankful for the opportunity to lead worship!! Sometimes, I "feel" more blessed than others for this opportunity but this week I was particularly thankful for the opportunity, what a responsibility and privilege.

 2) A church family that loves the Lord and is constantly encouraging me with scripture.

 3) Little moments when I realize how blessed I am to have little helpers around. :)

 4) His written word to me and the fact that through Him and Him alone can I have a clear conscience, sincerity and love. That I know apart from Him I can do nothing good!

 5) Friends that we love to "play" with and just be friends with!

6) The sun has been shining so much more than it usually does I feel like and a wonderful lady told me one day that when the sun shines in Ohio it is a reminder that God loves you. How awesome is that?!

 7) Family Time at the zoo!

 8) The scripture that James preached about on Sunday that has been so heavy on my heart these past few weeks.

 9) A reminder of some of my favorite scripture about how important it is to pray and to pray and pray and pray.

 10) That THIS IS MY SAVIOR, His name is my strong tower.

11) A reminder of my prayers from last year and how the Lord has carried me! He is faithful!

 12) The rich family heritage I have!

13) In my spare time (ha!) I get to plan another little girl's b-day party for next month!!

Whew! That was random! :)

I have been studying this rich text this week. These are some of the requirements of living by the Spirit, abiding in Him. Such great verses and needed to share!!!

 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:9-12 

Happy Thankful Tuesday! What are you Thankful for??

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1