Sweet words

Just wanted to write that the other day I was playing the piano and singing along. Something I don't do very often. The kids were playing nearby with Kevin. I was singing/playing more to myself--in my own world. Christian stops playing and says, "mom, you are a good singer, it blesses my heart." :) Never heard him use an expression like that before, but it really 'blessed my heart' to hear that sweet compliment! He's very good about that, especially for such a young guy. He'll make some lady very happy when he's older! :) Actually, he makes this lady (me) very happy right now!

Crazy Love

I just finished a great book called, "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is pretty basic in some ways, but also very thought provoking. It's all about how we love or should love Christ. One of the points was this...if we could have all the friends and family we ever loved, have all the physical pleasures we enjoy, have no sickness, etc. and no Christ in Heaven, would we be o.k. with that? When I first read that, I got this sick pang in my stomach. I could have done the 'of course I wouldn't be o.k. if Christ wasn't there' expected answer. But, honestly, my first response was that I probably would be. His point was...do we really love Christ Himself or just what He has to offer? In fact, I've prayed since that He would help me fall more in love with HIM, not just what He offers me. The more I think about it, the more I think I wouldn't be o.k. with Him not being there. I do love Christ, but obviously I can love Him more, better, deeper, more intimately than I currently do. At any rate, it's a great book that I recommend. There are actually little on-line video clips that go along with each chapter, so it was neat to hear the author himself speaking and sharing a little more about that particular chapter.

Obviously, I don't write on my blog very often, as you can see. But, life continues to fly by...and frankly, in the winter time, that's not so bad! :) Right now, it's snowing hard outside and the kids have been home all day on yet another snow day. We did have fun sledding and playing outside for a while.

Until next time....

The New Year

Well, it's a new year once again. Boy, time sure flies! Can't believe that Christmas has come and gone already. So much time is spent preparing, shopping, baking, etc. for the season, and then 'poof'-it's over. It was so nice to be with my family in Ohio for the holiday. We had a wonderful visit seeing family and friends. It was busy and went too fast, but we had some great conversations, game playing fun, and LOTS of good food to eat!
Now, it's back to the reality of the everyday, normal routine. School is in full swing, although we've already had a snow day and a 2 hour delay since vacation. It's wonderful to be on vacation, but always nice to return to the routine, as well.
We spent a lot of time outside today after church. I tested out my snowshoes (one of my Christams presents) on the lake and around the yard for about an hour. I like them! The kids enjoy sledding in the yard and being pulled in sleds on the lake. What a workout!!

We look forward to what God has in store in 2009. My theme this year is "encouragement". I did away with the 'new year's resolutions' a few years back and decided to prayerfully choose a theme for my year instead. Last year was 'boldness' and this year, with Kevin's help, we came up with encouragement. I want to work on encouraging others more, especially my husband and children. A positive theme for the year ahead. The kids made goals, as well, and I am going to put scripture verses along with their goals and hang them in their rooms so they can be reminded, as well as some encouragement scriptures for myself.

Well, Happy New Year to all! May God bless you in this New Year!