2008 Year in Review.

~God blessed me with a trip to Thailand.

~God increased my Faith as I watched all He did to send me to Thailand.

~God touched other's lives through sending me to Thailand.

~God delievered me from fear while in Thailand.

~Mr. Wonderful got saved.

~God released me to date Mr. Wonderful - my future husband.

~My mom was saved.

~My relationship with one of my brothers is healing and being restored.

~I let go completely of a situation I put myself in at work.

~God used me to moved mightly in hearts and lives at Kids Camp, Dicipleship Camp, Slack Attack, Sunday School.

~My brother Daniel was accepted to CBC.

~My brother Jared got engaged.

~We had our first Fourth of July party at the lake.

~I got the most thoughtful gifts for Christmas (WillowTree Nativity, Ottoman, WillowTree ornaments)

It's a Random day...so a random post...

* I started counting points yesterday! Yay for losing weight!! I weight TOO much!!
* I am so stinking excited about this New Year!!
* I have the most amazing family ever, I am so loved!!
* I thought I was done with pink but I don't think I am. I just like it in moderation now.
* I can't wait to lose a few pounds so that I can wear my new pink sweater I got for Christmas!!
* I slept on the couch last night.
* I would love to get my eyebrows waxed!!!
* I bought Hot Oil for my hair yesterday - does that stuff really work? We'll see! My hair is so damaged.
* I am really excited about inventory tomorrow!! I really love data entry!
* I am so in the mood for rearranging everything, Desk, Living Room. I am ready for freshness!
* I seriously have the most amazing man in the whole wide world. The things he does and who he is just confirms to me all the time that he is The One God created just for ME! I am so blessed!
* Oh I cannot wait to be skinny again!
* I am looking forward to being married and being a housewife someday soon!
* I am so going to miss my brother but I know that college is going to be the best days of his life!
* I am so excited for Jared and Ashley and can't wait to watch as their life progresses!!!!
* I am So Blessed!
* I miss church, I feel like I haven't been there in forever!!
* I can't wait to get into a regular routine in Children's Church again. I want to do object lessons!!!

Ok that's enough I am going to leave you with some of my favorite pictures from Christmas (they came in the wrong order but here they are)...

Sweet Chelsea

Sweet Chloe

Sweet twin sisters holding hands. I love these girls.

Sweet Chelsea sleeping peacefully.

Just the three of us.(Jared, Daniel, & Me)

Jared & Me

Daniel & Me

All of us kiddos.

Mr. Wonderful & Me (our first Christmas together)

Daniel loving his new tie from Mr. Wonderful

The Parents enjoying Christmas with Mr. Wonderful

The Boys

Christmas.

I had a WONDERFUL Christmas.

Thoughtful gifts.
Fun family time.
Great pictures.

It was a really Wonderful Christmas.

I am working on an update, maybe I will get it posted.

I am SO looking forward to this New Year!!!!!

Merry Christmas to you All!!

My favorite things about Christmas...

A list of my favorite things about Christmas

1) Family comes together and for at least a breif time can put all differences and issues aside to celebrate together and love one another.

2) It's a time to be reminded what life is really about. Not gifts & money!!! But a sweet Savior who came so that we can have life and have it to the fullest!! Praise You Jesus!!!

3) Beautiful lights and being reminded that WE are the light in this world and we must shine so before men. (Guess what I haven't done well this year :(.)

4) Christmas music - it just makes me happy.

5) Giving gifts to those you love to show them how much you love them. - I love to watch others open gifts and know that they like or love what was selected for them.

6) Goodies & Treats Galore - I am actualy pretty sick of all the sweets, its a good thing since I will be on a very strict diet come the New Year!

7) Christmas plays - Ok so I may be biased but my kids at church put on the cutest, sweetest, most wonderful plays EVERY year!!!

8) Christmas Cards!!! I love love love love to receive Christmas cards. I only received two through mail this year but I loved them. It broke my heart not ot get cards out to everyone this year but there just wasnt the funds to cover it.

9)Christmas ornaments! I love them - my tree this year is probably my very favorite tree I have ever done!! I love to see other's trees too, the formal ones and the informal ones, it just reflects personality! I love it!

10) Home made gifts or gifts that you forgot you asked for or mentioned in like June that you have under the tree! They really are the very best gifts, thoughtful and from the heart.

Well there is my list of my Favorite things about Christmas. Not a really deep and meaningful post today. Have a Merry Day!

My Heavenly Father...

* Is amazing

* So Faithful

* Speaks to me anytime I will stop to listen

* Never treats me as I deserve

* Loves me like I have never ever been loved before or will be loved again

* Has worked in my life everyday since I gave my heart to Him 7 years ago

* Never fails me

* Is Trustworthy

* Is my Bail Out (ha ha had to throw that one in there)

* Blows me away

So as crazy as it seems, I have been blown away yet again by my Heavenly Father. I just simply do not deserve His love and the wonderful things He does for me. I never deserve it. I am so human (ick!). But He never ever treats me as my human nature deserves. I love that I can sit down with my journal and listen and write pages of His words to me. Yes I have pages of God talking to me. I do not sit and listen enough. But when I do I am blessed and encouraged and disciplined and loved every single time. He never fails. I sometimes am quite scared of what He will say to me, and I am always surprised at the gentleness in which He speaks even when He is correcting me. I know I have a Father who I will always be able to rely on and trust no matter how stupidly I behave or how distant I have grown. He is always there with arms wide open awaiting my time and ear and heart.

Tomorrow Children's Church gets back on a regular schedule and outline. The Christmas play is behind us and it is time to get back to teaching. I could not be more excited. I cannot wait to get in there with my kids and teach God's love. Teach it with songs, games, object lessons, puppets, and time. I love time with those kids and I am looking forward to time praying with them this year. I want to get down in the altars with them and let God move mightily in their hearts and lives. I am drawn so to Children's Ministry because my heart is for kids to know EARLY how much God loves them so that as they face life's challenges (and they will face life's challenges), they know that they always have a loving God with them no matter what. I wish I had know that there was a God who loved me when I was growing up. I know it would have made a world of a difference in my life and my the decisions I made growing up. I want kids to know young that God will never leave them and He will always love them and that they can always turn to Him in every circumstance.

There are so many circumstances that kids face that they have absolutely no control over, and they need to know that God is in control and that they can trust Him and turn to Him for help, even when they cannot turn to anyone else. Especially kids who have troubled homes and parents. That is not something a child can control -- their parents. But they can have a peace no matter what their life is like knowing that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and is with them every moment of every day. No matter what is happening around them or to them, He is there and they can trust Him and know that He loves them. That is my heart.

My heart is to love Children, to love Youth, to love People. People of all ages and walks of life. To love people with God's love, the love that He has given me for them. My heart is ministry. God created me for ministry. I love my calling and I cannot wait to dive into it. I will however wait and follow my Lord as HE leads the way.

Father my life belongs to you. Thank you for your faith in me and for using me to touch hearts and lives and to bring healing and salvation. I pray that this new year Lord will hold many many opportunities to love your children and draw them closer to you. I pray for opportunities to love kids, youth, and adults and bring them closer to you and closer to and understanding of Your love and healing. I pray Father that tomorrow be as amazing as ever and that Your Spirit would fall and heal and restore. I love you Father with all of my heart and my life is yours. Thank you for loving me the way you love me. Thank you for the gifts that you have given me. My family, My future husband, My friends, ministry, a church family, and mostly the gift of knowing you and being loved by you and getting to serve you and love your people. I love you so much Father. Thank you for who you are. In Jesus name. Amen.

One Word with Pictures.

One Word
YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD!!! NO EXPLANATIONS.

Yourself: Daughter

Your Love: Wonderful

Your Hair: Growing

Your Mothers: Blessings

Your Father: Worker

Your Favorite Item: Journal

Your Dream Last Night: Sleep

Your Favorite Drink: Diet

Your Dream Home: Happy

The Room You Are In: Noisy

Your Pet: Adorable

What You Are Now: Believing

Who You Want to be in Ten Years: Mommy

What You Want to be in Ten Years: Minister

What You're Not: Perfect

Your Best Friend: Godly

One of Your Wish list Items: Special

The Last Thing You Did: Laugh

What You Are Wearing: Casual

Your Favorite Weather: Fall

Your Favorite Book: Bible

The Last Thing You Ate: Pie

Your Life: Blessed

Your Mood: Content

Favorite article of clothing: Socks

Favorite color: Chocolate

The Word speaking today...

Ecclesiastes 4
v. 4:1a "And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor."

Think about that. Why do we have to have this or have to have that? If all those around us had "mundane" things would we want this or that? If we think quite honestly about it, we strive for better things and positions because we are comparing ourselves to those around us and this world. But what if we compared ourselves to Jesus only? What kinds of things would we strive for then? It wouldn't be position or things would it?

v. 4:1b"This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind."

I must say...I totally agree with that. A slap in the face in the midst of this season and struggle for me. (Thank You Father for opening my eyes.)

v. 4:6"Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind."

I want the tranquillity rather than the toil. How about you? And I certainly do not want to be wasting this time I have been given on earth chasing after the wind. I want to chase after Jesus and the lost and hurting.

v. 4:1 "Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed-and they have no comforter..."

They have no comforter. They have no comforter. They have no comforter.
That resonates in me. I have a comforter - the Holy Spirit, but they have not comforter.
Think about that. What do we have that we need to really be giving? THE Comforter.

v. 5:1-3 "Guard your steps when you go in the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."


Heavenly Father, a new year is upon us and I am looking at the things that are important. You are important. Speaking to hearts and lives of all ages and places is important. Father I want to be humble and minister Your Love and Healing to our kids in Children's Church, to the youth, to whomever you send my way. Help me to see through YOUR eyes and not the eyes of myself or this world and not in comparision to anyone but YOUR SON JESUS. Help me to see as you have shown me today. Let my words be few. Help me to see the hurting, to see what I can give from YOU. Thank You for speaking to my heart today. Thank You for loving me always. I love you Father. Thank You for every opportunity you have given and will give to love others for You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Random Ramblings...

* I have finished my christmas shopping, complete with discounts! I love that two of the stores I bought from allowed me to come back to receive the discounts from the coupons I left at home. Great stores, they have my business in the future for that for sure!

* Finished shopping now on to the wrapping....BUT WHEN?!?!?! It's been quite busy lately with no signs of slowing down. But it's Christmas time and I love it so much!

* Still loving Christmas music and the glow of Christmas lights twinkling in the night or aluminating my living room. These things make me smile and get all nostalgic.

* Oh how I love New Years. New starts, fresh beginnings, new chances. I am looking forward to 2009!

* Sad, Scary times. I will not be able to go to take my brother to college because of my job and the risk of cut backs again. **Sigh** Stressful, Sad, and Scary. I am thankful for my job now and I trust my Father. We will see what is ahead.

* This week has been secret santa week at work. It has been fun and a bit stressful for me to pull it off for the name I drew. I have received: Monday - Two pairs of Christmas Socks, Tuesday - A cute notebook, fuzzy pin pen, and two black pens, Wednesday - Three packs of M-N-M's (Peanutbutter, Plain, and Peanut), Coffee Cup and decoration. Fun stuff we will see what today and tomorrow brings!!

* I love giving gifts much better than receiving lately. I think I am growing up a little. However I do not enjoy being on so strict a budget for purchasing gifts for others. This does not make me happy but it does make me really consider the gifts I am able to purchase.

* Children's Church cranks back up this week!! I cannot wait!!! I MISS IT!!!

Well I guess that is all from me this morning!! Have a very Merry Day!!!

Shopping Day!

Having a very Frugal Christmas.

This year I am getting down to the important things of Christmas. I have been forced by finances to really think about everything I get and really pray over it and consider it and the meaning behind this whole season.

This has been the most difficult yet wonderful Christmas ever.

Yesterday was my shopping day.
Mr. Wonderful and I used up our last vacation day of the year which thankfully happened to be a pay day and we set out to conquer our shopping lists. It was a day full of prayer and frustration and some heartbreak. It was difficult to have so little money to make Christmas special for my family. I did alot of praying and asking God to give me peace with what I was able to afford. My goal was to get one thing everyone would like and want.

That however proved to be a bit difficult especially for the men in my famiy who did NOT help in giving me ideas of what they wanted. And money was an issue. I couldn't get some of the things I wanted to get for my loved ones because I could not afford it. That was very sad to me. But God gave me peace for the things I was able to get and there was alot of heart behind everything I bought and that truly is the real gift.

The gift of love and thought. That is mainly what I am giving this season and that is the way it should be!

Not only did I have peace from my Heavenly Father to cover the day but I also had Mr. Wonderful. He was amazing all day. In my frustrated moments he was patient yet kept me in check. He just encouraged me and was so very patient with me.
The day reminded me how much my Heavenly Father loves me, to give me such a gift as Mr. Wonderful to walk through life with.
It was a day with moments that confirm that waiting on God's timing was so worth it. A day that again confirmed that Mr. Wonderful is THE ONE God created just for me. I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life (eventually) with him by my side. God is so loving and caring and good and He knew just what I needed. I feel so loved and adored by my Heavenly Father as well as Mr. Wonderful. That is such a great feeling to have. I can't belive how Blessed I truly am.

Blessed...
1) To have a Heavenly Father who loves me and is the source of my needs
2) To have Mr. Wonderful a gift from my Heavenly Father to share my life with
3) To have such an amazing Family a gift from my Heavenly Father to love and support me - wow!

I am blessed. That is what this Christmas is all about!

Happy Times.

Much to report...

Friday night Mr. Wonderful and I went to my parents to play cards and hang out. We have the best time with my family. I just love easy times laughing and just letting things flow as they flow. Nothing forced just being real. It was nice and the casserole we had for dinner was DELICIOUS!

Saturday morning was WEIRD. I was discombobulated (yes that is a word). But the day was good I went and helped Neesie and Dad paint her new office. It really is a great color Neesie!! The boys my youngest brother and Mr. Wonderful were hunting. This was Mr. Wonderful's first time to hunt. I was really excited for him. He did not shoot anything this time but I have high hopes for the future. My brother got a doe though. Sadly I got no pictures. I did want a picture of Mr. Wonderful in camo, he looked really good!!
My other brother was on a day long date with his beautiful girlfriend...it was the big date...he asked her to marry him. I was so excited all weekend just waiting for the call to say they were engaged!! Oh my gosh they were both just glowing!!! I was about to die for them to get to the house so I could hug her!! I will have a new sister and I am thrilled!!! I was awake all night dreaming of their big day and the wonderful life they are going to have!!

Sunday was incredible as well!! Sunday School was so very amazing. Well let's back it up a bit. I woke up at 6:30, yes AM. Even after being awake all night with visions of my brother's wedding dancing in my head I woke up at 6:30AM. But it was God who woke me up and I knew He has something to say to me. I got up and listened. About 45 minutes into my quiet time with my Heavenly Father I received a text telling me I would be teacing Sunday School alone that morning. I knew then that God had me up that morning for a reason. We are doing a Sunday School with Junior High and High School girls called Lady in Waiting. I will tell you this. God was preparing the way by waking me up at 6:30AM! We went very deep, some testimonies were shared starting with mine, there was barely a dry eye in the room when we finally left well after the first song had started in the sanctuary. INCREDIBLE what God did in that room Sunday morning! Thank YOU LORD for YOUR awesome work in hearts and lives!!!
Church was good, it was nice to be in big church, but I am ready to get Children's Church cranked back up!!! I can't wait!!
We then went to have lunch with my brother's fiance's family and that was fun. I think the families will mesh well together. We just love Ashley so much!! We then just spent the afternoon ho humming around the house watching TV and visiting.
Then we had the youth Christmas party, which was so fun and funny!! The kids had a GREAT time and the treats were so good!!!

What a Happy and Wonderful weekend!

I am truly thankful for Happy times!

God is Good At All Times!

Roller Coaster

Today I am on a Roller Coaster of emotions.

Yuck!

God is still Faithful. He is always Faithful. My enemy wants me to believe that my Heavenly Father is not faithful or loving or in control or that He has not changed me. I don't believe him at all. I know who my Father is and I am standing on His Word and Promises.

I hate...

MONEY.

but...

I TRUST GOD.

Christmas Play.

IT ALL HAPPENED IN THE COUNTRY

* The most amazing kids ever!

* My favorite play that we have done

* So incredibly blessed by the opportunity to work with the kids

* I loved going to the nursing home and getting to sit in the floor with the kids

* THE KIDS DID A GREAT JOB!!

THE most Beautiful Story.

The Birth of Jesus.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census shoud be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pleged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

What a Beautiful story. This IS the reason we celebrate Christmas! Without Christ there would be not Christmas, nothing to celebrate.

For those who do not know Christ this is just a holiday to to sing songs and give and receive gifts and put up lights and decorations. How empty.

I am thankful I now know the Truth and can celebrate the real reason for this holiday season. For so long I did not celebrate it for the right reason, I didn't even know the real reason. My mom now knows too and my future husband now knows.

God is so good. But He is not done yet! There's more of my family that need to know Him and I am confident they will!

They need to know that Jesus came and was born on this earth. Spent His first night in a manger in a barn. Then grew up and was beaten, taunted, and crucified for the sole purposed to save us from our sins and give us a way to connect with our Creator, our Heavenly Father, God.

If you are reading this and do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, YOU CAN and I would be more than happy to share with you who Jesus is and who He has been to me and how He has changed my life and well given me life. Send me a comment or an email.

Have a Blessed CHRISTmas!!

Rejoice.

Rejoice.


Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we REJOICE in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2




Is there anything else? Anything else that really matters?


In this time of financial strife and general stress is there anything that trumps this awesome promise? I'd say nothing even comes close.


God has shown Himself Faithful to me again and again, even just this week. He is going to be faithful to me today too. Ocassionally He just reminds me of the basics. This is a basic truth that spoke so LOUDLY to me this morning. We have cause to REJOICE everyday no matter what strife or stress we face. We have hope in Jesus. JOY TO THE WORLD...THE LORD IS COME...Jesus came so that we may have life and have it to the fullest...The fullest JOY. The fullest HOPE. The fullest PEACE. The fullest LOVE. Those are the riches of life. Not money, things or fame. We can have these things everyday.


I have these things today...


I have JOY in my heart.
I have HOPE for my day and my future.
I have PEACE in my life.
I have LOVE from my Heavenly Father, My Family, My friends, Myself.


Sweet Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me of this basic truth. I needed this reminder. You are so faithful and wonderful. I praise You and You alone. Praise You Jesus! You are Holy and Worthy of Praise. I love you and give this day to you. I know that is all you ask, that I simply give myself and my life and my days to You and You will take care of things. Today I seek You first and let you have it all to add or take away as you see best. I love You Lord Jesus. I love You Heavenly Father. I love You Holy Spirit. I am yours, I choose You. I give you all that this day holds and I trust you in all of it. Thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for Loving me. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.

AH!

Things that just make me sigh...

My Faithful Heavenly Father
Time spent with family
Seeing my Sweetie after a Holiday apart
Traditions
Feeling Secure
Leftovers
A clean house
Hallmark Christmas Movies
Christmas Trees
Christmas Ornaments
Pumpkin Pie
Electric Blanket
Safe in the arms of Love

Matthew 6:8, "for your Father knows what you need..." (NIV)

Thankful.

Tis the Season to reflect on what we are thankful for.

I am Thankful for:

A Heavenly Father that loves me when I NEVER deserve to be loved.
Strength to endure from my Heavenly Father.
Family that loves me.
The wonderful Man that God brought in my life.
Salvation.
Worship.
Times of Laughter and Joy.
The Word of God.
Incredible Friends.
Girl time.
Chances.
Hugs.
Knowing I can Trust my Heavenly Father and that He fills all gaps.
Fun Road Trips.
To have a job.
To know I have a purpose..
Forgiveness.

I wish you All a very Happy Thanksgiving. Full of Joy, Love, and being Thankful for what we have. Not the material things, but the real riches of life. Love, Family, Time. I wish you all the best memories to be made and songs to be sung and the very presence of God to fill you to over flowing!! Have a great Thanksgiving.

Chicago.

Here are the pics from my trip to Chicago last week. Enjoy. (The descriptions are under each picture.)

This where we ate lunch 95 stories above the city. The Signature Room. Beautiful building, beautiful experience. Sorry I did not get a picture from the window up there. It was breath taking even with the fog.

Navy Pier. If it had not been raining we would have been on that fabulous Ferris Wheel you see in the background. There are only 4 in the world this large. (I definitely want to experience Navy Pier someday.)
Gorgeous Castle like building. This is the water works building. The only building to survive the Fire they had many many years ago.
A matching building across the street. The architecture was really incredible. This is Donald Trump’s Building. He is trying to build the new tallest building in Chicago. Notice the clouds around the top. These buildings were designed to look like corn on the cob. Ha. They look very cool. They are condos. Notice the cars parked at the bottom. Chicago River Walk. I have a thing for light posts. I liked this one.
The Stone Heads (Famous Merchants) across the street from the Merchandise Mart where our Chicago Showroom is.
The one picture I got of me in Chicago. In the car on the way back to the airport. We did not think we were going to make it back in time to catch out flight. (I snapped two pictures. My sales rep started waving at the cars behind us thinking they were flashing their head lights at her to get over. Ha Ha Ha. We had a good laugh when she realized it was me taking pictures.)

We had a good time and I did not get a picture of the three of us together since we were so rushed to get back to catch our flight. It was fun. My Sales Rep was a very gracious and fun host.