A New Look for Christmas...

We had such a fun time celebrating our Savior coming with our family. Almost all of my immediate family was able to go to church together on Christmas Eve. (Even Dawn was able to leave in the middle of her work shift, despite the fact that they were over-worked and short-handed her coworkers wanted to release her to be with her family at church! What kindness from God!) Xavier was giddy over the fact that he got to hold a lit candle at the end of the service. My 21 month old nephew, Braden, was pretty excited as well. Through the service he collected as many unlit candles as his little hands could hold from other family members.

Christmas morning Xavier found his last verse in the stocking for this year, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 Then we finally read over the biblical accounts of Christmas. We had our traditional holiday breakfast of cinnamon rolls, then Xavier and I opened presents together - Thanks Dawn for taking him shopping for me, that was so much fun!.

Later we joined my family for lunch and lots of snuggle time with my niece and nephews. Evening brought more relatives and mountains of presents. We are so blessed to have a large family and all live so close together! Thank you guys for how you love to lavish Xavier with gifts. We're so grateful for your generosity! Hopefully this weekend I'll get around to finding a "home" for all of the new things he received. They're still sitting under our tree waiting to be put away.

Annelise, Braden, Logan & Xavier

I think the highlight of this Christmas for Xavier was the "gift" he got on Christmas Eve. He's had a wiggly tooth for a few weeks now and was finally able to pop it out on Monday. He kept saying, "I can't believe I'm going to lose my tooth on Christmas Eve!!!" When he realized it was pretty close to coming out he became frantic and started saying, "Call the Ruths!" (our landlords) He knew he would see the family in a couple of hours at the church service and wanted to surprise them. But our dear neighbors the Ruths had to know now! As soon as he was able I let him call them and they very kindly received his news with much enthusiasm :-) They are so precious to us!

Sock-it Stuffing

I openly admit to not correcting Xavier when he uses cute names for things instead of proper titles. I was reminded again this Christmas that he hasn't yet caught on to the term "stocking". I think each year he gets it down by the time Christmas actually arrives, but when he finds them in the box of decorations he gets all excited to hang his "sock-it".

We hang them on our bedroom door knobs since we have no fire place. In the past I've done the traditional small gifts in the stocking while he's sleeping on Christmas Eve for him to find in the morning. This time he was so eager he kept asking me the day we hung them (December 1st) if I would put candy in while he slept. I did not. It didn't dampen his enthusiasm in the least. The next morning while I was in the shower he emptied his candy jar into my stocking along with a note that read, "I love you Mommy!" I realize at this point it's a great opportunity to meet his anticipation with a fun and memorable way to lay the gospel before him... but how? I'm not creative and I avoid contexts where I'm expected to be, but God kindly meets me in my weakness and gives me "light bulb moments" any way.

The next day we began a new tradition. I stuff his sock-it every night and when he wakes he finds a "secret message" which is a scripture prophesying the Messiah. He reads it to me and we talk about how Jesus fulfilled it. He then pastes it on a sheet of paper so he has a visual reminder of (just a small portion of ) the ways Christ was proved to be the promised One. In past years we've read through the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels, but this has been so refreshing for me. It's provided times for considering what it was like to wait so eagerly for Immanuel to come. Living this side of the cross can be so comfortable for me. I am able to see God's plan for redemption in a way that his people could not 2000 years ago. In the midst of this season I've been introduced to the song "Hope Has Come" from the Sovereign Grace Christmas CD. I love that song!!! May I never take Christ's arrival for granted! Alleluia! Hope has come!

Look Mommy!

While I was driving Xavier to school this morning he says, "Look Mommy!" I glance over my shoulder and see him staring back at me smiling. I don't get it. But as soon as I look back to the road he says a little more urgently, "No Mommy, look." I tell him that I can't keep looking back while I'm driving and I'm not sure what he wants me to see. He then explains that he is flaring his nostrils to the beat of the music! (Silly me, how could I miss that?)

Who would think of doing that? Yet it seemed to fit our family so well. A few months ago at a family gathering we were all sitting around discussing (and demonstrating) what weird muscles we can move. For example: raising your eyebrows independently, crossing your eyes, wiggling your ears, curling your tongue, flaring your nostrils, etc. I can do pretty many, but flaring my nostrils is not one of them. That's probably not how most family's spend a day together, but hey... they're mine.

New Shoes!

We had the Franks' over this week and they brought bags of outgrown clothes for Xavier. I love "free shopping" and God kindly provides opportunities for me to indulge in it. There was one particular treasure I found in the bundles that I knew Xavier would really enjoy. A pair of cowboy boots! (Forgive me if that's not the 'politcally correct' term) They're still too big so don't expect a public appearance any time soon, but he has fun wearing them around the house and has endearingly named them his "Texas Shoes". I think it's funny that he associates them with Texas. Where do they pick up on this stuff? I think it's official - we're country now. It's crept in over the last year and a half. Can you see me in a pick up truck??? Hmm...

A Busy Day

We had such a nice day today welcoming December. For some reason that last week of November seemed extra long and I found myself eager to turn the page on each of my calendars. Xavier and I woke up early this morning and went back to the pond to watch the sunrise. We had fun exploring things back there until it finally peeked over the mountain. We watched the wind blowing the water, found an old hunting fort up in a tree, and discovered that those green walnuts that fall off the trees in summer sink, but once they turn brown in the winter they float. Xavier tested this several times and we watched a whole fleet of them bob down the creek. We talked about the heavens declaring the glory of God, how the Bible says the sun runs its course with joy in worship to God and that he deserves to be praised from the time it rises until it sets, and sat on the bank singing The Heavens They Preach. Here are some fun shots from our special morning.

When we came in Xavier was pretty cold and asked for Hot Cocoa with breakfast. So he "ate" it from his favorite Toy Soldier mug.

This one is a sunset from last week.

My sister Jill, her boyfriend Andrew and my mom joined us for lunch and then we headed over to the Poinsettia Show at Glick's Greenhouse! That's becoming a new family tradition for us and I really enjoy it. They do such a nice job decorating and drawing a crowd, then displaying the gospel. It's really neat! We got to hear two Mr. Drago's and one Mr. Eder play and visited with some friends from church. Xavier enjoyed farm toys with Nate, Jeremiah, Benny, Rachael and Ashlyn. Then we found the Candy Land room! Xavier said to a boy next to him, "I wish I could eat all of this stuff! Except the paper and wood."

We also tackled some decorating at home. Over the summer we had some water damage in the basement and lost most of our Christmas decorations. I hoped to buy new ones as the time approached, but God has made it clear that's not where my money is to go right now. So my mom brought me a real vintage tree from my Nana's attic. It's at least 40 years old. I was a little skeptical, but we had fun and it looks better than I expected. It is a metallic tree with a "Color Wheel" and spot light that you shine on it rather than stringing lights. I think it's funny, Xavier thinks it's pretty cool. In case you don't get over to see it I thought I'd share the visual effects. Where do people come up with this stuff?

The Game of Life and Silly Sayings

Since today was Thanksgiving Eve I decided we should get the celebration under way. I told Xavier we could do whatever he wanted. He chose to play a game and asked every 30 seconds from the time I pulled in the driveway, "Can we play now?" Finally we sat down with cold ham sandwiches at the coffee table for The Game of Life. This was the first time he's really been able to do the math himself (for the most part) and work out what bills to give me. I had a sad sobering moment when he drew his Salary Card and I realized the great potential for it to be higher than mine and had to pray for God to guard my heart against covetting. It's a board game!!! He did end up with a higher salary than mine, but come on, $50,000 on each Pay Day should not cause grumbling in my heart. At one point he declared, "Look how many rich dollars I have!" I was encouraging him not to boast in that because it's all a gift and reminding him of Job - that we can lose everything we're given in this world. Just then he landed on a square saying his house was hit by a tornadoe and he had to pay some large sum to fix it. I said to myself, "There, that's what you get." I spun and landed on the same spot a moment later. God mocks proud mockers. He did win the game by a landslide and I was delighted for him.

Because I love reading kids quotes I'm compelled to share some of the ones that have made me smile this week:

During the game tonight Xavier landed on a square that said he had won a talent contest. I asked him what his talent was. He said "Like a squid's talents?" And started walking around like a penguin. It took a few seconds to realize he was thinking of 'tentacles'. I explained the difference and he said his talent would be, "Racing... with my legs."

When he landed on the space to Get Married -

Me: Yea! You're getting married! What's your bride's name?

Xavier: Umm... I'll call her "Cuteness!"

The other day driving on the bypass -

Xavier: Momma, Can I tell you a 'get it joke'?

Me: A 'get it joke'? What's that?

Xavier: A highway, get it? It's high and it's a way.

(I've been waiting for this corny joke age and it's finally hit)

A few weeks ago just laying on the living room floor together trying to make up jokes -

Xavier: Knock Knock

Me: Who's there?

Xavier: Serious

Me: (snickering) Serious Who?

Xavier: Serious Seal

I tried to explain that it doesn't make sense, that's not the way a knock knock joke works, that is wasn't really funny

Xavier: (about 30 seconds later) Then why are you still laughing?

I was still laughing over the fact that he used the word "Serious" as a punch line, I love being silly with him

Last night as we were reading about God saving for himself people from every tribe, tongue and nation I was asking Xavier to think of friends he has that don't quite look like him, that maybe have different colored skin. He didn't seem to get it.

Me: Maybe their skin isn't white like yours.

Xavier: My skin's not white! It's more Taco color.

That is in fact the name written on the crayon he uses to color people's flesh in coloring books.

And I have to throw this one in for Stacey so everyone can see it! Xavier saw a picture of Bo Derek recently (an appropriate one) and said, "That looks just like Mrs. Hoffman." You'll have to tell Al about that one.

Finally, an oldie but a goodie. I think of this every time I see Steve and Marie serving in Children's Ministry like they did last week and I expect will again this Sunday. This is a conversation Xavier and I had some Saturday several months back.

Me: Mr and Mrs Ruoss will be teaching you tomorrow.

Xavier: Ohhh (whiney)

Me: But you love them!

Xavier: I know, but they see everything I do!

Don't they serve us well? ;-)

Sweet Meditations

This has been such a sweet week in the word! Xavier and I just finished Proverbs in our morning reading and we're going through Psalms together again. Today was Psalm 19. I love this Psalm! Sometimes when he's been angry about discipline or he seems to be discouraged I just read through verses 7-11 and have him repeat each line to me. Because God's word is living and active we are both transformed by this practice. We need to be reminded of how good God is and that the boundaries he has set are the outworkings of that. If you're not familiar with this passage I would strongly recommend you review it ASAP. Your heart will be strengthened!

In my personal quiet times I've been reading through Hosea. Wow! God has shown me more mercy than even I know! As I was reading chapter 2 I had to tremble at the wrath I've earned (yet not even close to an appropriate sense of fear). I saw at one point that I was scared to keep reading. I'd had enough. I didn't want to see anymore. But at the height of my sin being laid bare come these words in verse 14, "Therefore (now I'm really scared, what is the result of all I've just read), behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness (I'm cringing at what comes next, but then...) and speak tenderly to her." He offers me a "door of hope" verse 15 says - Christ! "And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me 'My Husband'" v. 16 "And I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD." v. 19-20 Why does he meet my sin with such mercy? How is it that I'm loved by so ferocious a Lover? Even with eternity to worship this God I will never give him his due.

As Xavier often takes longer to eat supper than I do, I try to seize that time for something beneficial. We have what I refer to as a "Dessert Book", which I'll read to him while he's finishing his meal. We've been going through John Piper's "The Passion of Jesus Christ." One night this week we were discussing how Christ has crushed the power of sin and that Satan and the rest of the fallen angels battle against us but Christ has already secured our victory. So most of this goes over a six year old's head. I can't even grasp but tiny bits of it, but if it's in God's word it's worth discussing at the dinner table. I was telling him about that Carman song that depicts the battle that goes on at the cross and how the dark side may have thought God was being defeated as Christ breathed his last. The demons expect a "ten count" but the song portrays the Judge counting backwards, and when he reaches 1 Christ rises in victory. Xavier thought that was pretty funny. I kind of like it myself. As I finish eating I opened the dessert book and read, "He set aside [the legal brief against us], nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Colossians 2:14-15 These are the same "rulers" and principalities that Eph. 6:12 tells us we battle against. He has disarmed them, triumphed over them, and put them to open shame! Doesn't this book bring the best news to weary sinners? I love it!

In the evenings we've been going through Numbers. I have been sobered by God's patience and just wrath that are shown toward Israel. There is a theme of complaining that runs through the text and how God's anger is kindled over this. I see so much of this in my own heart and I need to revisit these chapters where God's punishment is displayed. One of the passages that sticks out each time I read it though is Numbers 9:15-23 which describes the people following the cloud over the tabernacle. If you've ever questioned me about contentment you may have heard me mention my fear of things staying the same. Not that there's anything wrong with the place I'm in. I just crave change. I like variety. I have to guard against complaining when there seems to be nothing big going on at all. So I love how verse 23 simply says, "At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out." It even specifically says that sometimes it moved the next day and other times it stayed still for days. They just watched and waited and knew that there was no where else for them to be, but where the Lord brought them that day. I want that heart!

Thank you ladies to each of you who have been praying for me. I know I've confessed to several of you over the last year how I can be reluctant to share the gospel with Xavier when I'm faced with his sin. I'm tempted to try bringing conviction myself and not offer him hope until I see that he's sorry. The Lord was showing me this week how he's been at work in my heart here. He has been dazzling me with the gospel and allowing me the joy of holding it out to my son as well! It's been so releasing and has made for sweeter discipline and repentance times together! I'm so glad he loves me enough to discipline me as his daughter and holds me as I seek to follow his gentle example.

Now can I ask for your prayers in another area? A couple of months ago I was having lunch with a dear friend who always tells me the truth in love. As we were discussing something that had been troubling me and revealing my sin that week she concluded that God is walking me through this process of refining and solidfying what I really believe about purity. I didn't give it much thought at the time, assuming that this circumstance would be an isolated one and not really the beginning of a "process". Looks like she was right again ;-) It's had many faces over the last few weeks, but there's definitely a battle going on. Please pray that I would be grounded in truth and able to respond humbly to each new situation that arises while God is teaching me about how to honor him as a single woman. This post is super long already so I won't go in to more detail, but please don't hesitate to ask me about it. I need accountability and confession here. Thanks for being great sisters! I thank God for each of you!

Leaves!!! and some other stuff

I have really been enjoying the leaves changing colors this autumn. Xavier and I act like we're on a thrill ride as I drive him to school in the morning. There's one particular stretch where I say, "Now watch when we go around this corner!" and it seems like each day the leaves are brighter and more diverse in their colors than the day before. It started with a patch of bright red ivy that turned while everything else around it was still green, and it just seems to have spread from there. One more thing I love about living in the country - leaves! We didn't have many of those in Reading.


Here are some pictures of us enjoying our abundant gift of colorful leaves, and a shot of the trees in our yard just because it proves that God gives me the desire of my heart. He knows how I love peach and crimson leaves and that's just what he's given me. Then there's a shot of Xavier hanging one of our "Thankful Leaves". In past November's I've constructed some type of tree and cut out paper leaves for us to write things we are thankful for on. Since we have such lovely little beauties right outside of our door I figured this year I'd skip the time and work of fabricating leaves and just use the real thing. This has allowed us to be more generous with our list as well. Instead of just doing one a day we can grab a handful on the way in after work! God is so good. Here's my favorite part :on my first leaf I wrote "peach colored leaves"; Xavier takes his first leaf and writes, "the cross". We have much to be thankful for!!!

You know I'm excited when I take this many pictures!

our special guests on Saturday enjoying the leaves

Ok, this has nothing to do with leaves, but it's a great picture. He's wearing a mustache as a beard.

Then there was Xavier's first appointment with his new dentist, Dr. Ruoss! He has gone with me to Dr. Ruoss' office a couple of time now and my hygenist showed him how all the equipment works and even let him look at some X-rays. Then he saw Josiah's pictures from the dentist so he wanted me to take a picture of him as well. I'm glad I brought the camera because he did a great job and his hygenist had a pretty smart way of helping kids relax. She gave him some shades to block the bright light they have to shine on you!

Hope you're having a great fall!

Fire Feet

My little man brings me so much joy. I love how God has given him a happy and silly spirit that is eager to make others laugh! We both enjoy a good beat and often have fun (and get exercise) by dancing. This is a clip of him boogying tonight to a Toby Mac song. He talks about "his moves" but I found out tonight he has names for some of them! Look for the part where he pauses for a moment and then you'll see him bust out with his signature move "Fire Feet". Named for the feeling of friction while he's moving like a maniac! If you ever get the chance, you should see how his eyes light up if he hears the song "Footloose". Maybe all of those musicals I've watched with him are paying off. He could be the next Gene Kelly!

Favorite Song Poll

God has been so kind to give me these Sunday afternoons as "alone time". But I have to confess - when Gene asked if he could spend time with Xavier every Sunday my heart was not joyful! Sunday afternoons are my only down time usually and I love getting to spend that with my little guy, but it's something God's called me to sacrifice right now and he's been giving me something so much better. He's been regularly calling me closer to him in these times.

Someone approached me today and asked what my favorite Christmas song is. It seemed a bit random, but it turned out to have a point. So today I left church with that question fresh in my mind. I was so excited to get home and break out an old hymnal that my mom gave me from her piano bench a few years ago. It was so sweet to read over the lines of the old familiar songs. Just the tune makes me giddy like I used to get singing them at Christmas Eve services. I love Christmas music. I have to restrain myself, but I love waiting until after Thanksgiving to play Christmas CD's so I don't grow overly familiar with them. I love that season of deeper consideration of how far Christ came to save his people.

So here are the ones in the running. I'm hoping to get input from others as to what their favorites are. You may vote for one I have listed or tell me your own. Maybe I haven't thought of it.

O Come O Come Emmanuel
Angels From the Realms of Glory
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Joy To The World
O Little Town of Bethlehem

Each time I open this old hymnal I find new treasures. I enjoy the fact that I don't know the tune to most of the songs. It allows me to focus more on the words. Here are two excerpts that delighted my heart today:

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine forever.
from The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Henry W. Baker

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love and my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
from Beneath the Cross of Jesus by Elizabeth C Clephane

The Trial of .... Wellness?

Wellness meaning health here. Most people would not look at this as a trial, and if you're in the "trial of illness" right now you may even resent me referring to good health that way. If that's the case I do not mean to minimize how exhausting,and at times excruciating, it can be to have an extended illness or be caring for a loved one who does. But I'm reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man." We are often tempted to discontenment when we have the very thing our neighbor may be begging for.

I enjoy being sick, but it doesn't happen very often. I also like when my son is sick, but I have to clarify here that the few times in his life he has been sick have been very mild. He doesn't get many symptoms and will typically mention an ailment just once in passing. Then I take him to the Dr and find out there's something going on in there. I love the opportunity to stay home and care for him, but God has really grown me here over these last 6 years so that I'm not seeing that fist-shaking hard-heartedness I used to. No doubt the folly of this is obvious. What sane mother would want herself and her child to be ill? I think the sinful side of it comes down to the fact that I'm lazy. I like an excuse to lie around and not do any work. I'm proud. I want people to make a fuss over me and cater to me. But I also genuinely love getting to pamper my little guy and comfort him when he's feeling his need for it.

This past week I've had a cold and cough . I have thoroughly enjoyed it even though it's much too mild for me to really consider myself sick. I saw irritation at the fact that a coworker of mine was sicker than I was and people were concerned for her. I was not. I was judgmental of her and had to repent and deliberately pursue compassion. God's getting me there. Then on Thursday night I found out my good friend, Daphne, had pneumonia last Sunday (but didn't know it) and I had spent about 4 hours just an arm's-length away from her - yet I didn't get sick! I was amused at God's sovereignty. He chooses to give me what is good, rather than my heart's desire. Today I was expecting old friends to join us for lunch, but I got a call from Gary saying his wife Rachel was ill and in the hospital but much recovered and being released today, however they would not be able to make it. God did grant me compassion this time, but I saw again just how he tests me. Do I really want his will for me? Or do I want what he has for others?

I had some time alone this afternoon and after dropping Xavier off at his dad's I drove past an old cemetary on the way home. It was a beautiful day, I had time to spend, and I wanted to be outside somewhere with solitude. My mom loves old cemetaries as do a few of my friends so I figured it would be a good place to stop. From the time I arrived there God laid on my heart Psalm 39:4 " O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!" I looked at memorials to families who lost several children at a young age. One couple buried 6 children all under a year old, most under 6 months in less than 8 years. Another couple had 6 stillborn children over the course of 7 years, and then one child who was with them for 2 years and one for 6 years. That affected my heart. Why do I take my health for granted and even grumble over it? Because I'm sinful. I needed a Savior to pardon my unbelief.

I sat on a bench that was close to the road and at one point I was distracted by a car with loud music passing by and the Lord gave me this vivid memory: 10 years ago I was in the back of an open Jeep with about 10 other people (no we were not wearing seat belts :-o !) flying down that very road with a keg of beer, drinking it from the hose because we weren't waiting to get to the party. Who would have guessed that just a decade later I would be sitting in this cemetary being gently taught about contentment? I deserved to be there, but not in that context!

He gave me so many other nugget lessons on my little stroll. I saw new grass budding on fresh ground and considered how God, in his mercy, has ordained that I might be one who hears the word and receives it (see Matthew 13 for the parable of the sower). My eyes regularly landed on a tombstone engraved with the last name of a coworker and God gently impressed on me the urgency of sharing his glorious gospel with those around me and led me to pray earnestly for individuals. I even looked up at one point to see the name 'Gross' staring back at me and the vision of me just yards away loving my sin a few years ago returned and I wept with gratitude. I have been forgiven and saved from much!

I may not always have the health he's given me now and I don't want to waste it. Lord, help me to love you with all of my strength!

Egg Rolls in Heaven

A few weeks ago Xavier and I were sharing a two pack of Butterscotch Krimpets (how kind of God to give some person the idea to make them!). We were talking about how much we enjoy them and all the many good gifts God lavishes on us. I asked him, "If food is this good here, what do you think the feast in Heaven will be like?" His eyes lit up as he exclaimed that we'll have a McDonald's and Taco Bell right in our house. He began talking about hamburgers, and one million billion triple chicken patties (now, mind you, there will be no gluttony in Heaven), but then he remembered *egg rolls* . We both have a particular fondness for nice crispy pork egg rolls. He was giddy with delight.

Saturday we were going over the songs for worship (one of the benefits of being privy to the worship set before Sunday AM) and talking about the line in "Glories of Calvary" that says "your saints below join with your saints above rejoicing in the risen Lamb." We started talking about his Great Grandma who went to Heaven just last year. He has fond memories of her though he was so young when she passed. He laughed and said, "Hey, she beat us. In our family we can have a race to see who gets to Heaven first." That's a bitter-sweet thought, but what an excellent way to look at it! He then became concerned that Great Grandma may eat all of the egg rolls before he gets there. I assured him that she can not sin now that she is with Jesus and away from her flesh. She will surely have saved some just for him! That cheered him up a great deal and we had fun continuing to contemplate what she is doing right now. Considering the reality that she is enjoying the sight of the risen Lamb and beholding his surpassing glory! spurs me on to run harder.

Happy Harvest

The last two Autumn's we've been blessed to enjoy "Harvest" in a new and beautiful way. Since moving to the country and having a corn field right next to us we've gotten to watch our landlord, Joe, as he's prepared the ground, planted the seed, seeing the crop come in and flourish (even waking up some mornings in July to a bag of sweet corn on our porch, the Ruth's are so kind to us) and then comes the harvest. This is what all the hard work, early mornings, praying for rain and sunshine and waiting patiently were for. There was investment and trust involved, and God was faithful. God's been reminding me again of Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on , however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it." That verse has been the topic of many conversations in our home over the last 4 years or so, as we are daily in the exercise of discipline. I grow weary so quickly and give in to doubt. But God is faithful and he has forgiven me much! He will bring the harvest in his time. I'm seeing the sprouts in Xavier's life and I'm so grateful for the gift God has given me in my son. I trust the Lord will conquer Xavier's heart and give him a deep love for his Savior, and just like his mommy he'll never be able to boast in himself, but only in the cross of Christ.

Yesterday we took our annual trip to Pumpkin Land. Each year we are joined by more family members. This year my mom and two of my sisters, Dawn and Jill, came with us. Hopefully soon we'll be able to bring my nieces and nephews to enjoy the fun as well. The highlight for the past two years has been the short (kiddie length) corn maze. Dawn, Jill, Xavier and I wait for opportunities when no other children are around and begin playing hide-and-seek-tag inside of it. The fun part is that you never really know who's "It" because you don't see the other people get tagged, so you end up paranoid of each family member you may meet with around the next corner. - Good times :-)

Then we admire all the pumpkins, gourds, Indian Corn and any animals they may have on display, but we always enjoy going in to the shop at the end, Green Valley Nursery. It's fun to see the room with Christmas decorations (yea!!! it's coming!!!), but most of our time in their is spent in the Yankee Candle room. We have to smell every candle they have and make a game of not letting Xavier see the label but asking him to guess the scent. He's quite good at it. That boy has a discerning nose! That's probably acquired from all of the practice he gets on our trips to Walmart. If I stop in the laundry or shampoo aisle we get stuck there for several minutes smelling each one. He gets very diappointed if I put the lid back on a bottle without him having a turn to smell as well. (My sisters are like that too. You should see us at Christmas, every present gets passed around and sniffed.)

During our outing Xavier was quite averse to having his picture taken and the only time I was successful in getting one was when I hid behind this cut out and he came to join me once I was found. Thanks Aunt Jill!

And Can It Be

The past few weeks I've been in one of my favorite kind of seasons. God has been flooring me with grace. I've had countless opportunities to ponder what he has saved me from, yet I still haven't plumbed the depths of my sin and the wrath I've earned. I've been marveling over the fact that God chose to save me - it's against all human reason and logic. It just plain doesn't make sense, apart from the fact that God is love. I have to laugh when I think about 1 Cor. 1:27 "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong". I read that and have to acknowledge, "Yep, there it is. It's all becoming clearer now." Who else has such wisdom? From that perspective I'm the perfect candidate for grace. What could display God's glory more than by saving someone as lost as I was?
Last night at worship rehearsal Thom was leading us through the song book alphabetically to re-establish even familiar songs since there are so many of us newbies who need practical help like that. What a blessing!!! The first song was "Across the Great Divide" which I declared was probably my very favorite song ever (I still think that's true), but as we went along I kept thinking, "No I love that one most, no that one!" Can you blame me? Look at the line up: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed, All Glory to You, All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, Amazing Grace... that's just some of them. Then we came to the one that has been the song of my heart through this sweet time - And Can it Be. How is it that I have found refuge in the blood of Christ? Why has he offered me free grace that cost him so much? My heart was so hard, I was not seeking God, how is it that he brought me to the cross any way?

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in my Savior's blood

Died he for me he caused his pain

For me who scorned his perfect love

Amazing love! How can it be

That you, my God, would die for me

Amazing love! How can it be

That you, my God, would die for me

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit this blog. The whole 'blog concept' is relatively new to me. But as I've had the opportunity to visit blogs of some ladies who are very dear to me I've been surprised to find how much of a blessing they are! (Kelly, Audrey, Shannon and Danielle - Thank you for your example of being intentional to proclaim the Lord's goodness!) It seems overwhelming to try to keep up with friends and what is going on in their lives. That can hinder my prayers and ability to care for them, so it's been a gift from God to get little bits of insight on how these women are spending their days, where their seeing God's kindness and how they're feeling their weakness. You will not be impressed with my technological skills (if I can even get this to show up!), but hopefully what will catch your attention is the great love and mercy God continually pours over my life!

"You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds

and your thoughts toward us, none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told." Psalm 40:5