Great is Your Faithfulness

Love is...

2012-02-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

So with Valentine's Day around the corner, I have been doing some thinking. Justin and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. Not because we think its evil, but because I dunno... we try to make showing our love for each other something we do through out the year. And candy and flowers (while nice) is not love. Love works hard, love pays the bills, love takes care of you when you are sick etc.

But while thinking about VD and what to do with Inara, I remembered reading this post by Mark Driscoll around Christmas time. We wanted to redeem Christmas, and after talking with Justin that's what we will be doing to with VD. When we did the Truth in the Tinsel with Inara it was super great! Inara loved making the ornaments. She has remembered some of the stories that go with the ornaments and has talked about it a lot lately.

Soooo, Justin and I sat down tonight to get some ideas and I am SUPER DUPER excited. We really wanted to show Inara what TRUE love is. So we went to scripture to 1 Corinthians 13. Coincidentally there are 15 qualities of what love is/does. So every day from now until February 16th (when we will have our family Valentine's Day party), we will read some scripture and make a little craft. And I'll be writing the full verse out a big piece of poster board today. I am super excited for the verses we picked out and some of the crafts we are doing....so without further adieu....

LOVE IS PATIENT:

Verse

Psalm 145:8- The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

Craft

I seriously just drew some hearts on a paper, we colored, and TRIED to add some other stuff...but I honestly just don't have a lot of crafty stuff

Inara coloring the heart

Inara really liked "hanging" the ornaments at Christmas,
so we are hanging our crafts on our door. *Please
disregard the hideous fountain in the back yard*

Apply

Inara (like us all) has a problem being patient when she gets frustrated with someone/something. She will hit said person, or throw object of frustration. We just talked about what being patient is, how God is patient towards us, and how she can grow in patience. PRAY! She has since walked around all morning saying "Love is patient"....its awesome!

I am really excited about doing this with her and sharing more of Christ with her. I already have the days/crafts planned out, so if you are interested let me know and I'll email you the list. So how will you redeem Valentine's Day? Even if you don't have kiddos, just think about it. What is love? TRUE love?

Food for thought

2012-01-31T14:27:00.000-05:00

So its been 5 days since I've had a sugary drink or caffeine. I guess I have never had this kind of experience before and I'm glad I am. While I have been "good" about keeping my fast, the Lord is so gracious to me to show me how sinful my heart really is. My friend sent me this worksheet on fasting and it really helped to put into words the state of my heart.

1. What did you hear God saying to you during your time of prayer and fasting? Its funny, because I fasting bionically is always linked with prayer or worship...and I've done neither. Probably why its been so hard. God has shown me, how I REALLY do only need him. And how I DON'T "Hunger and thirst for righteousness" and there for I am NOT satisfied. I really didn't see how food played such a vital role in my happiness. It's humbling but I am thankful for God making it clear to me. For example, this morning I went to the Zoo...well tried to. I got all the way there and forgot my pass. I drove home, got my pass, and needed gas. So I got gas...and a little "pick me up"...a Nutty bar and some juice. And shamefully as soon as I started eating my snack...I felt better. I wasn't as annoyed or frustrated...God showed me that was bad. I know God gives us food to enjoy, but not to idolize. I honestly had never thought I did...maybe its because I'm not overweight and super unhealthy...but my heart IS. God also showed me how ridiculous I am.

2. What did God bring to light about your own sin? What and how did you see more clearly how you've been sinning against God and others. God is showing me SO many things about my wicked heart in just these last few days.

-I am NOT content in my circumstances. Last night we went to quiznos after the gym, and I was honestly pissed that I couldn't have their delicious strawberry lemonade, and had to drink water. Yes, instantly cold water, that was easily accessible, and I didn't have to walk a days journey for 1 jug to take care of my starving family...and I was upset. I even snapped at Justin to fix our ice maker because if I HAVE to drink water...I only want it ice cold....diva much. Looking back on last night I am disgusted...which I guess is good. I want to be changed and not be like the fool described in James 1. And in light of yesterday and today behavior...I am adding no sweets to my fast. Not as a punishment, but because I obviously run to sugar in all forms to feel better.

-I run to everything/everyone else first before God. Yesterday while I was driving I was listening to a sermon by Mark Driscoll about marriage. He said something that really stood out to me "When you idolize someone, then you'll end up demonizing them". Point being when I want someone/thing to be Jesus and it can't..I end up being really mad. Its foolish, idolatry, and pride...great qualities to see in yourself!

I am very thankful that the same God who convicts of sin (NOT condemns Christians) is the same God who empowers to changed. I don't hear him beating me on the head and saying "you loser! you are so selfish and and awful daughter of mine. Just go away". No I hear his tender yet firm voice singing over me saying "come here little flock. I love you and I will change you to be more like me. You can trust me. I will never leave you and I will be with you always. When all the things of the word disappoint. I will not. Come with me. Trust me"...then just as a parent kisses a "boo boo" and makes it all better...so does God.

Desire

2012-01-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

*I wrote about half of this on my phone, so excuse the lack of punctuation /capitalization*

So a few weeks ago I read a friend's blog. you can find it here. basically as i was reading it, i felt like most of it could have been written by me. i felt convicted about how much sweet tea/coke i drink. Every month during my special time I think "I needed this caffeine now, but I'll stop later". I never do, then repeat the same reasoning the next month. so i thought about going on a fast briefly, and even told my friend "i just need to pray about it and talk to God first to make sure I have poor motives"... what a load of crap! I had neither prayed for direction or talked it out with God. I just kept suppressing my convictions...ouch seeing that in writing is so ugly.

well one night recently i was laying in bed and out of no where God showed me how the way i thought about my sweet tea/coke was sinful. i used it as an escape at the end of the day thinking "ugh, I've had a bad day...i DESERVE my huge fountain coke". i was spending money unwisely by having my drink nearly everyday. it went from something sweet to have as a treat, to something i had to have. so think about this, if i felt this way about having alcoholic beverages...i would be diagnosed as an alcoholic. When Go showed that to me, I saw my behavior for the first time for what it truly was...sin. I was relying on something created instead of the creator...gross.

So as of Friday January 27th, I am sweet tea/coke/sugary drink free. I decided to fast not only from tea and coke, but also other sugary drinks because I think the problem in my heart would still exist. I plan to fast for 1 month. I told Justin about it too and its helpful to have his accountability. Feel free to ask me how I am doing, and hopefully I can tell you of how God is helping to fix my sinful heart!

Princess time!

2012-01-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Inara and Marley got into some dress up clothes the other day. Girls are super fun. Inara kept saying "We are princesses!" and "Look, I the tooth fairy". Thanks Aunt Becky for our fun dress up clothes!

Cute fairy wings

Accessorizing with jewelry too!

Inara had to get her purse too

Fun with the girls!

A little behind...

2012-01-19T15:01:00.000-05:00

So I realized that while I did do this post about our Christmas, I haven't posted any pictures. And while I know you guys probably aren't dying to see any of them. I wanted to post them so we could look back and look at them some day

Family in our jammies on Christmas morning


One of her favorite toys, PEZ dispenser

Her other favorite toy, giraffe fan

Inara picked out that necklace for me all by herself! It was so sweet :)

beautiful girl! :)

Sleepy Head

2012-01-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when your kiddo sleeps 3.5 hours and sweats the whole time.

Wild and crazy hair...and sad too

She was super sweaty

Finally...a smile!

First

2012-01-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

This week has been filled with lots of first things for Inara. Monday we went on a family date to see a movie in the theater. This was her first time, so we weren't sure how she would do. She did really well. Sat on our laps most of the time, at TONS of popcorn, and asked for more chipmunks when the movie was over. Also at one point when all of the chipmunks were on stage, she turns looks at them and says "Oh...hi guys!".

Tuesday she went to her first dentist appointment. She did great, only cried a little bit, and at the end she got her nails painted. She picked out the colors all by her self- pink with gold sparkles. And here's the deal, I of course think my kid is super cute and smart, but its always fun when others think so too. The assistant couldn't believe how much she talks and they asked if they could get a picture of her to put on the facebook page because she is so cute.

Later that day she had her first haircut with her BFF Marley. And at this point I am not just saying Marley is her BFF, she REALLY is. If you ask Inara who her best friend is, she will answer: Marley. She did really good, but it was good to have Marley there to help calm her down. Inara is a bit of a drama queen, and Marley is very calm an collected.

Ready for my haircut..or mug shot :)

Long hair

SMILE!

Besties! :)

Katie and I joke a lot about them being best friends, but I think its just because we want them to have the type of awesome friendship we do. I pray that their friendship grows deeper as they grow older. I hope that Marley is there on Inara's wedding day when she is still full of drama and freaking out. I pray Inara can be there and take care of Marley when life gets hard and Marley gets mad. I pray they both experience the joy of walking through life with their "person".

31 Days to Clean: Day 3

2012-01-08T22:49:00.001-05:00

So I am probably not going to be able to do this ebook 31 days consecutively, but I do plan on keeping up with it, and TRYING to do it daily. But honestly, sometimes I just don't have the time. I am ok with that, my goal in doing this book is not to have a pristine/museum house, but a peaceful home.

So today was an extension of Day 2. She gives 10 specific ways to bring life into your home. And the Mary Challenge goes right along with that: Ask your family what makes them feel the most loved when it comes to you caring for your home - ask them to be specific so that you can begin (or continue) to give life to your domain.

Since Justin is the only person in my home who can actually answer me, I asked him. He said there are 2 ways I can love him when it comes to our home: 1. Allow for weekend naps and 2: Plan meals/food in home. I asked him how I do on those fronts and he said I was doing well. I am trying to try be more creative with dinner so we aren't eating spaghetti every night.

Martha Challenge: Kitchen- dust tops of refrigerator, cabinets, and shelves. Clean and shine the outsides of drawers and cabinets.

I didn't mind doing this Martha challenge, although I am sure I haven't cleaned the top of the fridge since we moved in. But now its clean and nice and organized. Wiping off cabinets wasn't bad. I also was able to reorganize and clean off one of our shelves. I wish I had taken a before picture because it was all cluttered with cookbooks, recipes, candles, and I even found a light switch cover on the shelf. But here is the finished product:

Um...yes I take gummy vitamins, don't judge

I saw this idea on pinterest a while ago and even bought a frame when some were on sale in December. So I finally got it out, wrote "I love you because" on some journal paper, slapped it in my little frame, and VOILA! I'd like to put something in front of all our vitamins, but for now that shelf looks SO much better.

Day 3-done, and ready for tomorrow!

My kid is fun

2012-01-08T14:57:00.001-05:00

Inara has been really fun lately, and she seriously is learning so much. I feel like she is finally being able to understand things we have been teaching her for months. Just in the past week she has shown more self-control, patience, and kindness. Its so wonderful to pray with her and then show her how God has answered our prayers :) That's not to say its all be rainbows and kittens around here. Yesterday morning God gave us a glimpse into her heart. She was SOO dramatic, tearful, and manipulative. I prayed that she would learn not be ruled by her emotions, but by truth. And today we saw some fruit of how God is growing her in that way. Here are some of Inara's latest funny things. She honestly is so funny. I never could have though I could love her as much as I do!

Inara: I got a boogie.

Me: Where?

Inara: In my mouth

"I hear my poop"- Inara after she "passed gas

Old macdonald = McDonalds

Here she is actually KEEPING a bow in her hair!

31 Days to Clean: Day 2

2012-01-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

So, I am already a day behind...surprise surprise! :) I'm very thankful that I am seeing this as a good opportunity for my heart and home to get cleaned up but not as a new law I must follow. So even though I missed yesterday, no big deal. I was excited to jump right back in today.

Day 2 is titled "Created to Give Life". It talks about how women are created to be life givers and then gives a few areas in which to do that, of course one being the home.

Mary Challenge: Start looking at your domain as something to make come alive! What ca you do today to bring life to your home, your children, your husband, and your sphere of influence?

Well today I am home all day with Inara and her BFF (For real folks, its the cutest thing to see them love each other). Usually I just let them play with each other and sort of be a referee so Inara doesn't take all her toys and push her down all day. I'm not saying that is bad, and its not like I ignore them, but am I giving them my best? Probably not. So today, we are all going to have fun together. Maybe build a fort under the dinning room table and read books, stop by the library, or snuggle together in my bed and watch a movie (Inara thinks being in our bed is the greatest thing in the world, its so funny). I know I can give life to our marriage by being disciplined to provide "couch time" when Justin gets home from work. About 5-10 minutes just sitting on the couch catching up and allowing Justin to breathe before switching gears from work to Dad. I am usually just so excited when he gets home I have all these plans. But I do need to MAKE couch time part of our day.

Martha Challenge: Kitchen- clean out and scrub down the refrigerator and freezer

Ugg...I honestly don't know when the last time I did this was...as evidence by how dirty it was. I had things in containers that were unidentifiable :( And I am saying this to hopefully make others feel better but...I cleaned out a glass container that was from a party we threw in...*cough cough* july *cough cough*. I know I know...nasty! But that is why I am excited for this book. To clean out the nasty corners of my fridge and my heart.

Before the cleaning:

ew....what is that in the bottom crisper...*sigh

After:

Tada!

I am hoping this book changes my perspective on my home. I know I won't get out of bed eager to scrub my toilet, but hopefully I'll do it "as though working for the Lord". Ok, I ~~know~~ hope I am not the only one out there who needs some help/motivation when it comes to cleaning. What is your least favorite household task? Is there one you actually ENJOY doing?

31 Days to Clean: Day 1

2012-01-03T19:42:00.001-05:00

So today I started 31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way. And I am pretty excited about it. Each day is only a page or 2 and the Mary/Martha challenges totally seem doable for me. Even though I seem to have less time at home as I am having to work more.

She starts the book off by asking "Why?", as in "why do you want a clean home". Its funny because I have never actually thought about it, it just seemed like something good you should have..right? Well the Mary Challenge for today was to "identify specific reasons you want to make your home a haven" and to use scripture. She suggested framing your "mission statement" and putting it somewhere you will see each day. Ok, so here is mine:

I want to have a clean home to honor God by being able to open my home to others and have a peaceful haven not a chaotic distraction

I based my mission statement on 2 verses. I have both verses and my mission statement on index cards and plan to put them on my bathroom mirror. The verses I used are:

1 Corinthians 14:33a- "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace". I know that the context of this verse is about worship in the church, but I still think it applies. To worship is to exalt or lift up. And honestly if my home is a wreck, I would hate for that to distract others (including me and Justin) from having meaningful conversations about the goodness of God

1 Peter 4:9 "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling"- While I would say I rarely grumble if we invited someone over or they offered to stop by, I WILL say that when that happens I am often thrown into a whirlwind to make my house not a disaster area. I am not thinking about how sweet it will be to see Justin when he gets home, or how fun it will be to catch up with an old friend...honestly its usually about how much work I need to "get done"...a real "martha moment".

My goal is not to have a picture perfect home. I am well aware I live with a toddler, I work outside the home, and I don't want a museum like home. I am ok with our home having a "lived in" look. I just also want it to be peaceful.

So here we go! And for real it really is never too late to pick up this little ebook and get started. There are free printables and tons of other resources at her website for book readers, so pick up a copy!

New year, new book, new challenge!

2011-12-29T21:19:00.000-05:00

So a few months ago, I came across "31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha house the Mary way". I really wanted to pick up this little e-book, but never got around to it. Then I saw they would be hosting a challenge starting January 3rd. So I bought the book today and I am ready.

The past month or so, I have just been blah. I would love to blame it on the awful cold, rainy, and dreary weather, but I know even if I was living in sunny Florida, my heart would still be as dry and cold as it is now. I am unmotivated to take care and nourish my relationship with the Lord, which in turn makes me unmotivated to take care of Justin, Inara, and our home. So stumbling upon this ebook/challenge again came at just the right time.

Each day the book gives you a Mary challenge, targeting the heart, and a Martha challenge for your home. In November when I did 30 days of thankfulness it was good to keep me disciplined and keep me on track. I bought it for my mother-in-law and one for my self too.

I talk to a lot of women, and most of them struggle with always being a Martha and not having enough "Mary moments". So I hope you will join me!

Its a Duke Christmas

2011-12-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

*Title is taken from one of my favorite scenes in 30 Rock. Go watch it here...I promise it won't disappoint, also I wrote this yesterday but forgot to post it..oops*

This Christmas I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. He keeps me grounded and as written in previous posts he makes "it real for me". And I am so thankful he has help make Christmas REAL for me and Inara. To remind us what it is really about and keep us focused on the main thing. Yes, we watched tons of Christmas movies, made fun ornaments, drove around and looked at lights and even gave presents, BUT he kept me focused on Christ and not all the other stuff.

I LOVE giving gifts! Its so fun to buy stuff for others and if I buy presents super early then I always end up giving them to the person early...I just can't wait! So with Inara being older this year I so wanted to have the tree with tons of presents coming out from underneath it. But Justin reminded me a few times....that's not what we do. We decided even before Inara was born to do Christmas different. To try to make it about Christ and the giving...not the receiving. We decided that each month we would celebrate Christmas. We would take turns buying her a gift each month and talk about the ultimate gift in Christ. That way when Christmas in December rolls around ~~she~~ we aren't in anticipation for tons of presents but hopefully the savior.

So this morning we woke up peacefully (I actually slept in a little), she opened her 2 presents, and we all opened our stockings. Yep, TWO presents. That is all she got from us. But here is the thing, I am fully confident we gave her much more. We spent most of the days in December recounting the Christmas story through an Advent calendar, where we have seen her actually USE scripture to help her not be afraid! We have given her the gift of learning how to use money in a way that glorifies God. We don't buy presents unless we have the money, and honestly we didn't have the money to buy her more 2 gifts and few stocking stuffers. We talk about money a lot and we want Inara to know money doesn't just grow on trees. You have to work, to earn money, to buy stuff.

But don't feel bad for us and Inara for having an "empty" tree, because we have an empty tomb and hearts full of joy. And don't roll your eyes at that statement either :) This morning Inara had a blast with her puzzles, glow bracelets, flavored chapstik, and new Sesame street DVD. She had fun making our last 2 ornaments, and we had a relaxed Christmas morning where we could all relax and be thankful not only for Christ's birth but for his death and resurrection.

This year I am so thankful for being blessed for so much more than I deserve.

Broken heart

2011-12-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Inara, today is the first (and I'm sure not the last), you broke my heart. I am writing you this letter now with a sad heart, so one day when you are older you will remember that love is a choice...we choose to love you, even when it is hard. Please know that when you have your own kids, Lord willing. They will break your heart too, it will hurt a lot, but you can choose to continue loving them. I will choose to love you even though its hard and it hurts, because God has let us borrow you for a little while and He has asked us to love you and care for you. You see, God's love is constant, perfect, and never changing. Even when we sin against God, his love is always there through Jesus. He is the example of the perfect parent, and we want to be parents that glorify God and show you how great He is. I love you, Inara. I will ALWAYS love you.

Funny girl

2011-12-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

Latest and greatest from our kiddo

Inara: I'm sad

Me: You are sad? Why?

Inara: I need toys

Stepacope = stethoscope

Chopsticks = Chapstick

After I painted her fingernails (for the first time) she looked at them and said "Pretty red nails", then picked up a wand and said "pretty princess wand".

Inara seeing me in my underwear one day said "Mom in baby pants"

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I haven't posted our daily ornaments from Truth in the Tinsel because I honestly haven't had time. We have been doing our ornaments but we are a few days behind. It has been really amazing to see how much Inara has retained even when it appears she isn't paying attention at all. She remembered the Angel tell Mary and Joseph not to be afraid. I have even caught her telling her self (and Big One) not to be afraid! And here's the deal...our ornaments are...fine. I don't have felt, glitter, clothes pins and all that jazz. I seriously only have a few things because someone gave them to me. Our ornament of Joseph barely looks human. But that's not the point. Inara knows we made a Joseph ornament and we talk about how He obeyed God. THAT is the point. Sharing God's story with our precious children! I am excited to use this book each year to tell Inara the real Christmas story and use it to draw out her heart.

Today its on sale for $4.99 to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. Its not too late to get started, and you won't regret it. She has created a special schedule so you can start today! So get started :)

In the Christmas spirit

2011-12-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

Here is a little fun fact. When Inara was born (Yes, in mid November) "Sleigh ride" was being played in the O.R. So, I guess she was destined to be a Christmas lover :) Every morning when she wakes up, and usually her 3rd request (1st request is "Go see Daddy", 2nd is "eat") is to plug in the tree. But we have 2 trees and other lights she so usually wants those plugged in too :) Here are some things I have heard her say lately. She sure does love this season :)

Pulling up the the mall I heard this from the back seat:

"Go see Jovi. Picture with Santa"

Also, more proof Inara may watch Elf too much: I heard her sing "jingle bells" then she stopped and said "Best way to spread Christmas Cheer, sing loud all to hear"

In the car if I hear her say "jingling doo" that means she wants to listen to "Sleigh ride". The first line is "Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling too"

I turned on the tree one morning and she said "Oh, VERY beautiful" :)

I love that she loves Christmas. Its my favorite too. More on Truth in the Tinsel coming later.

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

So last month I wrote something I was thankful for each day. It was really good for me to stop and give thanks. So I am going to try to do a weekly post on what I am thankful for each week to keep me in the habit of having a thankful spirit. So here it goes

Today I am thankful for my small group. We hadn't met in a few weeks and this week was just great. I really miss it when we aren't together and the truth that we find in God's word. I missed the fellowship, seeing all the kiddos, and being encouraged by my friends. I am excited for our small group Christmas party next week and excited for the future of our group.

Pinterest to real life

2011-12-08T21:28:00.000-05:00

So lately I have been thinking I need to stop pinning things and actually get to work on some of those things. So here is my latest project. I saw this pin and this one and with the help of picnik I created this:

S.A.D.

2011-12-06T19:01:00.002-05:00

Wow, I know I am not the only one who is SO over this rainy, dreary weather. And while this post is not me complaining about the weather, God has used this bummer weather to show me things about my heart. It is just as dreary, cold, and dead as it is outside. I have been feeling so depressed, discontent, and unhappy this week. And there is a direct correlation between my time with God and how I "feel". But I am so thankful how God has pursued me these past couple days.

This morning, as I was driving to work, there was only junk on the radio. So I pressed play on my CD player because I thought I had a worship CD in there. But to my surprise it was a CD of a Sermon my pastor did a few weeks ago. Hello divine intervention! The sermon (found here), titled "Where are the nine?", is about ~~being thankful~~ giving thanks always. It came right at the perfect time. I have so much to be thankful for, nothing to be depressed about, and EVERYTHING to praise God for.

I am thankful God doesn't leave me in this cold, dark, dreary place. Tomorrow it is predicted to be sunny just as it is PROMISED that his mercies will be new every morning.

Date Night!

2011-12-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Last night Justin and I went on a super fun date. We went to Cheers to Art! I heard about this place when they opened about a year ago, but we have just never had an opportunity to check it out. About a month ago there was a groupon deal for buy one get one free. So Justin bought it and surprised me with a fun date. He arranged Inara to stay at a friends house and we had the evening to our self.

They direct you on what to paint, but you are able to pick your own colors if you want. Justin picked the colors and they look really great together. I think they will look wonderful on our gallery wall (if I ever get around to putting stuff up). Here is the calendar with times. Sign up!

Finished! Justin's is on the left and mine is on the right. So fun :)

Fun winter nights!

2011-12-05T14:36:00.001-05:00

We have had a lot of fun times lately. A few weeks ago we went to the Festival of Lights. We met some friends up there and had a great time.

She isn't scared, and always wants to touch the animals...

and ride this alligator too!

She begs to go to the "Bug house", but only to push this button over and over again

This winter she LOVES snowmen, and asks me to sing "Frosty the Snowman" in the car.

And this weekend we went to the Independence Christmas Walk. It was super fun, wasn't too cold, and there was lots of fun stuff for the kiddos

Fun Hayride down KY17

Kids on Dad's shoulders :)

She really loves snowmen!

I love her all bundled up! And she loves her marshmallows!

Advent Day 2 & 3

2011-12-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

We didn't make our ornament yesterday because we were super busy and we were only home in the morning before work.

So here is our crown ornament for Day 2:

Here is our Zechariah ornament for Day 3:

We had to improvise wtih a lot of the materials but I want stressed out because the point isn't to make a perfect ornament it us to celebrate Advent. And making these ornaments where much like making of our first one. This time we read the scripture first and that seemed to hold her attention more. It was really awesome to make a crown with her and explain how Jesus is King. I love that our tree holding our ornaments is in the living room and she sees them all day. She has already pointed to it a few times and said "what's that". Then I get to explain to her all over again what it is :) So multiple teaching opportunities all day long!

Ps, do you know what advent means? I didn't until just recently. The word Advent comes from the latin word adventus meaning arrival or coming. I am excited to spend the next 3 weeks celebrating the arrival of our Savior. And folks, for real its not to late to start Truth in the Tinsel. She has alternate schedules for anyone. You can read more about the book here. And like I said before, you don't have to use her ebook, but it is a great tool to utilize!

Advent Day 1

2011-12-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

So today we started our first day of Advent. I was really excited to share this wonderful season with Inara and be reminded my self of what a great thing it was for Christ to come into our world. I kind of combined a bunch of different advent experiences into one.

First an advent calendar. I had have used this calendar since I was a little girl, so I was sad to pack it away. But I was very happy to start our own family traditions. I found this advent wreath through a friend on facebook. She kind of tweaked the original tutorial a little bit. I really liked how she added scripture about sin, the cross, and what was accomplished. Because even though it was great that Christ was born, it only matters because he lived a sinless life, died, and then rose again. So I really like some of the scripture to tell not only the story of Christmas, but also WHY Christmas was important.

Next, we will be using our advent calendar to go through Truth in the Tinsel. I reviewed this ebook for Amanda @ ImpressYourKids....I also bought a few copies for other friends. In the book you read scripture daily and then make an ornament that corresponds with the scripture. The scripture really tells the whole story of Christmas. I really love how she even gives extra stuff each day for you to do with your kiddo!

I took the scripture she used in the ebook, paired with some of the scripture from a friends advent wreath, and wrote them on the back of each closepin. That way I have it written right there!

I was really excited for Justin to get home from work, so we could do this together as a family. I really didn't have high hopes to have this wonderful, long, theological conversation with Inara...I mean she IS 2. But I was super excited anyway to lay the ground work for those conversations. It went as expected, she was really excite about the tissue paper and glue and barely listened to the scripture. I think tomorrow I'll read the scripture first to have her full attention and THEN craft :) So here is our Day 1 ornament:

Hanging it on the tree

Finished product!

Ok guys, it is not to late to start. I promise! She as alternate plans in the book for busier people or for those who get a late start. And even if you don't get her book and use this tool to share Christ with your kiddos, do SOMETHING. Don't let this season pass by with lots of parties, presents, and people but neglect to celebrate the coming of Christ to save sinners like you, me...and our kids!

Thankfulness Day 30

2011-12-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

So I realize this post is a little late, but I was real sleepy after small group last night...I am thankful for my small group. Last night we had a small group game night, and it was super fun. We normally meet the first 3 weeks of the month and have the last 1 off. But Justin and I really missed our friends so we quickly threw together a little game night. It was nice to hang out, play a couple games, and get to know each other a little better. I really love our group and am excited for God to grow us closer to him and to each other.