Psalm 33:3 - WFW

Psalm 33:3
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.

This is the ornament we gave our daughter this year.  She has a love for music, to be sure.  In fact, she is already mastering the air guitar and air drums.  I believe she is a pro at both.  And dancing?  Please, the girl's groove thing is always ready to move.  She has even begun "singing" along with the radio.  Music gets her moving, laughing, and spinning with glee.  The keyboard in our living room that currently doesn't work?  That is a source of great anguish.  I believe she wishes to play, to pound its keys to see what sounds come forth.  She would do it with great joy. 

Whatever the task at hand is, my girl is all in.  If she's spinning in circles, she spins with vigor.  Doing a puzzle?  Name the object, imitate its noise, and plop it in the appropriate place.  Reading a book?  She cocks her head to the side, repeats words I say, points to pictures, and turns the page for me.  But there is something about music that truly moves her.  She rejoices in the harmonies, the beats, the sounds of the instruments.  She listens intently, strumming her air guitar, tapping her feet, all while laughing wildly.

I thank God for music, for songs that speak of him, of our quest to know Him more, to make Him known.  I'm thankful for musicians out there who do not take their gift for granted, those who become masters of their craft.  And I'm thankful for those who honor God with their musical giftings.  I'm more than thankful for a daughter who already has the ability to sing and dance with joy before her heavenly Father.  As much as she makes us smile and laugh, I am sure He delights even more so in her.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

One week countdown

One week from today, my little pint size darling will be starting "school".  Yep, that's right.  I'm shipping her off, two days a week, from 9-2:45, to interact, learn grow, expand her horizons, and yes, give Mommy a break.  My youngest niece attends the same program, and is ecstatic that she and her cousin are going to be "going to the same school!" 

The program is at a local church, and after hearing about it from my sister and visiting, I am more than impressed.  I am curious as to how the teacher gets all 7 toddlers to lay down and take a nap, but not curious enough to stick around and find out.  With the way my child's vocabulary has taken off lately (I swear it's like she says a new word every half hour), and with her enjoyment of church nurseries and not having Mom and Dad around, I know she will be just fine.  In fact, she will probably enjoy it quite a bit.

I am returning to working as a personal trainer, part time, so I now have a few more hours free to fill with clients.  In addition, I'm hoping to have more consistent AdvoCare meetings, and maybe a lunch date or two with my husband.  I now will also have two days in which to schedule doctor's appointments, run errands, etc.  And yes, to rest, read, and focus 100% on whatever task likes before me. 

Once we find a church home, maybe I'll even jump on board with a Bible study, or some sort of fellowship with other adults.  Adult conversation, I hear that's a fun activity to partake in. 

Although I have been told I am a bit too excited about our girl being in another's care, I am sure I will miss her during those times.  I will feel the house is too quiet, that my hand has not been requested enough, and that I have not had to clean up enough messes during the day.  But alas, I think I will survive.

Now to survive the frozen tundra this place has turned into.  Since when did it snow this much here anyway?!?!

Recapping Christmas

We woke up in our own bed on Christmas morning.  That alone has left my jaw dropped open in an unhealthy manner for an abnormal amount of time.  Who knew such a thing could cause such overwhelming joy?  But alas, I digress.

Since my sister had been forced planned to spend Christmas with her in-laws, we chose to celebrate with them on the 23rd.  The utter joy my nieces displayed while opening gifts was worth every moment!  Mom made "Mamo's Spaghetti," and did not disappoint.  Man that stuff is delicious!  After the wrapping paper and bows were sufficiently thrown about the living room, we played for a bit then headed home.  Little did we know an unexpected snow storm would sail through the land that night. 

We awoke to a considerable amount (especially for these parts) of snow, complete with the standard west Texas ice.  Our hopes and prayers of my sister and her family not being able to leave town were dashed, but we forged on with our Christmas plans.  For some odd reason (mainly, because I had suggested it), we met my parents for a wonderful lunch then returned to their house to watch some football.  It was quiet, relaxed, but man did I miss the noise of my nieces! 

As we returned home, I suggested to my dear hubby that we each open one present.  I chose the backpack with the attached stuffed dog for our girl to open.  Oh the reaction she had was priceless!  As she opened it and she saw the stuffed animal, she threw her hands in the air and at a rapid pace I did not think was possible from a 19 month old said, "Puppy puppy puppy!"  She hugged and kissed the puppy, held it close and danced in circles with it.  At that point, it no longer mattered what was in the envelope in my own hands because I had just witnessed such joy from my kid.

She went to bed, happily hugging her puppy, and the elves and I got to work on the stockings.  Luckily, there was nothing to assemble, and the task did not take long.  Off to bed we went, wondering when our dear child would awake.  The joys of having one young child, it was just another morning, with no knowledge of the day ahead, and she slept in.  Hooray!  Merry Christmas to us!  Another stuffed puppy awaited her, much larger in size but the reaction was much the same.  Though, I think due to its size, she chose to squat down and pat this one on its head.  Still, it was fun to watch her walk around saying, "ho ho ho" all morning. 

My folks came over to enjoy BBQ brisket (which required an early morning wake up to begin preparing**), ranch potatoes, corn bread muffins, salad, and some yummy chocolate cake.  Prior to lunch, we very leisurely opened our gifts.  Hubby surprised me with a spa package!  Woo hoo!  Spoiled, I know.  We ate, we laughed, we rested, we enjoyed being in the same place, not having to travel, and having our own beds to lay in. 

Our first Christmas home, and I must say, it was blessed.  Next time however, I would much prefer my sister and her family being here too.  *smile*

**I set the alarm for 4am to ensure proper cooking time for the brisket, since I was using the crockpot.  Around 3:15am I jolted awake due to a dream I had been having where I put the brisket in the crockpot but never turned the crockpot on!  I was so worried, I just got out of bed and took care of everything right then.  The BBQ brisket?  It turned out perfectly!

The reason we celebrate

Luke 2

Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.  This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.  While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.  When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.  And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Jesus Presented at the Temple
And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.  And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel."

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.  At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Return to Nazareth
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.

The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Visit to Jerusalem
Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.  And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.  When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.

Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.  And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You."

And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?"  But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.

And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.  And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Christmas Traditions Explained

I am totally stealing from my blogging buddy, SnoWhite (with her blessing).  She recently posted about various Christmas traditions, and I have to share them with you all!  So, here you go, enjoy.  May the peace and awe of Christ's birth overwhelm you.  Merry (almost) Christmas!

• Christ was not born on December 25th -- but this was the day chosen by the early Christians to celebrate his birth. Why the 25th? The Winter Solstice (a traditional Roman celebrated holiday) falls just 3 days before ... December 21st. The Winter Solstice was a HUGE celebration, and Christians placed the celebration of Christ's birth just following these festivities.
• The second bishop of Rome declared that public worship services be held on Dec. 25 to celebrate the coming of our Lord as a baby. 
• X-Mas. Some folks take offense to the traditional abbreviation of Christmas because it "removes the Christ from Christmas". Actually, the X is from the Greek letter "Chi", which is the first letter of Christ's name. Thus, Xmas really doesn't remove Christ; it simply changes the language up a bit.
• Christmas Season, or the 12-Days of Christmas are the 12 days following Christmas (Dec. 26-January 6). So, if you were hoping to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas and didn't get to doing so before Christmas... you're in luck!
• Saint Nicholas lived in what we now call Turkey during the 4th century. Nick was a very generous man and was known throughout his community for giving gifts, and he had a long white beard and often wore red. Nick became very widely known and on the day of his death, December 6, people began to celebrate his spirit of generosity by giving gifts. The Dutch, for example, called him Sinterklaas, and gave gifts left in people's shoes. Sinterklass became Santa Claus when the Dutch came to the US; and the gift-giving generosity of Saint Nick. The poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" taught that Santa brought gifts the night before Christmas, rather than on St. Nicholas Day.
• Christmas trees were first introduced by Martin Luther, who light a tree with candles to symbolize the light of Christ, in addition to apples -- which were used to symbolize our salvation.
• Christmas stockings also grow out of St. Nick. Legend has it that Nick wanted to remain an anonymous giver to a family with three young girls who has recently lost their mom. To dry out socks, families used to hand their stockings by the fireplace overnight; St. Nick dropped couches of coins down the chimney and the landed in the stockings.
• Holly and Ivy are two traditional Christmas decorations; the pointed leaves on the holly symbolize the thorns in Christ's crown of thorns, and the red berries remind us of the blood that was shed for us.
• Christmas wreaths were hung on the doors of homes that celebrated Christ's birth.
• Candy Canes were given to children at Nativity plays to keep them quiet ;-) Or so the legend goes. They are shaped like a shepherd's crook, to remind us that Christ takes care of us. They are white to remind us that our red sin has been made pure by the blood of Christ. And, there are typically 3 stripes on the candy cane, to reflect the Trinity.

Unexpected

We looked out our window this morning, and this is what we saw, here, in west Texas.  Wow.  It's a Christmas (Eve) miracle, indeed:

House-WFW

House-WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

John 14:2:
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And it started with a humble birth, in a manger, on a star filled night.

Merry Christmas friends.  May God show himself in glorious ways to you this Christmas!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Susan.

It's coming!

AdvoCare Independence Bowl is almost here...check it out.

For more information about AdvoCare, click here.

Matt Chandler

Please click here to view a video recently recorded by Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church, whom I previously mentioned.

May my faith be so bold in the common everyday.

On Play, but it's just the beginning

Finally, life no longer feels like it's on pause.  Allow me to elaborate.

When I had my daughter, I was ecstatic, over the moon, nervous as could be, and unaware of the road before me.  I had opted to stay home with her rather than continue personal training, and am glad I made that choice.

However, for most of the past 19 months, life has felt like it was on pause.  I had made the right choice for my family, it was the right decision, but I have been ready for more.  When we knew that we would be moving, I felt life begin to stir, as if the play button was finally about to be pushed.  I waited, in hopeful expectation, of what that would mean for us, specifically, for me.

There are some things God has not yet revealed, but I do feel like some great things are around the bend.  It is time to pour out what has been poured into us, and I am excited to see how God chooses to do that.  Regardless, life is fully in play mode.

I am returning to personal training, part time.  AdvoCare is about to become a household name as it is hosting the Independence Bowl on December 28th.  My daughter will be attending a PDO program twice a week beginning in January.  And, she gets to play with her cousins an awful lot. 

I had our house unpacked and settled the week we moved in, but this chapter of life is only just beginning.

Over the top!

My sweet bloggy Canadian friend (her blog is private, so I am not linking it) gave me this award on her blog (like a week ago, oops!). The rules for accepting this award are to copy and change the answers below to suit you and pass it on. Answers can only be one word! Pass the award to a deserving blogger and alert them they have been awarded.

Here are my answers to these questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? Bag
2. Your hair? mess
3. Your mother? Incredible
4. Your father? Hilarious
5. Your favorite food? Fruit
6. Your dream last night? Random
7. Your favorite drink? Spark
8. Your dream/goal? Alive
9. What room are you in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Sports
11. Your fear? Loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Debt-free
13. Where were you last night? Parents
14. Something you aren’t? Quiet
15. Muffins? Please! :)
16. Wish list item? SUV
17. Where did you grow up? Texas
18. Last thing you did? Typed
19. What are you wearing? PJs
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? Nonapplicable
22. Your friends? Blessings
23. Your life? Adventure
24. Your mood? Content
25. Missing someone? yep
26. Vehicle? Parked
27. Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
28. Your favorite store? NY & CO
29. Your favorite color? bright
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Sunday
32. Your best friend? Fabulous
33. One place that you go over and over? Facebook
34. One person who emails you regularly? Katy
35. Favorite place to eat? Many!


I am passing this on to Jen, blog designer, educator extraordinare, and overall fabulous girl, to Rachel, my sweet friend, wonderful mom, and woman passionate for the Lord.  And finally, to my girl Amy whom I miss greatly, and who has the greatest wit and humor around.  Truly, saddle up next to her sometime and enjoy.

And they all fall down

Zechariah 13:2 "It will come about in that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I will  cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and theunclean spirit from the land.

This morning at the gym, as I was huffing and puffing running on the treadmill, I noticed yet one more news station discussing a golfer's recent extramarital affair(s).  I do not know what the broadcast was saying, but I got to thinking about all of the "heroes"  idols our society is so enamored by.  There are pop stars, rock stars, movie stars, and sports stars.  Each with their own gift, and each held in higher regard than they should be.  We are a society engrossed with idols.  As my brain recounted much of the last year's "big news," the thought crossed my mind, "Is it any wonder these kinks in the armor of these people are being revealed?  God is a jealous God, a God who said NOTHING is to come before Him:
Deuteronomy 5:8: You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth). 
Of course the darkness will be brought to light!" 

At some point, we must realize these people, are in fact, merely people.  They have no supernatural strength, no super anything except fame.  And that is not to be admired either.  They pay a high price for that fame, sometimes it seems they are paying a heart and soul at a time for it.  They can have it, I do not want it, not any part of it. 

I would rather my kid look up to a teacher, the person who cleans the school, a policeman, a fireman, or a military person.  Let her look around and find family members to be her heroes, to be the ones she most admires.  Let her seek acceptance in her Creator before man, and may she live her life to please Him above all else. 

And if she chooses to be fond of a professional athlete, I pray she chooses ones like Phil and Paul, and others who know their ability is worth little apart from their relationship with Christ.  May she find the graceful humility of a pastor to be an attribute worth attaining. 

It does not surprise me, in the least, to see such an upheavel occuring in our country.  God will not be mocked, cannot be destroyed, and desires to bring his children to himself.  Are you listening?
 
Corinthians 10:14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

My prayer for you today

Whether I have met you face to face or not, the following song is my prayer for each of you....enjoy.

Original stuff for kids

Ok my bloggy friends, you need to check out London Jack - a new site filled with original clothing and accessories for kids!

Here's a little bit about them:
Paul and Ginger Cookson started London-Jack™ because they wanted to be able to showcase many of the smaller manufacturers of children's clothing and accessories who have cool things but aren't as widely known across the U.S. They have a very eclectic style, and want to bring together items that are unique for various reasons, and cannot be found in a typical department store. After scouring the globe for the hippest, coolest-looking clothes for boys and girls, they started the London-Jack.com™ website to bring the best of their findings direct to you at the lowest prices available. They are parents too and know how difficult it can be to find cool clothes on a budget. With that in mind, London-Jack™ brings you cool clothes for cool kids.

If you are a creative, "I make my kid's clothes" type person, this could also be an avenue for you to make some money by jumping on board as a vendor!  Come on, some of us are tired of all the kids having the same outfit (even if we do love the store we buy them at)!

In addition, London Jack wants to make a difference:
A portion of all London-Jack™ sales will be donated to Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization that London-Jack™ believes in.

Go on then, what are you waiting for?  Click on over for cool stuff for your favorite kid(s)!

Luke 2:10 - WFW

Luke 2:10 - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Luke 2:8-13
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.


And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.


But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Can you imagine being one of these three shepherds? Picture it, kicking back after a long day of shepherding, resting against a nearby rock, casually scanning the flock. Then, out of nowhere, an angel of the Lord appears. Jump to your feet and stand at attention, or cower in fear and reverence? The angel speaks, a child is born, one who is to be a Savior, your savior. Go, welcome him.

Gather the flocks, leave them there, it no longer matters because the script has changed, entirely. They went. In fact verse 16 says, "So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger." No delay, no making a plan, no prayer meetings, they went. As they share what the angel has told said, most people are astonished, but the new mother? The Bible says Mary "treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

How beautiful, how glorious, and how lost in the buying of gifts, the wrapping, the parties, the visits to Santa. But have you not heard, do you not know? This baby, this Savior, He is alive and He is well and He still cries in the night. But this time, He is crying out for a generation to come to him, to know him, to make him known, and to call him Savior.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Christy.

Santa's Land

Saturday night, my mom and I loaded up the girls and headed over to Santa Land.  It's a wonderful little event held in a local park, complete with Santa (duh), a massive tree that is all lit up, and various displays around the park.  Santa may be great and all, but why bother standing in line?  We skipped that feature of the park and trotted along our merry way.

If I had taken my camera with me, I am relatively sure I would not have been able to capture the sweet moments taking place.  My child held onto her oldest cousin's hand the entire time, and they ooh'ed and ahhh'ed together.  My niece was so sweet and patient with my girl, pointing out everything to her, telling her who the characters were.  It was so fun!  And then, we heard music.  Christmas music blared over the speakers and, you know that means a girl's gotta dance!  My youngest niece and daughter showed off their funniest best moves as they twirled, clapped and laughed together.  To hear their squeals of delight, their joyous laughter, oh it was GOOD!  I stood there watching them, the three of them with smiles spread wide across their faces, their laughter ringing in the air, and as I wiped a tear away I thought, "Oh Lord, how you have blessed us.  Thank you!"

What do I want for Christmas?  It's already been given: a Savior who loves me enough to die for me and to be in the midst of my family, watching my daughter grow and flourish in the love that is shown her, and to hear the laughter of 3 of the most beautiful girls I know.

From a Marine

New Christmas Poem


TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF
PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
'SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY! COUNTRY, MY CORPS.'

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, 'CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.'

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
'MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,!
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.'

This poem was written by a Marine.

WFW - Psalm 27:13

WFW - Psalm 27:13
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 27:13:
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD -- In the land of the living.

This verse is so indicative of the last few months. As we were selling our house and waiting on God to bring us a buyer, we were challenged, in many ways. There were moments doubt began to creep in, fear began walking to our door, and frustration shouted. Did we believe God would move us? Yes. Did we believe it was the right decision? Yes. Did we know how and when it would happen? Absolutely not. Yet, we prayed, we believed that God would answer the desire of our hearts.

For the vast majority of the time our house was on the market, I met with a friend to pray. We agreed that if we were going to get together, we would be bold in our prayers, we would ask what others thought was impossible, and more importantly, we would ask God to show himself off. There were few Fridays we did not get together, and if we failed to meet, we called or emailed our prayers. Those weekly prayer times with my friend were so much more than just praying to move. In those moments, God showed off the beauty of our friendship as well as the importance of accountability and community.

We told people we were selling our house in hopes of moving, and more often than not we heard, "In this market, it's not easy to sell a house. It could be a while." Although I understood why they responded as they did, the notion of "don't get your hopes up because it may not happen sweetie," it also bothered me. What happened to walking in boldness? Where was the believing God could and would do this very thing? We found ourselves battling negativity more from fellow believers than anywhere else, but that's ok. We asked God to show himself off, to bring himself glory, and He did. And to those who truly believed there was no way, I pray their belief has increased.

Do I believe God always answers the way we see fit? Of course not. I believe God answers according to His will and purposes. It is in the knowing He answers that I have hope. If I did not know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Lord's goodness would be shown, I would have despaired (and would remain so). We have come to a place in our lives that we want God more than anything else. We have grown to want His will for our lives more than our own, and it is a glorious place to be. We have come so far, yet have so far still to go. But my God? He is good friends, very good indeed.

Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church would agree that God is enough, that He is amazing, and that desiring His will is far greater than desiring our own.  Matt just underwent surgery for a mass on his frontal lobe.  Go here to watch a message he recorded prior to going into surgery.  It will challenge you, it will delight you, it will glorify our Father.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Lori.

Breathe again

Last week month was a whirlwind of activity and craziness.  Moving, as many of you know, is no simple task, especially when there is a child involved!  Around the time I really needed to get moving with packing, all of my friends or their kids got sick, so there was no care available for our girl.  Well, that just made things all the more interesting.  We made it here safely, unloaded our belongings, and spent last week unpacking, arranging, organizing, and decorating.  My husband claims I became a blur for the week, and now that things are more settled, he's happy I am back to being a real person.  Funny man that one is. 

This has been the easiest of any move for me.  The transition has felt the most natural, and I already feel at home.  We do need to find a church home, and friends outside of our family members, but aside from that, things are running smoothly.  Our house is even decorated for Christmas!  We'll see if any outside lights get put up, that's the question of the week.

This moving process has been, as anything of value in life, a learning experience.  Here are some things I have learned:

1. I like order.  When my physical environment is out of order, everything becomes out of balance.  I don't like that.
2. Hell, I believe, involves endless packing and unpacking.  I will load and unload a truck any old day, it's the packing I hate (enter amazing friends who helped, or rather, packed, my entire kitchen!)!!!
3. God's timing is truly perfect.
4. *During our time in TN, we learned and grew more than I realized.  Our time there was definitely for a specific purpose, at a specific time.
5. *Praying boldly changes things, from the inside out.
6. Regardless of what you may think about the multitude of your belongings, it's always more than you thought when you move.
7. 19-21 year olds load a truck quickly, but they do not pay much attention to how things are packed or how items may be affected during transportation based on their relation to one another.
8. Old college friends can still be counted on when needed.  Even if they aren't in the 19-21 year old range, they help willingly, and get the job done...well.
9. *We are right where we need to be.

More explanations later.  For now, I must take advantage of the fact my husband now works from home and my daughter is napping....I have errands to run y'all!

1Chron16:34-WFW

1Chron16:34-WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

1 Chronicles 16:34
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving kindness endure forever.

I am thankful for our family, for our friends, for the house God has provided, for the moments, the laughter, the love, the joy, for this life. I am thankful for so much, for what has been and what is to come. Taste and see friends, our God is good.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit PennyRaine.