The Pacific

Even though Scott and I have never been in the military we love to watch military based films.  Whether they are based on true stories or not or are a documentary it doesn't matter we love to watch them.  Recently HBO came out with a 10 part mini series called The Pacific. It follows 3 Marines during World War 2.  We are hooked.  There is one guy in the mini series they call Sledge.  He is a follower of God and his faith is really being tested has he faces the nightmares of war.  We still have a few more parts to watch so I'm not sure how he makes out in the end but I will let you know.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ tomorrow please remember those men and women that are serving our country both here at home and over seas.  Please ask God to watch over them, protect them and draw close to them.

Until next time~

Such a long week.

It's been such a long week that I don't even know where to start or what to write about. I've been really trying to make sure that I have some one on one time with God each day.  It's just tough when the girls are up and the chaos they bring makes it hard to concentrate.  With Christmas less than a week away I'm making sure that we keep the reason for the season right in front of us. The girls have seen me volunteering at church.  Mackenzie even helped greet this morning by welcoming those coming into the building.  We are going to make some more goodies for the neighbors while she is on Christmas break from school.  And I think that I am going to make a cake for celebrate the birth of Jesus on Saturday.

Earlier in the week Mackenzie and I had a very nice conversation on the way to school.  She asked me if I knew of anyone that doesn't believe in God.  I told that yes I did. Her Uncle Rob, Aunt Heather and cousin Riley.  Her response - So that means they won't go to heaven when they die.  I let her know that she is correct.  With a confidence in her voice that spoke beyond her years she tells me - Well, I believe in God.  I was so happy to hear her say that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.  Mackenzie is now at the age where she questions everything.  And I am so happy to be able to have these open conversations with her.

For the past few days I've had this unsettling feeling that God wants me to do something.  I just can't quite put my finger on what it is he needs me for. I think I might know what it is but I'm not sure how to go about making it happen.  As I continue to read The Purpose Driven Life each day clarity hasn't come to me yet.  I know that God will put me where he needs me when he needs me.  So in the meantime I need to make sure my ears are open to hear his whispers.  I'll let you know if God hits me upside the head with the answer. =)

Until next time~

Oh, how I love the Christmas season.

Hi everyone,

Sorry that I haven't written in awhile.  We've been busy getting ready for Christmas.  Last week the girls and I decorated cookies to take to our wonderful neighbors right next door.  They hold a special place in our hearts, especially this time of year.  See, we do not own a snow blower, just a plain ol' snow shovel.  With the winters we have been having the past couple of years we really get a workout shoveling.  When we get a good amount of snow they are always right there snow blowing our driveway before we even think about moving the snow. They don't do it because we ask, they are just great people and do it out of the kindness of their heart.

So the girls and I made them some cookies.  The first night we went to deliver them they weren't home.  Mackenzie was so sad.  She is such a sweet girl and she wanted to thank them for helping us out.  Mackenzie did get to deliver the cookies the next night.  She was so proud of the cookies her and her sister had decorated.  I'm sure that our neighbors will be getting a lot of cookies this snow season.

Yesterday, I made gingerbread men for the first time ever, from scratch.  It was also the first time I actually ate one.  I told Kennedy the night before that we were going to make them.  She was up at 6:30 yesterday morning wanting to make cookies. She had to wait of course.  Kennedy was such a good helper cutting out the cookies and even helped with decorating and clean-up.

All this talk about cookie making reminds me to stop and take in the little things this time of year.  A kind neighbor who helps you out, a grateful child and the wonders God creates.  The snow is falling really hard right now and the city is going to be at a stand still tomorrow. (We are forecasted to get up to 10 inches tonight.)  I hope everyone takes to the time to take in the little things.  God is so amazing and his beauty is all around us we just need to take the time to see it.

Until next time ~

You are not an accident.

While we are in between books for our Life Group I have decided to finally read through the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  I have started this book a couple times but usually gave up by the 4th of 5th day.  Seeing how the we aren't starting the next book until after the holidays this is a good time to take this 40 day journey.

The topic for the day I just read deals with accepting that I am not an accident.  God designed me the way I am for a specific reason.  This is a hard thing for me to accept.  

There is a poem in this chapter that sums it up nicely.  It is by Russell Kelfer

You are who you are for a reason

You're part of an intricate plan.

You're a precious and perfect unique design,

Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.

Our God make no mistake.

He knit you together within the womb,

You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,

And no matter how you may feel,

They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,

And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurt you so;

But it was allowed to shape your heart

So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,

You've been formed by the Master's rod.

You are who you are, beloved,

Because there is a God!

Until next time~