Merry Christmas!

As we prepare for this Christmas I really find myself thinking about the meaning of it. Really. What would Jesus want us to be doing? I wonder some times if God is looking down at the craziness we put ourselves through and just shaking his head. Here we are needing to get everyone the gifts they want or what we want to get them. The way our houses have to be decorated & lit up. Dinners perfect or else moods are well, not very nice. Really? The only gift that needs to be given was given 2000+ years ago. The only decoration we need? Maybe a nativity (which honestly could be kept up all year long). The meal? Honestly does that matter? We are blessed beyond belief by what God has given us. Our families & friends (that are just like family), a place to lay our heads at night and food to nourish our bodies. What else do we really need? The most important is given to us & for us. Our Savior, Jesus. As I have been praying for God to show me how I'm supposed to be celebrating Christmas I love the answers He is giving me. I feel that excitment & giddiness that I remember as a little child. There is nothing to replace that! I hope you can find that excitement this Christmas too.

I pray you are BLESSED beyond anything you can imagine this Christmas.

Tis the Season....

Well, are you all preparing for Christmas? This is just really the most wonderful time of year. I love the cool air (not freezing, just cool) and decorating our Christmas tree. We call it Goliath. it's pretty big. It usually takes us all weekend to decorate the whole thing. It's just a wonderful time for family & remembering the great gift our God gave us sending his son here as a tiny, little baby. To live so He could die, for us!! I'm always in awe of this.

Now, how to get past the busy-ness of this season. Having 3 children and having a family that has always had the tradition of buying gifts for everyone in the family -- it makes for a pretty busy, wallet draining season as well. I love to bake cookies & send out all my Christmas cards too. I find myself many times during this season wishing I could just find that quiet time to really enjoy what this is all about. Ever feel that way? Have you figured out a way that makes it work for your family? Oh to get back to the basics of what this is really about. We don't do Santa here with the kids anymore. We decided after our 1st born felt that we had lied to him when he found out the truth that it just wasn't worth it all. We explain everything to our children making sure they know the true reason for this season -- JESUS!!

What are you traditions? Are you able to find that quiet moment for yourself to really enjoy this season?

Be Blessed! Remember - this time of year doesn't have to wreak havok on your health. If you must indulge in the sweet goodies, do so with caution & moderation. Be healthy!!