raising redheads

18 Days until Christmas! Can you believe it?

18 days until we celebrate the birth of our king. How awesome!

The last couple of days have been great! Yesterday I took a CPR class that my mom taught. She is so talented and God really works through her as she teaches much needed life saving skills to ordinary people. I was thinking during her class how awesome it is that God uses us, in our humanness to perform some awesome tasks. Sometimes tasks that can save the life of another person or thing. It is remarkable that he entrusts us to do that and yet I truly believe it is those that He knows will bring Him glory that He uses the most. He expects greatness from us!

Last night Adam and Katie and the boys were coming over for tacos. Before they got here, Nora had another poop incident. She took off her pj's and diaper, grabbed the turds from inside of it and wiped herself from head to toe with poop. It was lovely. I don't know whats up with her fascination lately but it has GOT to stop soon. Anyway, when Katie got here and after we ate, we ended up talking until 10 pm and the kids were all still awake being great! We didn't even realize that it was so late. I am so grateful for their friendship in our lives. I cant explain how at a time when I need it most, I have a friend that is so similar to me in so many ways. Her thinking is much like mine in many different situations and yet I truly believe we challenge each other spiritually as well. Its definitely been a give and take friendship from the beginning which is what I so desperately need. I cherish our weekend dinner nights with their family and hope to always have that as we all grow and change together.

This morning we woke up and went to church. Alex and Felicia met us there which was nice. Again, their friendship means more to me than they will ever fully realize. It is incredible to have them sitting beside me, knowing they will forever be a part of our lives--no matter what changes come or what that means. I love them so so much.

Jeni graduates on Tuesday from cosmetology school!!! I am beyond proud of her for what she is about to accomplish and what she has up until this point. She has gone after something she wanted and will achieve that goal! It's awesome to watch her become the woman that I know God intends for her to be. She will have a career and forever something to be proud of in herself. I am so excited to watch her grow and learn and change in this journey! She's great at what she does and she would be so proud of herself...we all are!

We haven't even started Christmas shopping yet although Daniel did hang lights on the house. It looks great and I'm so excited to have our own home to decorate! God is so good. It's so neat to look around and see our blessings. I am beyond grateful each day and don't take any of it for granted. I understand how quickly life changes and am aware that at any moment all of this could be gone. I serve a God who has a plan and who is good to us. He will always see us through and I will forever find joy in the midst of any and all circumstances that this life challenges us with. For now, though, I am blessed beyond measure and couldn't be more thankful! I have a home, a husband and healthy children. I'm doing what I love, my husband has a great job and my children are growing. Life is awesome.

In the middle of the awesome things God is doing for us, I want to point out that I understand there are those much less fortunate. I want to rise up and help them in any way I can. I'm praying daily that God would show me just how to do that. I have the ability in more ways than one to open my heart, my home, or whatever else would be needed to help those who just don't have enough this Christmas season. And not just now, but anytime. Please, Lord, show me how to help. I want to serve because that is my heart. Show me, God.

If you also feel the desire to serve this season, plead with God to reveal to you how He can use you. Whether it be a homeless shelter, donating food or toys, or inviting a family over for a warm dinner...God can use you! He wants to use us.

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

Deuteronomy 15:11

I'll put up some pictures tomorrow. Today is kind of a lazy day with Daniel and the kids and I don't have the energy to sit and do it. We've been having a great weekend and I don't want to peel myself away for much longer. I want to soak it all up while I can. I love you all. Hope things are well on your end!!!