The Simple Wife

I don't know this woman but she's a fellow believer that needs our prayers! This wife and mother of 2 young children had a stoke and is having complications. Find out more at her site.

SSMT

I'm excited! I just committed to the Siesta Scripture Memory Team! 
Today I caught up on my Google Reader. I read Beth's original surprise post and thought it sounded good but I couldn't do it. I don't have time. I'm bad at memorization. I'm too forgetful already, how could I add to my brain list! I would fail anyhow.
I read on. The directions seemed easy and she sounded so excited. Maybe I should at least try this. January 1st post... Day 1 SSMT... I missed it. Surely I was too late so why bother. But as I read down through the comments to see what verses the women were memorizing, I saw a bunch of women just posted yesterday! And then I remembered this encouragement from Beth's first post...
one of the things we prioritize and love to do around here is memorize Scripture. It is a huge part of calling the mind captive to Christ (2 Cor. 10:3-5) and most of us know from experience that our battles are won or lost in our MINDS. I have been actively memorizing Scripture as a primary Spiritual discipline since my early 30′s. I am thoroughly convinced that God used it to bring immeasurable healing to my mind, my memories, and my thought life. I tend toward obsessive thoughts and fears and unrelenting replays of bad memories and, when I fall away from actively hiding God’s Word in my heart, they come back with a vengeance. Anybody else? There are no words big enough to express the difference Scripture memory has made in my life. God also showed me along the way how much accountability and partnership can enhance the success of the discipline. (bold mine)
I know I need to make my mind captive to the Lord!! This new year has started out with me taking on a load of worry, particularly about Olivia. So my first verse is...
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
So thank you Lord! Thank you for using Beth Moore's excitement and passion about scripture memorization to strike a chord in my heart and convince me to commit to memorizing Your Word this year. Here I come 2011!

Lovin' the Cricut

 Last year I got a Cricut for Christmas and I still love it! I wish I had more time to use it. But all my creations so far have been successful! This is a card I designed for a wedding this past summer.

 

Lazy Blogger

Well I've been a lazy blogger. My last post was like a month ago. It has crossed my mind over the last few days that I should stay in touch with my blog, but what can I say, I'm busy. 
Really? How can you be too busy to blog? I thought you stayed at home all day? 
Well yes, I do stay home. And I love it! :) Millie and I keep busy keeping the house clean and playing. Am I too old to say I played today? And can I say that's an actual activity that takes time and effort and gets marked off my 'to do' list? Well, I do. And then there are the holidays. If ever I thought I was caught up on life, the holidays hit. I so love this time of year! It's busy but it's fun. 
So all this rambling to say, my next few posts are going to be going back in time to catch up on past events and post some cute pictures of Millie. I might get around to posting Christmas pictures someday soon. I hope so! We have some cute ones!

Christmas Cards 12/15/10

 

Vintage Snowflakes Holiday

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View the entire collection of cards.

I got to order Christmas cards this year! I've considered it in years past but really it's not fun until there's a precious little face to share. Maybe you'll have one in your mailbox. :) But if not, we still love you. Merry Christmas! 

I look forward to getting the mail this time of year. I love looking through the pile of junk mail and seeing a hand addressed letter. I know it's something different. Something I actually want to open! I love seeing the cheerful faces of our friends smiling up at me when I open the envelope. Each year I try to think of new ways to display our cards and I keep them up as long as I can! 

I hope you have a Christmas card in your mailbox this year, whether it's from us or other friends and family. Enjoy your warm Christmas wishes this year! Remember the joy we're really celebrating this time of year...
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Thankful!

Most of all I'm thankful for family.
J and Millie. I love them more every day and I look forward to growing even more attached to them over the years. Being a mom has really solidified this family connection for me. I love spending my days with them. I love watching our family grow together and make new traditions.
Dad. Mom. Brother. Sister. This is my family. They're the best. I couldn't ask for a better family. They've shaped who I am today. I still love the traditions I'm part of. And I sometimes miss the traditions that I've outgrown.
All the rest. My extended family is much to large to list but I love them all dearly. 

I'm thankful for the cross. This is what I'm really the most thankful for but thankful maybe doesn't cover it. I'm grateful. It's hard for me to even put this into words. All I can say is Thank you Jesus! Thank you for willingly dying on that cross for my sins and rising again to conquer death. And offering me the free gift of eternal life through your sacrifice. My life is nothing without You. You are the greatest Blessing of all.

Thankful... Day 1

I'm thankful for heat! This has probably been the coldest this season. I think winter is officially here. So while Millie and I recover from our colds, we've been staying indoors enjoying the warmth. I've been particularly sensitive to keeping our house warm because Olivia has sock issues. Every time she notices she has socks on, she attempts to pull them off. It's kinda cute actually. :) But I want to make sure her tootsies stay warm!

I'm thankful for Thanksgiving. I like fall - the beautiful colors, the football, the sweaters. And for me, it all culminates with Thanksgiving. I realize that it's a made up holiday. In other words, there is no significant event that we're celebrating. But I"m thankful to have a day set aside to be thankful for all the blessing in my life. I often don't remember to count my blessings on a daily basis. So this day specifically reminds me to do it! I also love how this is a day for family and food. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love all the yummy, comforting food! At our house the standard fare might be a little different than you're used to. Thanksgiving dinner at Granny's house usually consists of...
Ham. Because Grandpa doesn't like turkey. And ham is better anyhow.
Verenika. Fried, of course. These little pockets of dry curd cottage cheese are a traditional german mennonite food. And they always go with...
Onion Gravy. All the men rave about this at our gatherings.
Potatoes. We either have holiday potatoes, sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes, sometimes even an augratin. They're all good but I like Gran's sweet potatoes the best.
Mos. Growing up I always thought of Pluma Mos as the regular, but now we have Cherry Mos or Apple Mos too. Apple is my favorite. Mos. Hmm how to explain that one. It's a funny kind of soup. It's sweet. Pluma Mos has prunes and raisins in it. You'll just have to try it sometime.
Zwiebach. No meal is complete without these little sweet breads.
Of course there are other veggie sides that we enjoy and there's always dessert but these are the basics of our meal. Just writing about it is making me hungry!