God has really been working in my heart about ENJOYING life. Christmas time brings so many wonderful things to enjoy, but it also brings the hustle and bustle of seeing all the things (mainly material things) that we lack. I can't stand that! But i admit, i have fallen into it.
The other night, after we got the kiddos to bed, Ryan and i were able to just sit on the couch and relax. He is finally done with school and is able to rest his mind. Well, that night, we began to talk about Christmas presents...which lead to things that need to be done around our house...which lead to the repairs we need to do to our cars....which lead to grocery bills...which lead to talking about all of our bills...which lead to how are we going to make it all work...which ultimately lead to unnecessary worry and anguish. We had completely ruined a great opportunity to relax and ENJOY ourselves. Don't get me wrong, you need to, as a married couple, to talk about budgets and money...but not at the sake of losing your peace of mind. We should have just stopped right there and prayed together about all of our worries and needs. I have found out that worry just wastes your time. Time is valuable.
Luckily, we stopped all the worrying later on and made the most of the night together. :)
Yesterday morning, during my quiet time with the Lord (in other words...getting prepared and ready for the boys! haha!) The word Enjoy kept running through my head. During those brief moments, i was able to just sit and think of all of the things that i am so thankful for. I also thought about the things that we had lacked or had been working hard to achieve/get. And those things (that we lacked) did not seem so important compared to what we were/are blessed with.
~I'd rather have the stable and passionate marriage that Ryan and i have than to have acres of land.
~I'd rather have healthy kids than carpet and a finished basement.
~I'd rather have the peaceful safe haven (our home) that we have than to have thousands and thousands of dollars in the bank.
~I'd rather have have all of our trust in our sovereign God than to have all of the control.
I want to ENJOY all of those things that God has given me! Thank You Lord for my life.
That is my dare for you during this season...and every season. To enjoy your life! Love those closest to you. Spend time and make time for your spouse and kids. Have fun!
Ok, enough preachyness from me. haha.
Here are some random things that have been going on lately:
We have had our house all decorated for Christmas. I love James' reaction every single morning when he sees the lights on our trees. Something so simple as lights to make that child happy. haha.
This year, i let James set up his own little manger scene that was given to us from Ryan's parents last year. A while later i found James sitting by his train. He had put all of the manger people in the train and was giving them a ride around the Christmas tree. haha!
That night, he helped me set up my willow tree manger scene. As we were setting it up, i told him the whole story about Jesus being born. (i acted out with the figurines haha!) I was surprised how much he retained. I asked him what Christmas was about...his answer "Jesus' birthday." So sweet.
Ryan and i are all about giving our boys presents, but we don't want Christmas to be about just getting getting getting. We decided when James was born, that we would give each kid 3 presents - representing the 3 gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus.
When it comes to Santa, we are not against him at all. We just haven't really talked about him. I really don't want our kids to think that Santa brought all of the gifts to them. I want them to know that we get our presents because of their Daddy's hard work. And that we are choosing to give to one another.
Please don't think i am downing Santa. I used to leave out milk and cookies when i was little, but i really want our kids to know the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus' birthday and giving.
Whew. haha.
The other day, i wanted to do a simple Christmas craft with James. All you need is felt and scissors.
I just cut out a tree, a stump, circle ornaments, and a star. You can let the kids glue on the ornaments, but i did not...just so he could redecorate it later if he wanted to (keep him occupied)
You can use buttons and glitter too. (i just used what we had)
Wednesday we went to Gammy's school for their Christmas program. It was so cute! I can't wait to see James in it next year...i fear he will be a ham. While watching the kids sing on the stage he kept asking to go up and sing on the stage. Lord help us. haha!
Waiting for the show to start...he looks so much older. :(
The kids on the little stage...haha...the little girl as the star. Aww.
That same afternoon, after the boys were good and rested from their naps. I decided to try to take some homemade Christmas pictures of the boys. (it was so hard to get them to sit still!) Though they didn't turn out as good as i hoped they would, they still are cute.
Love those little faces!!
Well that is about all i have time for today! I'll have to post some cute Christmas gifts that my friend Rebbecca and i came up with the other day. :) And probably the next time i post, Ryan will be a graduate! Yay!
Have a happy day everyone!!
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