12 Days of Christmas

so, here's my version (some days)
All moms feel free to sing along.....

On the first day of Christmas, my children gave to me,
a promise to do their laundry!

On the second day of Christmas, my children gave to me,
two "I'll be late"s,
and a promise to do their laundry!

(skip to the 12th verse...for all those who aren't moms and don't need the repetitive emphasis)

On the 12th day of Christmas, my children gave to me,
twelve sinks of dishes,
eleven sad report cards
ten pleas for money
nine midnight phone calls
eight friends on couches
seven loans for college
six "I'm just saying"s
five "Love you, MOM!!!!!"s
(right before the....)
four cell phone bills
three wrecked cars
two "I'll be late"s
and
A PROMISE TO DO THEIR LAUNDRY!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Laughing makes me smile.....

I just came down the stairs at home to the sound of my daughters laughing. I smiled. I know of few things that can make me as happy as the sound of my children laughing. From the time they were small, I loved to hear them in the other room, laughing together. As the kids have grown older, our family has been blessed with many hours of laughter. And everytime I hear it, I smile. And it's the kind of smile that starts somewhere between my ribs and my spine and just warms it's way up to my face. I simply love that sound. It gives me a sense of well being and contentment.
If my family is happy, the world will be okay.
My world is good.

No Hydroplaning!

While driving in the pouring rain yesterday, I realized that in this world, there are many idiots. People were speeding, weaving, and completely disregarding the fact that the rain was falling so hard, it couldn't drain from the streets fast enough. These drivers were either oblivious to, or disregarded the fact that at any minute they could begin to hydroplane and lose all control of their vehicle. And all for the goal to getting to the next red light before the rest of us!

As I viewed them smugly, the Lord reminded me that I am often like that. Maybe not in my driving, but in my life. There are times in my life that I travel dangerous roads spiritually. There are situations that I can find myself in where I struggle to be Christ-like. I know what my weaknesses are. And when I go into a situation where I know that I will be tested, how do I navigate it? Like the idiot drivers, just go for it, full force. Do I just walk into it as though it was a perfectly beautiful day, or a perfectly safe situation? Do I disregard the danger in my spirit, or worse, am I oblivious to that danger? If I am aware of the danger, shouldn't I prepare for it. I can't avoid the areas of life that may bring me temptations. But when I know I am going to be in those places, I can pray and be focused; see the dangers, and navigate through the course and around the dangers.

Ephesians 5:15 "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise."

And it's still raining. So, no hydroplaning!

Who Blinked?

Ok, I guess I blinked, because it is Dec. 9th and the Christmas season is in full swing! I love this time of year. It get crazy busy, but, it's busy with a lot of things that I really like to do and that I am glad I can do. Making cookies for Stephanie' cookie exchange isn't so much about cookies. I can get really good cookies at Sam's, cheap. But it was a great time spend with the ladies I go to church with, but don't often have time to sit and talk with. Lining up floats for the Woodstock parade was a freezing couple of hours. But we got to make one more mark on this community that Momentum Church is about loving people, like Jesus did; wherever their need. Cooking for a senior's luncheon pays me a little extra money, but more than that, it facilitates a time that godly men and women can enjoy a meal and each others company; and some really bad music (sorry).

Christmas is just a few days away. Make your days count. You will have lots of options about what to do with your time. Do what's important; to you and to those around you. And enjoy the days and memories of those things. God gave His best. We should do the same; best choices, best efforts.

Just don't blink.