Christmas

I was thinking a lot over the past few days about our attitude around Christmas time. There is so much build up to this day and all this rush, stress, excitement, distractions. And then the day comes and its really not as huge of a day as we all make it to be in our heads. Its over just like that...I think I enjoy all the festivities during the month and everything that this time is about...JESUS BIRTH. I know I can so easily get caught up in all the hype and even get easily distracted and not sit quiet with the Lord. I felt the Lord really speaking to my heart a lot over the past few days and I felt myself telling Him no with my attitude..."I am on vacation and I want to do what I want to do." What a little child I was...after the day was over I realized and I already knew this but I felt it in my heart and it was real. Nothing can ever fill us or even compare to the closeness that we can have with Jesus. Its the best gift we could ever recieve and its a gift that never stops filling us. We got a tv the other day and I still like it of course but the excitement that I had the day we got it is gone. My excitement in Jesus will never end...its new, refreshing and thrilling everyday. How can people live and thrive without Jesus in there life...I don't get it. I love the need that have in my heart to be close to Him. I have experienced it and I have a strong desire to get back to Him. I just love Him so much and I am overwhelmed with his power to give us this never ending joy in our hearts. I want to be completely consumed with Him and not get too excited or assume anything in this world could ever bring happiness into my life. What a joke it is to think that stuff would bring me joy. I've tasted Jesus and nothing else could ever come close...how thankful I am for the Lord saving me from living a life of trying to find fulfillment in everything but him...it makes me sad to think of those I know that don't have this amazing, awesome, real neverending joy in there life that can only come from knowign and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The most amazing gift ever in this world is free! Thank you Lord for your Son, the most wonderful gift we could ever recieve.

Caroling from the Stubbs Family

This evening when I took Micah out of the bath I heard a knock at the door. I quickly wrapped up Micah in a towel and went to the door. To my surprise when I opened the door the Stubbs family was standing there and began to sing a Christmas carol to Micah and I. They were great! They also brought some wonderful homemade goodies for Shane and I, and a cozy warm blanket and pajamas for Micah. I praise the Lord so much for bringing the Stubbs family to our home this evening...it was an awesome gift!

My friend Kim

This may sound kind of wierd but ever since I moved out here I have gotten closer with my friend Kim who lives in Costa Mesa. I have known her since high school but it wasn't until about a few years ago we started to become better friends. She is someone I think is so courageous and seeks the Lord in every situation of her life. She is married to Victor who is the worship pastor at Calvary where Shane and I had attended before moving out here. They have a boy Matthew that is a little over 1 1/2 a girl Rachel that is 7 months and now one on the way. She came out and visited me and Micah yesterday...we just sat on the floor for a few hours with our kids and just shared with eachother about life the Lord and whatever else we felt like talking about...it was so refreshing. I praise God so much for Kim...she is such a wonderful mother and it is awesome to see how the Lord is working in her life, and the strength He has given her to care for two little ones and now soon a third. I thank the Lord so much for my friend Kim, she is a blessing in my life.

Isaiah's Big Night

On Sunday night Shane, Micah and I went to see my nephew Isaiah in his first play. He did such a great job, him and this other girl were the only kids in this Christmas play. He danced quite a bit and had a couple of lines. It was great to see him in his element. Great job Isaiah!

Staff Christmas Party

On Sunday night we hosted the youth staff Christmas party at our house. It was so much fun to see everyone in our little living room enjoying the evening together. We had Pick Up Stix catered and had a white elephant gift exchange. My friend Charlotte got a gift that Micah couldn't take his eyes off of...a huge Elmo doll...I just might have to get him one :) Well, overall it was a great night of fellowship and thanking the Lord and praising Him for how great and awesome He is!

"Rico Micah Suave"

Watch out ladies...chhhheeeeeeeoooooowwwwwwww!

"Our Sick Boy"

Micah had his first case of the stomach flu...I had know idea how much a little baby could throw up. He threw up like 6 times in an hour...we took three baths and went through 3 pairs of pajamas during that time. We had an appointment the next day for shots but we just got him checked out and got him on some antibiotics. Well, I couldn't help but think in my head...am I gonna get? Well...I did...last night I woke up at 2am and felt the worst...I new it was coming and yea it wasn't fun. Shane had to preach this morning so I called up my parents to see if they could come out and take care of Micah since I was sick. I was so thankful...they arrived just about 10 minutes before he woke up. They spent the whole morning and afternoon with him while I got to rest. I praise God for parents who are so giving of themselves and would drop there plans for the day to come out here and take care of Micah and I. Thanks mom and dad! We appreciate you!