Far Above Rubies

As I had mentioned in a previous post ; from the time I found out I was going to be a mom, I began praying that my children would come to know, love and accept Christ.  As a Christian parent, I realize that teaching Jesus in my home is the most important thing I should be doing.  I try to be intentional and find ways of bringing Biblical truths into our everyday lives. There are several things we've taught to our kids and are constantly reinforcing... * Sin is anything we say, do or think that makes God sad. * We are all sinners. * Sin separates us from God. * Jesus is perfect.  He is the only person who has never sinned. * Jesus choose to sacrifice Himself because He loves you. * The only way to someday be with God in heaven is through Jesus. On January 21, 2014, on our way home from a Good News Club I had just finished teaching at a local elementary school, Isabella began asking her own questions about God and Jesus.  You could sense the Spirit work...

I first met my in-laws in the spring of 2000.  I was 16 going on 17 (you should all be singing The Sound of Music right now) and instantly experienced a feeling of acceptance.  During the years that have followed it's been delightful to not only call them family, but also friends. I would like to take this opportunity to say to thank you!  Thank you for; including me as a member of the family, supporting Dave and I in our decisions, being the world's greatest Papa and Nana, demonstrating what it looks like to stay committed in marriage, raising your son to love and care for his own family, and for being a personal encouragement to me! Happy 36th anniversary.  I love you and consider it an honor to call you my in-laws.

I was shocked this week when I read about Thanks giving  being turned into Thanks getting !  How can this holiday, that is not about gifts, be turned completely upside down?  How has a day of cherishing those we love become a day of getting the material things we want?  Are we really that selfish? The answer, which I suppose shouldn't be too shocking, is yes!  Society, the media, retail businesses... they're all telling us we don't have enough.  They're encouraging us to spend more, to receive more, to acquire more.  And we are listening to their urging.  We're giving into those impulses. So, instead of making shopping lists, I sat down with our girls and we made thankful lists. Abigail's List Daddy  Aidan Rice & Gravy Mommy Bella Isabella's List Mommy and Daddy Aunt Nellie and Uncle Matt Aunt Alisha Aunt Becky, Uncle Mark, Eve and Vera Abbi and Aidan Papa, Nana, Poppie and Mimi And I'm thankful fo...

My faithful readers, I have a special treat for you!  My sweet friend, Becky Bennett, has just launched her website  To Choose Joy.   On here you can; see how God has used a debilitating nerve disorder to redefine her life, learn what joy in Jesus looks like, signup for Bible studies sent straight to your inbox, be encouraged by her blog, and check out her inspirational artwork in the shop. Please join me by supporting Becky on this journey as she commits to pointing us to, and helping us stay focused on, the truth!

We're back from our week in Disney World and have a bunch of "must do" tips to share with you!  First, let me just start by saying, our family had a magical time.  This is the last year that Isabella, our 6 year old, will think of many things as "real" and Abigail, our 4 year old, will be star-struck speechless.  We have no regrets and thoroughly enjoyed our time away, even though we were feeling a bit sleep deprived near the end. If you're thinking of going to Disney but have not yet started to plan your vacation, please stop reading now and check out my " 10 Tips Before You Go " post.  I would happily pass along to you the information of our incredible Disney travel agent and sweet friend, Rachel.  Then, come back and read this after.  I will not be going over any of the things I've previously wrote about.   "Must Do" Tips 1. If you're traveling with small kiddos, take lightweight strollers.  It's amazing ho...