*UPDATE* *ADDED GOAL*
To get back into my prayer journal, and keep up with it!
Ok, here we go again! Another year, another list of goals to fail! Ok, maybe that is not how I should look at it! Maybe that is why I always fail! LOL! Maybe this year, I should look at it as something that can be accomplished with a little work, a little self-control, (we all know how good I am at that one!), a little practice, etc. You know, as a little girl, I always got a diary for Christmas, and I would start on January 1st and write my resolutions. Ok, I am pretty sure now that I did not know or understand what resolutions were. I think I thought that they were something you wrote down, and that they just happened! Funny, it has taken me several decades to realize that those diaries were not magic paper that made things happen!
So, this year I am sharing my resolutions or Goals with you! (I really need to find out how to do that mark through words thing that MckMama does!) Anyway, I hoping that by posting these and making my innermost failures public, that you as my friends will help me to be accountable. After all, as Christians we are called to help keep each other accountable! So, here goes...
1. Stop complaining! Yes, about anything! It is however, ok to tell God about it! I just need to stop telling the whole world! This one is going to be hard! Thanks Suzie for convicting me of this!
2. Be the wife God called me to be! NO MATTER WHAT! Aaaagghhh! This one is going to be even harder than the 1st one! Oh well, life is not easy! What this means to me, is that no matter how he treats me, I am to respect him, love him, and treat him as God calls me to. I did this for a while especially when I was involved in different Bible Studies that helped me do so, but I have definitely slacked lately! And above all to remember that he (Jason) is not the enemy!
3. Have a plan of attack daily- I used to do this too! But, something happened when Dalton started Kindergarten-I don't know what, but it's almost like my whole world and routine fell off its axle! So, this year, I am having my daily list again! Back into routine here we come!
4. Stop Yelling!-Yes, I know, its hard to believe that sweet, little old me could possibly yell! LOL :) But, yes, I do. My goal here, is to stop and give it to God every time that I am frustrated, aggravated, or just plain irritated! By giving it to Him first, then I will not be giving into my flesh as Satan would like for me too!
5. To continue to eat healthy, and watch my portion control. This summer, I started weight watchers, and did very well, and then I somehow got off track. For me, following weight watchers and tracking my points is the only way that I have been able to control my compulsive eating habits. One reason that I am concerned with this, is that God has revealed to me that gluttony is a sin, and if I am not in control of what I put in my body, than I am partaking in gluttonous habits.
6. And above all, to turn to God for all and everything first. For it is not in my ability, strength, or power, to handle anything thrown at me, but only through His strength alone. And how disappointed He must be in me, when I choose to turn to myself or someone else when I should really be turning to Him first!
I hope you all have a wonderful 2009! Happy New Year Everybody!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Mission Completion!
So, about 10 years ago I bought a Daily Walk Bible (Read the Bible in a Year thing). And this January 1st, I started reading it! Ok, some times things take awhile! But this year, I committed to God that I would actually do it! This Bible has daily devotionals and such that go with it that helped me stay focused, and understand it better. Now, don't go thinking that I am perfect or anything, but I actually did it! This morning I finished my one year Bible! YAY! I must say there is a huge since of accomplishment with that, but I do know that I did not do this on my own, only through the strength of God, did this happen.
There were some days that I would miss, or forget, but then the next day I would do 2 or whatever and catch up. One thing that it did for me, was basically force me (that doesn't sound right) it would help me to meet with God everyday! And where do you find God's word and his heart? in the Bible of course!
So, a couple of months ago, I was getting excited that I was nearing the end of the book, and before I could get too excited, I heard God speak to me about recommitting. I figured He meant to commit another year of reading daily and meeting with Him. So, I thought I would find a good daily devotional-linked to verses, etc. I have been wanting to get one of the Oswald Chambers books for a long time now. One of my favorite people, Shuggie Collingsworth, talked very highly of him all the time. Well, just last week during my reading, God spoke to me again! (Funny how that happens when you are in His word!) :) I felt Him telling me to recommitt with the same Bible! "Really? God are you sure?" Ok, dumb question! I am pretty sure that God does not make a statement unless he means it! Duh!
So, I asked "What do you mean?", and what I have got from that, is that this time I am to read it, and dive deeper. There are some parts that have extra verses to go back to, and sometimes jump to. So, 2009 I am going to re-up my commitment! And this time, I am going to try and not miss any days! I am going to try to avoid having to do any make-ups! I hope that 2009 finds you accomplishing your commitments! Happy New Year!
There were some days that I would miss, or forget, but then the next day I would do 2 or whatever and catch up. One thing that it did for me, was basically force me (that doesn't sound right) it would help me to meet with God everyday! And where do you find God's word and his heart? in the Bible of course!
So, a couple of months ago, I was getting excited that I was nearing the end of the book, and before I could get too excited, I heard God speak to me about recommitting. I figured He meant to commit another year of reading daily and meeting with Him. So, I thought I would find a good daily devotional-linked to verses, etc. I have been wanting to get one of the Oswald Chambers books for a long time now. One of my favorite people, Shuggie Collingsworth, talked very highly of him all the time. Well, just last week during my reading, God spoke to me again! (Funny how that happens when you are in His word!) :) I felt Him telling me to recommitt with the same Bible! "Really? God are you sure?" Ok, dumb question! I am pretty sure that God does not make a statement unless he means it! Duh!
So, I asked "What do you mean?", and what I have got from that, is that this time I am to read it, and dive deeper. There are some parts that have extra verses to go back to, and sometimes jump to. So, 2009 I am going to re-up my commitment! And this time, I am going to try and not miss any days! I am going to try to avoid having to do any make-ups! I hope that 2009 finds you accomplishing your commitments! Happy New Year!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Please Pray
Please pray for Baby Stellan. He has been diagnosed with RSV, and is having severe breathing difficulties. Please read MckMama's blog to find out more details. Thanks ahead of time for all your prayers, this little baby is already a miracle.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It's Almost Here!
In 40 more minutes, it will officially be Christmas Day! Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to All! Tonight we went to our church's Christmas Eve Service, (my family came with us!) Then we all went back to our house for some awesome potatoe soup and sandwiches made by my amazing husband! Then we all open gifts! The kids made out like bandits of course, and we still have more presents tomorrow! WOW! Well, anyway, we all loved our presents! And we loved hanging out with my family!
And of course, The Pajama Elf came and we all got some super cool new pjs! Here is our Christmas Eve Family Pic. I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas, and that you will have a great time celebrating in our Savior's Birthday!
Picture Perfect Postcard
What our family is really like!
And of course, The Pajama Elf came and we all got some super cool new pjs! Here is our Christmas Eve Family Pic. I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas, and that you will have a great time celebrating in our Savior's Birthday!
Picture Perfect Postcard
What our family is really like!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Stressed! Very Stressed!
Please pray for me, I am having a little trouble controlling my anger. I mean, it's like I just get mad, and whoosh-there it goes! I am really trying to use self-control, but it just seems really hard, like I don't think about it until I am already acting out. I mean for pete's sake I had a hissy fit at Santa! I don't know if this is pre-PMS week, or just how I am going to be without medicine, or if I just can't handle my own kids being kids!
It is Christmas, and it doesn't seem so Christmas Cheery at my house. I am usually a lot more organized and together by this point, but I am still running crazy trying to get last minute presents that I thought I had already taken care of everyone! Ooops! I know that my poor husband is probably ready to kill me, and I think it is my fault that he is Bah-Humbug! Way to go Amber! Anyway, just please keep us in your prayers if you think about it! Oh, and if you thought this post was weird, than let me introduce myself...My name is Amber, and I am very transparent!
It is Christmas, and it doesn't seem so Christmas Cheery at my house. I am usually a lot more organized and together by this point, but I am still running crazy trying to get last minute presents that I thought I had already taken care of everyone! Ooops! I know that my poor husband is probably ready to kill me, and I think it is my fault that he is Bah-Humbug! Way to go Amber! Anyway, just please keep us in your prayers if you think about it! Oh, and if you thought this post was weird, than let me introduce myself...My name is Amber, and I am very transparent!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Security Please!
Ok, so we are a little behind on our traditional trip to The Gaylord Texan for a wonderful leisurely night of enjoying the Christmas lights, seeing Santa, drinking hot chocolate, and buying a way too expensive cookie! Well, pretty much none of that happened! Apparently if you go 3 days before Christmas-it is CRAZY! We waited 30 minutes to see the reindeer and Mrs. Claus. We then head over to Santa's Workshop and wait over an hour! And no, I am not exaggerating! And let me preface this by saying that last year when we saw Santa there (same photography company and all) they let us take all the pictures that we wanted with our own camera! So, I expected the same this year-especially since there wasn't a sign saying any differently any where in line in my hour plus long wait!
Oh wait, there was a sign-right next to Santa's throne! Now, obviously you could only see this sign after waiting an hour...Did I mention that you have to go through the workshop in this tunnel like thing? So, no, there is no way to have seen the sign prior. So, I get up to the front of the line and the lady asks if I am going to buy a package (Hmmmm...before you even take the picture? How should I know? Prepaid Santa pics? Seriously?) So, I said "No" She immediately eyed my camera (I wasn't hiding it or anything) and says "you can't take your own pictures" I said "I'll just take it when he is walking up there" "No, can't even do that" she says. Hmmmm...well they aren't going to take any of him walking up there...Anyway, I then start to tell her that if they are going to change their policy from last year, that they should post the sign at the beginning of the line- you know, over an hour ago! She says that she is going to have to call security if I try to take a picture..."Go Ahead" I said. (Yea I know-real mature) Oh, and by the way, she says "you can take video, but no pictures" "Ok, I say so I will video clip it!" And I proceed to switch my camera over to video.. "oh, no" she says "It has to be a handheld camcorder" Now let me note here-that it was obvious that I did not have a handheld camcorder-just a camera-so why even say that! I tried to show her and prove that I would only video...but noooooo. So, I tell the other lady that walks over my aggravations...again...and how I would love to tell security my feelings on the matter. I am not upset that they are not allowing people to take pictures (well, a little) I am upset that they changed their policies and you have to stand in line over an hour to find that out!
And at this point, I give up..I say "nevermind" "forget it" and pick up my 5 year old to head over to Santa..he starts crying...apparently my actions have upset him and he thinks we are not seeing Santa because security is coming for his Mommy! Poor thing! Once again, something he can tell his therapist in later years! Oh, and here comes my 3 year old running up and jumping in Santa's lap! (Back story, 10 minutes prior-he got in trouble for not listening and Daddy said "That's it! No Santa!" And took him away! Well, apparently he apologized for his misbehavior and was allowed to see Santa after all! So I have one smiling child, one crying child, and absolutely no one taking the picture! What's up with that? I didn't prepay so I don't get the opportunity? So ofcourse, I say "Ok, I'm following your rules-where's the photographer?" She gets in takes the picture....
And then they let me know that they are very sorry for any inconveniences and for my aggravating experience...and they are giving me my picture for free!
This was not my plan when I through my little fit, as a matter of fact-I told them I didn't want anything for free, and apologized for my actions. They gave it to me anyway! And, I am highly embarrassed of my non ability at self-control in this situation, but I am also highly disturbed at the high mark-up rate they put on my precious Christmas memories! Hello-$16.23 after tax really? My husband said that I am the only Mom he knows that stands in line for Santa and gets security called on her! Well, I am unique!
Did I mention that we ran into some friends there that were behind us in line for the whole hour plus? Yes, they saw the whole thing! And, she's a client! Aaagghhh! Oh well, I think they thought the whole thing was pretty comical! Oh, and 15 mintues after the Santa incident, Carson climbed up a rockwall thing, and fell over the back about 3 ft and landed on his head! He's ok though!
Well, anyway, here is the pic...it turned out really good, and we have a story to go with it!
Oh wait, there was a sign-right next to Santa's throne! Now, obviously you could only see this sign after waiting an hour...Did I mention that you have to go through the workshop in this tunnel like thing? So, no, there is no way to have seen the sign prior. So, I get up to the front of the line and the lady asks if I am going to buy a package (Hmmmm...before you even take the picture? How should I know? Prepaid Santa pics? Seriously?) So, I said "No" She immediately eyed my camera (I wasn't hiding it or anything) and says "you can't take your own pictures" I said "I'll just take it when he is walking up there" "No, can't even do that" she says. Hmmmm...well they aren't going to take any of him walking up there...Anyway, I then start to tell her that if they are going to change their policy from last year, that they should post the sign at the beginning of the line- you know, over an hour ago! She says that she is going to have to call security if I try to take a picture..."Go Ahead" I said. (Yea I know-real mature) Oh, and by the way, she says "you can take video, but no pictures" "Ok, I say so I will video clip it!" And I proceed to switch my camera over to video.. "oh, no" she says "It has to be a handheld camcorder" Now let me note here-that it was obvious that I did not have a handheld camcorder-just a camera-so why even say that! I tried to show her and prove that I would only video...but noooooo. So, I tell the other lady that walks over my aggravations...again...and how I would love to tell security my feelings on the matter. I am not upset that they are not allowing people to take pictures (well, a little) I am upset that they changed their policies and you have to stand in line over an hour to find that out!
And at this point, I give up..I say "nevermind" "forget it" and pick up my 5 year old to head over to Santa..he starts crying...apparently my actions have upset him and he thinks we are not seeing Santa because security is coming for his Mommy! Poor thing! Once again, something he can tell his therapist in later years! Oh, and here comes my 3 year old running up and jumping in Santa's lap! (Back story, 10 minutes prior-he got in trouble for not listening and Daddy said "That's it! No Santa!" And took him away! Well, apparently he apologized for his misbehavior and was allowed to see Santa after all! So I have one smiling child, one crying child, and absolutely no one taking the picture! What's up with that? I didn't prepay so I don't get the opportunity? So ofcourse, I say "Ok, I'm following your rules-where's the photographer?" She gets in takes the picture....
And then they let me know that they are very sorry for any inconveniences and for my aggravating experience...and they are giving me my picture for free!
This was not my plan when I through my little fit, as a matter of fact-I told them I didn't want anything for free, and apologized for my actions. They gave it to me anyway! And, I am highly embarrassed of my non ability at self-control in this situation, but I am also highly disturbed at the high mark-up rate they put on my precious Christmas memories! Hello-$16.23 after tax really? My husband said that I am the only Mom he knows that stands in line for Santa and gets security called on her! Well, I am unique!
Did I mention that we ran into some friends there that were behind us in line for the whole hour plus? Yes, they saw the whole thing! And, she's a client! Aaagghhh! Oh well, I think they thought the whole thing was pretty comical! Oh, and 15 mintues after the Santa incident, Carson climbed up a rockwall thing, and fell over the back about 3 ft and landed on his head! He's ok though!
Well, anyway, here is the pic...it turned out really good, and we have a story to go with it!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
O HAPPY DAY
20 Reasons To Be Happy Today
*Getting to sleep in
*Waking up knowing your husband is doing good work helping set up at the Texas Toy Run in the early freezing hours.
*Heading to church and getting a text message from a friend that moved away almost 2 years ago- saying "Are you coming to church today?" Loved that! Loved seeing you Stacey!
*Seeing my children sing at The Exchange for our Christmas Celebration! Well, watching Dalton sing-Carson once again no singing what-so-ever!
*Starting off the service with some awesome music from Joel, Jeff, and the rest of the crew.
*Getting to enjoy all of that with my precious boys in my lap. One at a time of course!
*Having my sweet three year old be the only sound during silence at the end of Holy Night that sound was "Amen!" How sweet!
*Being gone taking my 5 year old to the potty during the sweet moment! Ok, so that maybe wasn't so great! But at least Jason remembered to tell me about it!
*Seeing over 400 people at The Exchange today!
*Having some awesome birthday cake for Jesus' birthday! By the way, super big cakes!
*Did I mention seeing some friends we haven't seen in a while? :) I am super excited about ya'll only being an hour away pretty soon!
*Eating some mean left-over spaghetti for lunch!
*Getting a grip on my email inbox-down from 900 emails to only 71! Woo-hoo!
*Doing this in silence while my family took naps...well...almost everybody! At least Dalton rested for a while!
*Enjoyed an awesome dinner cooked by my wonderful husband! Smothered hamburgers with mashed potatoes and some yummy fried mushrooms!
*Watching Horton Hears a Who with my whole family! Which, by the way, seems to have some great little lead ins to talk about God and not being able to see things even though they are real.
*Doing boxes 5&6 of our nativity scene and then putting the boys to bed.
*Finding out that some friends of ours are going to be having their baby a few weeks early..tonight! And spending some time praying for them with Jason in our living room. (I tried to go to Baylor, but got turned around on the way, so I just went back home!)
*Ending the evening watching TV with my husband while typing my blog!
Knowing that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus in 3 days! O happy day!
Super good day! Below are some pics-check out Carson's face! Oh, and no, you are not seeing things, that is little Brooke in the back!
*Getting to sleep in
*Waking up knowing your husband is doing good work helping set up at the Texas Toy Run in the early freezing hours.
*Heading to church and getting a text message from a friend that moved away almost 2 years ago- saying "Are you coming to church today?" Loved that! Loved seeing you Stacey!
*Seeing my children sing at The Exchange for our Christmas Celebration! Well, watching Dalton sing-Carson once again no singing what-so-ever!
*Starting off the service with some awesome music from Joel, Jeff, and the rest of the crew.
*Getting to enjoy all of that with my precious boys in my lap. One at a time of course!
*Having my sweet three year old be the only sound during silence at the end of Holy Night that sound was "Amen!" How sweet!
*Being gone taking my 5 year old to the potty during the sweet moment! Ok, so that maybe wasn't so great! But at least Jason remembered to tell me about it!
*Seeing over 400 people at The Exchange today!
*Having some awesome birthday cake for Jesus' birthday! By the way, super big cakes!
*Did I mention seeing some friends we haven't seen in a while? :) I am super excited about ya'll only being an hour away pretty soon!
*Eating some mean left-over spaghetti for lunch!
*Getting a grip on my email inbox-down from 900 emails to only 71! Woo-hoo!
*Doing this in silence while my family took naps...well...almost everybody! At least Dalton rested for a while!
*Enjoyed an awesome dinner cooked by my wonderful husband! Smothered hamburgers with mashed potatoes and some yummy fried mushrooms!
*Watching Horton Hears a Who with my whole family! Which, by the way, seems to have some great little lead ins to talk about God and not being able to see things even though they are real.
*Doing boxes 5&6 of our nativity scene and then putting the boys to bed.
*Finding out that some friends of ours are going to be having their baby a few weeks early..tonight! And spending some time praying for them with Jason in our living room. (I tried to go to Baylor, but got turned around on the way, so I just went back home!)
*Ending the evening watching TV with my husband while typing my blog!
Knowing that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus in 3 days! O happy day!
Super good day! Below are some pics-check out Carson's face! Oh, and no, you are not seeing things, that is little Brooke in the back!
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