If You Want Joy

I read this a few mornings ago when I had a few moments to myself, you know those are rare. But it really encouraged me and so I wanted to pass it on to you:

If You Want Joy by Hannah Whitall Smith

"In thy presence is fulness of joy", and fullness of joy is nowhere else. Just as the simple presence of the mother makes the child's joy, so does the simple fact of God's presence with us make our joy. The mother may not make a single promise to the child, nor explain any of her plans or purposes, but she is, and that is enough for the child. The child rejoices in the mother; not in her promises, but in herself. And to the child, there is behind all that changes and can change the one unchangeable joy of mother's existence. While the mother lives, the child will be cared for; and the child knows this, instinctively, if not intelligently and rejoices in knowing it. And to the children of God as well, there is behind all that changes and can change the one unchangeable joy that God is. And while He is, His children will be cared for, and they ought to know it and rejoice in it, as instinctively and far more intelligently than the child of human parents. For what else can God do, being what He is? Neglect, indifference, forgetfulness, ignorance are all impossible to Him. He knows everything, He cares about everything, He can manage everything, and He loves us! Surely this is enough for a "fulness of joy" beyond the power of words to express, no matter what else may be missed besides."

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (New Living Translation)

So Sick

Lili's been under the weather for the past few weeks, having a hard time kicking this cough and runny nose. This past week Emma came down with a virus and now has double ear infections. She is on antibiotics so hopefully she is on her way to feeling better. It's been a long few weeks. We are itching to get out! Please keep us all in your prayers.

Some Emma Art

Here are a few pieces of Emma's artwork :)

In the first one, we have a beautiful renderring of our lovely home, complete with a reindeer (check out the spots, must be a fawn!) If you'll glance at the top, you will notice the sun is on the right side of the vast blue sky. The bit of red at the top is symbolic of the beautiful sunrise we saw this morning. That little smiling face is Emma and last but not least, a little flower adds a nice touch! Oh, and some pumpkins?

Can you guess what this says? This is Emma's way of sounding out chimpanzee.

We've got a little artist on our hands :)

If you haven't seen.......

I have a video posted right above. It's the song Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. When I first heard this song it gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. Take just a second and watch.

This is so Tacky!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a Christmas Party at the house for Mike's College Group at church, as you can see it was a "Tacky Sweater" Theme. We had alot of fun!

Mike wore one of his mom's old sweaters and shirt (with shoulder pads!), he slicked his hair down real nice too!

The best I could come up with was some jingle bell earrings with this lovely french horn shirt! It was embellished with a nice little plaid bow and poinsettas!

I just love Barika! She looked so Christmas-y, decked out in family 'heirlooms" from head to toe!

It's alot of fun hanging out with our college group, it makes us feel young again! We love you guys!

More Christmas please!

Okay, I 'm soooo sad that Christmas is over. I love that time of the year. The Christmas movies on tv, the music playing everywhere, all the fun Christmas activities to do. I love being with family, and celebrating this special time of year with my two girls. It's always sad to me when it's time to take the decorations down..........needless to say, I haven't done that yet! So, to continue in the Christmas spirit, here are a few pics taken from our Christmas at my mom and dad's.

Baking Black Skillet Apple Pie with Nanny!

Nanny and her grandbabies!

We love you!

Emma's 1st steak cooked especially for her from my dad! And if you've had one of his steaks, you know what a privilege this is!!!!

Decorating nanny's doors for Christmas

Lili loved eating the ribbon more than anything else!

Sweet Lili

Dad had been craving some good old fashioned Thumbprint Cookies, so Emma and I surprised him with a few that we had baked!