Thoughts from a few quiet moments...

Christmas was very low-key, just the five of us, but it was relaxing and enjoyable.  We were able to go to church both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and were blessed by the services, fellowship, and time together as a family.  Each year, it seems a different part of the Christmas story strikes me with new (or stronger) meaning.  A couple of years ago, it was Mary's response and how she treasured everything in her heart.  Last year, it was the angel's words about good news for EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE.  This year, I was most impressed by how the details came together to fulfill prophecy...all part of God's perfect plan.  When I think about how He orchestrated those details for that event over hundreds of years, it makes me wonder why I am ever concerned about situations in my life.  He has everything under control...if only I will trust Him.

My parents, sister, and niece are due to arrive in a couple of hours.  I can't wait to see them and spend some quality time together.  

Today is my hubby's birthday.  I thank God for giving me a man who loves me and our children unconditionally.  He has some hurt in his life from his childhood, but he continues to press on and tries to be the best father/husband he can be.  I pray for him as he leads our family, that he will continue to grow spiritually, and that he will only seek God's approval, not his family's, not his co-workers, and not even mine.

I am considering re-reading "Radical" before the end of the year.  I read it last year and it was instrumental in my New Year's resolutions.  I don't want to just make resolutions...I want to be changed by God.  I want Him to work in me and make my life more meaningful for Him.  I have been thinking about my own personal "BEST of 2011" list; which moments would I list?  Would there be moments of deep meaning or would most be superficial or shallow?  What about you? 

A few of my favorite things (about decorating for Christmas)...

...the wonder in the eyes of our 20-month-old when he sees the tree lit up every day.  He was too small to pay much attention last year, but he has been mesmerized this year.  We thought we had hung all of the breakable ornaments out of his reach, but so far, we are down three for the season (two of which were just shiny ball ornaments, but one was his sister's "First Christmas" ornament...must purchase super glue to repair).  
...the enthusiasm the eleven-year-old shares for ANYTHING involving family time.  He isn't always extremely helpful but he does love to spend time with all of us, even his bossy sister.  Speaking of which...
...the detail-oriented, but quick decorating schemes of the fourteen-year-old.   She was tired and ready to go to bed, but put her teenage sulkiness aside and came through in the end, helping us to deck the halls.
...the time spent pulling out each treasured piece of our Nativity set.  Not only does it remind us of our family members who gave us this thoughtful gift over several seasons, but more importantly, it reminds of us our Savior and His humble birth.
...the telling of the stories behind each ornament as they are placed on the tree.
...the laughter brought about by the new "A Christmas Story" ornaments.
...the bargain wall decals I bought at the end of the season last year.  This is my first time using them, and I love how they spruce up a plain wall and make it festive.  They are especially nice since we are renting this house and cannot make permanent changes throughout the year....here are some pics...

This one is above the stove on the plain white backsplash...

This one is above the window in the family room...

This one is on the wall in the dining room...

This one is on the back door...

...the hubby's willingness to pull all the decor out of the attic without (too much) grumbling.  He exhibited very little "Scrooginess" this year.  :)
...the Elvis Christmas CD playing in the background.  It is a must when decorating, and the informal karaoke performances make it even better.

I was just thinking about the time we spend planning our children's birthday celebrations, and isn't it appropriate we share this special time preparing for the day when we celebrate Jesus' birthday?  I am always careful to keep our decorations simple because I don't want to shift the focus from the real reason for our celebration.  However, I don't want to minimize the gift of Christmas either.  I want to make a big deal out of the fact that God sent His son for me, my family, and you.  The greatest gift of all...