The Joy Dare and 1000 Gifts

A New Year, means a clean slate and a fresh start. A friend of ours from Australia had this awesome picture and post on facebook and I had to share.

"Wishing you a happy New Year - praise God that He washes our crap away from 2011 and we can start anew each day!!"

So with that in mind, I am starting a clean slate. I am going to start fresh, start over and God allows me too, I don't have to feel like I failed miserably.

We are doing the Joy Dare this month of January as a family. Every night we will record our Joys following this simple dare. Do you want to do the JOY DARE too? Click on the link and jump in. We are starting a few days late, but we are doing it.

I am also committed to counting to 1000 this year. I know it is important to thank HIM, and I need to draw closer to HIM so that he can change my heart, work on this heart and make this heart happier. I failed miserably last year at keeping up, so I thought I would start fresh this year and make it to 1000. That is only three things a day to count.

1. A New Year, a fresh start, a big year for us.
2. Compassion Canada and Compassion International.
3. Burdens on our hearts.
4. Celebrating 4 months.


5. Getting out of the house, after being sick for over a week.
6. Gift cards to use and buy some new clothes.
7. Meeting friends at the mall, even if it was a short visit.
8. Feeling some relief from this nasty sickness.
9. Grace and Mercy from HIM after a long, hard day.
10. Two little ones willing to forgive me when I have yelled too much or not been as understanding as I should have been.
11. Getting my camera out again and taking pictures.


12. Walks in January in +13 degree weather. Crazy!
13. Seeing them run.
14. Snack time outside.
15. Strollers that carry little ones safely and purposefully.
16. Theological talks with my husband.
17. Verses that He lays on both our hearts at the same time and knowing that He will answer our questions.
18. My three, the reason for me desiring to be the best Godly, Christian Mother I can be.


19. Imaginations.


20. Prayers for healing for a dear Aunt (please pray for her too) and the time to visit her. Kids that love to talk and aren't afraid to tell her that they love her and that Jesus loves her too!


21. Nutcrackers and the pure joy, imagination and play that they bring to a certain 5 year old.


22. Losing weight and the awesome people I have that will support and encourage me!
23. Giggles from a 4 month old and finding those new ticklish spots.
24. Sibling love, and oh do they love each other!



25. Pinterest--anytime I need to search for something that is where I head now!
26. Challenging Sermons at church.
27. Hot showers (why is it that sometimes a shower feels like the best thing in the whole wide world)

When God Broke In....

Our Church completed a series titled "When God Broke In" in December. I loved it! They were asking for stories of when God broke in from the Congregation and every Sunday they would share some.

However, throughout the series I was pondering on and reflecting on times when God broke in, specifically in my life. I was feeling a little stressed about this and trying to think of a precise moment, a precise story. I finally came to the realization that there have been some big moments when God really broke in (accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of my life and being baptized to show this change), and there have been smaller moments that maybe weren't as earth shattering, but He definitely broke in. I also realized that I need a lot more of God breaking in!

Finally, though, a story of God breaking in came to me and it came at such an interesting time. Some friends of ours were sharing about how much they were struggling with their faith and struggling financially. They were not sure how they were going to have a Christmas for their family, pay bills or just make it. They felt this urge to resort back to some old, bad habits like they had never felt before. Then that night they returned home to find a hamper delivered to their door. A hamper full of Christmas gifts, money and even a book about pressing on and remaining strong in faith when times our tough. It was such a touching story, and it hit me. It hit me hard, because only a year ago we were in the same exact position.

Last Christmas was a really tough time for us, spiritually, financially, emotionally. At one point we had decided that John and I would not do anything for each other for Christmas, which was fine as it is about our kids, not us. Bills were piling up, we were working crazy hours handing the kids off as we switched shifts, therefore never seeing each other, nor spending quality time with one another, and we were struggling to meet the basics it seemed. I finally got a job with the government at the end of November (praise the Lord), but was spending a lot of time traveling to and from work, not to mention the gas. We knew we had to make some big decisions and decided to move closer to my work. This meant more expenses, double the rent we were paying, etc. So then we decided that our kids would be getting minimal (thankfully I had bought a big present for them on a great sale a few months earlier and that would be it). We had also invited some friends to spend Christmas with us and had no idea how on earth we were going to pay for the groceries. Not to mention a lot of other stuff we had going on.

At the beginning of Dec. we were heading into town to do some errands and stopped off at the post office. We were surprised to learn that we had a parcel, a large parcel in which they asked us to drive around back to collect. We were a little perplexed as to who would be sending us a parcel of such a large size and were eying each other up thinking did you purchase something. We were shocked when we received it. No return address, just from the North Pole in Calgary. The box was filled with Christmas gifts for our kids, for John and I and a gift card for groceries. We were shocked, absolutely shocked. We drove to town in silence, as we processed what just happened. Then we both just lost it, completely and utterly broke down because for the first time we both felt like God had shown us that He really does care for us and has put some pretty incredible people in our lives to show us how much He cares and loves us. For the first time I knew that God was going to take care of us, provide for us and that He was all that we needed to really trust, rely on and confide in. That was a moment when God truly broke in and it was a Christmas that I will never forget. It was a Christmas that truly was about Him and the amazing gift of His son which is truly all we ever need.

As we were shopping this year for Christmas gifts, my husband stopped and said
'thank you Lord that we can afford Christmas and food this year'. Right there in that crazy, busy mall, where everyone was rushing around trying to get those gifts, those small, quiet words of thanks warmed my heart and gave me peace. He has provided for us in so many ways and I realized right there that I take it for granted and that we are so incredibly blessed. Truly we are! We simplified things a lot this year and it felt good. Four things I focused on when gift shopping were:

1. Something to wear
2. Something to play with
3. Something to read and
4. Something they need

Next year I hope that we can focus a lot more on giving to those in need and blessing others as we have been blessed.

So that is one of our stories of how and when God broke in. I would love to hear how or when God broke in your life!

Ringing in the New Year with Compassion

I have been sick, very sick. In fact this was the sickest I can ever remember being. Already we have had three trips to Urgent Care/the hospital. Finally last night, there was a breakthrough. This is a whole other blog, but to set the stage for ringing in the New Year, well it was LOW KEY and not really eventful.

In fact, we had some appetizers with Mom and Bill and played some 'neon' bowling (neon bowling on a budget from the comfort of your own home---aka pop botttles filled with water, glow sticks and a soccer ball) and hit the sack.

New Years Day I was home alone with the kids feeling sorry for myself and suffering from this retarded flu, or whatever you want to call it. My dear husband was fortunate, or let me say blessed to be able to work for Compassion Canada on New Years Day and what an incredible way to start 2012.

When we were in Saskatchewan, John signed up to become an Advocate for Compassion Canada. That basically means that he can help out at events to raise awareness and get sponsors for these precious, needy children. We are huge fans and supporters of Compassion, so it wasn't a hard decision. When the opportunity arose to advocate at a concert right here in Cochrane on New Years Day he jumped at it. I was still feeling sorry for myself and thinking a little selfishly and wishing he could just skip it and stay home and help me.

He came home and it was an amazing day. He shared that it was the most fullfilling, rewarding day he has had in a very long time. Twenty-two (22) kids now have new sponsors, have a chance to go to school, receive birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, family gifts and most importantly learn about Jesus!! That is so amazing. The way that God moved on the crowd was incredible. Stories of people leaving the church saying that they needed to pray about it, to return only ten minutes later and sign up. This couple got in the car, started driving away (after they had talked with the Compasison advocates saying that they needed to pray about it) and they turned around. He walked up and said what is there to pray about, the Bible, Jesus commands us to take care of the poor. WOW!

So I encourage you this year, 2012, to look at the needy, the poor, these precious children who are our future and consider Sponsoring. It is only $40 a month and a time commitment of writing and establishing a relationship with your child. Compassion has made it so easy to connect and write letters to the kids online now and you can even upload pictures online too. It is also such an incredible learning experience for your kids. My kids pray for their 'brothers' and 'sister' every night without fail. We just finished making crafts for them and they want to send their little messages of love (so sweet to hear what they want to say).

We also received some sad news right before Christmas, that affected us in a way we weren't expecting. These kids really do become part of your family, and when something happens, it really affects you. Our little Yari from the Dominican is moving and will not be living in an area where we can continue to sponsor her. We felt quite devastated and it really caught us off guard. We received this news with our 'final letter' and I worry. Just like a mother, I worry about where she is moving too, is it safe, how is her family coping, will she be able to go to school? All these questions and we have been provided with a number that we can talk to someone. What do you say in your final letter? I sat with the kids yesterday and made some heart decorations that I will send her. I want her to know that wherever she moves and goes to, that Jesus loves her and will always be with her (heart number 1) and that we will never stop loving or praying for her (heart number 2). I hope these hearts will be a constant reminder to her of Jesus' love!

I leave you with this video (in the post below this one) that was shared at the Concert on Sunday. It is a tear jerker, so get a kleenex. As I said, I really challenge you to think about sponsoring a child this year. Make 2012 the year to make a difference in a child's life. It truly is rewarding.

Happy New Year!

Compassion Bolivia footage (as shown at Hillsong Conference)

Eagerly Awaiting....

We are eagerly awaiting an incredibly important day, an incredibly important celebration. I love this picture of my three as it reminds me of that babe, that precious little one so many years ago. I love the expression on Zech and Gigi's face as it reminds me of the anticipation, the joy, that they have for their little brother and that we have in celebrating Jesus' birthday. I love that innocent yawn from Jude as it reminds of us how God chose to be present in this world. Imagine our Creator, the Creator of this world, this earth, descending down on earth in the most pure, innocent, and simple way possible. As a baby, born in a manger. Incredible, isn't!?

We have been playing Mary and Joseph at home. One day Genesis was Mary, Zech was Joseph and I was Grandma (so not ready for that title to be bestowed on me). Mary (ahem Gigi) kept having babies and the stroller was her donkey. She would have a baby and suddenly be ready to have another one. We eventually ran out of babies, so teddy bears worked well too. Of course there was only one special baby that was given the name Jesus. It is so incredibly awesome to see my kids imaginations at work and to see what is really important to them at this present time.

Shopping has been an adventure. We are having a birthday party alright. "Mom, can we buy this for Jesus' birthday, oh how about this, now this is what Jesus would really like!" Innocent enough, but loud enough so most people turn and look, some glare and some smile and some smirk. This is the true reason for the season. This is the real meaning of Christmas and it saddens me to think that it is so forgotten, so looked over. It humbles me that my 5 and 2 year old seem to get it, and are so extremely excited about celebrating His birthday! Now I need to prepare my heart and remind myself that it is all about celebrating HIM!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Jude at 3 months...

- weighs 14 lbs. 14 oz.
- is approx. 26 inches long
- wears size 2 diapers
- wears 3 to 6 month clothing and some 6 month clothing.
- He is still an eating machine, and I will even give him a bottle a day too, just to give me a break!
- He has been to three doctors (including the Childrens' hospital) and nobody seems to know why he has the horrible eczema and the diarrhea. We are taking him to a Natural Path soon, as we are so tired of them prescribing 'cortizone' cream to a 3 month old and not getting to the root of the problem.
- He is teething. Drooling like crazy, not sleeping, not feeding properly and his brother and sister both teethed early (3 and 4 months), so why shouldn't he.
- Is a horrible sleeper and we are still not on a schedule. He still cat naps all the time and I want him on a schedule!
- Went and talked with Santa and had his picture taken with him too.
- Smiles, smiles and smiles. Jude is such a smiley baby! Even though he has all sorts of stuff going on with his little body, he has a really great nature about him.
- Loves to talk and talk and talk and has now started blowing raspberries.
- Went to Edmonton and got to see his cousins and Grandma and Mr. Bill.
- Still loves to be on his play mat and hang with his monkey.
- Wants to be where he can see all of the action. He will cry for no reason other than to be picked up and held so that he can see everything.
- Loves when his brother and sister play with him.
- Likes to go for car rides and sleep.
- Goes to Mom and Tots and hangs out with all sorts of babies and kids.

Early Christmas present

I just had to share this awesome early Christmas present. A favourite digital designer is retiring and she is offering a 'Shopping Spree' for only $25. That's right you can buy her shop for $25. Check out Biograffiti here.

I have been wanting to get her Baby's First Album templates for a while now. I have been trying to figure out the best way to get all of my kids albums completed and thought digital would be the way to go. I have traditional pages for Zech, nothing but digital pages for Genesis and now absolutely nothing for Jude. So digital is what I am going to do and then whenever I can I will catch up on some of my traditional albums for the kids.

Want to see what all of my goodies would have cost me if I didn't have this $25 shopping spree....

SUBTOTAL:

$773.38 Discount coupon :

$773.38

DISCOUNTED SUBTOTAL:

$0.00

That's right I just got almost $800 worth of digital scrap goodies for $25. Merry Christmas!