Christmas in Florida

We just got back from our trip to Florida. We had a great time. We went down to the beach one day and walked around. Not exactly the weather you would expect for Christmas, but it was fun. We also got a new van. It was truly a blessing from the Lord.

Rock City Lights!

We went last week and walked through the Rock City Lights. They were beautiful!

We have a...

GIRL!! Our new baby is going to be a girl. Here are some pictures.

Birthday

Well today is my 31st birthday! Hard to believe. My husband surprised me this weekend for my birthday and took me to see the Nutcracker Ballet.

We had fun! I was surprised that he would take me there.

Christmas Decorations

I love to decorate and get ready for the Christmas season. But, I went simple this year.

1. We have a toddler running around.
2. Not having too much energy being pregnant!

British Teacher Released in Sudan

I am not sure how many people have been following this story, but I was outraged by what happened to this woman. Fortunately she has been released. Read the article here.

Here is what she did:
"A British schoolteacher sentenced to 15 days in jail in Sudan for allowing her pupils to name a teddy bear Mohammed."


"A complaint by a fellow staff member at the school where she taught led to her arrest. Sudan's top clerics described her actions as part of a Western plot against Islam and called for the maximum sentence under Sharia law. Gibbons could have received 40 lashes or a six-month jail sentence."
"After her sentencing last week, hundreds of Sudanese demonstrated for a stiffer sentence, with some calling for her to be beheaded."

I guess that I do not understand it. As a follower of Christ, I would have no problem with someone naming a teddy bear Jesus. I would not do it, but it is not offensive to me. These people wanted to behead her.
My Faith is the most important thing to me, for apart from Christ I would be lost forever. I am not called to be offended by other people's thoughts on Jesus, but to love my enemies and pray for them. (Matthew 5:44) My God is bigger than I am. He is able to defend His Name. I am offended when people misuse His name. But I do not want those who do to be killed. I know that God will deal with them. I guess that is where the difference is. They serve a false god that needs their protection and I serve the True and Living God who orchestrates all the events of this world.

December Give Away

Tim Challies is having another give away. Just click on the picture above to enter.

First prize: Modern Parables box set which includes all the DVDs, a member book and a leader book, six movie posters (one for each parable…posters measure 11”x17”) and ten student books (a value of over $250!).

Second prize: Modern Parables box set and six movie posters.

Third Prize: Modern Parables box set.

Promises

While reading the Bible today, God reminded me of some of His great promises that I SOOOO needed to hear. He is so good to His children.

Philippians 4:5-7 ... The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

It is often times easy to get discouraged, but the Lord is always at hand. He is always here to supply my every need and He listens to my every prayer. Praise God!

How Thankful

For all who read this blog and do not already know.... I am pregnant again! We are excited, but I feel like we need lots of prayer. This is a very exciting time, but dealing with all the changes and trying to plan for new expenses is not so much fun. We trust that the Lord will be gracious to us and provide as He always has and always will. Our baby is due at the end of April.

Funny

I saw this scale on This Blog and thought it would be fun to see what my blog was. This is so funny. I guess you have to be a genius to read my blog. So... if you are readying this, know how smart you are!!

Prince Caspian

Click here to see a little about the upcoming movie Prince Caspian from The Chronicles of Narnia. I cannot wait to see it!

November Give Away

Tim Challies is having another great give away. You can enter the drawing by just clicking on the picture below.

First prize: The first prize winner will take home One copy of The ESV Listener’s Bible on CD (as read by Max McLean) and one copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection. The retail value of this prize is over $180.

Second prize: One copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection.

Third Prize: One copy of Classics of the Christian Faith CD collection.

The 10 Commandments

We went and saw the movie- The 10 Commandments- this weekend with some friends. It was a good movie. It did not stick completely with the story of Moses, but it was close. There were funny parts to it too.

I get frustrated because I don't see why they cannot follow the story line in the Bible. The story of Moses is incredible, they do not need to add or take anything away, but Hollywood does what they will.

It was a good movie, I would just talk with my kids about the things they changed and what God's Word says really happened.

Our Pumpkin

Fall Hike

It has not much felt like fall here, but a couple of weeks ago we went on a hike. It was the perfect fall day. We had a great time!

Redeeming Love

I read the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers over two years ago. I finally got it back from my friend and I started reading it again. This is such a powerful story of the love and grace of God. The book retells the story of Gomer and Hosea, from scripture, and is set during the California Gold Rush.

As I read this book again I am reminded of who I am and who God is. How He has sought after my heart and loved me with an unconditional love that has redeemed me. This is a great book. Parts of it are hard to read, because sin is so destructive and horrific, but God does not leave His people there. He frees and sustains them from sin with His love.