It's almost here!

Everybody ready???

It's almost here...I just about can't wait any longer! I am worse than the children.

Get your gifts wrapped, pack the car (don't forget my present...hehe).
...start the hot chocolate percolatin'...

get your 'celebratin' clothes on!

It's Jesus' Birthday!
This calls for a HUGE celebration!
Can't wait to hear how you make it special at your house...we've already started!

Mixed Bag

Whew...what a mixed bag of happenings today. The snow storm came as predicted...absolutely beautiful. Then, a huge tree fell across our yard, broke our fence down! Oh, well, fences come and fences go - we are all fine! That's the most important thing. The power had gone at about 2 a.m., so we loaded up at 9 a.m. and headed to my in-laws. It took us 40 minutes to make a typical 8 minute ride out of our side road due to downed trees/power lines. It was obvious that our neighbors had been out for hours cutting trees in the night - such a mess. We had too drive a maze on the road to dodge them. Mike started calling checking on our many of our elderly church members/those who may need assistance and checking in early today.

Once we arrived at families, we shared a much appreciated, warm, biscuits-n-gravy breakfast and nice, cozy nap. Then, the kids, granny and papaw along w/ daddy, built an awesome snowman and had a great snowball fight!

Now, we are praying for the folks working for the power companies, many of whom are friends, those that have lost power and those in need...that we will be aware of needs and meet them as we are able.

...and we are thankful for the beautiful white snow and our family that helped us during our time of need as well!

Tried to upload pics without success...will add later! Everyone stay warm:)

So is mine.

It was a messy life...

born in a stable, placed in a manger...it was dirty, unkempt, unorganized;

He left His parents and caused sheer pandamonium/panic when they couldn't find Him;

He was often surrounded by crowds/bombarded, yet often alone;

He was...passionate;
...misunderstood;
...angry;

...loving;

...honest;

...accused;
...kind;
...rejected;
...lied about;
...man-handled;
...persecuted - at times by those who claimed to know Him/understand Him/love Him,

...and so much more.
It was a messy life...Christ's life was a messy life.
He lived it out perfectly - but it was messy -
all over the map.

So is mine.

Christmas Parade '09

We have had a very "Christmas-y" day today...and what a joy! It started with Christmas play dress rehearsal at our church, then on to Paintsville for Abby to participate in her very first parade, the Christmas parade with her dance school, Pointe of Joy Performing Arts. We had a great time and she really enjoyed the dance performance they did in front of the courthouse steps at the end...it was her favorite part...(although she could have done without the fire truck that followed behind us and honked his horn/ran his siren the whole time during the parade -hehehe.). The snow made it so pretty tonight and really settled for me the Christmas season has begun...
Abby really enjoys taking ballet, tap and jazz. She is getting very excited about her first Christmas performance on December 21...A JOYful Christmas!

Merry Christmas...

Pre-parade pose in her pretty snow-princess ballet costume.

Such a sweetie...

Halfway during the parade, the troupe took a break to warm up...

So serious during her performance...she never missed a beat!

Performing at the courthouse steps to the company opening number of the Christmas show.

Daddy, Isaac, and Jonah had a fun time cheering on their little Snow Princess!

Black Friday Mayhem

Since my babysitting options fell through for Black Friday due to family illness, Mike and I decided to tackle shopping in Lexington with ALL THREE CHILDREN. Many would ask what I was thinking, I am sure. But, we had a Bell family meeting to discuss our options, and ultimately, the options were to sit at home and look at each other on my only day off or go and hope for the best. We chose option two and encouraged each other that a good attitude could save the day. Well, needless to say, other than a few minor meltdowns, the day was a blazing success for the Black Friday Bargain-Hunting Bell's!!! We found some great deals, got 85% of our Christmas shopping complete and enjoyed each other's company quite thoroughly!

On a much lighter - I guess you sort of had to be there - note, we did had a funny incident in the Disney store. Abby found a plush doll - Ariel the mermaid,

that she fell in love with. She began whining and begging for it. I started with the "...well, maybe that would be a great Christmas present..." or "...let's wait and see if you get it for Christmas" story. In the meantime, Michael was already deep in line to purchase our already chosen Christmas gifts for others on our list. I made a last minute decision to try to get the doll to him quickly before Abby saw it so I would have it for her for Christmas. So, when she turned her back, I tried to toss it - quarterback-style - to him. In the meantime [imagine slow-mo here], a real nice looking lady stepped into the dolls trajectory and it co-cocked her in the back of the head. My gut response was to duck behind the "Santa Buddies Plush Dog" display, which I did do!!!...and I heard Mike say, "Uh, sorry, ma'am." Needless to say, I have never seen him so embarrassed to be married to ME!

Somebody had to take the fall so the baby could have the doll she wanted for Christmas, right - hehehe? Disclaimer: No one was harmed in the purchase of this plush doll - except my husband's pride;)

Merry Christmas!!!

"You're a Man, Now!"

Isn't it quite funny the way our children view things...how they see life through different lenses?

While celebrating Michael's 36th birthday this week, the children ran in, surprised him (with a little help from the birthday elf) with cheesecake (his favorite), and a fun gift and a card that sang, "Lord, you are good and your mercy endureth forever...".

Suddenly, Isaac spontaneously announced to him...
"Now, you're a man!"

Abby began to chime in..."My daddy's a man now...eeewwww."
It was a great laugh and we had a delightful time celebrating.

I then asked each of the children, while we sat around the table indulging in cheesecake, to remind their daddy of their favorite memories of him...
great conversation and memories developed.

Isaac: "I loved riding the roller coasters at King's Island with you."
Jonah: "Yeah...but riding the log flume with daddy was better...we got soaked and laughed."
Abby: "I want to go fishing with you dad, like the boys do."

Not just rememebering, but planning more family fun and memory making was great.
I love being blessed with this family!

Happy Birthday, honey!
My best memory of you:
let's see, was it...
...the two weeks we spent on mission in California?
...how proud I was when you were honored as District 9 Teacher of the Year?
...laughing while playing charades at home?
...watching you read and study?
(you know how that gets me EVERYTIME - nothing hotter than a prayed up/studied up MAN OF GOD!)
...travelling with you around the world to build the family God intended for us;
...so much more...floods of great memories...just can't decide!

I Love you with all of my spirit-filled heart!

The ole' G.B. is outta here!

Yes....someone had the GALL to 'FIDDLE' with my insides!!!!

And, I lived to tell about it...
hehehehe...
ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh...
can't laugh tooooo hard yet...still a little sore.
But that ole G.B. (gall bladder) is finally outta here!

Powerful

October has been a different month for us...a time to reach deep within us and rely on the simplest precepts of our faith to pull us through what seemed like - to the world - often insurmountable mountains. Although somethings - some moments - are are just too intimate to share, I would like to highlight a few precious times we have spent as a family this month...October, 2009, we shall not soon forget...that is sure.

At the beginning of October, Mike had to have surgery. Although I will gladly spare you the details, it was a difficult time - more of a challenge than we EVER anticipated. God was good and granted healing in His timing...but the challenge brought us closer as a couple...and the reliance we had to have on one another to see it through developed a bonding we are thankful for...although we hope to not have to go through that again anytime soon, right, honey?

Next, Abby developed a terrible bout with the flu - Type A - probably H1N1 in all likelihood - about a week after Mike's surgery. Her fevers topped out at 105.8 - WOW - scary, hairy times...that I know for sure. So add to a healing surgical patient - a very sick toddler, a working mom, two boys in school, husband with surgery complications, and other issues on top of that - challenging. It caused me to DIG DEEP. And, God was more than I ever needed - never failed me!

Following physical healing and restoration in my home, we were directly thrown into enormous emotional pain as we learned of my family's tragic experience - the death of my cousin, Dustin Bradley Everage - so handsome, exceptionally talented, 29 years of life...we just kept saying to each other..."This is so hard, this is so hard." Of the eight grandchildren on my maternal grandparents family branch, there are six of us now living - of which I am the oldest. Although I do not mourn without hope, I still deal with the grief on a daily basis. I hurt so much for my extended family - the family that has been at this same place time and time again. It is powerful...powerful...so powerful. God has us at a vulnerable place - a powerful place. He is a powerful God. He is allowing us to experience life - difficult times - and still be able to see His power. I see Him working in me in powerful ways through all of this...but I realize that although my circumstances change - surgery, sick children, death...He never changes. His power never changes. He is omnipotent - ALL POWERFUL!

After the funeral, Mike and I travelled to Black Mountain, SC, to attend
LifeWay's Festival of Marriage Event.

It was our second year attending and it was an incredible blessing. We were especially thankful for the break-out sessions that allowed us to reconnect in our marriage, talk with one another, deal with some STUFF, reminisce about the past, and dream about the future together as a couple. Then...wow...what do you say about the the final session with Steve and Debbie Wilson on Sunday morning...POWERFUL...40 people accepted Christ, marriages were healed, and we were able to renew our vows! Refreshing and POWERFUL!

Last night, Mike and I were priviliged to attend the Celebration of Life service as we memorialized one of the elderly members of our church who went home to be with the Lord...we were sad - yes, we are human - to see him leave his wife,church and family...but it was so POWERFUL to listen to the testimonies of his family and his church family...as they spoke of the legacy of faith he left us...his testimony, his witness, his integration of his faith and his life in every situation. POWERFUL STUFF! And, most importantly, to live is Christ...to die is GAIN!

And now, I end tonight with something powerful...God can use the simplest things to speak volumes during difficulty. I am so thankful for volunteers who teach our children about the Lord and have a passion for ministry. This past week, in our Worship KidStyle ministry, A.D. was teaching Isaac's class about Jesus' example of washing the disciples feet and how His example teaches us to serve others. She invited us to come to the class and observe the "foot-washin'." We gladly came. She had the children who wanted to participate wash each others feet to experience what it may have been like that day for the disciples. We noticed...at first...that Isaac was somewhat hesitant - a new experience would make anyone think twice, right? Well, as the Godly example, Mike went to him and asked him if 'daddy could wash his feet'...Isaac immediately lit up and wanted to participate - he felt more comfortable doing it with his dad! And...I don't think he'll ever forget...nor shall I! POWERFUL!

And, for the fam...something not so POWERFUL...just plain ole' fun...Trick-or-Treat pics 2009 ...introducing...Mario (Jonah age 7), Luigi (Isaac age 8) and TinkerBell (age 3.5)!
I love these young 'ens!

Now, THAT'S what I'm talking 'bout!
The boys had their annual Book Fair this week at school and all it has done is 'Fed the Reading Bug'. They can't get enough of their new 'Chapter Books.' This has been this mama's dream before I ever had children in my home - that they would 'heart' reading as much as I do - or more. They have read and read the last two days...Isaac has read 6 chapters of his book this morning already and loves stopping to tell me about the adventures. Jonah is reading his in spurts and laughs out loud at the silly stories...and, of course, I am thrilled to hear every word. We are also reading aloud from the books and they love to hear us read them and delight. Mike and I both are readers - hopefully seeing us read has fanned the flames!

We have had reading time in our house every evening since they were small following family worship time...and I think it's paying off!

Family...Time.

I love these boys so much.
Jonah is adorably strong-willed, determined and passionate.

Isaac is imaginatively playful, creative, mischievous.

Abigail is all girl...bubblebaths, dolls, pink tutus. I love her...the mother-daughter relationship is a blast.

We've cooked at home alot this week. I love seeing them pull chairs up to the counter top to help - they are growing up so fast, they won't need them much longer.

They love to cook.

They are learning safety in the kitchen very well.

And...the microwave is helping them become very self-sufficient. They are learning to put something in, press the timer, and then call for mom or dad to get it out for them.

We love Saturday's at home together.

Simply Complex

I have been reading this wonderful book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss entitled
"Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free."
It has been SO interesting for me to examine my own life in light of the "lies" that she exposes and determine the ones that I have bought into either because of tradition, deception from Satan, or my lack of examining the truth and applying it vs. just accepting the status quo. Well - NO LONGER!
I want to live my life based on the truth of the Word of God - no deception, no tradition, mediocrity. So, I have been testing the lies against my own beliefs. And, I have been challenged in several areas.

Today, I just knew so strongly that I should share one area that God dealt with me so much about! Lie #18 describes the deception that "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO DO EVERYTHING I'M SUPPOSED TO DO." Woweee - is this something I have struggled with! I have even recently dealt with a lot of facial pain/tension and stress that I can directly relate right back to this LIE! Especially, being a woman, I believe we so easily settle into this one. Who has ever said, "There just aren't enough hours in the day," or "I just can't get it all done," or "I'm overwhelmed - how am I going to get all this done?"

However, I have now learned the GREATEST, GREATEST thing! I love it when God's Word speaks directly to your life and situation...When Jesus Christ was on this earth, He was only given a few short years to accomplish the entire plan that God had placed before His EARTHLY life. And, He summed it up in John 17:4 by stating,

"I have glorified you on the earth; I have finished the work which you gave me to do."

Now...rarely, can I - Melisa - say that I have finished everything I set out to do on any given day. I usually lie down at night, feeling like I left so much undone and feeling pressure mounting for the days to come. But, look again at the verse from John...

"...the work which you gave me to do." [emphasis mine]
THAT'S IT! DO YOU SEE IT?
Ms. DeMoss states it better than I can...

"The frustration comes when I attempt to take on responsibilities that are not on His agenda for me. When I established my own agenda or let others determine the priorities for my life, rather than taking time to discern what it is that God wants me to do, I end up buried under piles of half-finished, poorly done, or never-attempted projects and tasks. I live with guilt, frustration, and haste, rather than enjoying the peaceful, well-ordered life that He intends."

Am I over it? Not yet...am I pursuing to
KILL THE LIE AND LIVE IN TRUTH?
YEP!
Easy...No. Do-able...Yes.
Simply complex!

Help me, Lord!

Lovin', lovin', lov-ing it!

YUM-O...Mott's Hot Spiced Cider...LOVIN' IT...

Hoodies on the front porch...

Cooler weather, cuddling in blankets on the couch...

WOO-HOO! LOVIN' it!
Fall's here!

Six More Saturdays

Sometimes, I wish we could have a week full of Saturdays! Not every week, mind you. But, wouldn't it be neat if every so often, someone said, "Well, because you've been good this week, we will celebrate by having "Saturday Week" - 7 Saturdays...all in a row! I would just be the most excited!!! I woke up this morning to 3 beautiful children playing sweetly in the living room. My husband was relaxing...it was great.

As I was dressing, the children said,
"Come in the living room, mommy and daddy. We have a surprise for you."

All of a sudden, at 9 a.m., we smelled popcorn popping in the microwave!
The children had popped us popcorn.
They had 'built' a two-tiered puppet stage out of chairs and blankets, rehearsed and planned a pupped show for us to enjoy. They even had the popcorn for us and told us where to sit! Abby was the narrator, Jonah was the pumpkin and Isaac was the frog. It is rather complicated, but the story line involved a spatula and a turkey baster. It was delightful, at the very least!

It was so nice to be able to relax and end enjoy our fall decorations...it was fun to go as a family to Hobby Lobby last week and gather items to decorate with. Our collection of decorations has grown over the years and it is exciting to pull out the old ones and add the new ones.

I enjoyed a nap in the afternoon, cooked dinner for the family while the kids watched a movie, had a surpise visit from a great friend who brought the children Blizzards from DQ - just a for-no-reason visit - it was great, listened to the UK game on the radio, and now we are having fun watching the Andy Griffith Show Marathon on TVLand...

Now...I plan to sit down, study my Sunday School lesson, prepare my heart for worship tomorrow and enjoy the rest of my weekend...
Oh...
for 6 more Saturdays in a row...