Take your shoes off and come on it!

Shew...I've got a cold...it started this morning when I was walking across the parking lot at work...started sneezing, and have sneezed all day. Now, the mild congestion has set in. So, tonight, Abby and I stayed in to rest and relax while Daddy and the boys went to Jonah's swimming lessons and to the area Annual ChristmaSing held at our church (which we hated terribly to miss...it is always so great!) While I was taking cold medicine and resting on the couch snuggled with my tissue box, it was precious to watch Abby playing with her dolls...she will be a great mom someday, I am sure!

Looks like she might want a big family...hehehe...

Since I wasn't up to doing hard-core projects tonight, I thought I would share a BUNCH of "around the house" photos with you tonight to catch you up to speed. We have been excitedly participating with the Blankets of Love Missions Project being led by the Children's Ministry of our church. So, these are some of the blankets/throws that we have been collecting from others to add. These will be given to local families through our church's Christmas Food Box ministry in a couple of weeks...we are praying over each one, that God will allow our love for them to impact the ones that are wrapped in the blanket. The children in our church are handling each one with tender care as they fold, wrap them in beautiful ribbon and place hand-made cards inside.

Moving around the house, the boys got a little carried away when decorating their Christmas tree in their room with Daddy and Papaw recently, so now we have lights strung everywhere! They love it and it is quite festive, I must admit!

These are the newest addition to the Bell boys' Christmas ornament collection - Star Wars! They have recently become quite intrigued with the Sci-Fi phenomenon and so, I surprised them with new ornaments from Hallmark this week and they were ecstatic...

Another Star Wars "guy" - I'd hate to meet him on the holler!

This ornament is on the boys tree - it was their daddy's when he was a youngster...he was also a drummer in the high school band, so that makes it a little more special!

An old favorite still "hangin" around - Spider Man.

By far, one of the ultimate favies - Lightning McQueen.

And, without a doubt, the Christ child - front, top and center for all to see!
Oh, How I love Jesus, Oh, How I love Jesus...Ooooh, How I love Jesus,
Because He first Loved Me!

Abby squealled when I showed her the surprise Princess and the Frog Hallmark ornament I got her...sheer delight from her 4 year old heart.

Abby's homemade Handprint Family ornament...one of my favorites, of course! So special!
Doesn't every budding ballerina have to have a Barbie ballerina ornament?
Abby placed her "Baby Jesus in the Manger" smack dab in the center of the tree!
The completed "feather-boa'd, beaded, pink-santa-hatted, ornamented" mess!

School Picture Ornament of Isaac 9 years old, 4th grade

School picture ornament of Jonah, 8.5 years old, 3rd grade

Preschool picture ornament - ballet picture, 4 years old.

The antique rockin' chair that was Michael's great-grandmother's...filled with Christmas pillows.

My new tablecloth...and yes, it comes with a story. I ordered it and the placemats from a local primitive specialty store that I frequent because I just thought they would complement my home so nicely through the holidays. I asked the cost of the placements - very reasonable! And, I was in sort of a hurry. The store owner said, "Do you want to know the cost of the tablecloth before you leave?" [Can you tell where this is going?] I said, "Nah, just go ahead and order it...Just call me when it comes in." Well, she called the house about a week later and Mike happened to be home. He gladly picked it up for me...and when I got home he politely let me know that he really liked the tablecloth and placemats but didn't know they were THAT much!! I won't reveal here how much it was, but...yes...I learned my lesson! ALWAYS ask the price. AND, I love my tablecloth and placemats so much that I plan to use them until the kids go to college:)
Lovely, huh? Matches my primitive decor!!!
My favorite Christmas photo...look real close and see if you can guess who Santa was!!! I'll never tell, but I think the eyes give it away. The "Guest Santa" agreed very politely to donn the suit as a volunteer at the local nursing home a couple of years ago. The children new immediately it was "the special someone" and it was ALL I could do to keep them from telling everyone there and ruining their SANTA VISIT!
Special ornament bought by us to commemorate the HomeGoing of our biological son, Michael Andrew Bell, 1999.
Special ornament to remind us that our daughter Allison and son Andrew are together with the Lord! What peace and joy!
My cute litte primitive gingerbread men.
I love this whimsical snowman - he makes me smile...wonder if he's related to Pinocchio?
My sweet family...(Abby's name is covered by evergreen)
A special gift from a friend.
Happy Campers...reminds us not to get discouraged, spring is right around the corner!
Our First Christmas together, 1997
The wooden star... we use it to teach our children about the star ... and how it eventually led to the wooden cross, where Jesus would eventually die for our sins...the Birth to Death to Life story of the Saviour...
Primitive fabric candy canes...so sweet
Front and center!
One of my newest ornaments - we bought it during our Christmas DisneyWorld vacation last year.
So, there's my tree...and if you look real closely, you can see that I even made the homemade rag garland. I love it's coziness and warmth...rustic bells, wooden ornaments, small quilted pillows, barns stars, stockin's and so much more make it suit the Bell family just fine.
Thought I'd also share this jewel with you as well...LOVE this little flameless candle...it has a timer on it and it comes on every evening at dusk and goes off after we go to bed. The flicker in the evenings is so fun and we don't have to wonder if the kids are going to get burned by a candle. The ambience is nice and although the technology is nice, it still reflects the ole' warmth that I love when I am home.

Well, thanks for sharing in my holiday home review! I pray that your Christmas celebration is memorable, reflects Christ's birth with reverence and intention and brings a little nostalgia of days gone by!

Twinkle, Twinkle

I never will forget that moment...It was early December, 2009, and all three of my children as well as my husband were in the church Christmas play. The boys were playing the roles of Townspeople in Bethlehem, and Abby had been asked by an adult volunteer, and good friend, weeks before to be "The Star." "But, mommy, I don't want to be 'The Star.' I want to be an angel."
I heard my daughter's plea, but I insisted to her that since she was the tiniest and had been asked, that it would be the polite thing to do. She wimpered a little, tried to cry...but, I talked it up enough to get her through those last few rehearsals. The night of the play...she got teary-eyed again with more of the same, "But, mommy, I don't want to be 'The Star.' I want to be an angel." She was truly disapppointed...and my heart was touched. She was heartbroken..and, you have to see, God was working to teach ME ... the one who needed to learn ... through my precious one. And, it has taken me a year to put it all together!

You see, this year, Abby IS AN ANGEL in the play!!!

She is the happiest little angel, singing with the multitude. She is by far more blessed and pleased to be one of several singing together, making it happen, being part of a team...sharing fellowship, friendship, worshipping together...it is precious.

And, you wonder where the lesson is for mom...I won't go into great detail here...but, for those who know my recent struggles best...I am far better suited to be "singing with the multitudes, pleased to be making happen, being part of a team, sharing fellowship, friendship...being together" and after difficult decisions realize now how precious it is.

Now, please don't misunderstand me...Abby and I both understand the role of "The Star..." it shined, it led, it probably sparkled and twinkled...it drew attention...it was a 'VIS' (VERY IMPORTANT STAR). We appreciate it, understand it's value and are so thankful for it!

However, Abby..."I don't want to be 'The Star' either!"
Thank you for teaching me...and being patient with me as it took me a year to get it right!

Can't wait to see you singing with the Angels! I'll be the one smiling from the front - totally getting your joy in being an angel! And, we will be praising Jesus together!
(...and pics will follow, I promise!)

New Leaf

Since today is Thanksgiving, it is, in my mind, the perfect day to explain that I have recently "turned over a new leaf"! Life has changed alot for me...and boy, is my cup overflowing with thankfulness. My secular working role has changed significantly after
much
prayer and searching for God's will...and when He aligns His Word with your present circumstances...it all works for GOOD! It is amazing to me that my life could change so significantly so quickly, the quality of my days be so phenomenal, my strength being renewed like the eagles...and the joy...

oh, the joy...

the peace and JOY...
that floods my soul...knowing that I am in the center of God's will, had a great learning experience where I have been, can look back without regret, and move forward with delight is overwhelming. Not many people are blessed to be able to return to their previous working environment with renewed vigor...to see it with brand new eyes...to appreciate it more fully...

...but, by His grand design, I have returned. And, my co-workers, who have known me for years, frequently say...
"You have been all 'giggles' since you've been back..."

or

"You smile ALL the time..."

One of them even came in and said, "I feel like I am getting to know you for the first time!" We talked for awhile, and I finally realized what this person meant. My previous role took more from me than I had realized, and I lost a large part of myself and what I had hoped to represent because I had lost sight of my priorities with good intentions, trying to do the enormous job laid before me - which was impossible while trying to be a wife and mother too!

So, now my true self is able to shine through. And, I know that the Lord is pleased that I listened and obeyed... and
turned over the leaf!
Happy Thanksgiving, 2010!
(and yes, I am smiling and giggling!)

To check out my new favorite blog...
click here...
check it out today...
mark it as a favorite and check it frequently for great blessings!

I especially love today's sentiments regarding Christian bookstores-couldn't have said it better myself - so I won't! Great stuff!
Enjoy!

*ALERT* Breaking News: God Uses His Word To Comfort A 4 1/2 year Old Little Girl...And Her Mother...

Definition of 'principle'
a a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine or assumption;
b (1): a rule or code of conduct;
(2) habitual devotion to right principles;
{emphasis mine}

I was listening by divine appointment this week, I am sure, to Family Life Today on the Moody Radio Network as they were interviewing Michael Emlet, author of the the book, "CrossTalk." I was immediately intrigued with his insight into the topic of "What the Bible Is and Isn't" on September 30th.
[I actually encourage you to go to their website and listen to this and other programs
- their programming has been a great help to me as seek to be
the wife and mother God would have me be.]

I have been so excited at the insight the Lord gave me through this program, confirmed through my own personal Bible study this week and then again through interactions with other believers. Mr. Emlet encouraged listeners "...to dig deeper into the Scriptures for wisdom and guidance and to not just see the Bible merely as a book of do's and dont's." (http://www.fltoday.com/, Sept. 30, 2010). He went on to explain that the Bible is best interpreted not in light of Biblical principles alone, but that these Bible principles should inevitably lead us toward the centrality of the cross, Jesus Christ and our personal relationships with Him.

WHAAAA!!!

I love, LOVE, LOVE this.

And, it is so relevant in my life right now. I love how God's Word is so relevant and timely in our lives. You see, at this time in my life...raising young children who face a tough/rough world, being a working wife and mother, being involved in a church of imperfect (of which I am PRIMARY), yet wonderful people, facing difficulty it seems on every hand in my own life and with family and friends, I often turn to Biblical principles to determine my actions - or more often sadly - my REACTIONS - to life.

But, let me say, that Now - NOW... I am looking at the Word of God, that I love so much, as SO MUCH MORE. Don't misunderstand me...I have never just looked at it as a book of principles - do's and dont's. But, this was a great "pull-it-all-together-in-my-mind" teaching for me that I needed.

Hence...an EXAMPLE from our household:
I have been noticing lately that in the life of my 4 1/2 year old daughter, ...the worries of the world are beginning to crowd in already. How sad...how very sad. She is only 4 1/2, for mercy's sake! But, in her sweet innocence, over the last few weeks, she has begun anticipating her "tomorrow's" in fear and anxiety. And, here go our conversations...
"Mommy, what is tomorrow? Then, what is the next day?"
"Daddy, where are we going today? Are we staying home today?"
"Mommy, what will we do in three days? What will we eat when we get there?"
"Daddy, is tomorrow Sunday? Will I go to Sunday School? Will you pick me up? Then what?"

She has already begun to "worry about tomorrow...". And, in typical 'Christian mother' fashion - previously I may have told her ..."So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." (NIV, Matt 6:34) I have tried to teach my children - not "just because I said so," but "because this is what the Word of God says." And, I still do...she and I have been memorizing this verse together this week and studying it.

BUT, and don't miss this...But, now I directly help her correlate this "principle" to her relationship with Jesus Christ...that He loves her SOOO much, that he went to the cross to die for her...that He can and will take care of tomorrow...so that she can enjoy today!

And...isn't it amazing that when I can not comfort my child...

God uses His Word to comfort a 4 1/2 year old little girl...
and her mother?

5 things

5 Things on my mind...

1.) I chose to work today ... a Sunday ... so I could be with my sister and her family tomorrow. My nephew is having major surgery tomorrow... and I know I made the right decision to work - on a typically non-working day - when the Lord blesses everything I lay my hand to, I see Him working all around me, I am able to remain extremely focused and see things come together that otherwise and previously have not, time flies and I have peace. Now, I can totally focus on my family...the most important thing right now...Lord, heal him quickly if it be your will ... and bless my sister's socks off.

2) I love fall...I love falling leaves, pumpkins, anything orange, scarecrows, corn stalkes, hay bales, sweatshirt weather, homemade vegetable soup, fall decorations, apple cider, did I mention ... I love fall.

3) I had the MOST DELIGHTFUL Saturday...yesterday. At mid-afternoon, my family and I decided to drive to a new area of Kentucky we had never visited before. And, yes...it has a story. Two weeks ago, during the Beth Moore Simulcast I attended, I had the privilige of sitting behind some delightful women. As I worshipped, I happened to notice with my "typically-feminine" keen observation skills that each of the 6 women in front of me had a similar quilted Bible covers, just in different colors/patterns. I suppose you could say that all of a sudden I had "Bible Cover Envy". I just adored their little Bible Covers...they were primitive looking - old-timey...just my style. I inquired about them...and they got so tickled. One lady spoke up and said she owned a store in another community about an hour away that sold primitive home decor and gifts and she had gotten them all one to bring to the simulcast together...WELL - NOW - THAT WAS A GOD ORDAINED APPOINTMENT! We shared some sweet conversation and I took her address/phone #. Needless to say, the first lazy Saturday we had and we were bound for shopping. And, yes...I came home with a Bible Cover...

...and some primitive curtains, home decor, and more...probably not your thing...but, TOTALLY mine! And, we had the MOST fun driving there and back on the little two lane road- counting little country churches - over 20, looking at old farm houses, teaching the children about old country ways...it was a fun, great day!

4) Our internet was off for two nights...and I had a hard time. Wow...we use it alot.

5) The more I cannot control, the more I am ok with that.

Over- or Under- Stretched?

I have often wondered if I was the ONLY girl in the whole world who owned a STRETCH ARMSTRONG. I wanted one from the time I saw it on the commercial on t.v. as a child. I thought it was a fascinating concept...a man who looked farely normal...somewhat muscular, but could be stretched in all directions. He could be pulled, contorted...

...until he looked like this...

...and I would pull, twist, turn, writhe...to stretch him as far as he would go! I even thought that at some point, he would never be able to bounce back. But...he always did. He always eventually returned to his original, natural state of "normal." He would look like he originally did...the stretching did not "appear" to have damaged to him in any way.

ONE DAY...[don't you love it when a story changes??]...yes, one day, I was in our basement playing with STRETCH. I had pulled, stretched...laughed and played. When I was finished, I layed him down on the concrete floor and ran off to something else that had grabbed my attention. When I returned at a later time to STRETCH, he hadn't completely returned back to his normal state. I was devestated. I showed my mom and she said that over time, because he had been stretched SO much, it had worn him out and he couldn't take the stretching anymore. His outer protective layer had cracked...he began leaking...and the inward parts came pouring out like a flood. STRETCH could no longer be used for his intended purpose.

Analogy anyone?
Feeling a little stretched?
A fair warning from my dear friend, STRETCH ARMSTRONG...

You may think you are invincible. You may think you have it all under control.

You may be under the false impression that you can do it all alone...be stretched in too many directions and continue to do it all well.

Well, my sister, my brother...my friend.
Don't wait until you crack like this old walkway...leading to unknown destinations, with unsure footing...unbalanced, uneven...broken.

...and the most meaningful parts of who you are lost to who you could have been.

Now, doesn't this walkway look much more balanced, peaceful, calm [looks like a great place to read, for those avid readers like me]...leading to rest, peace, joy, and a water source?

I am full-out focused at this particular time in my life on un-stretching myself...not living as the world would have me live - stretched in a zillion directions - but as Christ would have me live...resting in His arms, feeding on His Word, enjoying His peace, experiencing and sharing His joy...drinking from the Living Water every day.

And mostly, taking everyone I can with me to this place...