Oh, Valentine's Day...

This was my husband's response last year after I asked him why we weren't going to go out for dinner (aka fight the crowd at some fancy restaurant.) His words reminded me of how blessed I am to have him as my husband. He constantly tells me I'm beautiful. He never fails to mention how much he loves me. He is a wonderful father to our son. He is a great spiritual leader of our household. He works hard to provide for our family. He supports all of my crazy, big dreams. The list goes on...

His love for me is not a commercialized version of love that promises chocolates and material possessions every 14th of February. He doesn't have to step up his game just for the holiday...he lives it day after day. Don't get me wrong, while I love the thought of an extra gift to give and receive, we try not to get caught up in going overboard with things. Instead, I focus on how February 14th reminds me to thank God for the man He brought into my life and how well he treats me every single day of the year. I love you E, and I'm beyond blessed to be your valentine for the rest of our lives! :)

How Will You Choose to Use Your 2012?

Today is the beginning of a New Year. It is a reminder of how fast last year went and serves as an example of how our life truly is a vapor. This morning our pastor said something that really struck me. He said "God has given to us a bank of time and we withdraw from it every year." He gave an example...if we only have $10, it is likely we will spend it carefully. But if we have unlimited funds, our use of money may not be as careful. In the same regard, our use of time is so important.  Each day is a gift of grace and we are certainly not promised tomorrow.

I like to talk my problems out. Yesterday I started pouring out different struggles to E and as I voiced my pity party, I realized my biggest issue. I'd spent the last month or two trying to "fit in" and "feel comfortable." I love the thought of our home in perfect order, a problem-free marriage, a handful of friends and a perfect life, but the gaping hole I had been trying to fill with all these imperfect things (once again) just didn't cut it. While God has blessed me with different roles, I cannot forget my ultimate purpose here on earth is for Him alone. 

This morning's message added on to everything God had revealed to me yesterday. How did I spend the last 365 days? More importantly, how am I going to spend the next 366? (It's leap year ;) ) Will I spend my time on selfish desires or unfulfilling avenues, or will I live day to day seeking to bring God glory in everything He asks of me? Both mindsets will bring completely different decisions in our day to day living. 

This is something that I felt convicted about and had to share. My prayer for you is that you use your time wisely this new year, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you.

Happy New Years,

Dianne

Merry Christmas, From Us :)

We just got back from our 10-day vacation in Florida. Our alarm was set for 3 am and our day consisted of airports, planes, and hours of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse re-runs to keep Kaiden entertained. Thankfully we are back home safe and sound in time to spend Christmas evening around a warm fire :)

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and take some time to remember the purpose of today. Santa and gifts are a ploy to take away from the real meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The greatest gift we can receive is Salvation through Him and Him alone. Merry Christmas :)

PS. Because of the trip, we didn't get a chance to send out Christmas cards this year :( Hopefully this makes up for it!

A Very Scooby Halloween!

Happy halloween from Velma, Shaggy and Scobby :)