Soap Box

I don't get worked up about too many things, I mean really, who has the time? However, some things really get under my skin and this is my blog and I feel like venting...
Lately I have been reading/seeing news articles about people getting mad about Christmas trees. Some have even gone so far as to call them offensive and demand they be taken down. That's weird because last time I checked this is a free country( for now any way) and despite what our genius leader in Washington is trying to do to this great country we still have freedom to celebrate Christian holidays. If someone is so offended by a Christmas tree, walk away...pretty simple!!! Also, I find it weird that these same offended people still shop all the sales and even take time off work for this offensive holiday. Its amazing that all these same people who demand that Christmas tress be taken down feel like they have the right to free speech, but Christians do not. I totally respect the fact that not every one is Christian or even believes in a god at all, but step back and take a look at what you are saying. So, with that being said...
~~~~~~~~~~~MERRY CHRISTMAS~~~~~~~

(our tree last year after Abby got done with it)

Thinking Thankfulness

I don't think I have mentioned on here how much I love(to the umth degree) our new church. Early this year Dave and I had been talking about looking for a new church because we felt we weren't taking anything away from the sermons. In July we started going to our new church and have been more than happy that we made the switch. It's still a bible based church, which is one of the many reasons we love it so much, and after only being there three weeks I started volunteering and we joined an amazing life group.
So...this past Sunday our church did something I have never seen before. They opened the floor to the members and when someone felt led to, they would go up to one of the microphones and tell everyone what they are thankful for and how God has blessed them this year.AH-MAZING!!! It was so awesome to hear people share their stories, the good and the bad. I know for me, it is so easy to dwell on all that goes wrong in life and pout about everything I don't have. Ha, talk about a kick in the bo-tay! I have decided to start a prayer journal for a year and I am really excited about it. I love looking back and seeing how God has answered my prayers and prayers of others. I love seeing the dilemmas and drama we thought was so important and the simpleness in Gods plan. I can't wait for next Sundays sermon about Christmas and how it has become a consumer driven holiday now and how Christ is fading from our hearts in this season.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and please remember to be thankful for all the little things in life that are so easy to overlook.
What I am thankful for

I am beyond thankful that I have beautiful daughter who will play in the rain with me

I am so thankful that I have a husband who loves me even when my craziness hits an all time high

I am forever grateful for my friends and my girls night outs(to which I would be even more crazy than my already craziness with out this)

And there are no words for how thankful I am for my Father who loves his children beyond what I can ever imagine

Why Do You?

Last Sunday in Bible Study the question was asked " What would you say to a non-believer who asked you why you believe in Jesus Christ"?
I am really bad with words so I didn't say anything. The truth is though I have always dreaded this question. I have told Dave several times that I would never know what to say in that situation. I always felt like the only people who should answer that question are those who know the Bible inside and out, those who have a Bible verse ready for every situation that life throws at you. Since Sunday I have not been able to stop thinking about this question...and here's my answer.
Not only do I believe that there is a God, I KNOW there is a God.
I know this because I have a husband who loves me despite of my past and will continue to love me despite of my future mistakes. I have a husband who is a man of God and who prays with me and for me. I have a husband whose love and patience I do not deserve, yet it is poured out to me daily.
I have a daughter who lights up a room with her big brown eyes and never ending laughter. I have a daughter who forgives me for not being the mother she deserves. I have a daughter who says " wuv you mamma" every night after she says her prayers. I have a daughter who I do not deserve, yet God has enough trust in me to let me be her mom.
I have friends who would drop anything and come be by my side in a second. I have friends who have taught me more about love, happiness, unselfishness,and above all Faith. I have friends who I do not deserve but are still by my side no matter what.
I have a God who gave his son to me so that I may know how to love and be loved. I have a God who has shown mercy on me more times that I can ever imagine.I have a God who gives me peace during the storms,and who always provides. I have a God who allows me to mess up multiple times and yet never give up on me. I have a Father in Heaven waiting with open arms to welcome me home when it is time. That is why I believe...why do you?