Everything Under the Son

So the new year is upon us. It's hard to believe that 2007 will be over in a matter of hours. So many memories, and so much that I am thankful for. And, as tradition continues, it is the time of year that people reflect on the old, and plan for the new. It is the time when many out there are making resolutions for 2008...things they want to be intentional about...things they want to make better.

I have several things swimming around in my head right now; things I want to change, and ways that I will be intentional about changing them. Unfortunately for you, they are not ready for press. I am trying hard to focus on things I can do to make me better; things that will make me the Anne that God calls me to be. I want to be the Anne that God created me to be, and the Anne that He is proud to call his daughter. Oh, I know that the Father loves me 'neither matter what' (as Natalie says), but there are definitely things that I can do to make my relationship with my Heavenly Father better. There are also those things on the list that will help me like myself better, and yes, I know that is a whole 'nuther story.

So my question is this: What about you? What are your plans for 2008? Not necessarily that they have to be resolutions, because I don't really like to call mine that either. I like to think of them more as just positive life changes. But, anyway, back to the question. Whatever you choose to call them, what are your thoughts/resolutions/positive life changes for 2008? Will you share?

The holidays have been amazing. Time with family and friends is always great. I love making memories with my kids that will last a lifetime. Seeing the season of love through their eyes is magical!

I may not have the latest and greatest, the biggest and best, the most popular or newest when it comes to the world's standards. I do know, however, that when it comes to the things that matter most, I am blessed beyond measure!

'Tis the season for remembering. Remembering the road to Bethlehem, the lamb in the stable, and the Baby in the Manger. Remembering Jesus' birth.

'Tis the season for thankfulness. Thankfulness for all of our blessings on this earth. Thankfulness for forgiveness and grace. Thankfulness for Jesus.

And as I think about all that the Lord has done for me, my heart swells with joy. My God is the God of the universe, the One who created it all. My God is the God who still lives, works, and moves in people's lives; in my life!

And in thinking of both of these things, Jesus' birth, and all my many blessings, I think of a special scripture. The verse is found in Luke in the story of Jesus' birth.

Do you ever feel like Satan has completely moved in? Not just dropped by for a visit, but attempted to take up permanent residence in your life?

Yep, me too. He is doing what he does best; lurking and prying into my life when he just isn't welcome. He watches as we make a financial commitment to help further the Kingdom of the Lord, and he attacks us. He proudly breaks everything around so we will worry and doubt about our ability to pay up. He waits until I have no patience at all, and then laughs a great big belly laugh as I raise my voice at my children, or snap at my husband. He makes the joys of motherhood seem burdensome at times; with this life of stay-at-home-mommyness that I love and desire, he plants in me a seed of worthlessness.

Scripture says it's going to happen.


But what do we do when he attempts to move in; to devour us? I say that we should do what Jesus did. Yep, that's right. Satan tried time and again to move-in on Jesus, and He refused. In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus was tempted by Satan. But I LOVE what Jesus does. He spoke aloud these words: "Away from me, Satan!" Don't you love that? Later in Matthew 16, Jesus spoke to Peter saying, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me!"

So I'll do what Jesus did. I will speak aloud, rebuking Satan. It may sound crazy, but if it was the choice for Jesus, then it is the choice for me. When Satan attempts to wear me down, I will tell him to go away. When Satan tries to move my focus from the important things to the things of this world, I will proclaim with the power of God on my side that he is a stumbling block to me. Yes, that is what I will do.

And I will rest easy. For:

...a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Longing to be the best wife I can be for my husband. Hoping to be the example of love and marriage and Jesus for my children. Always seeking to be the daughter, wife, and mother God has called me to be. I've got a long way to go, but with the Lord's guidance, I am taking it one moment at a time.

For the record, there are officially 15 days until Christmas.

And if that doesn't freak you out...

That leaves exactly 2 Saturdays to finish your Christmas shopping.

My advice...

Tonight, plug in your Christmas tree lights, snuggle your family together on the couch, and read the birth of Jesus together! It's all a matter of perspective, and with Jesus first, the rest of the Christmas "to-do's" won't seem so overwhelming.

Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Today's episode of Oprah was about having one more day. She was posing the question, 'If you could have one more day with someone, who would it be, and what would you do?'

As I thought about it, my answer was an easy one. I would give anything to have one more day with my babies, Hope and Carson. I would spend the day rocking, singing, talking, hugging, kissing, and loving on them. The ache of my empty arms would cease for that day.

So I am asking you the same. If you could have one more day with someone, who would it be, and what would you do? Would it be a family member who has gone? Would it be a famous person from the past...who? And what would you do with them?

Please tell...