Everything Under the Son

I want more. I know what you are thinking..."Sure you do Anne. We all want more. Why can't you be thankful? Christmas is barely through and you are already wanting more?" That's not what I mean. I don't mean more stuff...more clothes, more shoes, more time, more money, more-more-more! I mean God. I want MORE of Him! More time with Him, more talking with Him, more understanding of Him, more-more-more! There is a catch though. More of Him means less of me. What? Less of me...now that's a hard one. I know it to be truth...scripture says it is true..."He must increase, but I must decrease." -John 3:30. The Message puts it this way..."This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines." I want it. I want more of Him and less of me. Am I willing to let go of ME? Am I willing to decrease so that He can increase? Most days I am a pathetic excuse for a daughter of the King. I spend more time focused on the things I want to have, do, make, think about...and much less time focused on Him. I live my days as though I am living them for myself...my joy, my fulfillment, me-me-me. Since when did the world revolve around me? Since when is my personal happiness more important than holiness? Obviously all of this 'me' stuff isn't working because I am left wanting 'more'.

Lord, I want more of YOU! Permeate my being...fill my heart and my mind with more. Speak to me and I will listen. Live in me and I will shine your light. I know that for You to increase, I must decrease...I am ready Lord. Amen.

I am amazed every time I think about how the birth of a tiny baby boy changed EVERYTHING. Jesus, son of God, Emmanuel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Mighty God, the Great I AM, Prince of Peace...He changed EVERYTHING!

The holidays always make me want to do lots of fun crafting! I love making hand-made gifts to give...and honestly, coming up with the idea is as much fun as actually doing it. I am constantly keeping my eyes open for good ideas, and ways that I can tweak them to make them my own. I love unique ideas, and making crafts that bring smiles!

This year, for Natalie and her classmates, Nathaniel and I made these mugs. We put the school logo, along with the students' names on their mugs, and I think they turned out pretty cute. Natalie said they were a hit!

What do you think?


I also made a framed initial for Natalie's teacher, and I made the initial out of crayons...it turned out pretty cute, but it was a challenge to make, and I didn't end up with any pictures.

I have a few other hand-crafts up my sleeve to complete the holidays! I can't wait to finish them and give them to their recipients. It is definitely fun to GIVE!

Do you enjoy crafting? Share some of your favorite ideas in the comments section...I can always use a new idea or two! :)