Saturday, December 26, 2009

December part 1

Before we left the Crescent City we got to do a few fun Christmas things. Wish it was more, but an ear infection ruined our last plans :( We went to Miracle on Fulton Street in New Orleans. A street they set aside and decorate and it snows every hour. Our friends James, Ella & Annie joined us, the girls loved it! It was like a winter wonderland without the frigid temps.

Maddy and Ella playing in the snow!
Since we were going to be gone for Christmas, Keith and I gave Mad her Christmas present early. She LOVES to cook and loves playing with her new kitchen! The morning we gave it to her I made pancakes and when I gave her one she took it straight to the microwave on her kitchen and started pushing buttons....too sweet!We left for Mema and Papa's house (Keith's parents) on the 18th and spent a few days with them for Christmas. We had an awesome time playing at home with grandparents and more cousins than she can count! For good measure, I threw in a picture of Maddy in this swing from last Thanksgiving, they grow too fast.....
Mema and Papa got Maddy Elmo Encore for Christmas and she is in L-O-V-E.
She even shares her sippy cup with him!
On Sunday we went to Chrissy & Stephen's church so we could see Luke's Christmas program. It was TOO cute. We snapped a few photos outside before the service started. Mema made this jumper for Maddy. We really are blessed, thanks Mema!
Here's Luke! (he's the one in the back) He was a Shepherd in
The Greatest Christmas Present Ever!
Papa is playing with Maddy.
Her cousin Cassie got the food/pots & pans set for her.
She wanted to cook from then on.
We had a few errands to run, which included a stop in the mall, so we decided to try the Santa line. We only waited about 5 minutes, and when we got up to Santa, Maddy was shaking her head no just as fast as she could. So I held her and we 'talked' to Santa! It was pretty funny!
Lunch at McAllisters!
What can I say? She's a ham. I wish I could capture more of these moments on film!
Our trip to Babyland General coming soon....

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Thoughts from Keith

"He made HIM who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)

A question to consider: When reading this verse, what automatically comes to your mind?

For me, this verse says a lot about who God is and the true meaning of Christmas. During this time of year the phrase that is tossed about is 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season.' To some this is just a phrase and to others it really speaks to the true meaning of why we celebrate during the Christmas Season. Jesus did come to this earth to carry out the will of God and for this reason he took on our sin so that we could have a personal relationship with him. Oswald Chambers wrote "sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not wrong doing, it is wrong being, deliberate and emphatic independence of God." Jesus came to this earth to take our sins so we may have that relationship with the Father. We now have direct access to approach the Father anytime we want. With this in mind, consider how many times in the past few days we have spent talking with God and allowing the relationship to grow?

The last few days have truly been a whirlwind, trying to finish a semester of classes, attending Christmas parties, managing a staff, and getting ready for the Holiday Season. For me this season is more then gifts, it is about being with my family. I have been blessed with an amazing wife that supports me one hundred percent. What can I say? My heart stills beats as fast as it did the day that I truly knew she was the one. Our daughter is a joy that brings a smile to my face every day when she says 'daddy!' when I get home from work. This is the best gift that someone could ask for: being with the ones you love the most. However, our fellowship and our love for Christ should surpass the love of our family. This season think about your relationship with the Lord and evaluate it. Is he truly number 1 in your life? Family is next in line. Because the best gift we have ever received or can receive is the free gift of knowing Him and believing in him whole heartily.

This is something to just think about this season as Christmas approaches. There are so many people in this world that truly have nothing, but are happy because they know that they have real meaning in knowing Jesus Christ. To often, we (I am just as guilty) are not satisfied with what God has truly blessed us with. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a family that loves me. But most of all, a God that loves me unconditionally! Here are some lyrics to a song that I heard the other day that really sums up why I chose to write some words:

Give this Christmas Away by Matthew West and Amy Grant:

What if I told you

You have the power

To give someone hope

Beyond their wildest dreams

What if I told you

It’s right there in your hands

In your hands

It’s hard to imagine

How something so small

Can make all the difference

Tear down the tallest wall

What if December

Looked different this year

What if we all just

Give this Christmas away

If there’s love in your heart

Don’t let it stay there

Give this Christmas away

And your life will be changed

By the gifts you receive

When you give this Christmas away

Merry Christmas!