A Very Blessed Christmas to You!

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He'll take over the running of the world.His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God,Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. ~Isaiah 9:6 (The Message)

Merry Christmas!

Love,
Brandy & Jason

Oh Christmas tree...Oh Christmas tree

This year we had some trouble getting our Christmas tree...the first weekend, we went to St. Louis, the 2nd weekend it was an ice storm and the 3rd weekend, it was pouring snow, but we decided to brave the weather anyway! And we love our tree!!!


We have some neighbors across the way that we have nicknamed the Griswolds...they have the most random decorations. And our most favorite is the Grinch. Well, he's had some rough times as seen below. We're thinking he might have a drinkin problem.

The morning after a wild night...oh the poor Grinch...

have the best day of your life, steve

That's a quote I overheard the other day when I was at Panera reading. One gentleman was saying his goodbye to his friend. And those few words just struck me. That's an amazing challenge, and yet, we all have the power to bring it to reality. Every day we can choose to have the best day of our lives, or we can choose to swallow the mundane routine life can sometimes bring.

I pray, today, that everyday will be lived fully.

Who says that one particular day in our past has to be the best day of our lives?

I have even more evidence to support the urgency of this request.

Last night, Jason was sharing that a friend at work passed away on Monday from kidney failure due to his battle with Diabetes. He was at work on Friday. He was 37. He was married with 2 children, 8 years and 1 year.

Instantly, life can change. And I hope that I do not leave this earth feeling like I left some work to do.

Of course, I thankfully acknowledge that death is not true death when Christ is in charge of your life. He gives us eternal life. And you know when that starts? RIGHT NOW!!! What is "ETERNAL"? It is forever. What is now? Part of forever!

Of course, Heaven will be one rockin' place. But the Lord put us on earth for a reason, and we should embrace that...

And as Michael W. sings below...

"EMBRACE THE MYSTERY OF ALL YOU CAN BE"

this is your time

by Micael W. Smith

a message from Logan...

Ice Ice Baby!

Well, KC was hit with an ice storm over the past few days. Not much fun being cooped up inside when you just want to be out cutting down your Christmas tree! Nonetheless, it has been beautiful, so yesterday I went out and snapped a few pics along our neighborhood trail!

14 days til Christmas, and only 21 days til...

we can get a dog!!! Yea! Not to overshadow Christmas, because honestly, nothing compares. But we are so COMPLETELY, UTTERLY, AND EXCITEDLY ready for a new addition to our family!

21 days til one of these....

or one of these....

In need of a little Christmas spirit

Well, it's December 7, and I still have not been in the Christmas mood. I wonder and ponder why. As much as I subconsciously shove down and forget the pain from this last year, I realize that it will linger until I completely heal. Deep down, I knew this Christmas would be different this year. It would be our first Christmas with our child. And how sweet it would be to share this special celebration of Christ's birth with my common joy of our first child.

And yet, I am here amidst the Christmas season in all its splendor, feeling incomplete and lacking of joy. My expectations are indoubtedly unmet. 2008 cannot get here fast enough. It hurts, and I hate it.

But, enough with the pity party. Pain happens...it's part of life. With no sadness, there is no joy and no appreciation of joy. Without the necessity of waiting, there is no hope. And hope is exactly what Christ brought when He came to this earth.

This past weekend, Jason and I took our annual trip to St. Louis and St. Charles. It's always a special time for us, and even more so this year when we got to worship at my old church.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my old church. Christ Church literally changed my life, and I am incredibly thankful for a church body full of passion, joy, and love. This past weekend, they had the first Sunday in their new wonderful sanctuary, and we had the blessing of experiencing it with them.

Rev. Shane's sermon, as always, touched my heart in a special way. It highlighted the scripture from Luke:

For nothing is impossible with God. Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. ~Luke 1:37, 28

That is just incredible! First of all, NOTHING is impossible with God. He can do WHATEVER, WHENEVER and HOWEVER He wants to do it. And Mary, oh gosh, what a faithful follower. She accepted the Lord's will, knowing this journey she embarked on would be the hardest, yet most glorious journey ever.

I'm learning that our paths through life are more about giving glory to the Lord than an easy road. And you know what...I completely accept what's ahead if it is for God's glory. What an example Mary is...to not know the future, to know that her life will be hard, but to lay down her life and her will for God. Wow!

I will choose to celebrate THAT this Christmas! Knowing that the Lord did give me a baby...a baby Jesus who gives me more than I could ever imagine. Also, knowing the Lord gave us 2 babies who are in heaven. And we have so much to be thankful for.

Praise God. Thank you Lord for CHRISTmas!

Favorite Song

O Holy Night by John Berry

Paradigm

I give my life to you so I can gain it back again.
~All Together Separate