. . . a glimpse into my heart.

After sharing with Dave that I wanted to make myself a Bucket List (things I want to do before I die) he shared with me his concern that some people might be so set on accomplishing the items on the list that it dictates the choices they make and they don't follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I promised him that I would not allow my list to over rule the Holy Spirit. I also decided that the things on my list will only be things that will enrich my life and/or other people's lives. I will not add things to merely check off an "I did it" list. They won't be things I just want to brag about. They'll be things that will make me a better person and maybe help others around me. Here's what I have so far: > Write a book > Take my boys to Ethiopia > Take a cooking class > Get a bachelor's degree Editted to add: > Go on a short term missions trip within the next two years

The Children With Hope 5k was my first race and so far it's my only. Dave and I have had a difficult time finding races that we can do. The next on our list is the Jingle Bell run in Dec. which ought to be a cold one. I have had a tough time running lately. Since my 5k I have only run another 5k distance once. I can't seem to get past 2 miles. Part of my problem is that I haven't gotten a good chance top run outside which we help me push farther. The treadmill allows me to hit the stop button with little thought. On the side, I have been doing a strength training workout video that's been great. It works everything and is a killer! I upped my weights from 3 to 5 pounds today which made me feel good about my progress. I can feel a difference in my arms and legs but I have to steer clear of the scale because I am gaining weight do to the muscle. It's tough to see the number rise but I know that muscle is a good thing and something I have never put much time into in my...

Liam brought me a book off his bookshelf tonight to read to him. The book looked familiar but I realized I had ever read it. Where did it come from? Oh well, I read it to the boys. Wonderful book!! Here are a few quotes: Little Cub asked, "Who invented Christmas? Was it Santa?" "No." Mama Bear said. "God invented Christmas. God gave us Christmas." "Is God more important than Santa?" "Oh yes, much more important!" "Can we go find Santa, Mama?" "Hmm, Santa is hard to find." Mama said. "But we can go find God. God is everywhere." (Mama Bear proceeds to show the cub the Northern Lights, glaciers and stars.) "He sent his only son as a baby so that we would know light from dark. Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus is how God gave us Christmas." "He is mightier than any king on earth. And because he is all-powerful, he made Jesus King of all Kings." "Santa Claus reminds us about many go...

Well, I am anxious for fall/winter! It's tough to be content in everything because I am just not a fan of the heat! Oh. . .to be patient. I love my jeans more then my shorts or even capris. I ADORE sweatshirts and sweaters. . .I love watching the snow fall. . .I love winter holidays. There's so much to look forward to. I suppose this is how I should feel about Christ's return. The heat and sweat reminds me daily that I want winter. What reminds me that Christ is going to return? Hmm, interesting question. Seeing pain and sadness should remind me. My own struggle with sin should as well. Without a clear understanding of what that day will look like it's so easy to get caught but in my day to day life and look forward to such meaningless things. When I think about this I am so saddened by my lack of passion and daily recognition of Christ's love for me and His inevitable return. Praise him for his unconditional love and patience with me.

Oh I love my boys. . .such a joy in my life. Judah is so full of life! He has a wonderful imagination and loves learning new things he's a sponge!! He loves looking through his Bible and praying. His heart is very soft. He loves to talk about things but is still learning how to communicate. Liam is such a funny boy. . . a little comedian really. He loves to act silly and make funny faces for the camera. He's very sensitive and cries easily over little things. He cried over me flushing a bug. :-) He likes to sit with me and be close. Gabriel. . .oh boy! He's a riot. Definitely the most challenging of all the boys but makes me laugh all the time! He LOVES to snuggle but it requires a blankie (any size), and his "Deedee" (stuffed elephant). Then there's Dave. He is the most amazing man! He knows how to show his love in so many ways and always makes me feel special. He's a servant and patient. He puts up with so much from me. He helps more around the house the...