of the heart...

maybe you can relate to these thoughts of mine... Over the holidays, I found out that a friend has done something terrible. I've been praying for her and wondering what I could do or say to help her climb out of this dark hole she's gotten herself into. At times, I've looked down upon her, but mostly, I've been heartbroken for her. I can't imagine what she's thinking or feeling right now. In the meantime, we've returned home and tried to get back to "normal." Jon has decided that he wasn't so thrilled with normal and wants to make new rules or expand the boundaries to try to make his life more fun--or so he thinks. I've been beating him--no, wait! I mean, beating my head against the wall, because he is just constantly challenging me (Pete, too). All I know to do is to be consistent, discipline his disobedience or defiance, and lovingly try to remind him of why we do the things we do. Today, I was trying to decide what to do with my naptime "free-time" and was considering several options--television, facebook surfing, baking--when I was struck by a thought. "Why not read the Bible? You've been wanting to be more diligent in spending time with the Lord, why not now? If not now, when?" I started to ignore that proding thought and was struck again. "When I forget to drink from You, I can feel the banks harden...Lord, make me like a stream to feed the garden." (lyrics from Caedmon Call's song Sacred) If I'm not spending time with Him, in His truth, I have nothing good to offer anyone--my husband, my children, my loved ones, friends, etc. So, I did read that good book and I journaled a bit...and it was way more refreshing than any t.v. show or status update or cookie. And in that time I was reminded of some rather elementary truths that Jon has been learning in Sunday school at church. Obedience leads to blessings (or "happy blessings!") and disobedience leads to consequences (or "sad consequences.") Jon's class has been learning about Joshua. In the first chapter, Joshua tells the people that they should be strong and courageous in the Lord. He goes on to tell them to be obedient, not to turn to the left or the right, and there will be blessings. He tells them to meditate on God's Word day and night. And there's much more, but following the story and lesson, Jon's teacher--who he adores--taught them this summary, "Be strong and courageous in the Lord. Obedience leads to happy blessings and disobedience leads to sad consequences." They all practiced and they review it weekly. Jon has really learned to apply this to his life. When he gets in trouble, he says, "Now there will be a sad consequence, right, Mommy?" At first, I just thought this was so sweet and wonderful for him, then I realized that this is TRUTH for me and you as well. Whether we chose to obey or disobey, there are always consequences--some are more obvious and serious than others, but they are there nonetheless. Whether you are in high school or college, married or single, a toddler or a grandparent, each day you have choices to make. There aren't too many neutral decisions either. My friends decisions have serious consequences. Jon's decisions have consequences. This week, I've been praying fervently for Jon to be obedient and for me to have wisdom in disciplining and teaching him. However, today I was convicted that I need to pray even more fervently that I would be obedient to God in all things. Not because I want happy blessings--although, that is a nice side effect--but because then God is honored and glorified and that is the cheif end of man--to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

thoughts are brewing...

I just posted random facts about our trip to Virginia and I'm getting back into the swing of things on the recipe blog, but more serious, heart-felt thoughts on life, God's grace, and things of that sort are brewing...hopefully, I'll have time to sit down and put them into coherent words here in the near future. Just thought I'd give you a warning! :)

Christmas in Virginia

So, this became a detailed outline of our time in VA--not sure if anyone really cares, but I'm posting it anyway!! :) The term whirlwind always comes to mind any time we travel. It seems we're constantly trying to pack as much into as little time as possible! This past week was no exception. A little over a week ago, we left for 5 days in Virginia. We traveled for about 10 hours to get there on Saturday. Sunday was spent with our old church family--always a blessing. Then we had the traditional big meal with my family and our "extended family" the Mallmanns. Whenever we're together there must be game playing. This time, as is often the case, it was Trivial Pursuit. My husband and older brother feel the need to challenge everyone in the house. This time, they decided to have Alec help them out--we must have seemed intimidating! :) Interestingly, I think we've figured out how they always pull out the win--they wear us down. They take so long to answer the questions, that one by one the members of our team leave or get distracted in side conversations and don't care anymore. Nonetheless, they pulled out yet another win. Sunday evening was spent with our dear friends, the Webbs. It was so fun to see all 5 of our kids playing so well together. Soon Josh and Sharon will add another little one to the mix! It was great to laugh and talk with them. Maybe they should move to Ohio?? Monday my mom and I had a marathon shopping day. We left the house at 2pm and returned at 12:30am!! We did take a break to get a taste of the "Peruvian Nights"--my brother, Scott, hosted an event at his church and had authentic Peruvian food, yum! And as a surprise, I got to catch up with Sarah Danaher while the food was cooking. :) Then it was back to shopping! While I was shopping, Pete took Andrew Miller out to breakfast. Then he spent the day back at the dealership--took our van in to get work done and spent that time catching up with his good buddies at Bill Britt. Tuesday Allison May and Holly Richter's blessed me with their presence at Pancho Villa--always good food and great fellowship! Then that evening we got to have dinner and play Catch Phrase with the entire May family--definitely a highlight of the trip!! A low point came shortly after we returned home that night--that's when the Christmas stomach bug decided to come visit little Jon. He was up all night and his sweet Daddy was there to help him out--I definitely wimped out and felt super queesy. I'm so thankful for Pete! Wednesday Pete went to play football with some friends and I got to meet up with my dear, sweet friend, Kelly, and have brunch at Bob Evan's. It was encouraging and sweet just catching up with her. I hate that we can't do it more often. That night I went to church with my parents and then began the traditional Christmas Eve wrapping party. This started YEARS ago...nothing gets wrapped until that night and then everyone wraps together and hangs out. However, over the years it's morphed...somehow now I wrap and everyone else does wimpy jobs like stuffing stockings and labeling the gifts. Seriously?? I may have to protest next year. It was fun though! Great just spending time with my family. Christmas day was a blast. I think this is the first year that I didn't care at all what I got, I just loved seeing my kids open their gifts! Dad made us his famous pancakes and we all spent time doing random things together. It was wonderful. :)

The next day Sam got struck by the stomach virus and we decided to go ahead and try to come home on schedule anyway. And God, in His graciousness, decided to spare us and let Sam's stomach settle for the 9 1/2 hours that it took us to get home. The next morning he was sick again, but he made it all the way home without vomitting, so I was pleased. Also, the boys were really content interacting with each other and slept well in the car, which gave Pete and I great opportunities to talk to each other--always a huge blessing. We both love that chance to talk about everything and nothing that might be on your mind. It's always fun to just catch up with each other. All in all, it was such a great trip.

Jesus is Better

A friend posted this on her blog and I loved it so much, I am borrowing it for here. I think it is a beautiful reminder of what this season is about and it is written so even Jon can see that! Enjoy! Jesus is Better than Santa Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year JESUS is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies JESUS supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. And then enters your heart. You have to stand in line to see Santa JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly JESUS has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says "You better not cry" JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. Santa's little helpers make toys JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Stats on the boys

I'm sure some of you could care less about these details, but I know several of you care, so... Just took two kiddos to the doctor--Jon for a follow-up on his ear infection and Sam for his 15 mo. appt.Here's the latest: Jon's 34 pounds and healthy!! :) Sam's 24 lbs, 15 oz., and 33 1/2 inches long--that's the 60% for weight and 97% for height! and he's healthy, too. I'm so thankful to have two healthy kids right now...that is one of the best gifts a mom can have!!

Holiday Fun, pt. 1

Here's the quick recap of our past 10-12 days:

Monday before Thanksgiving: Jon is on day 6 of a very high fever, so he gets to visit the doctor. Turns out he has an ear infection

Tuesday: get Christmas tree, decorate Christmas tree, Pete's folks, grandparents and our sister-in-law and niece and nephew arrive.

Wednesday: Christmas celebration with the Gross side of the family. Probably my favorite part of this was how much fun Jon, Sam, Maddie and Caed had playing together--they were precious! :)

Thursday: Thanksgiving with the Ross side of the family

Friday: Thanksgiving with the Shellhaas side of the family (Pete's mom's side)

Saturday: A little more time with my extended family, then my parents and my little brother came home with us

Sunday: My dad and Matt head back to Virginia, but my mom stays and gets to visit our church with us

Monday -Thursday: Mom and the boys and I did various things in and around Xenia...it was so fun having her here. :) Oh and added bonus, she watched the boys so that Pete and I could have a date night on Tuesday. Can't beat that! :)

And that brings us to today...today, I need to bake some bread and clean my house for a progressive dinner that we're hosting tomorrow...but instead I am procrastinating, blogging, emailing, playing with kids, etc...