A Christmas Gift

Remember I said that Christmas is my favorite holiday? Well it's practically here and I can't tell you how happy that makes me! I love the whole atmosphere of the Christmas holiday. I love the smell of a freshly cut tree and the lights that grace the branches to give it just enough sparkle. I love the ornaments that hang on each branch and the sentiment they add from previous years. I love the warmth of the fireplace and the sound of wood crackling while we enjoy our apple cider and childhood Chrismas movies and the sound of laughter and conversation as we mingle with loved ones is something I always cherish.
There are lots of things I love about this time of year but my favorite is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ-Our wonderful counselor, Almighty God, Prince of peace, and Everlasting Father. The savior of a world who could not save itself.
I know there are many people out there who feel "bah humbug" because of our economic crisis this year, but not this gal! Christmas has never really been about how much I had to spend on a gift for someone or how much they spent on me.
But let's say you could have any gift on earth. Now, close your eyes and think about one gift you've always wanted. If you could have any gift what would it be?
I know what I was hoping for, but I got something even more precious.
Before I tell you what I received I have to share my favorite bible verse- "Now faith is being sure of what we've hoped for and certain of what we do not see."Hebrews 11:1
I am going to leave you hanging for a moment before I tell you what I received, because I want to tell you about a different type of gift-A Spiritual gift. Each of us as christian's possess at least one of these. I have been given the gift's of mercy and discernment.
Have I always used them to glorify God? Not always, especially when I was a younger christian. I don't think I understood quite how to use them but through growing in my relationship with Christ, I have not perfected, but I have come to a better understanding of how to use them for HIS glory.  I know that a gift is something you give, and that we give without expecting anything in return, but that's not to say we can't benefit from gift giving, especially when it is out of our obedience to the holy spirit.
What I love about God is He will stir things up when you least expect it!
I had one of the most exhausting weeks since the night I went into labor with Jude. It was exhausting physically and emotionally. Stephen was out of town, we had all been sick the past few weeks, and Jude was going on week 3 with an ear infection.
I finally decided to call the doctor and make an appointment to see if there was any thing else they could give him. She said, no problem come on in.
I had been constantly praying for him and just hoping for some comfort for him as we drove to the doctor's office. As I was praying for Jude, God placed a burden on my heart to pray for a missionary friend who's mother passed away less than a year ago.
Out of my obedience to the Lord, I prayed and felt the need to just let her know, so I sent her a very short message in her facebook inbox and headed on to Jude's appt.
We saw the doctor and she gave Jude something for his ears but he was still very fussy that night, so I decided to take him for a ride and visit my grandparents. We got there and were chatting about this and that. Nothing serious, just small talk and lots of laughter...except when I got ready to leave.
All of you know my relationship with "Dad"(my grandad) is very, very special and we are very close, so you can imagine what it did to me when he said, "I would like to get a box and put a few things of mine in it so Jude will have something to remember me by." As I choked back a tidal wave of tears, I confidently said, "I would like that and don't worry, he will remember you." Now, remember I don't cry in front of anyone, so when I got Jude buckled in and reached the end of their driveway I cried like a baby!!! The thought of anything to do with my Dad not being here to see my children grow up or for me not to have his wisdom and guidance on a daily basis made me sob.
When I got home, I put some soft music on for Jude to get him settled down and put him to sleep, all the while just sobbing at the thought of all of those things about Dad. I know God was preparing me to use my gift and use it well. If any of you have mercy as a gift, then you understand how extremely deep we hurt for others. I really believe God was using this to prepare me to know how to comfort someone who was hurting over the loss of a loved one. I believe this because of what follows.
I realized Jude was asleep, put him in his bed and out of habit checked my facebook before I went to bed. I noticed I had a message in my inbox. It was from my friend. Turns out she had a really rough day and was struggling with missing her mom that day. I won't go into any detail other than to tell you that God's sovreign hand was working that day.
He allowed me to use my gift of mercy to help a friend who's family, and her are on the other side of the world. It put so much back in perspective for me to see God's hand working even though my friend and I are on opposite ends of the world right now.
It reminded me that we can't afford not to be obedient. It reminded me of how close to us God is and it reminded me that the brother and sister bond that we share in Christ, is more than the superficial relationships that we tend to be much too comfortable with.
All of this is what makes Hebrews 11:1 so special. I am confident in my faith and just as I can't see the wind only the effects of the wind; I can not see the great God I serve, but oh how I see the effects of his mighty hand.
The greatest gift I received this year came from my gift of mercy. It is a gift from my almighty, sovereign God. This gift is one that only faith can comprehend. It is greater than any tangible gift anyone on earth could give me. This gift can not be summed up in one word only to say that it is a reminder. It is God reminding my friend and me of just how much He loves us, cares for us, and that He NEVER leaves us.
Talk about a Christmas gift that will keep on giving!
 Merry Chrismas everyone!!

A railroader's daughter.

Ring!......... Ring!! I carefully opened one eye to peek at the clock which read 4:32 a.m. Then, I heard Stephen on the phone with his boss in the other room. It took me a minute to gain my senses, but not long because Jude must have heard the phone and he woke up crying for a bottle.  I jumped up and rushed to the kitchen to fix Jude a bottle and listened to Stephen's conversation as I fed him. I gathered from the conversation that Stephen was going to have to go out of town.
Stephen was supposed to be working in Yemasse today so, I had not cooked breakfast yet or even thought about packing his lunch. I remained unrushed however, because one thing I have learned as a railroader's daughter is that you must always expect the unexpected.  Railroad men work very hard and they put in very long hours. And you never, ever know when they are going to get a phone call that something needs their attention and expertise.
I admire my Daddy, Stephen and every other employee of the railroad for the work they do. I also admire the several other Wive's who stand by their railroad husbands and put in just as many long hours in the home.    
As soon as I fed Jude and layed him back down, I headed back to the kitchen to prepare Stephen's meals for the day and get him ready to head out the door. Which was going to be heading out in 22 degree weather, by the way.
While I was preparing everything, I started to remember Daddy's early years on the Railroad. I remembered myself being a teenager and hearing his phone ring at 1,2, or 3 a.m. and I would just roll over and go back to sleep after it stopped ringing.  
I was thinking how, as a teenager, I probably would have grumbled or complained if I couldn't have gone back to sleep, but not now. I consider it an honor to serve my husband at 2,3, and in today's case, 4a.m.
I consider it an honor, because I am thankful for a husband who provides for his family. I am thankful that he has a great job and that even though he works long, stressful hours, I know that we will be well taken care of. 
"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."Colossians 3:23
This is such and important verse in the life of a believer.What's just as important is the verses that preceed it. I love the whole chapter of Colossians 3, but verses 18-25 are such helpful verses for us as a family. Paul gives us plain instructions on how a christian household should be run.
I took these verses from the message bible for a better understanding of what they mean:
Colossians 3:18-25
¹⁸Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.
 ¹⁹Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.
 ²⁰Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
 ²¹Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
 ^22-25Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.


These verses are such an encouragement to me as a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus Christ.  The most important thing is for Stephen and me to pass these verses down to our children, not just by telling them but by showing them.
I'm so grateful to God for preparing me as a teenager to understand the work that Stephen is doing now. All those years of watching my Daddy work faithfully for the Railroad helps me to understand and know how to come alongside and encourage Stephen.
I don't want it to stop there. I want Ellie Kate to learn this principle whether she marry's a railroader or someone with a different occupation.
I want Jude to learn this because one day he will be providing for his own family.
These principles are so, so crucial in our work ethic because, afterall, we are not doing this work for others. The work we do is for the one, true Master-Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday, Dear Courtney.....

Happy Birthday to you!

Courtney,
I can't believe that today you turn 16! I was thinking about how fast the years have gone by, since the first time you came to visit me at my new apartment in Anderson.  That was the best week ever and I'm so glad your mom let you miss school those two days:)))


I can think of so many great "adventures" we have had.....some just you and I, but especially the one's during our "family dates"! We share so many fun memories and I will always think of those and smile, but mostly laugh because they were always eventful, and unique to say the least! 


I want to tell you that I love you and I am so proud of you! You are the best cousin ever; a great shopping partner, you always make me laugh, and my children adore you! You are fun to hang out with and definitely a free spirit! You are alot of things to me and I am thankful for you:)


Oh and you know I am going to leave you with a bible verse! Well, in this case several:)


Proverbs 3:1-18(The Message)

 ^1-2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
They'll help you live a long, long time,
   a long life lived full and well.

 ^3-4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
   Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
   in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

 ^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
   a father's delight is behind all this. 

 ^13-18 You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
   when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She's worth far more than money in the bank;
   her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
   nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
   with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
   her life wonderfully complete.
She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
   Hold her tight—and be blessed!

Happy Birthday Courtney, I love you!

Dad-Always faithful

                                   

I can honestly say that I have been richly blessed by each of the men God chose for my family. I could go on and on about how wonderful they are and how each one has impacted my life in their own special way, but since today is Veterans Day, I figured I would tell you about my grandfather, MSgt. J.L. Goodwin.

As far back as I can remember, I have called him Dad. Probably because that’s what I heard my Mama and her sister call him, or maybe it was because I was with him so much I thought he was my Dad!(I’m just kidding if you happen to be reading this daddy.)

I really did spend a lot of time with him when I was younger. He let me go everywhere with him and it didn’t matter what it was for. When I was really young, I loved helping him in the garden. I had a special watering pale that he set aside just for me. Obviously I couldn’t water a huge garden with such a small pale, but it didn’t matter and I had no clue. I don’t think it would’ve mattered if he had set aside a paper cup for me to use, I just enjoyed hanging out with him. I still do.

We traveled a lot-most of the time to Hickory, N.C., where he is from. My favorite part of arriving, other than seeing his family, was going with him to check into the hotel. The hotel we all stayed in had a small jar of Jelly beans at the front desk. I wasn’t quite tall enough to reach them so he would always spoon out all my favorite colors and hand them to me. It was such a treat.
I’ll never forget the time he had to travel to Maine for work. He allowed Jenny, a friend of mine and me to go with him. (He probably regretted that after Jenny and I stayed up all night giggling ;)) He had to work during the day, but had his secretary's daughter gave us a tour of Callus and New Brunswick. We ate canadian pizza and bought t-shirts that said Callus, Me. on them. Then we visited historical markers in the area and even got to see a moose! It was probably the most memorable trip of my life!

He always did stuff that I enjoyed whether he enjoyed it or not. He took me ‘back to school’ shopping every year and even helped me pick my clothes out. I could go on and on about the time he spent with me as a child and the time I spend with him now, but I would never finish this blog. I just know that every moment that I have ever spent with him wasn't and isn't just “doing stuff”. He always had/has a story about his life in the Marine Corps or his job at Georgia Pacific to share, and he is contantly teaching me things that he has already learned through experience.

There are so many days when I’m reading certain bible verses that give examples of what a godly person looks like and it’s always a perfect illustration of Dad.  The thing I love about him is that he doesn’t go around building himself up to others. He simply lives out the integrity and the character that God illustrates throughout His word and leaves it at that. Here are a few verses that I think of when I think about him:

Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely…

Proverbs 17:24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view…

Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered…

When I was younger I wanted to be just like him.  I have a long way to go, but I do see a little bit of him in myself every now and then. Like, the way I listen to things and ponder them when people don’t think I’m paying attention; The way I think about things a while before I act on them; The tough act I like to portray when deep down I’m a big “softy”, and most of all my faithfulness to my family. I don’t know of one occasion our family has ever come second with him. No matter what he is doing, he always makes sure his family’s needs are taken care of.

God places us here on earth, as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, to show our children an example of Him and to teach them on His behalf. I can honestly say that my Dad has always been faithful in doing that. So, as they say in the United States Marine Corps…"Simper Fi." It’s not just a motto- it’s a way of life. Happy Veterans Day, Dad!

Anger. A secondary emotion.......

I am so angry!!!! That’s exactly what I kept repeating to myself yesterday afternoon. I couldn’t scream it out loud, because that would not be setting a good example for the kids. The more I thought about what a couple of people said and did to me, the angrier I got. If you know me, you know that when I’m angry I clean like there’s no tomorrow. Oh, and the angrier I get, the faster I clean! (I’m sure it’s pure entertainment for those who witness this.)In all seriousness, cleaning really does help me stop and think things through. Needless to say, I cleaned alot yesterday and as I did, these are the thoughts that crossed my mind...... 

            I recently heard a broadcast by Chip Ingram. He was talking about how anger is a secondary emotion. He pointed out that our anger is often the result of an unmet need, or because we have been hurt. Well there you go. Both of those things had provoked my anger yesterday. So, problem solved right? No! Just because I knew the why didn’t help with the how. How I needed to deal with my anger.How I was planning on getting these two people to feel the same way they made me feel. Bad Idea! Remember how your Momma and Daddy would look at you with those raised eyebrows and say, “don’t even think you are about get away with that under this roof!”  That’s exactly what I felt God saying to me as that thought crossed my mind! Then this passage came to mind-Matthew 5:38-42, “You have heard it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from one who wants to borrow from you.”  It’s so wonderful to know that God is constantly dealing with the sinful ways in us.  It’s so great to know that the deeper our relationship with Christ, the more convictions He places in our heart. I have to admit that sometimes I wish I didn’t know better, because doing the right thing is so much harder! I guess it’s the whole “ignorance is bliss” mentality.

            Then I was thinking…It’s a known fact-The harder we run after God, the harder Satan runs after us.  He doesn’t want us working for God because he feels defeated. Personally, I would rather be used by God than by Satan. If I were to follow through with my sinful desire to get even, I would be working against God.

            Aside from the fact that I wanted to get even, since when did I become so perfect? Can someone say Prideful spirit! Last time I checked, Jesus was the only sinless person on earth. I’ve done more than my fair share of provoking someone to anger. John 8:7 says, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Furthermore, I don’t need to be worrying about someone else’s sins. I need to be concerned with my own.  Matthew 7:3 says, “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the log that is in your own eye?” I think……No, I KNOW that God was reminding me that I needed to show some humility. I know because the last verse that came to mind was James 4:6, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

            So, how did I handle those who provoked my anger? Well, I swallowed my pride and showed some humility!

Where I come from...

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

            It’s so easy to forget where we come from. We forget the things and/or people that had an impact on our lives. I think about some of the people who have taught me some very valuable things-the things that matter in the end.  Some of those people grew up poor but gained wealth later in life, some remained poor and struggled to put food on the table for their families. One thing I have noticed as I look back is that they may have been poor, but they were rich in faith and in their faithfulness to Christ. They were content. Benjamin Franklin said, “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor. Pretty accurate statement, huh?

 I grew up in the small town of Yemassee. I left for a while but somehow made it back. 

 Growing up in a small town never really bothered me. We traveled alot when I was younger, so I’m sure that helped.

 Even though I didn’t have any siblings, I had my cousin Travis (we did everything together) and a few of the friends we hung out with. We all had such an imagination and we always found stuff to do.( And by the way, they were all boys! You just take what you’re given in that aspect of living in a small town.) We always had fun. Good,clean fun! We were like the “Sandlot” gang. In fact, that was our favorite movie. Every chance we got, we would have my mom fix us some snacks and we would huddle up on the floor in front of the T.V. to watch it! We even had our own little baseball team like “The Sandlot”! I have such great memories of growing up here.

            Just like any other place you go, this town has its pros and cons. Sure it would be easier for me to live closer to a doctor’s office or grocery store and especially a mall! But, I enjoy the small town atmosphere. I love being somewhere I can stroll up and down the street with my children and know that at least three out of the five cars that pass us, are people we know. I like that I can smile and wave at them and that they will do the same in return. I also know that while it would be easier to live closer to the things I mentioned, God has placed us here for a purpose. He has revealed a few of his purposes for our being here, but I know that he hasn't revealed them all,otherwise we wouldn't still be here.   I’m glad that I can share a part of myself and my past with my children. 

Perhaps when they are older and have kids, they will visit this small town and be able to share a part of themselves.

            My main point is that it’s not about how big or small the town or city you are in.

It’s about growing where you're planted. Making your mark and doing what God has called you to do while you are there.

It's about the people He has placed in your life to teach you the things that matter and about the experiences that form your character.

You may end up leaving and moving on to bigger things, but always remember where you come from. 

This is my favorite season!

For everything there is a season, a time and a purpose for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

            I always get so excited when fall arrives! I absolutely love it! Fall is hands down, my favorite season. It’s so inviting, so warm and cozy. I love the many colors and the sharp scent of all those crisp leaves. (I also like fall because winter follows and Christmas is my favorite holiday!)

            I was listening to my Nicole Nordeman CD a few days ago and Ellie Kate noticed the song “Every Season”. She said, “Mom, I know those. The seasons!”(Except she thought the song was talking about her friend autumn until I explained that sometimes fall is referred to as autumn.) I told her that God designed each season to carry out a specific job to prepare for the next season. I explained that trees and plants go through a transformation each season. They have to get rid of the leaves and flowers they already have, so they can make new, more beautiful ones. I was also able to talk to her, in a way a child can understand, about how our life has seasons and that God teaches us things as we go through them but no matter what he is always there with us. He is preparing our hearts for the next season and by the end we have a new, more beautiful heart.

            There are so many season’s we go through in life. Some fly by and some seem to linger on and on…..and on! I can’t think of one that I’ve been through however, that God was not there with me; adolescence, a life, a death(or death’s), falling in love, college, marriage, a new job, moving, raising a family, and moving again!

            My present season has brought me to being a mommy to two wonderful children. Staying up late, waking up early. Taking care of my home and my loved one’s in it. Cleaning toilets and dirty diapers. Being spit-up on! Just the other day, a lady at church asked if she could hold Jude. “Of course”, I said without hesitation (I know her so I didn’t mind) I warned her that he smelled like spit-up because he has reflux and well, he had just spit-up. She smiled and said, “I don’t mind and don’t worry this smell only last for a season.” She couldn’t have put it any better! A season! That’s all it is. And before I know it, this season of motherhood will pass. All I will have to reflect upon are the sweet memories of them, and the wisdom given in those quiet moments with God in his word, while everyone was asleep. So as it is, in the seasons of life, the early stage of Motherhood- with all its funny smells, late nights and hard work. This is my favorite!

I'm afraid I would miss her

As many of you know, we recently decided to take Ellie Kate out of preschool.I remember the first time we introduced the idea to her.She said,"Well,I would like it but I'm afraid I would miss you." That tugged at my heart big time!But once we visited the school and met her teacher and soon to be classmates, she was excited to go.We decided to take her out not because we didn't like the school or that we didn't feel like she was learning there.She was learning so much!She was learning all of the basic things a three year old needs to know, memorizing scripture and they all attended chapel each friday.It is such a wonderful christian school and her teacher is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met.With all of that being said, I'm sure you are all wondering why we took her out.Well it goes a little like this......
The day Jude arrived we all had to adjust to life as a family of four.I just knew it was going to be hard for Ellie Kate.Afterall, she had been the only child for three and a half years. I couldn't have been more wrong. She was so wonderful with Jude!She would help with anything she was capable of helping with and the things she didn't know how to help with,she wanted to learn...I will say that part took a little patience for all of us but i was just glad she loved him so much.
As the next two weeks went on, I was trying to nurse a baby with reflux, who was very colicky, and he was having other tummy issues.I was having to focus so much time and energy on him and his needs that the many suggestions to put Ellie Kate in preschool seemed very logical. I thought it might give her an oppurtunity to enjoy some playtime with friends, since I wasn't available to her as much.Even as Stephen and I discussed this and agreed it would probably be a good idea,I was still wrestling with the logical side of the idea vs. how I felt about it in my heart. I thought i was just feeling that way and being so emotional because i had just delivered a baby .
Jude's tummy issues continued to get worse so i stopped nursing and tried pretty much every formula out there(at least that's what it felt like!).So, here i was dropping Ellie Kate off at school and running from appt. to appt. with Jude. Not to mention I was doing it all alone because Stephen works out of town most of the time.All  of the running around I was doing, the late nights and extremely early mornings, none of that compared to the inner struggle I was dealing with in wanting my sweet girl home with me. I just kept praying that somehow i would get some peace about the whole thing. When I went to my six week check up with my doctor(who is a very sweet christian woman), I showed up with my strong, have it all together face and appearance.She asked how things were going and of course i didn't cry in front of her or anything.(everyone who knows me knows that crying and me go together about like...well, we just don't.At least not in front of anyone).I told her "Stephen is gone most of the time and Jude is colicky and has acid reflux so we decided to put Ellie Kate in preschool."Without even looking up she said very quietly and sweet,"Well, you know thats o.k.,but that can be really hard on a new mom because you are responsible for being on someone else's schedule and your having to disrupt Jude's sleep schedule to get her there and pick her up."I think I knew that God was giving me a little "woohoo! hello!" but like most of us I just brushed it off. She asked if I needed some medication to deal with all of this. I told her no.She said with a smile,"I know you and I know you dont like to complain.Are you sure?"I told her no again. While i'm sure medication is helpful for some,I like to face my problems head on with help from God's word and the encouraging women and men he has placed in my life.I feel like medicating a problem doesnt really teach us how to deal with the issue directly.
I really just kept praying and seeking godly advice from every bible-believing resource I could find.I have a very sweet prayer partner who continued to pray for me as i dealt with this issue.Stephen came home from work that Friday night and while cooking dinner, I blurted out to him that I just did not want to send her to school anymore.I knew she loved it but I wanted her home with Jude and me during the day and that I was really exhausted from the 25 min. drive there and back twice a day.He said,"where did that come from?"I told him everything I had been feeling and after praying about it together, we decided it would be best to keep her at home.
So, why did we take her out if she was learning so much and loves her teacher?Because Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." If I were not capable of teaching my daughter scripture or the things she was learning in school it would be one thing.If I had to work outside of our home it would be another. But I don't work outside of our home and I am not just capable of, but am responsible for teaching my children these things. For as long as Stephen and I have known each other, he knows I had and have a strong conviction to be a worker in our home.While I am very thankful for the wonderful teacher Ellie Kate had and for such a great christian school, I could not imagine missing out on the responsibility of helping her grow in knowledge and in her faith.So, I know she loved going to school but I'm just afraid I would miss her:)

Better late than never!

I have to admit,I am really excited to be a blogger!I'm always the last to get in on the internet's "social networking" stuff and as an introverted person, I must admit it was a little intimidating to put my thoughts and feelings out there for everyone to see.I have always enjoyed journaling but its always been for me to view and reflect upon.It seems though, that after having kids, I have gained a whole new confidence and perspective on life.I want to share so much of what I have learned and the things God has done in my life.One of my favorite quotes is from the movie 'Little Women'.Fredriech tells Jo, "You must write from life, from the depths of your soul." I hope that in writing from my life and the depths of my soul, my blog posts reflect a love for my family and more importantly, my love for Jesus Christ. I know I am a little late getting in on the whole blogging trend.Oh well, better late than never!