CHRISTMAS EVE JOY

 This is the sixth Christmas I've done as a parent. I counted. 

Although we're getting our Christmas day traditions pretty down, Christmas Eve is a new adventure every year.

So this year we took a rainy walk. We had hamburgers and fries and watched the rain come down out the window. We sat in our little booth our family of five and when we finished the rain stopped, leaving us a treat of puddles to splash in on the walk back. 

We went to our church's candlelight service as my mommy heart delighted having my kids hold their own candles signifying Jesus' light spreading in the world and my heart knowing that each of them carry that light was happy.

We had dinner at my sister and her husband's new restaurant as Christmas loomed in the air and the kids ran around with their cousins laughing and playing and my  heart filled with joy at the thought of the memories each one of them was making.

At night I sat in my bed and I had a real quiet moment with God.

I am so thankful for his son. I am so grateful for a savior. I prayed for his joy to fill our hearts, for it to overflow, that no presents under a tree, no extravagant traditions could ever compare. 

As I looked back at these pictures, I realized...he already had. He already had filled our hearts with his joy, it's there and it's overflowing and that is what we pass on, more than any tradition. 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

MY INTROVERTED KARATE KID

Life lately. 

I am the mother of an introvert. 

I like introverts. They're not so quick to  divulge themselves to you, they're like a secret club that once you are a member of this club you get the rare opportunity to see something truly amazing. My husband is an introvert. Me...probably not so much. You probably could just label me under weird...but like always...i digress.

We've started homeschooling Henry this year, and one of the things I really love is getting to watch first hand him discover new things. When he discovers something that brings him joy and gets his little light shining, we invest in it. We invest in him and him becoming the person God's created him to be.

Currently, for this kid...karate is one of those things. I didn't think I would be a "Karate Mom"....but I've gotta tell you....I am LOVING karate! All of the "Yes, Sir" "No, Sir" and the physicality of it. He's a little goofy with it, dancing and practicing his "moves" almost to a point where I think he forgets others are around...but it's so awesome to watch. My little Karate kid. It's not just another "thing" to drag him to or keep him busy, I see this guy's little light shine outside of our own secret club. 

Also, he recently earned his Gold belt...so you know...I wouldn't mess with him...

and as always....we brought all the homies...  

Reflecting on this:

"for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." -1 John 5:4 (NIV)

I use to worry a bit too much about my son, afraid that people would not always "get" his reserved personality. I would spend moments crying afraid that i would fail him for worrying too much or apologizing to people for him not talking to them or him coming off rude.

God's word soothes this mother's heart. Reminds me that God has him in his hands, that his son overcame the world so that through faith my son can. Aside from me knowing better than to worry, this promise he gives us, is life giving and helps me to remember and appreciate the way he made my son, the wonderfully and fearfully made boy he gave me. 

TURNING 33

 We went to Disneyland and I turned 33. I feel like when you go to Disneyland and you turn 33, the least you can do is a blog post.

Currently I'm writing this post and I am not in Disneyland, instead I'm with a fussy baby girl on my lap and my two older loves playing Legos and monsters and chasing each other only to stop for a breath and a snack. I have a floor full of cheerios and I can hear the washing machine in the background. Life is beautiful and this is what being 33 looks like for me.

I am currently running my race in life.

As we get closer to Christmas and reflect more and more on the Gospel, I take in what led up to the birth of our Savior. Each person, a Mother, a Father, a Shepherd and many others running their race all in which led them to the Birth of Christ. They were obedient in their roles, not looking at what others were doing and responding to God in a "Can't I just do what they're doing?" I look at the mothers and how they were not handed the typical situation for their children. Mary herself had a response of, "I am the Lord's servant...May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38 NIV) This is what motherhood would look like for her. Elizabeth, who was seen as old and barren became pregnant all for God's plan and purpose, this is what becoming a mom looked like for her.

I think of my role, my obedience and where God is leading me, remembering that God uses a Shepherd, he uses a mother, he uses a father, he uses a 33 year old homeschooling mother of 3, a wife and a woman often in need of grace all for his plan and purpose.

Instead of looking at what the other moms, or women my age or families are doing I am pressed in to what God has currently placed in my lap, the cheerios on the floor, the noise in the background and I say "I am the Lord's servant." I will take everything he has given me and try to make it God honoring, knowing that it will lead me to Jesus. I place his word and joy in my heart.

"Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches." -1 Corinthians 7:17 (NIV)