Daybook

Outside my window... It is still early but it looks like it will be a nice day.  I see the sun shedding its  light on some of the tree limbs out my window as it is rising.

I am hearing...  Quiet - ahhh

I am thinking ...  about how precious life is and how many of us really live for the "tomorrows" and "somedays" that we are never promised.  Live life in the present.  Love your family and tell them!  Forgive those who you have hurt and conquer pride in your life - humble yourself before those you've wronged and ask for forgiveness.

I am thankful for ...

• my family - I had a wonderful childhood and always knew I was loved and I LOVE getting together with all of them over the Christmas season. 
• That it is GOD who works anything good in and through me.  This morning in my quiet time I was reflecting on what Paul said in his letter to the believers in Colosse - that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.  Truly it is by God's will only that I am who I am. 
• Spending the day with my church family after being gone for a month.  I am very thankful to Jesus for my brothers and sisters there.
• Precious time spent with our daughter this weekend and last. 
• having 10 wonderful days with my husband home!!!

In the kitchen... healthier food after all of the heavy holiday fare.

I am wearing... my Christmas nightgown and robe.  :)

I am creating... no creating this week - after the rush to finish up gifts I'm ready for a crafting break.

I am going... sledding with friends this afternoon... I should say my kids are going sledding because as much as I would love to, I know I can't with my back right now.

I am praying for ... My family today.  10 years ago this morning my 17 year old sister was killed in a car accident.  I am thankful for the Lord bringing us through these 10 years but I also know how much we still hurt and miss her so I am praying that God's comfort and peace would be with my parents and siblings today.

I am reading... Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

I am hoping...  that our cat isn't pregnant! 

I am looking forward to...  getting back into a normal routine. 

Around the house... the decorations and tree will come down at some point this week.

One of my favorite things...  a cup of coffee enjoyed in the early, quiet moments of morning before I wake everyone else up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Sledding, a trip to the library, a training flight for Christopher, cleaning and organizing, working on my new blog.

A picture I'm sharing...

My sister and I on my wedding day.

 

Sister Kimberly and daughter Samantha

 

 

Kimberly, if I remember correctly this was taken at Valley Fair the summer before she died.

 

 

 

Morning Dedication

ALMIGHTY GOD,

As I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to thy care; watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me.
 

Incline my heart to thy ways; mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay;  may my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound thy praise;  let those around see me living by thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconfirmed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings.

Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands.   May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain.  In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire,  My gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mckery of earth and its vanities.

May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth.

Order this day all my communications according to thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good.

Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable.  May I speak each word as if my last, and walk each step as my final one.  If my life should end today, let this be my best day.

 

From The Valley of Vision; A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Outside my window... everything looks so pretty and white. 

I am hearing...   the dryer from the laundry room.

I am thinking and praying for... all of the hurting families from the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary school. 

I am thankful for ... the comfort and peace that God gives to us in our times of hurting.

In the kitchen...  baking and lots of it later this week.  I haven't done any yet.  Throwing my back out for almost 2 weeks at the end of November and beginning of this month and having sick kids last week (and into this week) has had me tending to them.

I am wearing... a pink long sleeved tee and my tinkerbell fleece pajama pants.

I am creating... Lots of crocheting going on.  Finishing up gifts while snuggling on the couch with little guy who was sick.  Here are a few pictures.

 

(chocolate chip cookies)

(burger with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions and pickles - minus the bottom bun which I still need to complete)

 

 

(Stuffed crust pepperoni and sausage pizza)

 

I also made a banana partially peeled, a pnb&j sandwich, oreo cookies, 2 slices of watermellon, a sunny side up egg and bacon.

 

Scott and Andrew did some crafting yesterday too - they made a pretty paper chain to hang up.

 

 

I am going... to pick up some books from the library and continue working on gifts this week.

I am reading... my Bible only this week.

I am hoping... that this nasty virus will leave our home and that we'll all be feeling better soon.

I am looking forward to... spending time with our families this Christmas

Around the house... lots of cleaning and baking.  I hope to get a list of some sort made this week of everything that needs to be done before hosting Christmas with Scott's family.

One of my favorite things...  making things for other people.

A few plans for the rest of the week: , a holiday party this week, shopping, baking, cleaning and crafting.

A picture I'm sharing... Our Advent wreath - taken before dinner, week 2

This entry is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook.