Twas' 11 Days Before Christmas

         You may or may not have read this, but It warmed my heart at the thought of those children spending Christmas celebrating in the grandest place of all with true love, peace, and joy... What a party they will have! 

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is heaven." declared a small boy. "We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
Those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And I heard Him proclaim, as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Random thoughts about Christmas...

       I love the Christmas/Winter season! The lights, trees, cards, love, giving, spending time with family, and of course praising God for his son.
      Most would agree that Christmas has materialized into "I wants" and the newest technology. Well I would agree, but there has to be a happy medium out there.  I mean I would like to show my children how to give and receive graciously. I want them to make a list for Santa, enjoy the spirit of elf's and the magical world of the north pole. I also want him to understand the true meaning of Christmas, and why we celebrate Jesus Birth. Can I really have both? I grew up doing all these things, but in today's world can I raise my children to understand both sides of the spectrum? Without destroying that magical belief that there is a Santa, and the pure innocence of nativity?
    As a new mom I am feeling a little pressure to start traditions with our family. Ones that can carry though the years, and ones that my children will enjoy many years from now. I love the elf on the shelf idea, but really what does a bad elf teach children? No offense I know several of you are doing it, but I just don't think its for me. We used to do "operation shoe box" growing up, but I feel the need to do more physical giving of my time and energy. I also know my husband won't get into a tradition until Hunter is older and able to understand what we are doing... which is reasonable. I am feeling the need and want to start something now, and I guess I just don't know where to start.
          I know this post is random, but its what my brain is stuck on... Any suggestions?

Here is our tree this year!

     In years past Ive had a themed tree and really enjoyed it but never felt a connection or love for it. After visiting Corinne this past weekend, and loved looking at all her different ornaments from her childhood, and others she has collected over the years. I decided to go back to our roots and dig out ornaments from our childhood (well I can't find mine, but Taylor's anyway). I even got rid of our fancy angel on top (Taylor didn't like her anyway) and made this star! Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas... Around our house:)

Hunter's Birthday Party

      As you know we had Hunter's birthday party a couple weeks ago. We invited about 50 of our closet friends and family. I know you think 50?.... we have a big family and lots of close friends. Neither of which I would give up for the world. It was crazy, hectic, loud, and wonderful all at the same time. Yes it's a lot for a 1 year old to take it, but he did fabulous! In this instance pictures speak louder then words.

 

 

 

This picture pretty much sums up the amount of help we had opening gifts!

I recruited my Best Friend to take these pictures. I highly recommend doing this, because I am pretty sure I didn't pick up my camera the entire evening (oh wait I even forgot it at home). I am so grateful she did this for us. I know she became a bit overwhelmed throughout the party, with the amount of children "Helping", but she did a fabulous job capturing memories!

One more picture to leave you with...Ok so 2 more!

   I just can't get enough of his cuteness!!