Monday, December 10, 2007

December pictures and some randomness

I am going to share some complete randomness with you today that includes some favorite pictures and scriptures. I hope this will bless you as you have stopped by to read what I have to say.....And, let me start with my Christmas card scripture from this year that is powerpacked in one beautiful sentence....

John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

WOW! That is huge, and beautiful, and very cool. I can't get my mind around what the Father has done for each of us. I love you Jesus! Happy Birthday my Savior!

Now, onto some randomness and I hope it brings you Christmas cheer as you may feel crunch time, overwhelmed, stressed, sad, depressed, or frustrated. May His presence come in and do things that only our Savior can do.

A few days ago I wrote about my 3rd sons birthday and wrote that he is complete joy to our family. I found this scripture and it blessed me as I thought about my Dylan and I pray it blesses you if you have children..

Psalm 23:25, "May your father and mother rejoice, may she who gave you birth be joyful." Dylan, I rejoice over you, sweet one.


Ok, now onto the other December birthday we have....my hubs!! His birthday is 4 days after Dylan's. And December birthdays are really difficult by the way. So, if you are planning a baby...try November or January. I almost forgot hubs! I wish y'all could have seen my kitchen the day of his birthday....I was cooking up a storm for dinner and even did a giant brownie birthday cake because thats the one thing we all love....ovens were smokin and I was a little frantic...those of you that know me, know that cooking dinner AND a birthday brownie cake is requiring a lot of me.
But, you do it out of love for your family. And, I'm thankful for my family.

Psalm 95:2, "Let us come before him with thanksgiving...."



Also in that same week of 2 birthdays, was our annual Christmas parade. Well, our church does something very cool, I think. We have a hot chocolate station and we pass out free hot chocolate to anyone and everyone. It is a beautiful act of love and kindness to share with others. We simply say, "Have a very merry Christmas."
It was so much fun. It gives me complete joy to give to others....even a cup of hot chocolate. And, then to see some of our own precious children pour and serve to others. That brings a tear to this eye! So, here we are.

Ephesians 6:7, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people..."



Me and hubs at the parade!



I just love this family right here...oh, do they have a fabulous testimony!




And finally, my dear friend Carolyn and I rode to Victory Ranch which is just north of where we live. Victory Ranch is a christian camp in the Summer for kids but during the winter season they do all sorts of things. This January, this is where our church is having its first ever overnight retreat for women! I am beyond excited! Whenever I have gone to an overnight retreat, I'm changed for life. I desperately want all the women from church to come. I want them to come get away with Jesus. I am praying for God to make a path for them to come. It's hard for us mommas to get away. He will bless the socks off us though. Because thats what Jesus does when we gather together in His name! So, these are some pix that I took of that day. I can't wait. And, for all you prayer warrior friends out there who are outside of TN, would you please pray for the event? Thank ya!

I want to be a Proverbs 31 woman. And, I need time away with Jesus to accomplish this.



Yes, this is a buffalo. There are many to greet you when you enter in the Ranch.



This is where we get fed! How cool is this?!



And, then it was time to go. See ya in January Victory Ranch! I just love the name.
It makes me want to spell it out...V-I-C-T-O-R-Y

Psalm 60:12, "With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." You go God! You trample down anything that is not of you in my life!

Bye, Victory Ranch.


If you are in need of some hope right now, this is one of my absolute favorites:
Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

God is awesome. He can do things we cannot do on our own. Give Him everything. Trust Him with everything. He's in the business of hope, love, peace, healing, joy, salvation, restoration, grace, mercy and a million other things.

May God's presence and love be more real to you than you have ever experienced.
Merry Christmas~

11 comments:

Patty said...

What a wonderful post!! Full of fun and hope and full of Jesus!! He is our Hope!! Thank you for the great verses you shared and may God bless your trip to VICTORY Ranch in January.
Love,
Patty

ocean mommy said...

Loved this post!!! I'm a December baby too, so I appreciate anyone who goes above and beyond to make December babies feel special!!!!

This is the 3rd time TODAY that the Romans verse has been placed in front of me. (Yes Lord, I hear you!)

You know I'm praying about the retreat. ;) God will work out all those details!!! Can't wait to hear a praise report and see pictures of your ladies experiencing God!!

Blessings!
steph.

Alana said...

I just love your heart and your sweet encouragement. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your randomness. The ladies retreat for your church sounds awesome. I, too, hope and pray that LOTS of ladies will attend and be REFRESHED!

BethAnne said...

What a great picture of you and your man! You guys are too cute!
I am excited about your ladies retreat - I hope EVERYONE goes! It looks like a fun place to be. There is something about getting away with other women (no men to distract) and sharing. It is something we all NEED to do. I always come back from a retreat feeling closer to the Lord and with a new appreciation for my family.

marine's words said...

Fran, great pictures of you and your family!! love your post.
I pray you will have a great retreat I know you will when women get away it so much fun!! I am almost jealous I wish I could be there, its been forever since I have been to a get away.Mainly b/c I had my son 6 years ago and I don't have a mom she passs away when I was 29 and my 2 sisters live out of state and my hubby make's me feel sad that I am leaving him all alone with just our son. Therefore I end up staying and saying to myself next time. But there is Beth Moore and I am looking forward to that one and my hubby won't make me feel bad since its in our city.love,marina

Unknown said...

Hey Frannie Girl!

What a fun random post! I love random! I mean, with three kids and a family...how can you not love random right?

Ok, you and your hubs are adorable! That is a great picture!

Also...for your second time ever over night womens retreat...I know this preacher girl from Michigan who would LOVE to come and meet some southerners that are in love with Jesus! Keep that in mind for next year! (Wink wink!)

Ok, I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Ter

Lindsee Lou said...

So, so fun!! I just love christmas time and all the fun pictures!! :)

Lindsee

He Knows My Name said...

great pictures. happy birthday to all. starting off the new year with a retreat sound marvelous. can i just say you better watch your step when the chips are down. i just couldn't resist that buffalo joke. sorry.

~janel

jennyhope said...

i am so glad to read your post. my bday is dec 18th boo...we get cheated j/k.
PLEASE let me know when day the retreat is so I can pray. Girl, i would drive up there if I could.

I love all of the verses and the hot chocolate stand. so fun! you are so contageous for the Lord. Love you sweet Fran!!

Hillary said...

What a great post! I love all the pictures! You and your hubby are adorable!! And you did good in the children department too! The picture of all your guys blowing out the candles! Priceless!!

And free hot chocolate is definitely a ministry! It would certainly get my attention! Of course anything chocolate gets my attention! :)

Kelly said...

Love the hot chocolate station - what a great idea!
You and your husband are TOO cute!
I have a december birthday too (3 days before Christmas) - so not fun. I have always swore to not try for kids during the month of March. ha! :-)


I blog so you can get a glimpse into my life as wife, mom of 3 boys, and someone who simply wants to bless others along the way. Have fun and be sweet :)


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