A Time For Every Season....

We can do no great things, only small things with great love...’ ~Mother Theresa 451. Quiet, peaceful, cool evenings listening to the crickets with my sweet husband. 452. Faith – I’d certainly not be the person I am today without great faith. 453. A wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, enjoying traditions and laughter from little ones running around in excitement. 454. My new long awaited camera, Nikon D80, which takes such clear, crisp pictures at the drop of a second! 455. Family time together, sharing about the person of Christ, inquisitive questions from a sweet natured three year old. 456. The close of my M2M group for a month, it was such a blessing to have older and wiser mom’s to talk and share with. 457. My husband – always faithful – always joyful and full of peace. 458. John’s faithful prayers as we ready for bed, he hasn’t missed a night in over a month. Now that is how to cherish his wife! 459. Blessing neighbors with baked gifts of love, smiles as they remember...

I thought I'd let you all know about this cool financial program my sister (Thanks Julie!) showed me this weekend. It is an online program that maintains all your finances in one place - it downloads your info consistently when your logged in, so your data is always up to date! The site then categorizes the expenses and gives you tips and ideas on how to get out of debt, what categories you can improve, and investment options. The program is completely free and I really love their budgeting section - it sends you an e-mail/text when your close to going over your budget. I also enjoy that my husband can get online at any time and look to see where we're at - how much is in each account and what bills are next to be paid. It also sends e-mail/text reminders when things are due so you can avoid late payments. I've set it up so my husband receives the same e-mails I do so he feels in the loop and knows what's going on - other than reading my spreadsheets which tend to loose...

This December we focused on Advent - remembering the Lord through various Biblical names. It was so much fun to see Drew captivated by who God is, not just one aspect of God, but God in all his Glory and Abundance. We put the ornaments away yesterday and Drew was so sad to see the Advent ornaments and tree leave our entry way. It was sweet watching him place each ornament back in the "puzzle" book that they came in. He called each by name as he placed them back - "Goodbye Father of Light," "Mommy, here goes the Bright Morning Star," "Where does the Good Shepherd go?," "Here is the Cross, I mean Savour," "Good Bye Bread of wife." We opened Jesus' gift first on Christmas morning - so it wouldn't get lost in the gift opening. His gift -- a home made book filled with pictures and verses and personal writings about the gifts we gave Jesus in December. Though we would like to see our children giving all year long, this month...

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15 Tonight I met Jesus, it wasn't because I was in a church, or because I was worshiping, it was because of a child - my precious child gifted for a moment, in my heart for a lifetime. Our little Drew, only 3+ years young showed me the meaning of Mark 10:15 tonight. More than the Eve service, it was our son's innocence that reminded me of the holy relationship I have with my Father. Drew's entire life has centered on Jesus, this God -- this Spirit living amongst us. Drew memorizes catechism's about Him, we share Bible lessons for life, we pray to Him often, we've created a home where Christ's love is modeled. Naturally, Drew is fascinated with Jesus, he is especially fond of the Christmas story, the nativity -- Emmanuel, "God with us" in human flesh. Tonight as the nativity scene is acted out before us Drew's fascination...

There is great freedom in being a Christian – the battle was already fought and our Lord is the victor! The last two weeks I have spend some large quantities of time just being silent – silent before the lord, silent before my family, and silent in all that I am doing about my day. Silence brings forth the benefit of true listening. Now, the Lord has a very funny sense of humor, about 5 days into my thoughtful silence the Lord allowed me to get a nasty cold, which has turned into laryngitis! Obviously, there is much for me to learn and the Lord is helping me along my quest and teaching me how to find Him in the silence of the everyday. My world often seems so chaotic and loud; seeking out silence has refreshed my soul and allowed me to look at all aspects of my life – finding those things that are pure and those that need some New Year adjustments. One thing the Lord has been revealing to me in this silence is the victory I have in Jesus. Galatians 5:1 says, “ It is for freedom that Ch...

From the mind of an almost 4 year old! Tonight we went to our church team Christmas party. While driving there Drew asked what we were having for dinner. I told him I wasn't sure, but we were bringing ribs to share with everyone! There were a few seconds of silence, then I heard, "Ribs? You mean we're eating the rib like, from Adam?" I didn't fully grasp his statement so I answered, " Sure." Then Drew commented, "So God made Eve out of Adam's rib, why are we eating Adams rib?" Oops, then I tried to explain that cows have ribs and their yummy to eat. He still looked a little confused!

John made his clients some really awesome Christmas gifts, I had fun taking some great shots of them!

Tonight Drew came to a very interesting epiphany while going to the bathroom. "Look, Jesus washes our sins white, just like toilet paper!" I laughed hysterically when he said it, he didn't mean to be funny but was very proud that he was finally beginning to understand, not just regurgitate information back. I think he got it just right! We've been reading a Christmas book about Christ which details what the colors and shape of a candy cane can represent. The red on a candy cane represents the blood and the white is for Jesus washing our sins away. The shape of the candy cane is a J for JESUS! Drew loves this book and will have us read it at least 1-2 times each day. Our season of Advent has not been without some hiccups! Tonight I was ready to surrender to the "family devotion spoiler!" I sat with Drew in the library while John rubbed my shoulders and we went through the various names of God that we've studied. While going through Gabe waddled in and sta...

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Well today was a frugal day - not intentionally frugal but I'll take those days whenever I can. It started with a trip to the "toy store" or Goodwill in our household. I spotted a dirty Graco high chair, it wasn't much to look at, it was filthy - to say the body had never been clean would have been an understatement. The cover was filthy too, but it had no rips and it was only priced at 6.00! I have been in need of a high chair, but I'm picky. I wanted it to have rollers and be adjustable. There hard to find on Craigslist for less that 40.00 and I gave up months ago because the few I called on were already taken. So, today was such a find! The high chair model was actually the one I looked at when Gabe was born and it was around 100.00 - though we had the funds set aside I just couldn't pay that much. Instead we used our portable chair which has been working just fine. Anyhow, with 1 hour of scrubbing and dis-infecting and a run through the washing machine it ...

I forgot to post this very funny incident from a few weeks back. After Thanksgiving we made yummy Aunt Ethel's Christmas cookies. I was debating red or green frosting and decided on the "Christmas red!" Unfortunately, I picked wrong! I put so much of this bakers red die in the frosting and it still turned a bright pink. I was very disappointed but the cookies were still yummy! The following day Drew was in the bathroom and he ran out yelling, "Mommy my bottom is bleeding, my bottom is bleeding!" I ran into the bathroom and to my horror there was "blood" all over his toilet paper. A few hysterical seconds passed before I realized it was from the red food coloring! So, the moral of the story is "Next Time Use Green Frosting for the Christmas Cookies!"

We've been having fun this December learning about the coming of our Savior - commonly called Advent. This is our first year adding this tradition so its definitely a work in process. We purchased a set called " adornaments " for the kids a few years back, Drew is finally old enough to enjoy listening to the stories. We set up a small fake tree in the entry way with little lights and each night read a verse out of the Bible which is associated with one of the adornaments . We also added a few of our own - a snowflake to represent Luke 3:16 to remember the importance of water and the miracle of baptism and God's outpouring of love and forgiveness for each of us. "John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." We also added an angel which was passed on to me by my Mother In Law, it belonged to her mothe...

Curt Collins - Another Day video Sometimes when life gets a little hectic I play this song. It encourages me to keep my hearts affection and minds attention on Jesus. Also, since prayer has been something I've been working on, I'll pray this song for a few people I know who are going through especially hard times. Somehow praying lyrics to songs conveys my conviction much better than trying to combine words in my head. Lyrics to songs make great prayers and evoke emotions that I have but can't articulate. I’ ve known along This wouldn ’t be easy The pain last so long And my strength grows weak So just send down a little more Faith, Lord Cause I don’t wanna give up hope Lord I wanna see this thing through I know your word is true And I’ll hold my hands up higher Lord it’s my desire To live my life for you Just give me the strength to endure all this For another day Another day Move through my heart And take away all the darkness Heal all my wounds Break away all the chains ...

Today was wonderful, thanks to my very sweet husband! He took the boys the whole day while I worked, I caught up on some things and thus was able to spend the whole evening hour with my family. Drew desperately wanted Pizza tonight since it is Friday, but on Wednesday I was so tired we had our "pizza" night then. So, John told Drew if he vacuumed the whole living room and put away all his toys then he would be paid 5.00 and could buy pizza with it. Drew was so excited, he worked so hard and used daddy's small garage vacuum, I think I heard that thing on for at least 40 minutes. Drew proudly came upstairs and showed off his reward. So tonight I took him to buy his pizza. It was so sweet, he ordered and even put the money on the counter, I graciously added the $ for tax. Then we went over to Family Video and Drew picked out a movie. We spent the evening as a family eating Drew's pizza, watching Diego, and after....... We turned on Christmas music and decorated the hous...

Poor little Gabe, he has been feeling icky for months! His top left tooth is coming through and it looks so painful. The gums are so swollen and black and blue. He doesn't want to eat anything yet is very hungry. I've given him some baby Advil which allowed him a nice sleep last night. However this morning he just follows us around crying, then when we pick him up he cries some more. He finally went down for a much needed nap a few minutes ago. I let him sleep in his favorite spot - our closet in the car seat . I just want my sweet little boy back - that one who always giggled and smiled at me. He has been gone for so long. On a brighter note, Drew is learning to share with his brother and also learning patience. Last night he said he didn't want patience, he wanted it now. Oh the battle with the flesh, I hated to tell him that it only gets worse the older you get. Drew has been saying very funny things these days and using his imagination. He is into pretending - "M...

Tonight I sit fighting for joy; overwhelmed by the pressure I put on myself. There is that constant pile of never ending laundry, the cooking, cleaning, playing with the boys, instructing, book reading, the lawn that needs mowing, the gifts that need purchasing, plus that real full time job that provides ample work; there is the Bible reading, the letter writing, the time spent serving, the time spent disciplining, and the list could go on and on. As I sit here struggling to find joy in the midst of it all, my husband asks what he can do to help. I have no answer. The real issue isn't what I or He can do to check those boxes and complete that never ending list - for there is always a list and always things that need to be done. The real question is "Why am I choosing to live a stressed out life, instead of choosing a heart of thankfulness which generates a spirit of everlasting and contagious joy?" After all Joy is the second fruit of the spirit, so if you have the Holy...

This stay-at-home mommy of 2 was deeply encouraged by this article, I encourage you to link over, the excerpt below is just a mere reminder of what we "workers for Him" are called to do each day as we Shepherd our little flock of disciples. I for one didn't do well at shepherding my flock today, I was tired, irritated and longing for the bedtime silence! I pray tomorrow my heart will be much more purposeful and my minds attention focused more on my Shepherd. "If I identify myself as the culture does, as a “stay at home Mom”, one who has no intellectual contribution, gross-national product contribution or status symbol contribution, I become just that: a woman who sees herself as one who has grunted and groaned out another human being and now stays behind her four walls, in self-imposed seclusion. Not much of a vision there---it actually sounds strangely psychotic. If I deem myself as a woman employed by the Creator of everything ever created, as on work assignment i...

Look and see what fun we had last night here at our friends the Minter's blog!

Tonight Drew's prayer went like this: "Thank you Jesus for my room, Thank you for the movie that mommy watched with me about Joseph and his dreams. I love movies, maybe mommy will let me watch another one tomorrow? (Said with hands folded, eyes peeking open to see my reaction.) Thank you for my books, for the grouchy lady bug and for mommy who read me 2 stories because she said only 1. Thank you for my mommy and daddy and brother gabe , oh and dog kitty. A...men!

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalms: 31:19 Our family spent the day thanking the Lord for His "indescribable gifts." While many spend this holiday mourning the loss of loved ones we are simple thankful to be together for another year! We loved waking up late, talking together as a family, reading the Thanksgiving story (part of it anyway!), eating a yummy brunch, and taking our family photo's. Oh, we can't forget loosing Gabe outside in the backyard tonight too! So here is the Williams 2008 family thanksgiving list: Drew is thankful for Jesus, his church, his school and his wonderful teachers Andrea and Misty. He is also thankful for his friends and for cookies! We're thankful for the wonderful home the Lord has provided where we can raise our two boys and truly enjoy fellowship together. I am especially grateful that we converted the dining room w...

My boys have the worst time getting their teeth! The past week Gabe's front upper gums have been all swollen with a black and blue hole in the center of the gum. Poor thing, finally this morning the top right cut through. Gabe is noticeable happier, but I'm sure his top left will now start to come down. So if your keeping track, we're 1 year old and now have 3 teeth! If Gabe teethes like Drew, we're in for a long year!

Daddy is home and we celebrated Gabe's 1st Birthday today. Gabe loved eating his cake and playing with his Mayflower boat and pilgrims. I am so embarrassed, Gabe fell in the bathtub on Thursday night and ended up with a tiny scratch on his eye. It really didn't look too bad and he only cried for maybe 10 seconds, but now he has a huge shiner. All his birthday photo's look like we beat him. So sad! Gabe went in for his 1 year checkup and weighed in at 22 pounds 12 ounces (50%). So big! He is 27 1/2 inches tall (-5% ). His head circumference is 18 inches (25-50%). His tummy issues hadn't gone away so the doctor suggested removing milk from his diet and replacing it with soy. Yes, it worked! He is back in his crib. He should only be off dairy a month or so, just to give his tummy and intestines some time to heal from the nasty stomach bug. I'm so relieved he is back to sleeping 12 hours! It is so nice having Daddy home! We all missed him so much! John surprised me on F...

One year ago tonight I sat in bed cuddling my little man, kissing on him and talking to him while he gazed up at me. I memorized his face, prayed for his faith and future spouse! John was there too, sleeping away on the uncomfortable plastic cushions they call a fold out bed! Thank you Lord we only had to stay 1 night! Tonight, its late and I'm exhausted. This whole "Mommy by Day, Accountant by Night" has me very busy and exhausted. I love both of my jobs, but being a mommy takes the cake. I'm so grateful for the Lord providing me a work from home, challenging, dependable job of almost 10 years - my I sound old! But, today I just wanted an evening to myself. No numbers, no reports, no reviewing checks and applying cash and finding those pennies that somehow wander off. I wanted to go back to 11/19/07 and cuddle with my little man. Oh, for Gabe's cuddling days when he peacefully slept in my arms or next to me in bed. Tonight I tried getting cuddles, but Gabe would...

John and I were eating breakfast at IHOP talking about how our life was about to change! Then we drove across the street to the hospital and Gabe was born at 3:33 pm. Oh, how our lives did change! Those times went by too quickly. I can't believe it has been a whole year. Now my little baby is walking all over the house!

Tonight I sit, alone, wondering, What would my life have been, Had grace not swooped down, Covered this heart of sin Changed me from within? One year ago tonight I sat, Alone, wondering, What will my life be like, With the blessing of two sons? A quiver full of young hearts Soon to become men, Will it change me? One year ago I didn't know, How one little life of joy, Could bless my heart, Change my life of structure, Through deep soul searching, Deep pressures, Only God knows the growing, wrestling, praying, stirring within my soul. You, my son challenged my faith, You put pressure where I needed to grow, Growing from 3 to 4 was more than painful, That pain, more than just birth pains, Forced lives to change, Forced habits to change, Forced my mind to change, Forced holiness to sprout from within. Thank you Lord for grace and life , the grace only you can give, the life only you can create, the love of raising this child, Brings me to my knees. May I Shepherd this little heart, Ma...

I'm not a big Christian Rap fan... who am I kidding, I'm not a rap fan at all. But, I wanted to brag on my very talented Brother-In-Law and post his most recent music video production. Ruben produced the entire video! The song is doing well on the Christian Rap charts so maybe he will get to go to the Dove Awards if the music video does well? So, forward the link to anyone you know who is into Rap! I'm very impressed with the quality - Ruben is so professional! Wow!

We survived the weekend and had some fun! Drew and I made a Thanksgiving Can out of an old oatmeal container and our own hand prints. Drew loved it and really got involved - which is unusual for him! He loved helping trace Gabe's hand print and then gluing the paper hand prints onto the can. When it was time to write down what we are thankful for Drew said, "Jesus and God, wait, Jesus is God.... so I'm thankful for Jesus!" I love watching his mind wrap around God's truth; he was remembering the Catechism that says, Q. "How many God's are there." A. "There is only 1 True God." Q. "How many persons are there in the Godhead?" A. "Three - Father, Sons, Holy Spirit" We baked pumpkin bread this weekend! Drew loves it so I think we'll have to make another batch for when Daddy comes home. We also cleaned out and organized the pantry and fridge. Most of the weekend we were home, we went over to my mom's a few times and h...