Look Mommy...

Mine and Jon's new favorite sound is the gasp Will lets out each time we turn into our neighborhood and he sees the Christmas lights. It is so precious and never gets old for any of us. In fact, my husband who isn't crazy about any holiday decorations has decided he has to put up lights this year. He even said if Will keeps gasping he might have to computerize the lights and set them to music :)

Our favorites are the blue LED lights in our neighborhood. Tonight as we drove by Will said, "Oh, look Mommy. It's God!"

That would be the nativity scene with baby Jesus! Oh, how I love that sweet boy!

Can You Ever Teach Your Kids Too Much About the Bible...

As we got ready for church Sunday morning and my kids were pushing, fighting, picking and tattling for the 100th time I gave my Sunday morning lecture, "We're about to head to God's house and you two are not showing love for each other. Do you think God is very happy with how you are acting right now?"

Without missing a beat Ashton raised her hand and sang, "Thank God I serve a God of second chances!"

I think it is from their Christmas musical or something, but I got so tickled that she had an answer for getting her out of trouble, as usual.

Last night I just happened to finish up an amazing Bible study on Jonah, which was all about 2nd chances. God really talked to me yesterday about my attitude and self-centeredness. I am as much of a spoiled brat as Jonah ever was. As frustrated as I was with my kids for their constant misbehaving God has so much more reason to be frustrated with me for my constant sinning and lack of faith. Ashton was right, but actually I am so glad that He is a God of much, much more than just 2nd chances. I blew my 2nd chance long ago but am so glad my Father is slow to anger and abounding in love!

I think I'll join my precious little "circus missionary" raising my hands and singing to our awesome God!

The World's First Circus Missionary...

Tonight we were watching the PBS special about circus life (that's what happens when I let Jon have the remote). We got to a bad patch with the road crew's language. I couldn't get it turned off fast enough so I just said, "Those people really need Jesus in their hearts."

Ashton immediately responded, "That's why I'm going to join the circus so I can tell them about Jesus. Each Sunday morning I'll have church and teach them about Jesus."

I asked her, "So, you're going to be a circus missionary?"

I heard Jon laughing from the kitchen. Then in a few seconds he came in acting like a clown, literally, spouting "Jesus loves you." Without missing a beat, Jackson jumped up dancing reciting John 3:16 and Ashton acted like a clown honking her nose and reciting Genesis 1:1.

Yeah, we're cool like that. If anyone is interested in sponsoring some circus missionaries feel free to contact me. Believe me, this is the perfect mission field for mt clowns!

My Famous Daughter...

I have a very talented friend, Amy, who has taken beautiful pictures of my kiddos. She has an equally talented mother who is an amazing painter. She decided to turn this picture of Ashton into a painting: She called to ask me if she could use it in her art show. I agreed only if we could come see it. Ashton was excited. It was such a cool experience!

Isn't it beautiful? No, I don't own it, but I may have to something about that eventually. At least I know where to find the artist...