FaMiLy BoNdInG



I'm so thankful for FAMILY and the Lord knows it because I tell Him constantly.  This past weekend was full of CHRISTmas parties and family bonding with Rance's side of the fam!  It was full of laughs, hugs, bloated stomachs, baking, baking & more baking, and most importantly, a celebration of JESUS' BIRTHDAY. 

Of course I took a few photos to share...

Before everyone arrived!  I meant to take a picture of how DISASTROUS my kitchen was!!!

Marla & Devin
(Rance's sister & her boyfriend)

Opening their "date night" package
These two are a TON of FUN!

Marla, me & Kathleen (Rance's mom!)

Praise the Lord Marla LOVES to be goofy like me :)

Mommy opening her gifts :)

Sure wish that fireplace worked!
(Note: turkey still not down)

Chinese CHRISTmas in Rance's classroom

Funniest game with the funniest kids!

Cutler drew #1 so he got to pick any gift he wanted at the end!

Everyone was such a good sport - even when the boys opened GIRLY socks!

Rubber ducky you're the one...

I thoroughly enjoyed myself attending this party!

CHRISTmas with The Cline's & The Shuler's! :)
We LOVE them so much

Miss Rachel opening her gifts!
She is SOOOO talented at making scarves!

Cody already reading his new devotional book :)

SINGING CHRISTmas CAROLS :)  & Praising the Lord!

I have no idea...

Take a few minutes today and read Matthew chapter 1 & 2 and Luke chapter 1 & 2.  Meditate on God's Word.  No matter what this world throws at you or what you may be going through - just remember nothing that is happening can over-ride the love, the grace, and the hope we have in Jesus!  As I ponder the AMAZING LOVE of the Lord Jesus, it often seems like we view our salvation as commonplace instead of as this unbelievable gift we have received (for those that have trusted and put their faith in Jesus and what He did) and rather than BURSTING with thankfulness and screaming out loud and jumping for JOY, we tuck it away in a drawer like an old photograph.  God the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ into a seemingly hopeless world by becoming one of us. The God and author of all hope sent Jesus to rescue us and die for us so that we can have eternal life.  CHRISTmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, is a celebration and proclamation to all the world, THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE IN ANY AND EVERY SITUATION WITH GOD!  Do you believe that?  Never on earth do we have to wonder what we have to be thankful for.  Jesus is enough.

I pray that YOU are already having a Merry CHRISTmas season and that you are having a BLAST celebrating JESUS' BIRTHDAY and praising His HOLY Name!  Have a BLESSED Thursday!  Rance and I are EASTERN bound today :)