Graduation

Brandon and I graduated from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University tonight!! At some point in the (hopefully near) future, I will be writing "We're DEBT FREE!!!" The last 13 weeks have been enlightening, challenging and a blessing all in one. I encourage everyone to take this class no matter what financial walk you are on.

As some of the readers know (and some do not), the principles taught in the class have totally transformed our view on finances and priorities. We knew going in that we would be challenged to change our ways, but Mr. Ramsey is very talented in his technique of helping convict about what's really important. Brandon and I have taken a radical response to Dave's 'Debt Free' challenge. We will be debt free in 2009!! We are 'living like no one else so later we can live like no one else.'

Thank you Dave Ramsey!!!

Once Upon a Time

There once was a man who had been born to elderly parents, the second child of his father. His older brother (half-brother actually) had been born because his mother told a friend to sleep with her husband. Pretty weird, huh? Then this same guy almost was killed by his father with a machete on a mountain because God told his dad to do it. But at the last minute God saved him. Then, the guy wife-shops through a messenger from a different part of the country. He didn't even get to meet his wife until they were pledged to be married, but fell so deeply in love with her at first sight, he married her right there on the spot. Then he tells people in his village that his wife is his sister so they won't kill him (just like his daddy had done twice before with his mother). But the village leaders see the man caress his 'sister' and their secret is out. They ended up having twin boys who had problems of their own... The man's name is Issac and his daddy was Father Abraham.

See, the Bible is full of drama...Better than cable. Haha!!!

Shame, Shame!

This evening while I was getting the dishes put away Brandon was reading me a story he was reading online. It was an article about how President Bush commented that he doesn't believe the Bible to be literal. Blaine, as though he was naturally in the conversation, casually said, "Shame on him." Precious...

Happy B-Day Jesus

This morning at church Braylon sang a solo with the preschool choir - "Happy Birthday Jesus" for anyone who may know the ditty. It's a precious song especially when it's sung from the perspective of a child.

"Happy Birthday Jesus. I'm so glad it's Christmas. All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice, but the real gift is you. Happy Birthday Jesus. I'm so glad it's Christmas. All the carols and bells make the holiday swell and it's all about you. Happy Birthday Jesus. Jesus, I love you."

Those are all the lyrics. Pretty sweet, huh? Braylon wasn't nervous at all and kicked it off quite nicely. There was some question about what key he was singing in, but when you're 5, all keys are universally cute, right?

To top it off, this evening he asked me when the next time he gets to sing with a microphone in front of the church. Nerves of steel, that boys has.

20 Days

Going, going..... Not gone yet. Enjoy the Christmas season!! Remember the reason for it - Jesus!

Get to Reading

I recently attended a leadership conference with some other folks from my church. One of the commitments I made to myself on the way home was to read the Bible through. I mean, if I'm going to be bold to proclaim that the Bible is God's word and the final authority for my life, I should know everything it says, right? Last year I read the entire new testament and since then I've been lingering here and there reading bits and bites. I'm looking forward to a good challenge in this year. And let me say this - So far, this adventure has been pretty dern fun. I find myself really getting into the stories and wanting to know more about the people. Hollywood really needs to perk up and pay attention to this book - It's filled with cool stories and it's definitely rated R, so beware.

Bonus points for anyone who can tell me who the Moabites are descendants from... Go! (Hint: Genesis)

25 Days

Let the countdown begin! I must say that I'm further along in my Christmas shopping presently than I usually am on December 1. Not too shabby... I really like emphasizing that Christmas is a big birthday party for Jesus and I want my kids to really 'get' that more than anything else. I think they do. I am also so thankful that so far they are really not very materialistic. Granted, Braylon does want an I-Pod and Blaine wants a digital camera, but.... it seems that we really have to twist their arms for them to tell us what they want. I know they will be thrilled with whatever is under the tree as if that was the one gift they wanted all along. I'm glad God gave me boys and especially I'm grateful that they are easy to please (most of the time!).