no resolutions, just one simple word

Christmas decorations are down now and I'm ready to kick off a new year! There is something incredibly inspiring about getting a fresh start! I'm extremely motivated by a new year, a new beginning. Aren't you? I have numerous projects I'm ready to tackle, ones that have been on my list for several months, but I just haven't had enough of an urge to take care of them. Then, January quickly approaches and I have energy and motivation that comes out of the blue to reorganize, revive and refresh!!

New Year's resolutions aren't my thing. I used to try to make resolutions, but would quickly forget about them. Probably like many of you. Then I met my husband, who doesn't believe in resolutions for a new year. He's happy with any Monday of the year, or ANY day of the year to make a new start. Good for him, great for him! Still for me though, I need a new month and even better a new year to bring on inspiration!

So, instead of making resolutions for my new year, I've decided on a word for the year! I've read about several people doing this and I was inspired! I mulled over several words like hope, encourage, love, patience, purpose, and many others, but the word I have chosen as my 2010 Word of the Year is. . . .drum roll . . .

I l l u m i n a t e

as in. . .

il·lu·mi·nate

1 a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectually b (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shining

2 a : to make clear : elucidate b : to bring to the fore : highlight

3 : to make illustrious or resplendent

I want to spend more time reading the Bible and many other books as well. I want to be enlightened spiritually and intellectually and I hope I can do that for others, especially our little boys. We often remind Luke that his name means bringer of light. We want to teach Luke and Charlie about bringing God's light to other people.

I'm also looking forward to spending time with family and friends again this year. It's amazing how illluminating family and friendships can be to our life!

And, as you know, my photography passion is in full-force! I have a lot more I want to learn and I'm hoping that 2010 will bring illumination to my new hobby!

What about you? Are you making resolutions? Do you have a word for your year? Do share!!

as Christmas approaches. . .

The past couple of weeks have been full of cookie baking. . .

Christmas program cheering. . .

peppermint candy making . . .

and spending time with family and friends.

As we get ready to head to our candlelight service at church, we want to wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas!! We pray that you will enjoy time with loved ones and remember the most important gift of the season. . .the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!

J-O-Y

Charlie was a little upset that I gave him a hard time over our Christmas card flops. He insisted that I show you he actually has lots of . . .well I'll let him show you what he has lots of. . .

"J"

"O"

"Y"

That's right! He has JOY. . .


JOY. . .

JOY!!!!

Christmas card flops

I absolutely LOVE this time of year for many different reasons! One of those reasons is the excitement I get from going to the mailbox everyday. I cannot wait to open the Christmas cards we recieve, talk about the families who sent them and the memories we share with them! And over the past few years, it seems that most people are including pictures on or in their cards. It's so much fun to see these faces (even the faces of friends we see everyday)!

I always wonder too, the events that took place when capturing those pictures. Was everyone around filled with joy and did they ALL have smiling faces? Or, was there anyone there with a grumpy attitude? Were there 1000 pictures taken just to get the perfect one for the card? Who had a better attitude, the subjects of the picture or the photographer?

Well, let me tell you, the attitude in my heart when attempting to get our Christmas card picture this year was not pretty! I was annoyed with my camera and frustrated that one of our children wouldn't stay still (I'm not naming names, just wondering if you can figure it out from the pics below). And now, I'm removed from those photo moments and can laugh while looking at our "Christmas card flops." So I decided to share some of the many flops with you! Don't worry, we did decide on a picture for our card, but it looks NOTHING like these. We had to go a different route!

Again, not naming names, but someone is a little fussy. . .

that same someone, doesn't want to sit still . . .

again. . .

almost cute, but you might have thought we were giving alcohol to our little one

and even if the little guy wasn't fussy again, the shadow in the background was terrible

Ahhhh the joys of taking Christmas card photos!!!!!

If Tiger was my friend, I might say this. . .

Hey Tiger--

As your story began unfolding this week, I commented to several friends and family members that I would be sending you a stocking full of coal this Christmas and that if I saw you I might bash you with your golf club as well.

However, that being said and truly felt, I am also very sad for you and your family right now. I think what you did was really scummy and low and hurtful. Your poor wife and kids. You made a mistake and you and your family are now paying for it. But, you are in the spotlight, whether you like it or not. Your transgressions are made public when millions of other people in our country are not. That stinks. I'm sad for you because through our human eyes, the world is judging you right now. I will admit that I am judging you right now. Your transgressions are at the top of my "worst" list. In fact, not all that long ago, I wouldn't have had any sympathy for you. Too many people we know have been hurt by the very things we are being led to believe you did. But, in the past few years I've really come to understand that we are all sinners (even if you are placed on a pedestal). I am no better than you or the next guy, or the next mom, or the next wife, etc.

So, here's the thing. There is good news for you out there, Tiger. The Lord sees ALL of our sins as equal AND he forgives AND he forgets. Maybe society ranks sins from minor to major, but God does not. Do you know that? It's hard to believe and understand why, but it's true. Your life is not going to be easy for a while. God's grace is so relieving. I'm praying if you don't know that now, you will soon.

--Lindley