brand new

 I've always considered myself a "Christian". I was raised mostly going to church. But I don't think I ever felt the Holy Spirit back in those days. I went because my friends were there and it was a way to get out of my house for a little while. When I was old enough to make the decision whether to go or not, I chose not. Then I had Sophie. And I realized that she was a gift. No matter what the circumstances of her conception and birth, I knew that she was meant to be here. I was chosen to be her mother. And I knew there was a greater purpose to this life. I began to go to church again and felt the Holy Spirit moving in my life. I claimed Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was baptized. It was such a good feeling and I continued to go to church faithfully and even tried to get involved in certain things. The church that I went to at the time was awesome. Except it was so big and I was alone (without a spouse or significant other) and it was hard for me to put myself out there and get involved. I tried but just never felt like I fit in. It was not anyones fault, I guess it just wasn't the right timing for me. 
Fast forward many years. I met Josh. We were married. He adopted Sophie as his own. We had two other children. We've moved and moved again. I'm leaving out lots of things and feelings but I just want to get to the point of where I am now. I am in love and I feel brand new. I've never felt the closeness with my Father as I do right now. I feel brand new! We have gotten involved in a wonderful church here and have joined a discipleship group. I never knew what a great thing it was to be involved in a group. I realize a lot of things that I thought I knew about Jesus that I don't really know. I've never in my life sat down and read my bible like I am now. Studying it. Embracing it. Just being in the Word is so powerful. I look to my husband and I am so thankful for him. I'm so grateful for his knowledge about a lot of things in the bible that I just don't know. Grateful that he doesn't judge me when I ask him questions that you would think a grown woman, raised going to church and in a Christian private school, should know. There is no judgement from him and I am so lucky that I have him on this journey. I love telling our children that we're heading to church and watching the excitement they have. Right now it's just about playing and being with friends but they are soaking it in. Sophie is getting more comfortable with being involved in her youth group and she has been saved and on her way to baptism. I feel like a child again whose faith is so simple and believed with no questions asked. I want to know Him intimately. I want His light to shine through me so others may see and claim Him as their Savior. I long to be bold in the truth. 
I am literally crying as I right this because I am so grateful. I am thankful for every morning that He gives me to learn and grow in Him. I pray for the courage to step out in my faith and show others His love. I want to be obedient to Him in every way. 


 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; in all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6

Home Alone

I'm not feeling well today. Or lately for that matter. My dear sweet hubby took our children to church and I am home alone. I think I have just been eating very unhealthy lately and I just feel that way, unhealthy. Hopefully it will pass soon. We've had a very busy first 2 weeks of summer so far. We went to Orlando for a family reunion, then to North Carolina. Josh had to do some work stuff and we just tagged along with him. My good friend Kim now lives in NC and so it was a fun opportunity to visit with her and her family. Haven't seen them in a couple of years. This week my sister in law and my niece Hattie are coming in town and going with me and GG to see Dora Live and then Friday morning we leave for Orlando again. We'll be in Disney World for a full 7 days. So we have been very busy so far and looks like it will continue for a little while. I'm glad, it's good to be busy. 

Below are a few pictures from the last week. I know that's what you all want to see anyway :).

Love, Kristi

p.s.:  don't worry,the cat lived

Baby Lily

Finally. Finally, I got to meet sweet little baby Lily. She is 3 months now. I was so happy and she is so precious. She is Keri and Joe's daughter. Keri is my friend from a long time ago and I don't know what I would do without her. She is such a sweet soul. We went Saturday morning and got there in time to eat lunch and spend the evening with them. Sunday was her dedication at church and it was a really sweet thing to witness. You can read more about that here.

 

Look how beautiful she is! I couldn't get enough of her. 

 

All the kids.

 

and the mommies.

Home...

After all our travels, we were finally home. This was the first time in many, many years that we were home by ourselves for Christmas. In Memphis, we would always spend Christmas Eve with my mom and Christmas Day we would go to my dad's house for the afternoon. When we moved, Josh's parents would come and spend that time here with us. This year was a first.  I had these big plans to spend Christmas Eve baking with Sophie and doing some crafts with both the girls. In reality, I had to do a little more shopping and Josh and Sophie stayed home and cleaned. I did get home in time to bake one batch of cookies. We went to our Christmas Eve service at church and then drove around and looked at Christmas lights. We came home and had chili and then it was time for bed. Santa was on his way!

Our advent calendar. We let the kids open it each night after dinner and they have a treat inside. 

We got all new stockings this year. I have used the same stocking my entire life (made by my Aunt Doris, as was Sophie's). But this year I needed to get GG and Shep one and I thought it would be cute if they all matched.

We started a new tradition this year with " The Elf on the Shelf". His name is Bernard. He was a lot of fun and GG really liked looking for him every morning. 

Josh always reads this book right before bedtime.

Our tree.

Santa ate his cookies and drank his milk. GG was really excited about this all Christmas morning. She told everyone that called about it.

And, the presents. Sophie is on the left, GG in the middle and Shep on the right.

We really had a good Christmas this year. Spent with all the people we love. And remembering the real reason for this season, the coming of our Savior. I am so thankful for all the blessings He has given me. 

I hope all of your holidays were wonderful.   

thankful

I don't think about it as often as I should.

I'm thankful.

So thankful for all the blessings God has poured out on my undeserving soul.

Most of all, I'm thankful for these people.

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!