Thursday, December 31, 2009
A New Thought for the New Year
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Jesus arrived... for us!
in the movement with the rest of the world during this time, you know,
fast paced shopping, spending, spending, spending, not spending
quality time with those close because I have too much on my plate to
handle with the holidays, "it can wait" mindset and
then wondering if my children will really enjoy the gifts we bought for
them and dare I say, IF it was enough...
The Holy Spirit has been patient with me and has been tugging on
my heart strings during those busy times and so I've decided to
stop and listen realizing and bringing back into perspective that,
God is greater than me and "my shopping", because He is greater
than all of the toys and other material possessions out there...
because He is worthy and enough for me and that is what I want
my boys to know.
As I look at Joshua in this photo, that song comes to mind: "be
careful little eyes what you see..." and basking in his innocence
and don't want him to ever lose that! However, knowing that
I am so excited to see what God has in store for my
Remembering the Lord and feeling so grateful for the God Man, Jesus,
who physically came down off of His throne to become one of us,
and bonus, in the form of a baby growing through adolescence into
adulthood... did you catch that? He physically left His place on High
for you and me and discovered all of our temptations and fought
them and succeeded!
Logic would conclude... that that, makes Him The One who
we CAN fully trust and have faith in!
WOW... have you ever really thought
deeply about that part of the Christmas story, The most
May this post and those coming thereafter reflect Jesus, the
One true God of the universe, His universe.
So, as our lives unfold, may they be as bold as our living King and
an honest example that, God IS alive and well within us and shaping His
people for great things!
Merry Christmas my brothers, my sisters... my family!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy 9th Birthday SPENCER!
Spencer turned 9 on December 18th, 2009!
We celebrated his birthday on Saturday, 12/19 in the hopes
of having a lot of friends and extended families over, however,
a rather uninvited guest arrived instead... SNOW!!!!
But that didn't stop us! We started the day off
with his favorite breakfast (lucky charms) then
playing with his new toys/games (star wars light saber)
dinosaur dig, air plane shooter and for the big surprise....
a new educational laptop from Mom and Dad!
We had one of his favorite dinners too, dinosaur chicken
nuggets and fries then topped it off with candy treats
and cupcakes for dessert.
The boys played all day long and even enjoyed some of the
snow, they never missed a beat! Me on the other hand, I stayed
warm and cozy inside with Josh :)
We LOVE YOU Spencer and hope you had a great day with your
family!!! You are getting so grown up and we are very proud of
all of your accomplishments this year.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
No regrets...
As another year approaches, do you find yourself
thinking about the shoulda, coulda, woulda's?
aka: "regrets" in your life?
Emotionally & Visually Provoking... this video reminded me that,
whatever season
of life we encounter, admittedly, having regrets about my past
making bad decisions, poor choices or question our lot in life...
I/we must learn to embrace every challenge
and learn to forgive ourselves and ultimately others,
with the divine forgiveness God offers to us,
unconditionally!
It can be difficult to live joyfully without having first confessed our sins,
our deepest need for repentance
and mercy.
Each day I live, I do know that God can take something so broken and make it
whole & new again
but not without our personal decision toward change.
My Prayer to all this season!
Jehovah Lord of Heaven, You are unchanging and so faithful
to Your word,
may we learn to imitate Your character more often toward
our loved ones and those we encounter with a
compassionate and tender heart. Help us
to bear each others burdens and learn to forgive so
others can truly be set free.
May this New Year be one
that is mighty indeed with Your strength to mark a special
occasion that You are our coming King to save
us from the evil one. God's blessings to you and your
families, Love the Allen's
Friday, November 27, 2009
Joshua's First Thanksgiving Dinner!
Our Family Gives Thanks...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ever heard of... KIDEO?
Pop Pop & Joshua
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Smile Josh...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Voice of a Veteran...In case you didn't know
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
FALLabulous!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Satan's Meeting...
Sunday, November 1, 2009
A Child's Laughter...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Spiritual Warfare - Do You Have It On?
PARENTS... LET'S RETHINK THOSE SCARY COSTUMES OR ANYTHING REPRESENTING EVIL!
So Where Did The Elements Of Halloween Come From?
Trick Or Treat. "The modern custom of 'Trick-or-Treat' began in Ireland hundreds of years ago. A group of farmers went from house to house begging food for the village Halloween festivities in the name of their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to generous donors, and threats were made against those who would not give." 3Thus these ancient pagan traditions continue today as youngsters, masquerading as ghosts, skeletons, and demons go "trick-or-treating" - begging in a sense for food while promising to refrain from evil deeds...
October 31ST. Though it was the Roman Catholic church who designated the October 31st date as All Hallow's Eve, or "eve of the holy one's day," in prelude to their November 1st All Saints' Day, it was earlier pagan peoples who gave the annual holiday the sinister meaning and traditions it still holds.
It is obvious that the elements, symbols, and traditions of the Halloween observance with its emphasis upon goblins and demons, witches and skeletons, ghosts and apparitions rising from cemeteries constitute a dabbling with the very things, which Scripture forbids to God's people and an open invitation to demonic activity. (Deuteronomy 18:10-13, Lev 19:31)
It is at this point that many will say, "But we don't worship demons on Halloween. It doesn't mean the same thing today as it did in the past. It's now just a harmless, innocent time of fun for the children and the young people."
Yet, history clearly shows that Halloween is unmistakably a "religious" (pagan and Roman) holiday. Religion is the adoration, obedience, and service rendered to the object of one's worship. It presupposes profession, practice, or observance of whatever belief and practice - in this case Halloween - as required by some superior authority. It is indisputably clear that Halloween is NOT commanded or sanctioned by Jehovah God - the true Christian's Superior, Authority - in the Scriptures.
Eph: 5:11
References sighted: The Holy Bible through research & Crosswalk.com