Longings of Christmas

I read a devotional from www.crosswalk.com on Monday, and it was just too awesome not to share.  This particular devotion was from the Girlfriends in God entitled "Longings of Christmas."  It was written by Gwen Smith. 

The key verse was "Better one handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and striving after the wind."  Ecclesiastes 4:6(ESV)  

Christmas is such a JOYOUS, BUSY, and EXPENSIVE time of the year.  Can I get and "amen!"?  There is a story about a family who is going through a tough financial time and they cannot afford to buy their children the very pricey things on their wishlists.  The father has been talking with is seven-year-old son about their spending limitations this year, in hopes that it will diminish his son's expectations of Christmas.  Nevertheless, his son is determined to get a very expensive electronic toy.  The boy talks about it non-stop for several weeks, and finally has an epiphany, and exclaims to his father that he does not have to worry about the cost of the toy, because he has decided to ask Santa for it.  

I know several times in my life I have longed for something like this little boy.  I cannot stop thinking about it.  The problem is that the "things" I long for are just "things."  King Solomon referred to this in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes as "chasing after the wind."  I am hoping that I am not alone in this, and that some of you can relate exactly to this.  

During Christmas, especially, longings can distract our contentment.  So, this year, I choose to want to want Christ more.  I want to be completely satisfied in him.  I don't want to be hindered or distracted by all the "things" of the holiday.  I want the attention to be His, and I want to focus on being His.  

There is an old hymn written by Charles Wesley that is perfect for setting our longings during this season and year round on Him.  

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

Come, Thou long expected Jesus.  Born to set Thy people free.  From our fears and sins release us.  Let us find our rest in Thee.  

Israel's strength and consolation.  Hope of all the earth Thou dear.  Desire of every nation.  Joy of every longing heart.  

Born Thy people to deliver.  Born a Child and yet a King.  Born to reign in us forever.  Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.  

By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone.  By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.  

The last line of the devotion reads like this " The purposed love-mission of Jesus wrapping Himself in flesh and clothing Himself in humanity was for us to be reconciled to the loving heart of God the Father.  Hope came as a babe in a manger and will be returning soon to take us home.  Now THAT is something to long for!!!!"

My prayer for you this Christmas season is that your longings will be heavenly and eternal, not fleeting and temporary.  Merry CHRISTmas!!

Bathtime Cutie

Here are some pics of our little man just after his bath.  He was just smiling and cooing.  He really loves bathtime!   I especially love his chins.

Holiday in the Park

Last night we had the pleasure of attending Holiday in the Park at Six Flags in Arlington.  Oh what fun it was.  If you have never been, you must put it on your things to see list.  Hudson had a blast.  Jack was a little trooper and took in all the beautiful lights and then he fell fast asleep.  Hudson rode a couple rides in Looney Tune land and was most impressed with the model train exhibit and riding the large steam locomotive that went around the park.  He talked about it the whole way home and then passed out the minute his head hit the pillow.  Nana and Big Daddy treated us to this AWESOME event, and we are so thankful.  Nana and I enjoyed some FABULOUS hot chocolate as we left the park.  When we asked what the secret was to their delicious hot chocolate, they told us that they used eagle brand milk, instead of water.  YIKES!!!  Definitely not on weight watchers, but well worth it!  : ) Here are some pictures from our super fun visit.

Mommy, Nana, and Passed-out Jack

Daddy, Hudson, & Big Daddy checking out the model train exhibit.

The train exhibit, complete with Thomas.

Hudson riding the big rig in Looney Tune land.

Daddy and Hudson watching the ENGINES!!

Christmas Jack

I just had to share some pictures of our Christmas cutie!  Jack is doing awesome!  We are officially sleeping through the night, and he just smiles and coos all the time.  We are so blessed with 2 amazing boys.  Thank you God!!

Countdown to Christmas

Hudson has had such a blast counting down the days to Christmas with an AWESOME advent calendar that his Mima made him.  Everyday he gets to open a really cool car box and pick an ornament that corresponds with the date.  Then he hangs it on the day on his calendar.  Every ornament is something special.  The past few have been an engine, a cement mixer, and a dump truck.  He thought that was SO COOL!!  The final ornament is the nativity, the true meaning of Christmas.  This is going to be such an awesome thing to share with the boys each year.  Thank you Mima for such a special gift!

"Here is number 4!"

"I can do it all by myself."

We Love Nana!!

To say the least, it has been a very trying week.  Jack has had some serious issues with colic and formula.  Nana came to the rescue, and we are so thankful.  She came out and helped me through a couple of sleepless nights, listened to me when I felt like I was losing my mind, and loved on and played with the boys.  We are so thankful for all of our grandparents (Big Daddy, Grandaddy & Mima, Mimi & Papa) and our NANA!!  We love you!!