Choo Choo...

Our youngest son Elijah is totally into Thomas the train. This past Saturday our family, my parents, sister and nephew all went on a train ride. It was the first time I had ever been on a train, and the kids were so excited. The look on all of their faces when the train pulled up was priceless, but the look on Elijah's face, well it was just precious. He could not believe that a train was coming and he was going to get on it. The entire trip he kept saying "choo choo" and was loving being on it. The train traveled about 1/2 hour and then stopped at "Santa land". The kids all got their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Clause and then we got back on the train to head home. We had hot chocolate, cookies, and there were elves doing some tricks during the journey. Here are a few pictures I wanted to share with you. We had such a great time. Oh, everyday we get up, Elijah asks if we can go on the choo choo again! It was so worth it, and he is going to get a "Thomas" kind of Christmas too. I am excited for all the gifts we are giving, and for all my kids, but I think I am really excited for him. It just seems to kind of all go together this year. Maybe it is just because he is only 2 and is really getting it this year. I don't know, but I do know that I can't wait for next week!

What are you waiting for?

This morning in church our pastor was talking about "a gift worth waiting for." What a great question. There are so many things that I am waiting on, just like every other person on this planet. As a mother, I am finding that my time is sometimes consumed with things I am waiting for, especially when it comes to my children. I have not been sick these past several days, and I have been sleeping every opportunity I get. Well, it has caught up with me and I am now wide awake with my thoughts so please bear with me.


This morning when my pastor asked us what it was we were waiting for, my thoughts immediately went to a situation that has been going on in my life for 19 months. He asked us to "slow down and affirm that God is in control. Immerse myself in His presence and to trust in His plan." That is the summed up version, but it really hit home with me. I sometimes get so into this situation, that I try to take it into my own hands, and not let God stay in control. During these past 19 months, have I immersed myself in His presence so I don't miss out on His blessings during this trial? Not completely, but I have tried. Do I really trust in His plan? Do I really know His plan for this situation? I am not asking for answers, just saying what has been on my mind these past several hours.


I want to live my life so that every day, no matter what I am waiting for, I am worshiping God through my words and actions. My thoughts too! I want be bold in my faith, and walk in obedience to what He has told me. I know that I have missed the mark in many areas during this time, but I also know that He has great plans for me this week. I am so excited to see the hand of God move in me and through me that I am not sure how I am going to make it. I know this is probably not even making sense, as I am not able to share all of the details yet, but know that what ever you are waiting for, the Lord is right there with you. His timing is perfect, and it is just that, His timing. I know, sometimes we get so focused on the end result and what is going on, or not going on, that we loose our focus. I know I have during these long 19 months, but I also know that I am a better person for it too because I recognize my short comings and I have repented for them. No more am I going to dwell on the areas that I have failed, or the opportunities I have missed. I am pressing in to Him, and with His strength I am going to move forward and be prepared for the situations that lay before me. I will enter these situations with confidence in Jesus because with Him nothing is impossible!

I want to leave you with the words to a song. I have tried to post it, but not having any success. "I'm waiting... I'm waiting on you Lord. I am hopeful... I'm waiting on you Lord. Though it is painful... patiently, I will wait. I will move ahead bold and confident, taking every step in obedience... while I'm waiting." John Waller