Global Day of Prayer for Sudan

All week pictures and stories have been crossing my path for the Nation of Sudan. Our pastor just returned from Sudan and this morning we were called to intercede for Sudan.  Even the secular press is calling attention to the need for peace in Sudan with a special hosted George Clooney and his campaign to have attention drawn to Sudan.

The Body of Christ has been ministering to this nation through many organizations.  For me it starts on my knees.  At this time God hasn't made a way for me to go, but I can be faithful to pray.

Today I wanted to post a call for all Christians to pray for the Body of Christ in Sudan and for the elections that will determine the future of Northern and Southern Sudan.  In this season of giving my we give them our prayer support as they do the work of His hands and feet.

http://martynsinafrica.com/blog/2010/12/05/global-day-of-prayer-for-sudan/

http://www.worldevangelicals.org/sudan/news/view-WEA-Calls-Global-Day-Prayer-Sudan.htm

The Baton is Being Passed

The baton is being passed.  He is the last runner.  There will never be another one come from my womb or hold my hand at this age.  This Christmas I am soaking in every moment. I will never walk this way again.  He is singing the Christmas carols and has his first Christmas program on Tuesday. He is getting his stories a little mixed up, as I was told the other day when he called out, "Mom come look.  Joseph was thrown into the pit by the Wise Men!".  He needs to get the Josephs straightened out..kinda funny since his middle name is Joseph.

So I grabbed my last one and put him in the car to travel to McKinney, Texas for a Charles Dickens's Christmas.  We compromised.  He allowed me to window shop and I allowed him to ride on the carousel.  We counted nutcrackers in each store, as mom visually took in what each store had to offer in split seconds.  So I am bringing you today on our journey...the last one of six to allow their mom to enjoy Christmas through the eyes of a four year old!

A Carousel brings out the kid in all of us...I enjoyed it also!

How much fun to dress up in character....I loved all the hats!!

Another break..."I has seen enough...remember I am a boy!"  So we had to stop for Candy Cane Lane.

Okay...he will now let me go in another shop. I love the buildings even more than what they contain.

Can you tell that my delight got passed down to my oldest, who is now a custom home builder?

These stairs have been so worn the middle is worn down.  These were the stairs in what was the bank.

The stories each of these buildings could tell....oh my... what history!

The wooden floors creaking with character... the beaded board ceiling with bronzed lighting hanging down.

What beautiful craftsmanship that has survived all these years.

Doesn't he belong in a bank? 

Isn't this funny?  Why? I have no idea why they hung them out there...but it did get my attention.

I love this window....and yes, the saying is great also!

I want this door!!!  Okay, builder son... put it on my wish list for my house one day!

REINDEER!!! "Can they fly?"  "No, that is make believe." "Oh, make-believe like Santa Claus?"

"Yes, but it is fun to enjoy make-believe... but Christ is real!" 

My conviction on Christmas was to not tell my children Santa Claus was real.  It has never been

a problem, nor do I feel they missed out.  As easy as the conversation was above, well I had

that conversation five other times...this was my last time!

A train...he loves trains and I have picked up his passion.

We finished by climbing into the sleigh.  He stopped long enough for one picture...

"How many nutcrackers are in McKinney?"  You guess.

Saturday, we are heading downtown to see the Dallas Christmas Parade...I get to watch

it through the eyes of a four-year-old....my last!

It Started with Two

My Christmas mugs setting upon my first Christmas gift from my husband nestled among my wedding bouquet.

They glistened above their competing surroundings.  

The light twinkled through the cuts of glass for my attention.  They beckoned me to come see.

Through all the competition of dishes, ornaments, and Christmas toys...they alone caught my eye.

As I strolled toward them I gave out a sigh, "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

The longing of just my husband and I danced around in my Christmas season packed mind.

There was a time before children when it all began with just two.

Our nest was being blessed with little ones now and my mother's heart was captured by Christmas for my children, but the longing of the past called to me through the Christmas mugs.

We had three Christmas's together before our blessings started arriving.

We  celebrated Christmas with family, then our own on Christmas day,

before packing the car for a week long road trip to different states.

We had enjoyed time as a couple.

As the young ones entered our home I had to make a conscience effort to remember us as a couple.

The Christmas mugs were for us. I would find a time to enjoy them together.

They would hold a special symbol of a "Couple's Time at Christmas".

I had to have them...so I reached up for only two mugs, holding them while I continued to dream on 

 my future vision for their purpose, I continued my shopping.

December 1, 2010 marks 31 years since his proposal,  I said "I will", and I remove the Christmas mugs from their boxes.

I prominently display them as a reminder to take time out for "us".

I wish I could say I have been faithful to this commitment since the day the mugs were purchased.

Regretfully, I have not.

More little ones came and then the season of four teenagers.

Basketball tournaments, music recitals, Christmas programs and Christmas children's parties all seemed to 

 fight for the my attention and shamefully many years the mugs returned to their boxes unused.

This year our church is hosting a Marriage Conference by Paul Tripp next week...yes in December.

I think I will make sure the mugs are used during that weekend.

Because it all began with two and one day it will return to two...I must celebrate Christmas with him 

as my priority instead of letting the season run away without the use of my Christmas mugs.

There needs to be some eggnog moments that we recall as we age as a couple.

What do you do with your husband to make the season a "couples" time?