"And more, much more than this...I did it [God's] way..." Frank Sinatra

...From water to wine in 2009...

This is my motto for the New Year! I am sure Frank meant to say God's way...LOL. Actually, the second part is my theme for the year, and I like it! May we be changed through Jesus from water to wine! Beautiful.

We've just accomplished what was once unthinkable to us...an all CASH Christmas! We made it. No debt incurred, and it feels AMAZING! I made cuts, made gifts, made each card thoughtful and sincere, and meant and felt EVERY BIT of the blessings of the season.

And...the season didn't start off easy for me either. A friend of mine so lovingly refers to it as my "funk" (thanks John!) I kept having visions of a baby being born beaten bruised and bloody, and it was all my fault. I had a hard time looking at my precious soft and squishy baby boy and not grieving whole heartedly for Mary. There were many days when I fought and wretched..."what kind of God are You?!" I had grave fears that something horrible was going to happen to my kids and was upset that I pursued having another child that would experience the pains of this world.

See what I mean? Funk.

But, all the thought and love that I ended up putting into each person, because of budget, waiting on checks to come in the mail, and because I wanted to be truly giving from the heart, I moved from fear to awestruck. Amazingly like childbirth. It seemed so natural.

I have a few more gifts to finish (sorry Dad! It's coming!) and a big happy house to clean up, but all in all, I think this is one of my most favorite Christmas celebrations. The kids agreed. Last night, they said they thought this was the best Christmas yet, because it seemed that this year, it was more about Jesus than any other. I don't know if that is because they are growing up and can see it more clearly, or if its the shift to Advent Conspiracy through our church, or what...it's probably God. Yeah, let's just say it's God, and He's shifting perspectives. I noticed that my perspective has changed SO, SO much. There wasn't anything I wanted more this Christmas than to see my children smile and love deeply. And that we did accomplish. :)

What a wonderful blessed end to this year! As for next year...well, you read my theme above, now I just need to live into it! Here's a taste of what I am praying over 2009:

Peace, rest and wisdom.
Family fun & time together!
Deepening my relationships with friends, sinking roots into my community
That I will truly feel liberation, truly, truly.
That God will use The Voice to transform lives.
T I M E M A N A G E M E N T and O R G A N I Z A T I O N (biggie, already working on it!)
Financial freedom/bliss (biggie, God's already working on it!)
Healthy, health, health... :) Eating right and Exercising! Back in the saddle!

That's a hunk of it. I pray God's favor upon you for 2009!!

Love, K