Contentment in the New Year

 Say not, ''why were the former days better than these?''
 For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
 Ecclesiastes 7:10

2011 is gone. Gone, and can't be brought back, ever.
Funny thing about it, I don't mind. Funny because it seems I've spent much of my life trying to hold onto things that are completely out of my control--like time,childhood, not wanting anyone to grow up, not wanting to forget sweet memories,being afraid I'm not cherishing each moment as I should, and the like.

This year, however, I've begun to realize that each day little things change, and oftentimes for good.
New chapters begin ever so slowly and the story doesn't end all at once. I'm learning to look at things in a new light. Taking delight in my LORD and the life He has given me...not trying to live in the past or looking anxiously towards the future. I praise God He has brought me to this realization, because it's freeing. My Father in heaven knows me and he has every moment of my life in His hands. So I don't have to hold onto things because HE already is. 

And that is wonderful.

''...Be content with what you have for He has said, ''I will never leave you nor forsake you''.
Hebrews 13:5

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
1 Timothy 6:6-7

''For everything there is a  season...''
 Ecclesiastes 3






Happy New Year, and may God bless you all.


P.S. Excitement: my papa bought us an amazing Christmas gift--a Canon Rebel. Yes, a DSLR!
That is a fulfillment of a dream. Can't wait to start posting pictures!

Merry Christmas!

Good people all, this Christmas time,

Consider well and bear in mind

What our good God for us has done

In sending his beloved son

With humble hearts we all should pray,

To God with love this Christmas Day

In Bethlehem upon that morn,

There was a blessed Messiah born.

~The Wexford Carol

Overruled

It is frightening to imagine the world with the U.N in control of our families! Watch this short movie to find out how this is happening and what you can do to help. Let's all commit to pray for Parental Rights, and that we, as a nation, would return to the LORD and His ways.


Much love,
Emily

A Christmas Treasure//Christmas music at our house.

For as long as I can remember, this beautiful record has been the first Christmas music listened to in our home. Julie's warm, clear, lovely voice, coupled with the excellent arrangements by Andre Previn and the reverent and joyous selection of Christmas songs makes for an incomparable Christmas record. Especially if you play a real vinyl on a record player, like we do. Doesn't get much better than that!

I could honestly listen to it all day long. The music is so, so beautiful. To me, it represents everything glorious about this holiday...the birth of our Savior, the love of our God, the joys and warmth of the season, the festivities, the traditions.  I can't say enough good things about it.

Here are a few songs for your enjoyment. I'm pretty sure you'll love them.

The graphics on the videos are a little cheesy, but they're the best ones I could find!

Aaaaaaahhh. I love Christmas music.

I hope you are all having a cozy December!

P.S. Stay tuned for the next Christmas music at our house. What will it be? Here's a hint...think jazz.

simple moments

A few weeks ago, after a day of stormy skies and monotone rainfall, the sky was illuminated by the setting sun. The rain stopped for a moment, and the clouds turned peachy golden in color, the world around me cast with a rosy glow. I was breathless for a moment, my heart full of wonder at this life God has given us. I love those moments. Those moments where everything is still and you say to yourself,
Life is so, so beautiful. Lord Jesus, you are so, so good. Your works are marvelous. Thank you. I love you. Thank you for moments like this.
These are the simple moments I hope never to forget.