Wrapping up 2013

There is soooo much I could say about this year, but instead of focusing on the year, let me just share what is happening, both in my home and in my head, this last day of 2013...

First, I am pretty sure my girls are going to be members of a nudist colony someday.  They love to run around without clothes on.  Right now they are looking at a book I have of Africa and they just saw a picture of some women without shirts on.  Outside.  Together.  Baby girl, G, just said, "There are people who go out without shirts on!"  This is an epiphany I did not need her to have.

Secondly, is there anyone else out there who wants to hunt down the makers of Easy Bake Ovens and ask, "What in the world were you thinking?"  We just spent the better part of an hour making 6 cookies, which in my opinion are inedible.  I'm not really even sure they are food.  And if I'm going to spend an hour baking, I want copious amounts of yumminess to show for it.  I would much rather spend an hour with them, mixing flour, oats and real chocolate chips and have 4 dozen cookies when we are all done.  Hmmmm...now I think I need to make real cookies.

Thirdly, I should be putting away Christmas decorations and taking down my tree, but instead I am here, typing meaninglessness.  So, let me share some things I actually want my girls to remember someday...

First (again), we are praying blessings over our girls this year.  I read another momma's blog about this same time last year and she was sharing the blessings that she prays over her 6 kiddos each year, a specific one for each kid.  I meant to do this last year, but I didn't.  I mean, we pray blessings over our kids all the time, but not a specific blessing over each child.  We do the "May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make his face to shine upon you, and give you peace; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, and be gracious unto you," blessing on the way to school.  And I speak/pray random verses that come to mind, such as, "Remember that before God formed you in the womb, He knew and He set you apart to be a prophet to the nations, telling others about Him and His love.  He is always with you.  He will never leave or forsake you.  So be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged.  The Lord is your shield and your strength, a very present help in trouble.  Jesus is the light of the world, and because you know Him, His light is in you.  Just like a city on a hill cannot be hidden, you are to shine your light before all men and let them see good works and then praise your Father up in heaven..." and on and on I may go.  And I can't help but laugh as I type, wondering how much of it is sticking.  =)

All that said, I have decided to pray the blessing of their names over them.  Big girl's middle name is Grace, so this year I am asking God to give her a full understanding of His abundant grace and that she will learn to lean fully on Him and His glorious grace that He has lavished on her with all wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1) of all the mistakes she has made, is making, and will make.  Will full understanding of all that, He poured out His grace anyway.  I want her to know it to the core of her being.  He loves you beyond comprehension, my big girl; may you be so confident in His love, that you never doubt He only has your best interest in mind.  He will lead you in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, and all things--blessings and trials--are preparing you for the crown of righteousness He has in store for you.  He makes all things beautiful, and you will stand before Him someday in beautiful new wedding garments. What a bride you will make!

Baby girls' middle name is Faith.  I am asking God to give her incredible, insatiable, life-changing faith.  I pray that she will be a radical force in this dark world because she has Rock-solid faith in the One that is the Rock.  I pray that she will so deeply believe in His incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1) that she will have the courage to do anything, go anywhere, and withstand any persecution that may come her way.  May you be unshakable, baby girl, in the firm foundation that is Christ.  May you fight the good fight and run with perseverance and finish all the good works He prepared in advance for you to do in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2).  There is a crown with your name on it too, my beautiful princess, and I can hardly wait to see you receive it!

Secondly, I want my girls to remember this:  there is no greater way to engage your minds than to meditate on His Word.  Last year I set a goal to memorize Ephesians.  I fell so very short of my goal, but I am still happy to say that I now have 2 chapters of the Word under my belt.  And, my goal is to complete the book this year.  "Thy Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee."  Let it be.

It's gonna be a great year!  Here's to a joy-filled and blessed 2014.

The Year of the Lord's Favor

61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;[a]
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;[b]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.[c]
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins;
    they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
    the devastations of many generations.

5 Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;
    foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers;
6 but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
    they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
    and in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
    instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
    they shall have everlasting joy.