This is the year that John and I have decided we need to begin creating traditions. Things we do as a family that will be remembered and hopefully carried on, things they will look foward to doing every year! We have really been working on trying to start some genuine, fun, and heartfelt traditions that dont have anything do with getting but more about giving. Understanding the real reason and understanding whats really going on in the rest of the world. Also ones that are just plain fun! Since this is kind of an online journal i thought it might be fun for the boys to look back and see when we started certain traditions!
Im sure many will change thru the years but here are a few we've decided to start...
1) Writing a christmas card everyday to a friend. (We have failed miserably on this one but we might do better next year)
2) They got to go to the mall and purchase a gift for their brother (under $10)...they are "supposed" to keep it a secret (so far so good) Then on Christmas Eve they get to open the gift from their brother! I am really looking forward to this one!
3) We also got to purchase a gift for a child at "The Giving Tree" at the mall...we are really trying to get them excited about the idea of GIVING rather than RECEIVING. Caleb was not a super big fan about buying a gift for his brother then for another kid and walking out with nothing! Its a process:)
4) We will be going with friends and family to see "Christmas Tree Lane" for the second year in a row! Always fun!
5) They worked on gifts for the friends and family and were able to pass them out which was really fun to work on!
6) For the past 3 years daddy sits down before bed Christmas eve and tells the story of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the shepards, the wise men, the camels...its really sweet. I've recorded it every year and I am excited to see how the boys will respond this christmas.
7) Christmas Eve we are gonna try to watch the previous Christmas that we video taped. Its always fun to look back:)
8) Every year our plan is to purchase the boys one "big" gift and then we have been adding to their library by buying them each a book..mommy buys one for Jack and one for Caleb and daddy buys one for Jack and one for Caleb. That way they will have an awesome collection of quality books growing up! Plus we get to write a little note in them about the year and share how grateful we are for them!
9) This year we purchased a care package for a persecuted missionary family overseas but we have still yet to get it in the mail! so we'll see how that plays out. But it sounded like a super cool idea:)
10) Our hope is to go to the nursing home every Christmas, pass out Christmas cards and just spread some Jesus Cheer!
11) Make muddy buddies and popcorn balls
12) Watch our classic Christmas movie collection throughout the month!
13) picking a Christmas card that we received that month out of the basket at dinner and praying over that family!
MY LIST COULD GO ON! I LOVE TRADITIONS AND i LOVE MAKING MEMORIES! I HOPE MY BOYS WILL LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DO CAUSE IF NOT...IM GONNA BE THAT REALLY OBNOXIOUS MOMMA IN HER APRON MAKIN FUDGE AND FORCING EVERYONE TO SIT DOWN AND BE JOLLY DARN IT!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Saturday, December 05, 2009
My Gingerbread Men
Thanks Aunt Becky for making homemade gingerbread houses!! We enjoyed decorating last week:)
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Thank you Jesus for answering even the smallest prayers:)
Monday night Jack woke up at 12:30am crying. He has actually been doing this several times this last week and unfortunately I have gone in everytime because we have had family here and I never wanted him to wake them up.
This cry was different and I could tell he didnt feel good. I picked him up to hold him and he did the whole "dry heave"! I said to myself..."OK here we go!" Assuming he caught the flu bug that is going around! I had John help me set up the living room with a blanket, pillows, towels, an empty trash can and a movie for us! I laid with him for about 4 hours while he moaned, rolled around, asked me to hold him, took his shirt off? (whats with that?) and cried. I kept checking his head and he was slowly getting warmer and warmer. It was then that I began to pray out loud. I asked our Father to calm his tummy, comfort him and release this sickness that seemed to be creeping up on him. I am always praying through stomach flu's I HATE THEM! We laid there and no joke at 4:30am he was up, smiling, talking about the movie we were watching, laughing and snuggling. I couldnt believe it! I was able to witness God answer a (I'll be it small) prayer. He never threw up, never got really hot, and all that seems to be left is a snotty nose.
Thank you God for answering my prayer, Thank you for listening to the momma's who just want their little ones to feel better, My prayer was so miner compared to so many little ones suffering with greater illnesses and parents who are daily on their knees for their children who are hurting...thank you for reminding me of how blessed I am and reminding me to also be on my knees for all the little children who are truly dealing with greater needs...because you listen, you care, you love them and you want to hear us pray! Praise You!
(here are some sweet pics our good friend Breezy took of our little man)
This cry was different and I could tell he didnt feel good. I picked him up to hold him and he did the whole "dry heave"! I said to myself..."OK here we go!" Assuming he caught the flu bug that is going around! I had John help me set up the living room with a blanket, pillows, towels, an empty trash can and a movie for us! I laid with him for about 4 hours while he moaned, rolled around, asked me to hold him, took his shirt off? (whats with that?) and cried. I kept checking his head and he was slowly getting warmer and warmer. It was then that I began to pray out loud. I asked our Father to calm his tummy, comfort him and release this sickness that seemed to be creeping up on him. I am always praying through stomach flu's I HATE THEM! We laid there and no joke at 4:30am he was up, smiling, talking about the movie we were watching, laughing and snuggling. I couldnt believe it! I was able to witness God answer a (I'll be it small) prayer. He never threw up, never got really hot, and all that seems to be left is a snotty nose.
Thank you God for answering my prayer, Thank you for listening to the momma's who just want their little ones to feel better, My prayer was so miner compared to so many little ones suffering with greater illnesses and parents who are daily on their knees for their children who are hurting...thank you for reminding me of how blessed I am and reminding me to also be on my knees for all the little children who are truly dealing with greater needs...because you listen, you care, you love them and you want to hear us pray! Praise You!
(here are some sweet pics our good friend Breezy took of our little man)
Uganda Boutique
PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR TRIP, CHECK SOME PEOPLE OFF YOUR GIFT LIST, AND ENJOY FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP:) CLICK HERE for the link with pictures and pricing:)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving 09
Our Thanksgiving this year was so bitter sweet. We had an amazing day with family...played at the park all morning, ate the most amazing Thanksgiving dinner (thanks aunt Becky), watched movies, took naps, ate lots of pie, played at the playground, had a talent show,chatted, played games till 10pm! It was such a great time of family and fellowship. It was just hard realizing it may not be like this for a long time, all of us together. That this would be the last Thanksgiving in this house and on this property:( We enjoyed every moment realizing just how grateful we all were for being together on this day with so much to give Thanks for!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I am Thankful for them this THANKSGIVING!
John and I are just so grateful for so many things: The Cross, Gods amazing grace and forgiveness, family, a home, food on the table, healthy amazing children, good friends, an amazing church body, God's provision...the list can go on forever!!
We also are having kind of an intense week with lots to pray for!
PLEASE PRAY for our dear little Friend MICAH MARSHALL.
He was taken back to Cottage hospital due to lung issues from a cold/flu he has been fighting. Please pray for complete healing! Also be lifting their family up in prayer as this will be the second Thanksgiving in a row that they will be spending in the hospital. Please pray for comfort, peace, rest and blessings upon that family!
Please pray for our friend Julie as she just underwent an amazing lung transplant on Sunday night! She is doing amazing but the recovery will take a while. Please pray for the family of the donor as they are healing and mourning the loss of a loved one! Please pray for Julies family as she has two young daughters who cant wait to have their mommy home:)
Please pray for another dear friend of ours who lost their unborn child last week and will be delivering her baby this friday. Pray for Gods presence in the delivery room, comfort, peace, an unbelievable recovery and God's complete healing for the family as they mourn the loss of their baby.
God has been so faithful to every single family we speak of! They have been Christ lived out in our lives. They have displayed true genuine faith in unforseen tragedy and uncertain circumstances. They all rejoice in their sufferings and give God all the Glory. They have challeneged and strengthened my faith daily! They have sharpened me in my own relationship with God and have taught me that God is Soveriegn and Good. I know at times they dont quite know what God is doing in their lives, why God chose them, how God is going to use these circumstances. BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU... HE IS USING THEM EVEN NOW!! THEY ARE TEACHING, EQUIPING AND TRAINING ME AND SO MANY OTHERS and for what its worth.... I AM THANKFUL FOR THEM THIS THANKSGIVING!!!!
We also are having kind of an intense week with lots to pray for!
PLEASE PRAY for our dear little Friend MICAH MARSHALL.
He was taken back to Cottage hospital due to lung issues from a cold/flu he has been fighting. Please pray for complete healing! Also be lifting their family up in prayer as this will be the second Thanksgiving in a row that they will be spending in the hospital. Please pray for comfort, peace, rest and blessings upon that family!
Please pray for our friend Julie as she just underwent an amazing lung transplant on Sunday night! She is doing amazing but the recovery will take a while. Please pray for the family of the donor as they are healing and mourning the loss of a loved one! Please pray for Julies family as she has two young daughters who cant wait to have their mommy home:)
Please pray for another dear friend of ours who lost their unborn child last week and will be delivering her baby this friday. Pray for Gods presence in the delivery room, comfort, peace, an unbelievable recovery and God's complete healing for the family as they mourn the loss of their baby.
God has been so faithful to every single family we speak of! They have been Christ lived out in our lives. They have displayed true genuine faith in unforseen tragedy and uncertain circumstances. They all rejoice in their sufferings and give God all the Glory. They have challeneged and strengthened my faith daily! They have sharpened me in my own relationship with God and have taught me that God is Soveriegn and Good. I know at times they dont quite know what God is doing in their lives, why God chose them, how God is going to use these circumstances. BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU... HE IS USING THEM EVEN NOW!! THEY ARE TEACHING, EQUIPING AND TRAINING ME AND SO MANY OTHERS and for what its worth.... I AM THANKFUL FOR THEM THIS THANKSGIVING!!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Rumors and Possibilities~
So there have been a lot of conversations, facebook status's and questions about the Harrell's next few months. So here are some facts:
Yes - I will be going to Uganda this year. Last year John, his dad and my dad went to Uganda to hold a pastors conference and God did Mighty things. It has now stemed into a dream of an amazing opportunity to minister to pastors all over the world. Because John and his father have such a passion for this place and this ministry I realized it only seemed appropriate for me to experience it as well. This year they will be putting on a womens conference and so they are looking for men and women! Anyone interested please let us know??!! We are already building an awesome team and are putting on our first fundraiser December 4th check previous post for flyer:)
Yes - Johns parents are moving to Mississippi in the middle of January. They are headed back to care for family as well as feeling led by the Lord to take a HUGE step in faith and begin the journey of starting a new Ministry called "UNCHANGING TRUTH"(the opportunity I just wrote about above)a Ministry to train and equip indigenous pastors in countries where seminary and higher education just isn't possible. An amazing opportunity to be a part of molding and shaping church bodies to know their Word (give them the Word, for that matter) and allow Gods Spirit to move in dark places that are thirsty for the Truth. PLEASE KEEP JOHNS PARENTS IN YOUR PRAYERS!!
Yes - Johns sister and her family will be moving to Texas beginning of December! we will be very sad to not be near them but they need to go back to care for Jason's (johns brother in law) mother who is very sick! PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS as they look for a home and job!
Yes - That means John and I will be out of the house come January and are praying for God to provide us with the perfect home for ministry, a place the boys can call home, and ultimately to live without financial strain of living in Ojai.
Yes - With that said, John and I will be staying in Ojai. God has really given us opportunities here and we are so looking forward to be being used in this valley! We are talking to a church up here in Ojai about a part time worship position and , as of right now, He has swung that door wide open! It is an amazing church and we have had the joy of witnessing God's Holy Spirit moving in that place! It is a place we want to be a part of!
Yes - We will be very SAD to leave our church body in Ventura. We have been so blessed to be a part of CBC. We are so grateful that God has allowed us to serve in different ministries there and we look forward to what God has in store for that church body. We will miss so many families but we also know we will not be losing friendships because most of them do not stem from a Sunday morning conversation:)
YES - Our God has been so faithful these last two years, we have experienced things these last couple years that have molded and shaped us into two people who genuinely love their God and desire to do whatever, whenever, wherever for the sake of His Glory. We are in no way perfect or even close to where we "want to be" as followers of Christ but we are so blessed that He chose to break us and not leave us that way!! That would have not come about had we not been in these seasons of waiting, crying, praying, worshiping, waiting, depression, fear, uncertainty, waiting, praying, worshiping...well you get the point! We are not scared for these next few months because we know the God we serve. We know He is Good and we are content in that:)
YES - God has already used several friends and families in MIGHTY WAYS ( to put it lightly) these last couple of days. We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God has confirmed over and over that He has a plan and that He is in control and it could not have been more confirmed than in this last week:) Thank you (you know who's) Thank you for being obedient to Gods Call! We are so blessed to call you friends!
YES - Please be praying for us! We look forward to the next few steps God has for us and He has already opened and closed doors so clearly that we are confident He is moving and providing for us...but we covet all prayers from our friends and family during this time!
Yes - I will be going to Uganda this year. Last year John, his dad and my dad went to Uganda to hold a pastors conference and God did Mighty things. It has now stemed into a dream of an amazing opportunity to minister to pastors all over the world. Because John and his father have such a passion for this place and this ministry I realized it only seemed appropriate for me to experience it as well. This year they will be putting on a womens conference and so they are looking for men and women! Anyone interested please let us know??!! We are already building an awesome team and are putting on our first fundraiser December 4th check previous post for flyer:)
Yes - Johns parents are moving to Mississippi in the middle of January. They are headed back to care for family as well as feeling led by the Lord to take a HUGE step in faith and begin the journey of starting a new Ministry called "UNCHANGING TRUTH"(the opportunity I just wrote about above)a Ministry to train and equip indigenous pastors in countries where seminary and higher education just isn't possible. An amazing opportunity to be a part of molding and shaping church bodies to know their Word (give them the Word, for that matter) and allow Gods Spirit to move in dark places that are thirsty for the Truth. PLEASE KEEP JOHNS PARENTS IN YOUR PRAYERS!!
Yes - Johns sister and her family will be moving to Texas beginning of December! we will be very sad to not be near them but they need to go back to care for Jason's (johns brother in law) mother who is very sick! PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS as they look for a home and job!
Yes - That means John and I will be out of the house come January and are praying for God to provide us with the perfect home for ministry, a place the boys can call home, and ultimately to live without financial strain of living in Ojai.
Yes - With that said, John and I will be staying in Ojai. God has really given us opportunities here and we are so looking forward to be being used in this valley! We are talking to a church up here in Ojai about a part time worship position and , as of right now, He has swung that door wide open! It is an amazing church and we have had the joy of witnessing God's Holy Spirit moving in that place! It is a place we want to be a part of!
Yes - We will be very SAD to leave our church body in Ventura. We have been so blessed to be a part of CBC. We are so grateful that God has allowed us to serve in different ministries there and we look forward to what God has in store for that church body. We will miss so many families but we also know we will not be losing friendships because most of them do not stem from a Sunday morning conversation:)
YES - Our God has been so faithful these last two years, we have experienced things these last couple years that have molded and shaped us into two people who genuinely love their God and desire to do whatever, whenever, wherever for the sake of His Glory. We are in no way perfect or even close to where we "want to be" as followers of Christ but we are so blessed that He chose to break us and not leave us that way!! That would have not come about had we not been in these seasons of waiting, crying, praying, worshiping, waiting, depression, fear, uncertainty, waiting, praying, worshiping...well you get the point! We are not scared for these next few months because we know the God we serve. We know He is Good and we are content in that:)
YES - God has already used several friends and families in MIGHTY WAYS ( to put it lightly) these last couple of days. We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God has confirmed over and over that He has a plan and that He is in control and it could not have been more confirmed than in this last week:) Thank you (you know who's) Thank you for being obedient to Gods Call! We are so blessed to call you friends!
YES - Please be praying for us! We look forward to the next few steps God has for us and He has already opened and closed doors so clearly that we are confident He is moving and providing for us...but we covet all prayers from our friends and family during this time!
Our Week in a Nutshell
So our computer has been throwing fits and I havent really been able to post much lately so here are a few updates on things we did this week: Cowboy dinners, naps with daddy, wardrobe swap that went off without a hitch:), trips to the lake with friends to feed the birdies, dirt days, craft time to get ready for the boutique, boys movie night, naps with new friends (stormy), and now it will be a week of COUSINS!! The boys are so excited to spend a week with their favorite little family members. And John and I are looking forward to the amazing dinner Johns sister will be putting on for all our family:)
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