The Russell's Daily Blessings

I go through stages where I just need a change.  I love to re-arrange rooms,  paint, anything for a fresh look.  This week I was in need of some changes.  On Wednesday I got a lot of hair cut off and got a new hairstyle, I needed a fresh look and I am very happy with it.

This weekend the boys and I moved the kids tv and entertainment center downstairs and brough our piano upstairs.  It really does change the look of our front room area.  Now if only we could get new flooring I would be oh so happy, right?  Well partially.  We really desire new flooring in that room, but are learning to be content right now. With the economy so sluggish and so much uncertainty, we are waiting.  I will settle for coverings for my chairs that have not held up so well.

 

This year I have enjoyed making a few new holiday decorations for our family.   I really enjoyed making each project and I am very proud of the final product.   The first project I made with my new Stamping friends.  The completed project is a double-sided banner with with SU’s exclusive Big Shot Pennant die.  We made them out of assorted holiday fabrics.  One side is “Thanks” for Thanksgiving, the other side if “Joyful” for Christmas season.  As you can see, it is hung proudly on my fireplace.

For many years I have wanted an advent calendar for our family at Christmas time.  I have looked for years and the ones that I love are all so very expensive.  So this year a couple of friends and I decided to make our own.   Again, this item is a treasure as it is made with love.  Most of the products I used are Stampin’ Up! Products in this project as well.

These projects and many others have really kicked the holidays off in a special way.  I love handmade items that gleen with love.

 

Although I am starting this blog well into November, I want to keep a running list of things I am thankful for from now until the end of the year.   (This will be an ongoing post).  Most of what I will be posting will have to do with the things that happen or do not happen as a result of having the Holy Spirit in my life.  It is such a beautiful thing when you can be aware of all of the ways (big or small) that God is working in your life, isn’t it?

November 16th Gillian fell and cut her lip on our kitchen table yesterday.  The angle and depth of the cut was amazing, this little slit on her mouth was deep and bled a lot.  I am thankful that it was not worse than it was. Her face and teeth will be just fine.  We definitely felt Gods presence and protection for our baby girl.

November 17th I got pulled over today for expired tags (WHAT??!!!) How is this a blessing?  Well it happened AFTER I had gotten all of the kids to school.  Also because of today’s technology, the officer was able to look up and see that our tags were in fact current.  I am grateful to this officer for his patience with me and for sending me off without a ticket.  I still do not know what this exercise was about spiritually, but perhaps I will know in the future.

November 19th I am so thankful for my husband.  I am thankful that he is the head of our household and that he is our spiritual leader.  I am grateful that he is willing to lovingly teach me when I fall into sin.  I love that he goes to work each day to provide for our family. I love that our children adore him and how much he loves us.  I love that he is always willing to lend me a hand, shoulder or hug, just when I need it.  I am truly blessed by him.  Thank you Father in Heaven for my blessings.

November 23rd I am so thankful for my family and what each of them brings to my life.  I am so blessed by my husband, children, parents and sister.  God Bless each and everyone in my family.

I cannot even begin to share what this weekend meant to me.  Not that I don’t love being home with my precious family.  But, that my precious family loves me so much that they would send me to Camp Stamp for 2.5 days.

I am afraid that it has fueled my addiction, doesn’t seem possible, but it is.  The weekend was full of wonderful ideas, lots of crafting opportunities, making new friends spending quality time with old friends.  It is fun to learn new techniques, use other tools and products and learn how others organize their stuff!  I must admit, It is also fun to share what you know with other stampers.    Oh and the fact that I finished my Christmas cards for 2008, B-O-N-U-S!!!

I am very blessed to have a great husband who is willing to shoulder the load for the weekend (thank you honey).   I am also blessed with dear and precious friends who are so good to me.

 

The Geniune Article (Part B)

Keep your eyes on your Heavenly Father.

If you need encouragement from the days events watch this.

Pray

Be in The Word…

Even if it is particularly hard right now.

Submission to the Authorities

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
-Romans 13:1-5