New Mini - Old Mini

This afternoon we paid our friend Greg a visit. Greg has had this red “racing strips” new Mini for several years and I have ALWAYS loved his car (and he's known it). So, I had to show off my new toy and gain some perspective on the difference in size between the old and new models. The classic is much smaller than the new minis as you can see. Isn't it awesome that we both have the red mini with the white racing strips? Love it.

Da Mini

Well, I have to admit, I was not expecting this Christmas present. But oh my gosh! I'm in love with my new car! Yes that's right. I got a classic mini.
 

As many of our readers know, about 6 months ago Mike was looking into starting a classic mini cooper importing business. (In short) after hours and hours of research we determined that it was not going to work. So, I gave up the idea of getting a classic mini. Until Saturday when Mike completely surprised me with a gorgeous red mini in our driveway. It came all the way from Belgum through Dallas and took 6 months to find, purchase and arrive. It is a 1999, sport pack, fuel injected beauty. One of the very last years they made the mini-mini style. You’ve got to see it to believe it. VroomVroom…

Friends around the holidays

Some our of good holiday memories this year include our friends thank goodness. It is so fun to use the holidays as an excuse to hang out and catch up or just go out.





















Our friends Jason and Carolyn (pictured 1st): Jason is deployed right now and could use all our prayers.





















Old friend: Emily and super awesome boyfriend Brandon.

**Also, we did not get a photo of our friends Sheena and Chris but we just discovered that they bought the house right across from us. So we are neighbors which is way cool!

Project Done

 

This post is for my sister Megan, cause she asked for it. We've had a BIG project going on in our house since Thanksgiving and it is finally done. I honestly can't believe we hadn't done it sooner. We've lived in this house going on 2 years. Well, we painted the whole inside of our house (exlcuing the bedrooms and bathrooms that we've already painted). This included our 2 story stairwell. Mike was hanging off a ladder from the wrong side with his paint bucket attached to the back of his jeans. I could not get a picture because I had to "spot him" as if I was going to catch him if he fell. Ha! Then we put a chair rail up in the entry, which was almost the hardest part. Well the tree is up and the project is done. That feels good.

A High Maintenance Christian

The other day I realized that I am a high maintenance Christian. I constantly need encouragement, reassurance and direction. I am always looking for signs that I am on God’s path and not straying onto something my personal desires have invented. And I am not talking about every once in a while. I am saying I have a daily need for direction, conformation and encouragement.

Furthermore, I struggle with simple things in life like church attendance, who to send donations to and what constitutes appropriate viewing material on television.

So not only do I require constant attention, I also require constant corrections. I think this makes me a high maintenance Christian.

Every mother will tell you that some children need a lot of attention and encouragement, while others need very little. Only recently I have discovered I am the former and not the latter.

God wants us to be dependant on Him in our pursuits and life, but I wonder if I cross the line from a needy-child to a child with special needs. And if so is this a bad thing, or just a natural state of Christianity? After all, aren’t we all special and need special things to keep us moving in the right direction?

Psalms 62:7-8, My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him for God is our refuge.

Another interesting thought.

I find it worthy of note how we are instructed to
'boldly' approach the throne of God, yet we are also
instructed to 'humbly' approach the throne of God.
Which is it? IT'S BOTH!

I know Christians who never question their actions or
behaviors, they have somehow received salvation but no
change takes place in their behavior.

Jesus says that we must pick up our cross 'daily' and
follow Him. Which, to me involves a desire to grow in
Him and walk uprightly before Him. Walking uprightly
before Him requires daily maintenance. I believe that
God wants us to stay alert and be on guard for attacks
from the enemy, BUT....we have the Holy Spirit
dwelling within us who will "check" us if we start to
go off track. Ask Him for clarity and discernment and
He will give it to you.

And finally, remember who you are in Him, your His
Son, a co-heir with Christ, you have awesome authority
and favor resting on you! You are redeemed by the
Blood of Jesus! You are His treasured possession! You
are the apple of His eye! His thoughts for you
outnumber the sand on the seashore!
He chose you to be His very own!