After four years, we've just started getting to know our neighbors down the street, the Floyds, who are wonderful Christians. They have a neat story in that three years ago they came to know Christ through some other neighbors who reached out to them. Now they have a passion to reach their neighbors. It has been very inspiring and eye-opening to learn that all this time we could have had an impact in our other neighbors lives by getting to know them and serving them, but we have not put enough effort into it. Now, we are hoping to join with the Floyds to think of ongoing creative ways to get to know everyone on our street and possibly invite them to church or share Christ with them.

These pictures are at the Floyds where Santa stopped by to visit with neighborhood kiddos. Caleb told santa his Christmas would be even better if he got some batman toys and an airplane. :) But really, he wasn't that impressed with santa. He had more fun playing with the other kids, constantly ringing the Floyd's doorbell :) and decorating and eating cookies.

Christmas Comes Early!
We celebrated Christmas early with Uncle John, Aunt Eve, Kate, Claire and Luke because Aunt Eve is due any day with baby number 4. Caleb got a train table which was very exciting. He also got a Diego rescue center from his Gigi. He plays with these two toys every day all day. Santa has a major task ahead to top these treasures.

Little Drummer Boy - This pic totally sums up Caleb. He has a free independent spirit and moves to the beat of his own drummer. Hmmm.....wonder where he gets that personality? :)

Heavy Thoughts

Lately a thought occurred to me while driving and listening to the radio. An excert from a Christian sermon said something about us being in an increasing spiritual battle as the end times draw closer. The pastor speaking on the radio said the lines are being drawn between light and dark and asked, "Which side will you be on?" I chuckled to myself thinking, "Hmmm.....I think I'll go with the light on that one."

But just after joking to myself, a thought occurred...or maybe it was the Holy Spirit speaking loudly to me. "Oh really, you're on the side of the light? Let's look at all of the ways you partake of the dark side and let's evaluate which side you're really on." It occurred to me that every single thing in this world is either of the light or the dark. There really is no middle ground. So when I look at the television shows I watch, the magazines I look at or the music I listen to, for example, which of those are actually not of God and really of the enemy. How much of the enemy's weapons am I exposing myself to. The more I thought about this, the more uncomfortable and convicted I became. How can we really say we're on God's side of this battle if we partake in any way of those alluring tools of the enemy? Think about how absurd it would be for our troops to be hanging out and attending some of the parties held by the Iraqi terrorist insurgents. That just wouldn't happen. Those are the enemies.

Ephesians 5:3-5
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater- has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Ephesians 5:7-10
Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Now, if that doesn't knock you out of your chair....

So, with that confirmation in the Word of what the Holy Spirit spoke to me, I am going to pledge out in the open for all my friends to hold me accountable that I am going to do my best to take a more firm stand in the little things in my life to walk in the light. The first thing I am going to eliminate is my weekly "OC" (tv show) addiction. I'm not going to watch it anymore and I know it sounds silly, but that is really a hard one for me. That tells me I truly am addicted to it since it is so hard to confess to not watch it anymore. I know if I just pledge secretly to myself I won't stick to it. In the meantime I am going to be cringing as I ask God to show me what else needs to go.

Halloween Fun
This Halloween we hung out and went trick-or-treating with some friends from our new church (Northwood). The group pic is Brandon, Caleb and Ashley. Ashley and Caleb walked down the streets holding hands. It was so cute! After trick-or-treating, we went up to our church's Fall Festival and jumped in the bounce houses.

I struggled this year with the whole Halloween thing since Caleb, not yet 3 yrs old, was already battling me on wanting to be a monster for Halloween. I knew I'd cross that bridge during his school years, but I never thought so soon. We finally agreed on Batman and he was very excited to be a super hero that helps people. He has worn the costume everyday since at home and wakes up in the morning telling me what he needs to eat for breakfast, saying "that's what super heroes eat."

Our Family Trip to Oklahoma
We had soooo much fun in Oklahoma. We went horseback riding, hiking, rode on a steam train and ATV riding which was awesome! Caleb had a blast playing non-stop with his cousins Claire, Kate and Luke.

BOYS GONE WILD!

This is Luke and Caleb doing "the booty dance" on top of the picnic table on our deck at the cabin in Oklahoma.