So, I have been asked lately considering it's Christmas time if I Leon and I were going to teach Evelynne to believe in Santa Clause. Now Leon and I both grew up without believing in Santa. And we both don't feel like we missed out on a Christmas exciting tradition. Yes, my parents had Santa Clause decor around the house (That honestly would creep me out a bit!) But they were always teaching us kids that Jesus was the real reason for the season. In fact on a majority of our gifts they would put "Love Jesus" to remind of us of His true gift.
Now, hear me out when I say I have NOTHING against parents who teach their kids to believe in Santa. Nothing at all. If you want to teach your child to believe in Santa as a parent that is your choice ;) I'm just speaking personal here.
For us, the choice has really come down to our relationship with Evie. We have and will always want her to know that we will teach her the truth. And that the true meaning of Christmas is not about a white bearded man who lives in the south pole and loves cookies. But the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Who has come into the world to heal the sick,raise the dead, to bring joy and live into this world once again. Who sacrificed Himself on the cross for us. So that we may have everlasting life in His Magnificent presence. For Leon and I we believe that's magical enough. And that Jesus should have ALL the Glory at Christmas. And not have to share it with a man of imagination.
Some may think we're taking the fun out of Christmas for Evelynne by taking “Santa” from a child’s
Christmas experience, but Leon and I don’t see it or feel that way at all! In fact, if
taking Santa away from Christmas takes away the “experience” of it, then
what are we really celebrating Christmas for anyway? What is the real meaning of Christmas to you?
We believe Jesus is forever the real reason for the season. And we want our daughter to know this her whole life. Not just when she's too old to believe in Santa.
So, this Sunday December the 23rd will be a very,very special day for me. Not only will it be the Sunday I get to pull out my Christmas hat and show it off, but on this date last year a very special event took place that changed two peoples lives forever. Where two people came together and made a commitment to love one another unconditionally, to cherish each other more than any other, to honor one another, and to minister together as one flesh. The 23rd of December last year was the day I married my forever best friend, my holy hunk. I still remember the jitters I had from last year. The thought of that big step in life I was taking that would change my life forever. And this Sunday will be our one year mark.. One year down Mr. Riley and the rest of our lives to go!
I have learned so much about this handsome man I am quite taken with this past year. This year hasn't been the perfect year that's for sure. This year hasn't been the best financially for us considering he finally just got a career in late September and we're still in the process of learning to be good a steward with our money as well. Leon had to learn to take care of a wife with horrible morning sickness within three months after getting married. And I had to learn to understand my husband and what he was going through during that time. But one thing I have learned about Marriage and life in general is that if God is the complete center of both of your lives then all things are possible and all things will will work together to good for those who love Him.
I praise God for Leon and I am so extremely thankful for him everyday! We are so good for each other. I have wondered why we were put together sometimes. But now I finally know why! He needed a submissive wife who understands who he is as a person. And I needed someone to give me an extra push and challenge when I needed it. It's so funny how two very different people can fit together so perfectly.
I have taken this year to study my husband.. I definitely don't have a degree on him yet or anything. He's just so much it might take me a few years a life time to have him all down. But I do love everything about him. But then again I really wish he was a breakfast person. I LOVE breakfast and I think he should too! Aw well. I guess he can't love everything I love ;)
I know he doesn't like being touched when he sleeps. Which I must admit is hard for me sometimes. Because honestly the only thing I wanna do when I sleep is cuddle... I get him a few times though!
Happy early Anniversary sweetie! I'm so looking forward to the rest of our lives together as we both continue to seek the Lord and the purpose and ministry He has in store for us!
If you would like to read about our love story you can go here!
So, check it out! Leon and I haven't even been married for a year yet and we already increased the human population!! Imagine what we could do in a life time! hehehe
Yes, I tried to do a post with no pictures of Evie. Considering that's pretty much all my blog has been about since she was conceived... I just couldn't help it though! She just looks so darn cute.
When I listened to the radio on Friday evening my heart was completely torn when I heard about the Connecticut massacre. When the lives of so many children and teachers were taken by a man that just wanted to be remembered for something. As a new mother I just wanted to cry for all those parents and give them the biggest hug I have ever given anyone. I just couldn't imagine what they must be feeling. My heart will forever go out to them.
During the Holiday season we get so rounded up and busy with Gift shopping, cooking, card making, and party planning that we so often forget the true meaning of these Holidays and why we celebrate them.
We celebrate Thanksgiving and then the next day we rip out each others hair so we can get to the first and cheapest flat screen TV we can find. We spend Christmas making it as perfect as we can. With the special Christmas edition blog post, or food or spending the entire month preparing the appearance for Christmas, or working overtime so you can buy extra gifts for people and you can get the few seconds of fame.
My question for you is What would you do differently this year if this was the last holiday with your loved ones?
How differently would you treat your neighbor this holiday if you knew it would be their last?
The Holiday Season usually either makes people more jolly or deeply stresses people out. I have always had a problem with this! Why are we only jolly during the holidays. Jesus came into the world and died on the cross for us so we could be jolly and spread light all year around! And why are people letting the Holidays that are supposed to be joyful stress you out? Look, whatever is stressing you out you need to let it go. If you're not doing the best financially this year. It's okay, people will survive without gifts from you this year. It's not worth your joy being stolen.
Honestly, I may not be wording this the best way I can and capable of doing. In fact it may sound like a bunch of rambling to you. To be truthful I am utterly exhausted from Evelynne crying for most of the day today. But I really wanted to take a moment to share something with you that I really think needs to be said.
WE NEED TO LIGHT THIS WORLD!
We are so caught up in our own lives that we are not concerned with the world around us.
People are hurting and we Christians are so caught up in our own thing.
We need to let everyone around us know, and show them how much Jesus loves them.
We need to take back the darkness of this evil world and replace it with "The Light" again.
Because so many people are seeing the hurt and not enough are seeing the light.
We need to remind ourselves and seek God to remind us why we are here.
To be the light He sent us to be.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16
I pray for these families. That they will find comfort and life and that they will find peace in Jesus.
This Holiday season. Let us try blessing someone not with just gifts. But lets light their candles when they can't do it themselves.
