Pondering Grace....

My Grace is sufficient for you....
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound....
Grace flows down and covers me...
Grace that is greater than all my sin...

Some thoughts about the "g" word. I have been reading a book Families where Grace is in Place, and it is really stirred my thoughts. I don't know if I have ever lived like this...What? Really? I mean really? I keep asking myself. I am not even half way into the book and I am nailed to the wall.
Andy and I have been asking ourselves what does this look like? The only answer right now that I can truly say is "more of Jesus, less of me." I must die to my expectations of others and respond in a way that only Christ in me would respond. Ugh....I have made some serious mistakes. I was ugly to the stamps.com guy, the swim lessons lady, my kids and I want them all to feel bad! That is not grace. That is love of self-idol-worship! I am learning but in no way do I have any real way to tell you except surround yourself in Jesus and last night our pastor preached to Philippians 4:8---whatever is pure, noble right...think on these things. If you don't know where to find them, start in the very word of God. You will probably stay. That is my goal. I am praying my eyes will be opened to grace.

Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.

Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception.

Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude.

Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road."

-John Henry Jowett

Here is a quote that I found from a favorite blog of mine. I am again, reminded of how being thankful changes our atmosphere.
93. that when we seek You, we find You
94. you are my True North
95. your voice is quiet and so honest-thanks for speaking to my heart
96. Your old ways that never grow old
97. that you know it all before I tell you
98. for Andy and his hard work
99. the high standard you hold for me
100. by your grace I will meet this standard and it is life
101. that you open my eyes
102. that I made it to 100!
103. that my Christmas shopping is done!
104. this season is so much fun!
105. for a down day like today

Early Morning Gratitude

I am usually not a big fan of being on the computer during my quiet time because I get distracted, but I am trying to make some head way on my Gratitude and I always write it down in my journal, but it isn't transferring like I thought it would!
I have been reading a book by Stormie O'Martian on worship that has been such a blessing and a challenge to my soul. Today I read about God being our Provision and our Protection. I think I take these things for granted. Worship and Thanksgiving are such a big part of our relationship with the Lord because we are changed from our inward focus to an upward focus so here I go. It is Before 7am and I am already needing that upward focus today!
Thank you Sweet Father,
73. You are my Provider
74. You are my Protector
75. for all the times you have protected me and provided for me and I did not know
76. that you protect Andy when he is at work
77. that you provide for our family through EFW (Andy's work)
78. that you have blessed our family with more than enough
79. that we have been physically protected from harm
80. that every good and perfect gift comes from you (James 1:17)
81. Father, you want us to give so we can appreciate what has been given to us
82. for giving me 2 children
83. for giving me more than I could ever ask or imagine-God you are so good!
84. thank you for the Church at the Cross' presentation of the Journey to Bethlehem
85. for this sweet season that celebrates YOU
86. lights on houses
87. Christmas trees
88. stockings
89. Christmas movies
90. Chrstmas music
91. enjoying all these things
92. thank you for being born

Have a blessed day. Don't forget to Praise Him...it really changes things!

!

Cindy Lou Who!

The girls by the Christmas tree


This really isn't the only thing she wears!

It is December and the Hull's are celebrating. Our verse of the month is Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given and the government will be on His shoulders and He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

We are directing our attention of who God promises to be to us and worshiping Jesus...the reason for the season. Oh, we are so enjoying the giggle and watching Rudolph and Santa on TV-EVERY DAY! We pray you are enjoying all the things this season has to offer.

Worship

I am reading a book on how worship changes everything...it lets us see the heart of God and helps us to focus on Him in everything we do. Thanksgiving is a part of worship...recognizing God and what He has done for us through Jesus. Worship with me!
57. "Mommy, I read Psalm 100 to Ivy!" thank you Father that your word penetrates even the little hearts of Emery and Ivy
58. Jesus, my redeemer.
59. When we seek you, we find you.
60. When we find you we are changed
61. When we are changed we want to please you, worship you and we live in unity
62. thank you for unity between Andy and me
63. thank you that you heal the sick
64. for Ivy's new teeth!
65. Maria
66. 33 years of life
67. knowing my true love for 10 years
68. The best 10 years of my life
69. our first date at Cozymel's
70. Wonderful counselor
71. Prince of Peace
72. Everlasting Father

Thanksgiving

41. for the life of Christ in me, continually repairing me
42. worship...the only way for me to focus on HIM
43. productive days
44. my water aerobics family
45. the great visit with Grandma and Grandpa Hull
46. Halloween candy...(it is a love hate relationship!)
47. Halloween candy being gone!
48. my Heavenly Daddy
49. hugs...instead of condemnation
50. new light fixtures!
51. my new aerobics shoes! (really makes a diff!)
52. for Ann cheering me on to finish this list all the way to 1000
53. the provision for being able to go to Michigan for Christmas
54. every day conveniences...like email
55. confidence that only comes from my identity in Christ
56. Psalm 100...thanksgiving

Fall Favorites

Emery and her "adopted sister"
Sullivan. We can't get enough of her!

Emery found Daddy's trombone...

Like mommy....


Emery and Uncle Steve...a favorite!

You are special to our family Uncle Steve!!!


Ivy loves to read....precious!


Here are some fun pics of the girls that I have taken recently. We have been having lots of fun at home because they have been sick with a persistent cough. The Lord has been so gracious during this time as it seems lots of people have had sickness. I do have my continual list of thanksgiving going on but I will add it another day when I haven't been uploading pics for an hour!