Seasons Greetings!

Make a Smilebox greeting

We decided to make an enviromentally, cheap, and easy Christmas card this year. Enjoy! May your holiday be merry!

Merry CHRIST-mas To All!

With the holidays and the hustle and bustle of so many things edging to take priority, I have been feeling a bit bogged down with Christmas. I wish it was called CHRIST-mas so that so many people wouldn't feel bad about not getting gifts, or not giving gifts, or not having family, or having too much family. Most of all, this season is all about celebrating what makes us the happiest in this world. For me that is CHRIST. I am so grateful that he loves me and that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me too--despite all of the things that I do wrong or could do better. I am grateful for family, and due to that, here are some way cute videos of our little "Angel." She is really precious and we thank God for her everyday. She always finds a way to show us that life is not as hard or as evil as we see on the news. With just a little faith, and a lot of love, anyone can be as happy as Sophy (well, almost anyone...she is such a happy baby!).

Why I Believe What I Believe

In a world where persecution of religion is seen as an act of civil liberty, in a world where those who have no choice are killed at a rate of 40 million per year across the world (more than all deaths in WW 1 & 2 combined through the span of 14 years), in a world where popular "buy now pay later" plans have lead to "economic uncertainty," in a world where The One who gave us breath and "one nation under God" is not allowed into schools, or into the government which He helped to inspire...it's hard to believe that we really are that thankless. Can we not see what we are doing? With all of the crime, poverty and uncertainty, I felt it would be important to share a few of my beliefs.

What I believe: I believe in a country where those who help others are thanked. I believe in a country that loves others and wants to do the best for everyone. I believe in a government that asks for help and guidance from the One who is central to our creation. I believe in God. I believe that He has a plan for us. I believe that He loves ALL of His children. I believe we should never be afraid to share good things with others in a world of sorrows. I do not believe that this truth would impose on anyone, but includes everyone. I believe that there is more to this life than superficial self-gratification and eventual death. I believe in Christ. He is God's Son. I know that He suffered dearly for my sins, weaknesses and inadequacies. I believe in the ability for every person to do better and be better than they think they have the capacity, through Him. I believe in friends. I believe in forgiveness. I believe I can learn through suffering and trials and become stronger when I ask for spiritual guidance. I believe that God loves His children so much that He does not leave us alone in our struggles, but is waiting for us to ask for help. Afterall, how could it hurt?

I believe in something more than this life, and that is what makes me happy. That is what keeps me waking up every morning. That is what helps me to want to "pay it forward"-not just because I'll get something from it eventually, but because it's the right thing to do, what He would have me do. I believe that He works in miracles everyday. I believe He will come. I believe we are loved. I believe in miracles, yes, even today. In a world where many will fall for anything, isn't it better that I believe and will stand for something? Why is belief a "controversial topic" in a world where there is such a need for strength of character and spirit? I know that eventhough my life doesn't make sense at times, that eventually I will see the reason for the paths I've been directed down. I love taking strength and courage in following Him, and I love Him for helping me to see more than what meets the eye. Why do I believe this? Because it is where true happiness is found, especially in a world where many find joy in sadness. I believe ALL can take JOY IN THE JOURNEY!