The Sunday of LOVE!

December 23, 2007

The fourth Sunday of Advent.

Today we light the candle of LOVE, in addition to the candles of HOPE, PEACE & JOY.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only ... Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Christmas is not about all of the things we bring to the celebration. Christmas is about what He brings. Christmas is about a God in Heaven who loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. -Randy Vader

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: there is room in my heart for Thee!

It's Called Christmas ... with a capital "C"

Thanks ChristLights for the video! Be sure to scroll down and pause the Christmas Player so you can hear this new Christmas Song by the Go Fish guys :)

Meet my "nephew".... ZEKE!

My little brother David went and picked up his new puppy this weekend! Meet Davo's Maximus 'Zeke' Titan.... but we're just going to call him 'Zeke' :) He's is the cutest 7 week old chocolate Labrador Retriever! I can't wait for him to be big enough to play with his cousin Lucy!!! She was very sad that she didn't get to love on Zeke when he visited us Saturday. But, the breeder's told Dave to keep Zeke isolated from other dogs until he was about 14 weeks. Come mid-February Lucy will be all over him like white on rice:) Hope you are all having a great week so far! Christmas is only 7 days away... and my in-laws are only 5 days away!!!!

Lead Me to the Cross

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this page and pause the music player so you can hear the video!

Fantabulous Friday snippet...

Okay, so I know I said no Fantabulous Fridays until after the first, but I just had to sneak this one in.... It really should've been done in late November, but maybe you can have this great find for next year's Christmas Celebrations! I can't believe that I haven't posted about this book yet, so here goes.

As you can tell from this blog - I have become an "Adventer". While I realize that most of our Southern Baptist folk don't know what this is, I am fully embracing the Advent Season and even thinking ahead to when I have children of my own to share this special time with. That being said I want to recommend a book to all you Moms out there. It is Lisa Welchel's The ADVENTure of Christmas!

Now, most of you will remember our girl Lisa as Blair from one of my all time favorite TV shows, The Facts of Life. Lisa is now a Christian author and speaker. She has some wonderful books and products on the market that you should definitely check out. Her main ministry focus is Moms which led her to write a book about great ways to share the meaning of Christmas with your children through the celebration of the season of Advent. I already own this book and used several of the ideas with my preschoolers at church last year. It is just loaded with fun cratfy ways to make Christmas a month long celebration - all the while keeping Christ at the very center!

Anyway, I just wanted you to know that there are great books like this out there to help you if you're just starting to embrace the season of Advent. And of course you can always leave me a comment or question and I'll be happy to discuss it with you!

Christmas Blessings,

Ashley

The Sunday of JOY!

December 16, 2008

The third Sunday of Advent

Today we light the candle of JOY in addition to the candles of HOPE and PEACE.

"The joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

The echo of God's life within us; the infallible sign of the presence of God-just as the angel announced to the shepherds on that night long ago, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,...unto you is
born...Christ the Lord. Joy is beholding God in everything.

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: There is room in my heart for Thee!

For she's a jolly good puppy...

Well, I have officially fallen off of whatever fruit wagon on which I have been riding! For last night put the "icing on the cake" (no pun intended) of my crazy dog lady shenanigans:)

Here are just a few clips from the night... enjoy!

"Surely they aren't paying attention to me... I could never get away with this any other time."

"Momma - Daddy just got home from work and it's not like I'm smelling his arm pits for nothing. Could you please quit taking pictures already? Boy do I feel sorry for my future brothers and sisters..."

Go ahead.... Elf Yourself!

You must check this out... even if you've looked at a hundred of them by now, I guarantee you haven't seen one like this!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1330726694

Happy Birthday Lucy!

Well, my baby girl is one year old today... or so we're saying. Since Lucy was a rescue and the man who we took her from cared very little for her all he could remember is that she was born in December 2006. So, we decided that December 11th sounded like a good day and here it is! Of course this means that she is actually 7 in dog years and that age is more likely appropriate in conjunction with her behavior. She has begun to develop quite a personality! And, since her Daddy is working long hours and sees her very little, she has developed quite an attitude towards her instructions during training. Jon says she is just being rebelous because she misses him:) Awwww...

Anyway, here is an early pic from our first days with Lucy. I will post birthday pictures after tonight's celebration! Yes, I am the crazy dog-lady who is celebrating a dog's birthday - sue me!

Blessings,

Ashley

Sunday of Peace

December 9, 2008

The second Sunday of Advent

Today we light the candle of PEACE, in addition to the candle of HOPE.

"Peace I leave you, my peace I give unto you... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

God gives us His Son - The Prince of Peace - to make the dark, painful areas of our lives less frightening. He whispers softly to us "Don't rush, walk slowly, don't be afraid of the dark - I am the Light, I am with you always."

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: There is room in my heart for Thee!

Christmas Traditions!

I just love Christmas! So I thought it might be fun to discuss our favorite holiday traditions... and for me a few that I hope to begin as Jon & I have children:) My all-time favorite Christmas tradition is new Christmas Pajamas! Every year for as long as I can remember, my momma has gotten me new PJs for Christmas... I love pajamas!
In recent years another favorite of my traditions is the celebration of advent and using my advent wreath and calendar. It is such a special time and I can always feel God's warmth and light around me as I read my advent devotion and light the candles.
Okay, 2 more and I'll stop and let you chime in:) These 2 are things I hope to introduce as Jon & I begin our family - The first is for each year to take a clear glass ornament and paint the year on it, then on small slips of paper write special memories from that Christmas, such as gifts given, funnies, events, etc. The second is one that I am still working on... Jon & I have not officially decided whether or not Santa will "visit" our house. We both grew up with Santa of course, but we are both really big on Christmas being CHRISTmas. We don't want competing "joys" throughout Christmas - only the One True Joy! I know that sounds stuffy and anti-Christmas to some of you, but that's just where we are. However, if Santa does decide to visit he will only leave 3 gifts. This will give us a chance to share the story of Jesus' three gifts and the Christmas Story on a level they will understand. If Santa does not decide to "visit" we are debating on whether or not for ourselves to just give 3 gifts. ???? So much in the air and we won't fully know until those kiddos come along, but good food for thought don't you think?
So, now that I am off of my mini-soapbox tell me about your favorite Christmas traditions. Leave me a comment... whether you're a blogger or a guest:) Can't wait to hear all of your ideas!!!
Christmas Blessings,
Ashley

More Advent Ideas!

Please excuse my lack of posting this week... I keep forgetting to upload pictures to the computer and I hate to post without pictures:)

So, today I want to share another great way to celebrate advent (the Christmas season) in your home... this one's especially good for the kiddos! It is an advent calendar. Many of you may have had something similar when you were a kid so you may know better than I how wonderful this can be. The Advent Calendar can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish... you can buy one or make one... you can use a theme or just use candy! However, the type of calendar I want to introduce is one that shares the Christmas Story. For each of the 25 days of Christmas (Dec. 1-25) there is piece of the Christmas Story to add to the "puzzle". And each of those 25 days you can share with your children and family about the true meaning of Christmas - about One Perfect Gift rather than the gifts piled under your tree. Pictured above is the Advent Calendar that I purchased last year from http://www.desiringgod.org/. They are not available at this time due to the fact that they are being "revamped", but they will be back! For now, there are plenty of other places to pick one up, such as Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Home Store, Oriental Trading and many more. What a great way to celebrate the season all month rather that one day. Not to mention keeping your child's attention and giving them something to look forward to each day!

Christmas Blessings,

Ashley

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Cunselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Fantabulous Fridays Suspended...

Okay - for the next four Fridays I will be posting about the Sundays of Advent. Fantabulous Fridays will return after the first of the year :)

December 2, 2007
The First Sunday ofAdvent

Today we light the first candle of Advent - the candle of HOPE.

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul after you, O God." Psalm 42:1

Longing for God's presence in our lives, we rush through the Christmas season, intent on fulfilling the desires and wishes of our families and friends, when focus should be on getting ready to receive Jesus - the Hope of the World!

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus: there is room in my heart for Thee!

What is Advent???

The word 'advent' is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. The Christian season of Advent is a season of preparation. For the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we thank God for Christ's first coming and prepare for His second coming! For more on the history of advent and all of the "technical" aspects you should check out www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

So, now you're all wondering about the wreath -right? You know, the one I posted a picture of earlier... The Advent Wreat is the most widely recognized symbol of Advent. I'm sure you have all seen the sets of purple and pink candles during the Christmas season. But just so you'll know, I'm going to tell you all about it!

The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles (traditionally 3 purple, 1 pink) stand around the circle, each representing one if the four Sundays of Advent. In the center is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle which is lit on Christmas Day.

Advent worship in our home can be likened to a journey through the Christmas Story, each candle symbolizing a theme or part of the Christmas Story. The first Sunday of Advent (12/2/07) a purple candle representing HOPE (or Prophecy) is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent (12/9/07) the first candle is re-lit and the second purple candle representing PEACE (or Bethlehem) is lit. On the third Sunday of Advent (12/16/07) the first two candles are re-lit and the third candle - the pink one - representing JOY (or Shepherds) is lit. Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent (12/23/07) the first three candles are lit and the last purple candle representing LOVE (or Angels) is lit. All four outer candles are now lit! On Christmas Day the four outer candles are lit and finally the white Christ candle can be lit representing the Birth of the Savior!

So there you have it! I will be posting in the future about the individual Sundays of Advent so be sure to check back often!

CHRISTmas - Notice the emphasis!

I've been thinking about Christmas a lot over the last 2 years. Yes, I said 2 years, not 2 weeks. Our world has completely commercialized the holiday season. For example, we are overly worried about the sales on Black Friday, concerned with the "Christmas Tree" vs. the "Holiday Tree", etc. etc. But what is Christmas really about? For me it is about one thing and one thing only - the birth of my Savior.

Now, I am not going to lie and say that I don't get caught up in the "Christmas Spirit" when it comes to decorating, baking, shopping and caroling - because I do! However, I am trying to be very aware of that lately. I want to celebrate the right way - not the politically correct way, not the way my family has done it for years necessarily, and not the way that others think I should. I want to treasure each day leading up to Christmas. I want to feel the joy that the Shepherds and Angels felt on that Christmas night so long ago. I want to lay my gifts at the Savior's feet and there myself lay also!

It is all too easy to fill up on all of the "Holiday Stuffing" like shopping and gift swapping, baking and partying, and all the while feeling empty as the new year rolls in. All of these things of course can be wonderful and a blessing to myself and/or others, but not if I delight in them more than I delight in HIM! John Piper explains it best when he says, "If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation for the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” The miracle of Christmas is GREAT and I want there to be plenty of room for it in my celebrations.

With all that said, I want to introduce to you one of my solutions for keeping Christmas all about the CHRIST! It is an Advent Wreath. I began this adventure last year with our church and this year will be focusing on my home more. I am posting a picture of my Advent Wreath here for you to see and I will be writing on the subject throughout the weeks to come! This is a very simple, yet exciting way for anyone to get to the heart of Christmas. So stay tuned to hear all about the season of Advent and my new Christmas traditions!

This is the beginning of my Advent celebration. The wreath has since been moved to another spot and surrounded by a Nativity Scene. For pictures and to find out what Advent is - you must come back tomorrow! See you then...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Two posts in one day! I know you are amazed :) Just thought I'd post a few picks from around the house.... it's slowly beginning to look like Christmas at the Bradberrys'. The tree is up and yes, it's real! We have a beautifil Blue Spruce and it hurts like everything! Why we have to pick the painful trees I just don't know! But it's beautiful and in the words of Clark Griwsold, "Little full, lot of sap!" However, it's totally worth it for that special Christmas scent that greets you at the door.

An OCC Weekend!

Hello blogger world! I know you have all been anxiously awaiting my next post - so here it is! There is much to post about so strap on your seat belts for a long ride.

This past weekend we had the great priviledge to volunteer for Operation Christmas Child at their Atlanta Distribution Center. Our main job for the day was inspecting the shoeboxes. We are fortunate to know that the boxes from the Atlanta center are shipped to India via the Port of Charleston. So, we were able to remove items that may be offensive or sacred to that particular country, such as snakes, Harry Potter and Pokemon. Then we would place in filler items to make up for those taken out. It is such a blessing to be a part of this ministry. Thank you to all of you who made shoeboxes this year and for those of you who missed out - there's always next year! Above are just a few pictures from the weekend - Enjoy!

Happy Turkey Day (early) Everybody!!! I just wanted to tell you all that I have much to be thankful for.... a wonderful mother, brother and grandparents.... great family and friends.... and the best husband in the entire universe! Yes, the entire universe. My sweet husbdand sent me these gorgeous flowers yesterday for no reason other than "Just because I am thankful for you" says Jon and the card that accompanied the flowers! Now, you readers, like my mother and friends are all asking yourselves, "What did he do?" "Are they fighting?" Well shame on you! Okay, not shame on you, but you really shouldn't worry. We love each other - I do little things for him and give him little happys all the time... He spoils me by merely putting up with me all the time and surprising me greatly at random! I love this man! We have a great marriage, completely void of fighting and bitterness, only full of love and respect. I have come to realize that we are somewhat of a minority these days. Most people think marriage is all give and give and the other person takes everything away. They think that they are still two single people with their own lives and just happen to be "legally" married. It is truly sad that marriage is failing in America. I am extremely blessed to have a godly husband who puts Christ first in all things and me second - the way that it should be. And I have no problem submitting myself to him and the marriage that God intended for us!

Okay, let me get off my soapbox and just say again that I am so thankful for my hubby! And of course for the rest of the family - after all, y'all have had to put up with me a lot longer than him:) Hope you all have a very thankful, Turkey Day! Love you!

For my Momma... no snakes in these!

How about one of these?

Pray for my new Island Friends...

Special bulletin: Please take a moment and pray for some new friends of mine. For their safety, I cannot publish their names or their pictures. I can ask you to join me in prayer though. This week I have the priviledge of meeting and spending time with four very gracious ministers from another country which I will simply refer to as "The Island". The Island has very strict laws against religion and the Bible, yet these ministers press on daily to share the love of Christ with their fellow countrymen. We Christians in America take our churches and our Bibles for granted. These men don't have sanctuarys of any kind to meet in, they don't have enough Bibles for each household to even have one. Most of us have 4 or five Bibles, some even more. I encourage you to pray for these ministers and at the same time for us here in America. I pray that we would no longer abuse our freedom and that we would find a way to help those like my new friends who have no such freedom! If you want to know more details about my recent encounter you can email me or leave me a comment. I will gladly share with you - just not through this website:)

In the picture above is (L to R) Island Brother 1, Mrs. Kay, Island Brother 2, Island Brother 3, Bro. Dan, Island Brother 4 and Myself.

Lucy's First Hoodie!

Hello world! Sorry for my absence yesterday. Things to do, people to see, places to go... But, I am here today and as you can see above, have the cutest picture to share:) This is Lucy's first hoodie! I was so excited the other day when I stopped by Old Navy and saw this on doggie clearence. And doesn't she look adorable??? She was so good to let us put it on her and go for an evening stroll! Can't wait to get her Christmas outfit on her! She will no doubt be the star of our family get together:)

Well, hope you all have a fabulous day! I am off to post some new pics on the studio sixteen six blog.... check it out!

Oh! and don't forget... this is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child, so get those boxes to a collection center near you!

Hello world! I am so glad its Friday!!!!

In today's edition of Fantabulous Friday, I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite authors, Francine Rivers. Particularly I want to introduce you to a book I finished not long ago, titled Redeeming Love. I will admit that when my mother slipped this book into my "goody bag" last fall for my trip to Minnesota, I was not impressed. Sorry Mom! But, I mean this is not a small book. I'll just go ahead and warn you - it's a haus! However, I am now truly grateful for having a chance to read it. Redeeming Love tells the Biblical story of Hosea & Gomer and that's all I am going to say about it.

I would like to add that before actually reading this fictional work, I decided to read the actual account in the book of Hosea, the Holy Bible. And I've come to discover that I am a "Gomer" and God is my "Hosea". He is patiently waiting for me, and for all of us, to accept the unconditional love He has for us. It's right there in front of us - freely offered to those whom He chooses and knocks at the door of their hearts! How sweet is that?

Anyway, if you're looking for a good book - one that you can take something from - go and check out or buy or borrow Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love. You won't be disappointed!
You can also read an excerpt and/or purchase it from one of my favorite online bookstores here at ChristianBook.com

Have a great weekend! See you all on Monday:)

Last box and only 10 days to go!

Okay folks, here it is! This is the last box :) Check out what my 10-14 year old girl will be getting this Christmas. While you're at it, say a prayer for her too!

Hope you all have a fabulous day...

see you tomorrow for Fantabulous Friday!

Another Day - Another Box!

Seriously now - time is running out! What are you waiting for? Get out there and fill a shoebox:) Take a peak at my 5-9 year old girl's box! Only one more to go...

The Countdown is Approaching...

Only 13 more days to complete and turn in a shoebox to your local collection center! Take a look at this 2-4 year old girls box! What fun...

ashley

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down...

Well, not so much the rainy days as I rather enjoy them... but, Mondays - definitely get me down! However, Operation Christmas Child does not get me down:) Here is the last of my Boy boxes. My 10-14 year old boy will get lots of goodies, including a shirt, sizzlers, playing cards, a nerf football, a yo-yo, an hand held fan, candy, school supplies and of course the essential toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and sponge! Have you done your box yet?????

ashley

Operation Christmas Child... Box #2

For my Box-a-day posts here is my shoebox for my 5-9 year old boy! His box inludes a shirt & shorts outfit, a football, jax, a yo-yo, weeble wobbles, trucks, sizzlers, a puzzle, pencils (with a sharpener) and erasers, a beanie baby, a hand held fan, a bandana, some candy and of course soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc..!

Happy Friday Y'all! It's Fantabulous Friday!!!!!

Today I want to highlight one of my favorite recipes... Chocolate Eclair Cake!!! Jon's Mom taught me to make this for his 29th birthday and it has become our favorite dessert. I'm sure you have all had some version of this before - but trust me, this one is the best!!!

ashley

ashley

Nan's Chocolate Eclair Cake

Ingredients

1 large box instant Vanilla Pudding (sometimes I use a little extra)

8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese

8 oz. Cool Whip

1 box HoneyMaid Graham Crackers

2 regular containers Duncan Hines Classic Chocolate Frosting

ashley

Prepare

Mix pudding as directed on package. Combine pudding, Cool Whip and cream cheese and mix until smooth (will be thick!) Set aside. Layer the bottom of a 9x13 pyrex dish with Graham Crackers. Spoon pudding mixture over crackers in a nice even layer. Then add another layer of Graham Crackers on top of the pudding mixture. To finish, place your can(s) of frosting in the microwave for approximately 45 seconds (be sure to remove the top and the foil). Then pour over the top layer of Graham Crackers. You can make the layer of chocolate as thick or as thin as you would like. (I usually use about 1 and 1/2 cans - of course I'm a chocoholic!) Once you have finished adding the frosting, cover dish and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This allows everything to gel together and makes for easier service. Okay you're done - if your 2 hours is up, get that bad boy out and go to town! Mmmmmmmm Good!!!

ashley

Hope you all have a Fantabulous Weekend!

What is the purpose of Thursdays???

Okay, seriously, this is the question that I ask myself (and whoever else will listen) each week when Thursday rolls around. I mean we go and go and go on Wednesday (generally speaking of those who do the church and/or choir thing) and we come home exhausted! It just seems like Friday should be next! That way we would only have one more day before the weekend instead of two :) Well, anyway - I know most of you are thinking I'm crazy right now, but just consider how much better today would be if it were Friday!!!

Well, now on to something important and that I know makes sense! As I mentioned last week, one of my favorite things about Christmas is Operation Christmas Child! I thought I would give you a sneak peak at a few of my boxes. I'll start with the boys (they are my favorite for some reason???) Anyway, hope this gives you a better idea of what an OCC Shoebox looks like and what you can give for as little as 10 or 15 dollars! ***Most of this stuff came from Dollar Tree and a few items from Wal-Mart :) Enjoy!

Pajamas, Disney Weeble Wobbles, Links, Kaleidoscope, Soap & Sponge, Toothbrush & Paste, Trucks, a Beenie Baby and some candy!!!

Happy Reformation Day!

Today is Reformation Day - the day that marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. Now, most of you are celebrating Halloween today, but long before ghosts & goblins and trick or treat - a little German monk was hammering something very important to a great wooden door! On this day - way back then, Dr. Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

Tonight, Jon and I will "celebrate" Reformation Day with one of our favorite movies Luther and some treats of course! Now, you're probably thinking the same thing I was when Jon and I bought this movie (before seeing it) and brought it home to watch it.. "this is going to be lame, I'm so not interested in this kind of film..." Well let me tell you - I loved it!!! This truly is a great movie. The acting is terrific, the set is superb and the drama - really thrilling! So, go check it out and see what Reformation Day is all about.

Happy Friday Everybody!!!

For today's installment of Fantabulous Fridays, I thought I would talk about a must see movie (hence the popcorn in the picture above!)

If you have not already done so you should go check out The Ultimate Gift. If you've already seen it... go rent it again or buy it! I know I will... This is definitely one of the best movies of the year. Starring the amazing child actress, Abigail Breslin and an old favorite, James Garner, The Ultimate Gift is sure to give you the warm fuzzies :) This family friendly, faith based movie will remind us all that, "Love is a treasure for which we can never pay. The only way we can keep it is to give it away. (Jim Stovall)"



So, check it out! Oh, and be sure to scroll down a bit to vote for your favorite logo.... See you Monday!

Just for my Momma!

Okay, the votes are coming in and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has voted so far! Some of you have said it was an easy choice - others said not so much... My mother even complained that there weren't enough choices :) Just kidding - she said too many, which brings me to this post. I wanted to give you one more option. I was playing on the computer again and came up with one final design for this part of the contest. You may like it - you may hate it! The choice is up to you.... well, it's up to you to help me decide anyway :) S o here it is -

Okay - here's the deal! Most of you know that I have a little "business on the side". It's called studio sixteen six taken from my favorite Psalm. Psalm 16:6 says, "the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places..." and there is nothing more true about my life than that! I am blessed with a wonderful family, great friends and a dream job. However, due to a recent "injury" of sorts (a pinched nerve that has affected my hands and wrists), I have been in slow motion in the painting world :( But, fear not - I am coming back. My hands, though still not back to normal are getting better and I am working on all of the orders that came in just before my "disability". So - that brings me to the fun part of this post. I have been putting off designing a logo for my business because I really can't put on paper what I see in my head. Well, after some playing in Microsoft Publisher, I have come up with a few rough drafts. Please look them over and then leave me a comment as to which you like best or leave "notes" about what you think I should do! As far as labeling them in your vote - just put whatever number the picture is (i.e. first, second, third). Okay, I am waiting to hear from you all! Thanks for helping!!!

I love Christmastime!

Yes, I said Christmas and I know it's only October. But, when the stores begin to put out all of those Christmas decorations, I just can't help myself! Come on, I know there are some of you out there that do the same... Anyway, even though we all have gifts to buy, trees to decorate, carols to sing, etc. etc. etc. I wanted to tell you about my most favorite thing about Christmas time. A little organization known as Operation Christmas Child! Each year around October, I begin filling shoeboxes with toys, candy, clothing items and of course love - for children around the world who have never had a Christmas like me. This year is no different. I am well on my way to completing 6 shoeboxes for 3 little boys and 3 little girls!

Now, some of you know me well enough to know that I have never stopped at 6 boxes - but this year I decided to go with quality rather than quantity. In years past I have tried to do as many boxes as I could possibly get away with without spending thousands of dollars! Yes, I could literally spend $1000 filling shoeboxes for these kids... and most of the $ would be spent in the Dollar Tree :) But, this year I wanted to give more. So, I chose to do one box for each age group for both boys and girls. I am trying to think of things that would occupy me if I were in their shoes and knew it might be a whole year before I got a new pair of socks, a new toy or even a new toothbrush! Be sure to leave me a comment if you (or your kids!) have suggestions.

However, I really hope that you will consider doing a box yourself. One box is all it takes to make a child's Christmas! There are collection sites all over the United States, so all you have to do is fill it with goodies and drop it off. This could be a really fun project to do with your kids as well! I hope that you will at least pray for the children that will receive shoeboxes this year. As they are delivered and passed out, the children hear and more importantly see the love of Christ! Isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway? So come on, what are you waiting for? Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC for more information about how you can give the gift of Christmas to a needy child around the world! There is power in a simple gift...

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes is November 12-19, 2007

Thankful Tuesday!

Hello all! I decided today (in the midst of an attitude problem) that I would think of things I am thankful for. I wanted to share just a few... Of course I am first and foremost thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him carrying me through each day I would be a pitiful site to see! Most days I am like Mephibosheth, crippled and unable to bring myself to the King's table, and Jesus just carries me into His presence. One of the bands in last Friday's music picks, Leeland, just recorded a song called "Carried to the Table". You can find the song on my playlist at the bottom of this page. I encourage you to give it a listen -because we were all wounded and forsaken, shattered by the fall...then carried to the table, seated where we don't belong, swept away by His love. I hope that you will all remember that this is the one thing we should all be most thankful for!

Secondly, I am thankful for a husband who loves me the way he does. Let me tell you folks... I got it good! Most days I sit and think that we (Jon & I) must be somewhat of an anomoly. All around me I hear and see couples that disrespect each other, ignore each other and wish for something or someone different. I have never felt that way! Praise God for a marriage built around Him and His love for both of us! (Thank you Baby for loving me like you do - I love you bunches!)

Okay, I promise I am almost done :) But, before I go I have to say that I am thankful for friends, old and new. Today I had lunch with one of my oldest friends. Although we don't see or talk to each other a whole lot these days, knowing that she is there and that we will always be us is so awesome. Thank you Amy D - for the good times and the bad! They all just made us stronger and maybe even a little wiser :)

Lastly, yes this is the last one. I am thankful for.............Lucy!!! Yes, I said it. I am thankful for my dog. She loves me unconditionally, is always happy to see me and guards me with her life. Silly I know, but just having those things in physical form (as opposed to Spiritual which is of course even better) does wonders for a girl! My advice - get yourself a dog :) I always told Jon that I would never allow a dog inside, never allow myself to get attached to one and never treat them like a human. Wrong! I am whipped. I am attached. I talk to her like she's a real person. And guess what, it's all worth it for that tail waggin' get over here and pet me look I get every day when I come home!

So, that's all for today's installment of The Bradberrys: Life with Lucy! Tune in tomorrow for whatever else I dream up to blog about. Until then - Chocolate milk wishes and Oreo dreams!

Wehadababyitsaboy!

Meet Weson...

Do you remember that commercial? Guy calls home, collect, and instead of giving his name when prompted he says, "Wehadababyitsaboy!" then hangs up due to the high cost of making a collect call. Well, Wehadababyitsaboy! Okay, not really but I can pretend can't I? The truth is that Jon and I were blessed to go to Casting Crowns' the Altar and the Door tour/concert and we signed up to sponsor a World Vision child!

This is our cute little guy! He is 5 years old (birthday-February 12, 2002) and lives in India with his parents and one brother. His father and mother are farmers and Weson is already learning to do small tasks to help out around the house. We can't wait to find out more about him and write to him. I hope you will all pray for him and his family. I will update each time I get new information and if you would like to know more about World Vision for yourself you can visit http://www.worldvision.org/ .

Well, that's all you're going to get today! Be sure to check back tomorrow for an installment of Life with Lucy and a special announcement!