The Women of 2012 I hope this makes you smile.

Over this Christmas school break, I have picked up the book "Bringing up Girls" by Dr. Dobson again. (I definitely recommend this book by the way. he also, has Bringing up Boys which is just as insightful. He holds great wisdom coming from a Father's perspective and solid Biblical advice.)
I have read this book before, but going back through it this time I noticed something a little more than the first round-the birth of female insecruities. This is one of the things that Dr. Dobson talks about in the first few chapters- the insecurities that form from pre school and unfortunately linger into adulthood. It really opened my eyes to see where a lot of insecruities could be developed in Adalie if Stephen and I am not proactive with her.

I put the book down to get a glass of water when I heard my phone go off. It was a couple of text messages from a dear friend of mine Theresa. She wrote me a text saying she heard a song and thought of me then thanked me for "being a beautiful example of God's love to her." I smiled and nearly cried because little did she know, along with the content of what I was already reading I have had moments like everyone does when you do ask yourself, "Am I even making a difference?" My friend went on to say, "you need to know every now and then what an impact you make on people through God!" And that is what landed  me here typing away on this laptop.

The truth is Theresa is right, so often we think good thoughts about others ,and we should tell them. She has inspired me to think back on this year that is quickly coming to a close and I've decided to join Theresa's heart today and send a short message to The Women of 2012 that have impacted my year and made me smile.

Since you are the inspiration to this Theresa, I will begin with you. To me, you have always been a role model even though we are close in age, I do look up to you. You are so compassionate and loving I wished I knew more people like you. Connor is so blessed to have you as a Momma and Adam is so as well to have such a beautiful lady serving him for the rest of his life. I love you.

Sissy-I love your heart. You are always thinking of your family and in this past year you've showed me what setting priorities looks like. I know you are sacrificing a lot and just know it will pay off! You are amazing and I admire your strength to do everything you do. I love you.

Sister-When I think back on this past year I think of all the laughs you have given me and how much I've needed them. I think about how you can come into a situation and make light of something so gracefully. I appreciate that because it isn't something I can do as easily! You've also impacted me to be more of a giver. You would rather has less than more just so you could give to those you love. I notice that. I love you.

Jacqualin-What can I say about you that you don't already know? You truly have a huge heart and are one of the most dedicated friends to me I have. There is rarely a time that I do not speak to you that I feel better. Thank you for impacting my life not just this year, but since Jr. High! You are a definition of a true friend and I love you to pieces.

Marcie-You are the strongest woman I know next to my Momma. You have blown me this past year in everything you have gone through you still hold your head high! You are a true warrior & have inspired me to also tie a knot at the end of the rope  and hang on tighter when I feel like I'm slipping! I love you so much.

Liz-Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being there for me even when I  am not always quick to be there for you. Not just in this past year, but every year you've been my friend you've always given me your best and you motivate me to be a better friend! You never judge me, you've never given up on me, &I notice when you put my situations before your own sometimes. It may seem in small ways, but it is huge to me. You are that 3 am friend I can count on if needed! It does not go unnoticed and I love you so much for it.

April-I thank you for showing me what grace looks like. You have encouraged me to share my own testimony even when it doesn't always paint the perfect picture.Thank you for being there to answer  questions and being a guide to me when I have needed it to light my way. You and Pastor Jori are a blessing to my family and I appreciate it more than you realize when you take the time to guide me and be my friend. I love you.

Kaylie-You are one of the most sincere and genuine friends I have. You know what it means to put others before youself and that has impacted me greatly. I never feel like I have to walk on egg shells with you, but I can just be me. That is so nice to have, because you're so understanding! You are a breath of fresh air.

Denise, Delana, Cecilia, Heather, Micah, Eloise, Becky, Priscilla, Kelly Ray, Janice and Kaci-I have to mention you guys because you equally have done your part in making me a better person. All of you have been there for me in smallest ways like prayers and in bigger ways like coming with me on a trip 5 hours away, or watching my kiddo when I didn't have someone I could count on. You have all been there in your own way and nonetheless have left your print on my heart this past year. Thank you for all the lunch dates, encouraging words, prayers and love you have towards me. I know that I wouldn't be who I am if I didn't have the sweet friends and family I have around me. I truly love you all and forgive me for not always showing it!

Ashley Morgan-I do not even know where to begin. I will try my best to articulate what you've done for me these past few months. I could say with all honesty that you probably are the woman of the year in my eyes. As I watched your story unfold on FB my heart just broke into a thousand pieces because you were searching for your husband and so many people were panicing, but your heart was seemingly steady. Then the news got out that he was found, but had not survived while everyone was crumbling along your side, you didn't. You are amazing Ashley. When I put myself in your shoes I think of how weak I am and how much more of God I need. I would not be able to hold myself together the way you are. You are so strong and what makes you even more beautiful is you credit your peace and strength to God. THAT, is a testimony for everyone-"though you are broken on the inside there is a glue that is keeping you together and that is Jesus Christ. It is so very evident in you. I look at Stephen and think my goodness, my life would feel completely over without him, but you have shown me Ashley that when you have God in your life, you have everything you need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making such an impact in my life and in the lives of many others. You should write a book! You are still in my heart, thoughts and prayers! Kipton is so blessed to have you as His  Momma, I have no doubt he will grow up to be a wonderful man of God and tough as nails, just like his Momma. Love you!

Just like Theresa wanted me to know I also wanted you to know what an impact you've made and are making to those around you. Keep on shining and I hope this made you smile!

Blessings,
Esther

Christmas Cheer Throughout the Year!

I LOVE Christmas. I see a lot of excitment as I look around every where I go because Christmas day is drawing near.  If anyone ever asked me when I was a little lady," What is your favorite holiday?" the answer stood the same-Christmas! I have always loved this time of the year because it is a time the world recognizes the birth of Jesus, and some people step out of their comfort zone to learn about this Jesus that was born in a manger. I also love it because it gives believers the opportunity to take a full day to remember our Savior with the little ones around us. Christmas truly is a special time. There are other, less important, things I enjoy that comes with Christmas like: homes being decorated, the smell of cinnamon and spices, Fathers and sons hanging lights around the house, snow covering the land, the smell of wood burning in the fire place, the smiles on children's faces as they play and laugh making snow angels with friends. Plans are being made to travel, families are coming together for the first time in years, and so many other things to name!
Every year I see and read alot during this time of the year about generous acts that people are doing all over the country-things like paying for the person behind them in line, people volunteering at the elderly home or an employee picking up the ticket etc. I've participated in acts myself, but this year honestly I am being challenged.

You see, I'm learning that Christmas is not the only time to celebrate Jesus BUT as a Christian so it should be every chance we get. Christmas is a season where giving takes place, visiting the elderly homes happens more than any other time, blessings are being poured out on the needy and for the rest of the year is seems like people go back to normality and it appears that wallets & sacrifical time is put away. When I asked Jesus, what it is He would want from me this Christmas He very simply said to spread this word and asked that my Christmas cheer, my Christmas giving, my Christmas love and service to others would stretch 365 days a year. Why? Because it matters to Him not just during this season, but always.  Jesus says that the things we do for the least among us would be as if we are doing it for Him. Matthew 25:31-46. So, is it wrong to donate, give your time and money towards an angel tree, bless people with money, and volunteer at Soup Kitchens? Absolutely not, people do feel the lack of what they have the hardest during this time; however, my point is that it shouldn't be that once a year good things come to those less fortunate. I wish we could open our eyes to see that for many we experience that Christmas cheer everyday, but others are still in need. I wish I could open fox news on my browser and see all these good deeds year round, but the truth of the matter is that we all fall short. Today, I simply want to spread this message that this Christmas cheer would follow ALL through out the year.

Blessings!