Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser

I once read [by a pretty influential lady, my aunt Vicki] that future years to come don't always have to be counted by a number; as another year older. Yet they can be recognized as another year wiser. She views each birthday as "another year of wisdom". 

I love that.

That statement couldn't stand more true to my own life experiences. I can certainly say I've grown a lot more wiser in these past years; more so than I could have imagined. And I'm blessed for that growth.

Along with a new age, this year I began a new tradition.

A night of food [of course] and ornament crafts!!!

This year was our first trial, and I'd have to say it was a success. Other than the short attendance [due to impromptu scheduling] it was perfect. With that said, we were able to get by with my kitchen table and a separate children's table.

As a way to stay festive, I even made up some cute to-go boxes! Add little tissue paper, and you have yourself a nice little Christmas take-home box for your ornament.

Here were a few I was able to capture at the end of the night.

 Lastly, after some full bellies and crafts, we had dessert.

Compliments of my dear husband! And no I don't mean he made it, but simply ordered it. Thoughtful. ;)

Next year we plan to continue the tradition, but on a weekend to avoid some work schedules. The intimate number [including kids] made it very doable for our first run, but next year I'm hoping we can increase the company. 

Cheers to new traditions, and to another year of wisdom - appreciating such things. 

The Calm Within The Storm

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

Just a little reminder on those days we seem to be surrounded by nonsense. No I'm not talking about the government. Although I'd agree it's chaos, politics will not find its place here in my bloggity world. I'm just simply talking about life in general. Sometimes when it hands you lemons, they're sour... really sour. The common thing to do, as we are told, is to just make lemonade - which in my mind means "go with what you got, and deal with it. " Easier said than done; especially with something so sour you can't imagine formulating that into something attainable.

That's why I'm always drawn to this particular quote. It makes all the sense in the world. We certainly cannot change everything, so we pray for the ability to find peace in that. When we do, it's uplifting. There's no point in dwelling on something we aren't able to change ourselves.

The things we can change, however requires courage. If we know we have the ability to make a difference, then we pray for the courage and strength to see it through. 

But the most difficult challenge to most of us, is seeing the difference in what we can change and what we cannot. We often push ourselves, believing a false reality that "if we only do this, then that will come!" We must pray for the knowledge and wisdom to know the difference of the two; only putting our efforts towards what we are actually able to change. Otherwise, it's a lost battle. 

So today, remember that the opportunity for peace and serenity is there. That He is there, to help guide us through whatever challenges we face. 

:: Happy Easter ::

Today, we gather with our families and friends, celebrating a day that should never be forgotten! Everyday I pray for the wisdom and ability to teach my children the word of the Lord.

In our younger years, we look forward to the egg hunts, and dying eggs to decorate (as shown below)! However, I can only hope she grows to learn the history of today - and follow Him in her heart.

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

-2 Corinthians 5:21

Hope everyone has a BLESSED day!!