Philippians 4: 4-6, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, my brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (NIV)

Do you ever have one of those days were you are uncomfortable, you want to stay in the shower because it is the cleanest location in the house, and sleep evades you except when you are visiting your in-laws and the Cowboys are losing in a terrible way!)?
Welcome to my day. It seems that gloomyness has been around every corner. Darrel and I have a way on checking on each other if a day like this is brewing. He will ask me "Hows your spirit?" This simple question helps me stop and realize that my mood/sttitude is evident on my face. So is there an issue that needs addresing or am I stuck in the blues? Fortunetly this question has had a dull effect. Not only does it let the other know if I am sad, angry, or ill but it also makes me stop and think about what is really going on. Thats were those scriptures above come in. You see if I am in need I am reminded that I need to take it to our Father. If it is simply a bad mood or gloomy spirit I am reminded of the things that I should dwell on.

Disney World

It has been over a month, and I still have not taken the time to post the pictures from our WDW trip! The Owens threesome LOVES Walt Disney World! In fact, it is our favorite place to vacation. You see we do not do well on the beach. All three of us together tend to through off satellites due to the reflection of the sun on extremely pale skin. We do enjoy the relaxing and hanging out at the beach (We have gone to Corpus every summer for the past three years for the Methodist Church's annual conference.) We think we would like the mountains but we have been waiting for Maggie to be a little older before we attempt the drive. (Maggie and I loved visiting the Catalina's in AZ when we visited my little sister a couple of years ago.) So for now we indulge ourselves in a trip to Disney every couple of years. This year we decided that we wanted to experience this wonderland during my favorite season, Christmas. Maggie was turning 7, so we planned it for her birthday. We loved every minute of our trip. It all started with Maggie waking up to a special message from Mickey Mouse to wake her up, morning at the Magic Kingdom, a trip to Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, finishing her day at a special dinner with all of the story book princesses at EpCOT. Through out the day, people made a point to wish Maggie a happy birthday. Her day was made extra special because she was told that Dec 5th is also Walt Disney's birthday as well. Day two was topped off with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Snow on Main Street USA, caroling all around the park, hot cocoa and cookies for all, rides with virtually no waiting, and of course a spectacular fireworks display. Each day brought new excitement even if we were riding the carousel for the seventh time (That was Maggie's favorite ride). A special moment for me was when we headed over to the Grand Floridian to view the life size Gingerbread house. Throughout the trip, Maggie made it her goal to gather signatures of as many characters as she could. If you get the chance you should ask to see her autograph book, she loves looking back over the memories. Maggie is currently working on a post for our blog that shares some of her memories and thoughts so keep checking back.
Although it has been almost a month since our trip we are already planning another trip.

Message from Maggie

December 4, my family took a trip to Walt Disney World. My family stayed in Pop Century. the pool was shaped like a gear.the flowers shot water out from their middles.You can see fireworks from our room.The shop in the hotel had t shirts and toys and school utensils .pins,markers you name it. Day1.my birthday!We went to magic kingdom. Our first ride was the carousel.i rode Patty first.We next rode Barnstormer.i liked it because it went so fast.

sins it was my birthday,i went to Bibbity Bobbity Boutique . I had fun dressing up and playing princess. I will share more later!

Happy New Year!

It is 2008. It arrived last night with my daughter asleep on the floor, my husband in bed at 10:30 and me curled up on the couch, trying to keep my eyes open to watch the ball drop. I remember 11:50pm and then next time I blinked it was 12:36am, January 1, 2008. It came in rather quietly. I could not believe I missed all the traditional "stuff". The day before, we ate out with my inlaws and I felt like the less I ate the better. My oldest sister, Keesha, said that at this time of year you really only feel like eating enough to sustain life. By the time we got home I was so sick. For the next twenty hours, I proceeded to loose five pounds in a most unpleasant way. By New Year's Eve I was too weak to go to our friend's house and the only thing I wanted was a big glass of Sprite.
At first I thought "This is no way to start the new year, sick and weak. So sadly I woke up Maggie and kissed her, telling her Happy New Year. Then I walked her to bed. As I headed to bed, feeling sorry for myself, I realized that I was actually pretty blessed right at that moment. Weak, sick, and helpless is when Jesus is his strongest. I was right where God wanted me. Instead of setting goals and not reaching them (again) I could just simply let it all go, let Jesus take control, and follow him. When I am not feeling patient, turn to him for he has patience for the both of us. When I am feeling like I have no will-power, turn to Him. For his will power is limitless. If I feel lonely and sad, turn to the one who always has time for me.
This morning I woke up feeling a little better, feeling a little stronger and knew that I just needed to let Jesus do his thing this year and follow his lead.
Here is to your New Year! May you be weak and helpless so that Jesus may be strong!