My Heart is His For $35.00...

Last night was AWANA night for the kids. They earn AWANA bucks for memorizing their verses, having their vest, bag and book and participating in special events like "bring a friend night" etc. Periodically they are allowed to go to the AWANA store and spend their hard earned bucks. This is an event that Brennen eagerly anticipates. He keeps careful count of how many bucks he will earn each week and his running total. Last night was Store Night.

When we picked them up after AWANA they were so excited with their purchases. Brennen's first words when he got in the truck were, "Mommy! I bought you a present with some of my money." He was so pleased with himself, and I was a bit surprised. I asked him something about it and he was quiet a moment and then burst into tears. He said through the obvious pain that the decision to do this for me was still causing him, "It cost $35.00, Mommy, but I really wanted to get it for you, Mommy. Because I love you."

I was speechless. You know, these days, Brennen is really kind of "all about Brennen." For him, this was an ENORMOUS sacrifice to make. I don't have words to tell you how deeply it moved me. I'm so blessed!

He came home and insisted on wrapping it and placing it under the tree. The tag reads: "To Christy From Brennen I love you very much."

I've no idea what it is. Will it matter? It will be one of my most treasured possessions because the sacrifice he made to get it for me reveals the depth of his love for me.

Sound familiar? As you go about making it Christmas for your family, consider the great sacrifice God made for us by sending His Son...his most treasured Son....because of the great depth of love He has for us. Have you accepted this original Christmas gift from Him? His gift tag reads, "To You, From God...I love you very much."

A former student used to hug me and say (and I say to you),
"God loves you....and so do I."
Consider yourself hugged...
Christy

FYI...For her big purchase, my sweet, girlie, beauty-loving little Kindrid got a huge snake that one soaks in water and will increase 600% in size over the next four days. Huh...I'm sure there's a whole symbolic "fall of man" vs. "God's plan for our redemption through His love for us" story in here somewhere with one child sacrificing and the other getting a snake but I'm not sure I have the time or inclination to figure it out. I think taking it at face value and marvelling at the choices BOTH children made is plenty for this post! :O)

Kindrid's Dance Recital...

Here is Kindrid's big stage debut! She is fifth from the left. They got a little crowded, so it was hard to do some of her "moves," as she calls them, but you get the idea. :O) I was so proud of her for just getting up there in front of a HUGE audience and doing her thing. She was breathless as she watched some of the older dancers and the number her teacher did. I think it's the first time she's ever seen a real ballerina. It was really fun getting her hair, nails and make up done before the recital. You know me, I'm not much interested in any of those areas for myself, but doing it for Kindrid is like having a live dolly to do it for! :O) She wore her tights, leotard and skirt the rest of the evening and danced all over the house when she wasn't eating (or talking- and sometimes even then!). :O)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhNBmdLHisc

Have a great day!

Christy