Cute story from the Waldmann Kiddos-
Chris and I didn't want to buy the kids a game system this year because 1. We had a plan for why we bought gifts. 2. We wanted the things we bought to add value to them and to us as a family. 3. We didn't want it to be the ONLY thing they got. 4. We wanted them to earn and save the money for it. So we opted out of the frenzy. We didn't go broke, we didn't buy on credit and we had a wonderful Christmas sharing its true meaning with our kids.
We didn't realize that they would get the money they got or that if you want something bad enough you will pull your resources to get it. They pulled it together last night and Chris went out with them to get the game system.
Here is where it gets real funny. Chris text me and said they are killing me. HAha, I said honey if they can't make up their mind on which system to buy they come home for another day and wait.
Well a short while later hubby and three very happy boys come in with a PS3 and a few games. Here is the story of how this bliss came to be from the words of Chris.
Chris says, "Stacy you had to be there." I asked why. He said I went with the boys to the clerk and asked, "which system do you think is best?" The clerk replied, "if you ask me, PS3 but if you ask my kids Wii." Chris said, "Why is that? This is where the "F" word happens...my boys lean in, every word that drops from the clerks mouth is like life or death to thier hopes of a new PS3. The clerk continues, "well the graphics are fantastic on the PS3, but the Wii is more Family Friendly." Before Chris could say anything else, Caleb and I both said, "Dude, NOT the F word!" haha I knew as soon as Chris said that the clerk used the words family friendly...the boys thought that was the kiss of death to the PS3. ha! Chris contnued his story and we all laughed. I said, "Caleb, he didn't realize he was talking to the a children's pastor did he?"
We do value family time as ultimate time, worth more than any amount of money, irreplaceable. If not done, lost forever. Our kids value it as well, but they did NOT want a Wii and they knew that the clerk almost had dad when he used the F word.
Above all else, value your family. Spend time with them. Invest in it above anything else you deem worthy of time or money. It reaps rewards beyond our comprehension. We don't just say it, we live it. Enjoy your Family time the rest of this week in December and make more of an effort to pour into your family in 2011.
Much love-
Stacy
Monday, December 27, 2010
Living my story
Anyone who reads my blogs on here or facebook knows that I eat, sleep, drink, say it, spray it and love the "orange" concept. What is orange for those of you who do not know? http://whatisorange.org/ Check it out. For me, orange is more than strategy, it embodies my idea for family and the way we learn and grow together. I share this with anyone who will lend me an ear and I will pull on it for hours at time. I am passionate about family.
Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.
Much love-
Stacy
Last night after returning from a great day with my mom and dad, 3 aunts, 1 uncle, 3 siblings, thier spouses and 17 grandchildren, I rested haha. Just kidding, I sat and thought about our story, and how it is quite an amazing one, a story of triumph this year as, my sister was given another chance at life, after suffering from a major stroke. I listened intently to one of my aunts, so thankful she was still here after losing all hope and nearly taking her own life. To now hear her talk of such hope and hear her plans for the future and how she is going to use her gifts and talents for the Lord - a true story of hope.
My other aunt, 6 years with a new liver, thankful for the donor's family and the fact she is still here. My uncle truly triumphant over cancer. My mom fighting hard against a battle that she was told will soon send her home to be with her mother, father, her aunts and uncles. It was bitter-sweet. To see how God has woven such an awesome tapestry together. How He has taken our lives like filthy rags and made such a beautiful piece of art, displaying His redemptive story. A story of grace, hope, forgiveness and ultimate sacrifice and love.
Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
I get caught up in the moments of how much love conquers loneliness and offers true peace. I let it overtake me when I see broken hearts and old wounds totally swollowed up by forgiveness. I am so blessed with familly. Every member playing a fabulous role in my personal story.
Yes, I am truly blessed. Its my prayer that every person, from every background, in every situation could come to a place and realize you were made for so much more and you have a story to tell. Live your story!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God is so good to us. He sent His son, Jesus to be born on this earth. He displayed such a love for us as a dear children. He gave His only son, so that we might live with Him for all eternity. Family is and was His idea. Our family tells a story, all of us tell a story. What's your story? If you don't like the character you are playing, you can change it. Don't like the current setting in which your story is unfolding, opt for a new one. You don't have to play the fool, the loser, the loner, the bad guy, the victim... Let God become chief editor of your story. I promise it will be better than any story you have ever read, heard or lived before now. It will become a living breathing story of redemptive grace, hope and love displayed through you.
Much love-
Stacy
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