Community with a little "c"

I heard a great sermon this past Sunday on "Community" -- with a little "c".

Community with a big "C" is your local church that you attend on a weekly basis. It offers so much (a place to come worship with music and a message that helps us get through the week).

Community with a little "c" is your circle of friends. Our pastor was encouraging each of us to invest in a community with a "little c". I loved how he didn't use this message as a "calling for volunteers," because I am sure our church needs all of the help on the weekends it can get -- No, he was challenging us to get involved with a group that we can do life with. Joe and I looked at each other and had that "Praise God" for our Life group look -- we have been involved with our Home Team for just about 7 years now.

Now, he did give examples of ways to find groups to belong to and I will go into that here in a second.

But, let's talk for bit about what to do if you already find yourself a part of a group of people who you share your greatest and saddest moments with. Andy (our pastor) said first and foremost Jesus has commanded us to "Love one another just as I have loved you" (John 13:34). In the verse, it actually says "A New Command I give you" when he was talking to his 12 disciples -- notice how He had 12 close friends he was doing life with?? Kind of gives you chills to think Jesus had his own life group. Are you loving your friends just as Christ loved us. Wow, that was huge wake up call! I love my friends so much, but what I am doing specifically to let them know?

Andy then started a challenge -- to use our God-given gifts in combination with our life groups to help further the Kingdom of God!! Romans 12:4 -8 says " Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

So, if you are a part of a small group, then I challenge you (along with me and Joe) to use our different gifts in not only helping each other - but in helping build the Kingdom! I think of the group I am in -- and I could sit down and write a list of things that I need, I then could easily put a name by each need. and, I think for my next Blog, I will do that -- it would be a fun exercise.

If you are in a Life group, Home Team, Home Group, Bible Study, etc… How are you using your unique gifts to help each other and to help Christ?

If you are not in a group, what is stopping you from joining one? When Joe and I walked into Lisa and Mike Mathis's house for the first time in 2002, I walked behind Joe because I didn't want to talk to anyone. There was no way that I would have anything in common with these people. I didn't know that I would walk with them as their parents passed away. I didn't know that I would be able to make dinner as each of us when our 24 children were born. I didn't know that they would eventually relate to me as a working mom… etc… the stories are endless! So, why have you not gotten involved?

Andy ended the sermon with a few examples of how the various people in our church found their "Life Groups." Some were through the "official" path of signing up for a Home Team / but many were simply by finding a passion within the church - like working with the children's ministry and before they knew it, they were in a life group of their own!

I would love to hear how influence your life groups have been in your life. I would also like to hear ideas of how you are going to Love one another and encourage one another by using your gifts!!

Here is our Home Team at our annual Retreat! On our 10th annual, we plan to go on a Cruise, do you think the boat will let us all on?

Hanging out a local buger joint on a Friday night.

Life is good!

South America?

I am at home today, due to the bad ice storm we had last night. The girls are doing good and I am able to sit down and blog for a second.

This past weekend was so great and relaxing. We took the girls to get their toes done and they both picked purple and to my amazement... the color is still on there today! Elle usually picks the paint all off within a day or two!

Saturday night, we got a surprise... The Smouse's called and wanted Elle to come over and play. So, Joe and I took Emme on a date to La Hac Ranch.. it was so nice and quiet with one kid and Joe and I got to really enjoy ourselves. We have been working out so hard everyday and eating right, that our treat was fajitas and they were sooo good!

Sunday night, we had Home Team. The Polk's are leading a study on Parenting and has been very good for Joe and I to not only read the materials, but also, gain perspective from the other moms and dads who have kids older than ours. On Sunday, we talked about how to raise a God loving child and one who comes to know Jesus. The study encouraged us as parents to be the inspiration and encourager behind your child's relationship with Christ. One challenge to us was to go home and really talk to our kids about Jesus and see how much they know from the day to day things we do as parents to bring God in all that we do.

I sat down with Elle with a devotional for kids and the message was about Friendship. It ended with something like "Jesus is our friend too." I told Elle, Jesus lives in our hearts. And she said why, I want to see him. Well, I told her I wanted to see him too, but before we get to, he lives in our hearts. She said, "Can I see him when I am 49?" She has this strange obsession with random numbers.

The next night at dinner, I asked Elle, "Can you tell Daddy where Jesus lives?" And Elle said, "South America."

Did I also mention she has a strange obsession with the Continents? Funny, since her mommy doesn't even know the names of the Continents, or even where Puerto Rico is!

Kids are cute, you got to love em!

I would love to know your ideas on continuing to educate and bring Jesus into your daily conversations with your child.

The girls stopped to take a picture before Church. Everyday they get up, they say "are we going to church today?" They love their church so much!
This is a card I made for my mom to send out on Valentines day. Thought I would share. Tommy is doing so good and getting so big! I just thank the Lord everyday for his survival and know that he will bring such joy to Ann and Brian!

Wonderful Winter Park

Last week, we went to Winter Park with Steve, Heather and Savannah. We both left our little ones at home... but sure missed them while we were there. I read in Parents Magazine a great travel and scrapbook tip. It said to get a post card from the city you visit and on the back of the card, write down special memories... because most likely our kids won't remember much of this trip. So, here is what I wrote on the back of my post card:

To Elle: You are almost 4 years old and this was your 3rd time to Snowy Mountains, but it was your first time to ski. We watched you on the bunny slopes and then took you up your first ski lift. You got on like a champ! You thought it was so fun. You didn't fall off when we unloaded and you skied with Daddy all the way down. You and Savannah had so much fun summing in the heated pool. You are still so in love with the princess and I am so impressed with your willingness to try new things. You missed Emme so much and we won't ever leaver her at home again :). Your favorite part of the trip was going tubing. You wanted to go on your stomach, alone... you are so brave and crazy! You have to be 8 years old to go down alone!

Is It Over?

Oh My! It Christmas really over? We had such a wonderful Christmas holiday. I, like Kara, have started this post in my mind so many times, but have just not sat down to write it. I can't believe that 2008 is over. It was filled with so many wonderful memories and so many of God's blessings. For me and Joe, it was one of the best years of our marriage as we start to lead our family to its future. We are thankful for our family. Joe and I are both very blessed to have great parents and siblings. Our kids don't know how lucky they are to have such caring, prayerful, helpful and loving Grandparents. It is truly a blessing that we don't ever take for granted. My nephew was born and came home and it is so amazing to see my sister as a mom. For those moms out there, you know how terribly excited you are when someone you love gives birth!

Anyway, Joe, Elle and I are off to Winter Park tomorrow with the Zisler's and can't wait, so look forward to that post for pictures of Elle and Savannah's first attempt at skiing!

Christmas Eve. It was our first annual "Ratliff Variety Show" it was full of funny sketches, great songs, and Christmas bible stories

Part of the reason this Christmas was so special was because all us us "Parents" were setting up all of the toys from Santa!

Mom-O snapped a picture of the kids asleep, just before we woke them up to tell them Santa had been there!

The kids were so cute coming out to see what Santa had brought them!

For the New Year, we spent it in Conroe and spent time with Kirsten & John and the kids and Ruth and Rick

WOW! What a great picture. Elle and Emme seeing their cousin, Tommy, for the first time! They talk about him every day!

I Want Mashed Potatoes

Hello and Merry Christmas! We have had such a great December, full of fun activities and good family time.

My blog story is about Mashed Potatoes.

Every night Elle wants French Fries for dinner. Always! Well last week I baked some french fries and said "Elle, we are having french fries tonight!" She looked at me and said, "I want mashed potatoes." What? I didn't have mashed potatoes and tried to tell her that, and she just kept saying, "Well, I want mashed potatoes." So, I threw the french fries in a bowl and added some milk and mashed it like crazy. She did like it!

So, last night before dinner I told Elle that we were having mashed potatoes and she was going to make them. She and Emme had a blast making them and they turned out great!

This morning, Margarita (our maid) was here and she asked me if I was going to cook for Christmas. I said, "No, I don't really cook alot," Elle quickly jumped in and said, "Remember, I made mashed potatoes." She just loves rubbing it in my nose ;))

Have a great Christmas!!!

Santa Claus at Southlake

The North Pole Express Santa

Elle and Emme before school. Elle is really into long dresses and I found this one. I plan to blog in January about the 5 long dresses, more to come!

The North Pole Express, Santa was coming down the aisle!

Elle hugging Santa. Her wish list has remained the same with each visit to Santa. Princesses, Mermaids and Barbies

It's rare when Emme is this happy to take a picture with Mommy!

Christmas Party at School today. Some of Elle's friends.

Emme's friends

THe Smouse's took Elle and Hadley to ICE. They had so much fun!

Elle during her CHristmas Program at School

Emme singing during her program

My Favorite Things

I had a great weekend full of friend and family time. I am so thankful for the "place" that the Lord has chosen for me. When your weekend contains your child's best friends party, a family party and then your closest friends over at your own home for dinner....you've got a good thing SO, I lift up all of the good things to the Lord and thank Him.

My Favorite Things

• When I go to get Emme out of bed in the morning and she is pretending to sleep. I know this because she has a huge grin on her face
• When Elle sings No One Like You and Blessed Be the Name. It is so cute
• When Joe starts a bath for me... and I am the only one who takes it, no kids barging in and jumping in with me
• Emme's laugh
• When I talk to Elle on the phone and she says "Hi Mommy"
• When Elle puts her arm around me in the middle of the night
• When I go to 7 Salsas with Joe
• When Emme gets hurt, she reenacts the entire scene so I understand exactly what happens
• When Emme rambles a really long sentence/story and then asks "Ok?"
• When Elle and Emme hug each other -- can this please last forever!
• When I first get to work and sit down at my desk. I am alone and the world is all at peace for at least 15 minutes!
• Checking the mail for Holiday Photo cards

Mom-O and Papa Joe Sweet Emme

Elle - Getting so old!

Poppy!

Nana and Mimi

The Straw that Broke The Camels Back

I use this phrase alot, because I got my endearing explosive behavior from my dad.

It seems that I bottle everything up, stewing about it on my way into work or in the shower, and then something small happens and BAM "Angry Sara" (as I like to call her) comes to life.

I looked up the meaning of this phrase: The idiom the straw that broke the camel's back is from an Arab proverb about how a camel wearing shoes is loaded beyond its capacity to move[citation needed]. This is a reference to any process by which cataclysmic failure (a broken back) is achieved by a seemingly inconsequential addition (a single straw).

Well, I will say this blog post has a happy ending. I did something this morning that I don't think I have done in the history of Joe and my 7 year marriage. I actually talked to Joe like a civil human being telling him what was on my mind and why I have been feeling frustrated

You see, on Monday night, my "straw" was that I couldn't find the mail key and got mad at Joe when he answered my question of "have you seen the mail key" -- and he simply said "no".

Well after a bit of an attack I told him we would just talk about it later. This morning I called Joe and told him what was on my mind. I told him I needed a few days to think about the actual "root cause" of my bad mood. I told him that my love tank was just not full. Refer to the 5 Love Languages book for more meaning. Even though Joe and I were together all last week, we never had time to just chill by ourselves, and that is what makes me the happiest. When Joe and I are just hanging out talking and just being together. I also told him that I hadn't been working out (refer to my blog post on Monday) and that it is hard when he travels.

The night we got into the fight was the night before he left for an out of town trip. I figured out that I am not so much bothered by him being gone as I am about the anticipation of him leaving. Those that have husbands travel can relate to those emotions. I just want him to try to do everything he can before he leaves so it doesn't leave me with all of the stuff do to and take care of the kids. Anyway, we worked through it.... without yelling or getting defensive... what a concept... a communication breakthrough!

Just by getting those frustrations out with out getting so worked up makes me feel like a different person! Here is a favorite picture of us. I love Joe so much deeper than I ever thought I could love anyone.