Open it, know it, speak it, love it

"God is working on your behalf and Jesus is holding you together."  A new book from Brooke McGlothlin and Stacey Thacker, The Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional. To find out more, go to http://hopeforthewearymom.com #HOPEdevo

 

"When I was a young Christian I knew I should be reading the Bible. I believed it was the truth and that I should be obeying what it had to say. I embraced that mindset early on, by the grace of God, but I didn’t know how to activate it, or actually make it make a difference in my life. There was a disconnect somewhere between what I read and how it affected my heart." 

"When I was younger I battled fear. One of the ways war against this attack of the enemy was to speak God’s Word out loud, and even though God has given me a signicant measure of healing in this area, I still speak Bible verses out loud when I’m afraid."

 "The Bible has amazing power to transform our lives when we open it, know it, speak it, use it, and love it."

Hope for Hope

"My heart just breaks for Martha. I get her. I am her most days distracted by a million little and not-so-little details. I want to serve my family and love them like Jesus—I really do. But, I confess I’m anxious at times by it all."

"Gentle Lord, I am anxious today for all the undone things on my list. What I need more than anything is a Selah moment to sit with you and receive the rest my weary soul needs. I’m so grateful I can find that at your feet today. In Jesus’s name, amen."

Shared from a new book from Brooke McGlothlin and Stacey Thacker, The Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional. To find out more, go to http://hopeforthewearymom.com #HOPEdevo

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday we visited Santa at the Pearl Club.  This was everyone's first time meeting Santa.  I was pleased that no one was afraid of him and all were willing to sit on his lap and speak to him. 

                              Audrey asked Santa for a pink bicycle. 

                Owen asked Santa for a Tot Clock, similar to the one his brother has. 

                            Alexander asked Santa for an invention. 

We enjoyed lots of donut holes, muffins, and cinnamon rolls.  We had a few grapes too.  Santa will be visiting our house soon. 

Ready for Christmas

We are excited for Christmas in the Neel household. Today we will visit Santa for the first time ever.  

Everyone enjoyed Awaited at Bellevue last night. What a wonderful picture of God's beautiful plan for creation, Jesus' birth, and ultimate sacrifice. 

We have been reading "Prepare Him Room" as a family devotion each evening. Audrey and Owen especially love the music and when Daddy plays the guitar. 

Alexander's First UK Basketball Game

 Alexander enjoyed his first UK basketball game on November 24th.  He loved holding up his 3 point sign and cheering C-A-T-S!

 He also enjoyed a Rupp Arena hot dog and ice cream cone.  Yummy.  Go Cats.  The Cats beat Boston University 82-62. 

Alexander's 7th Birthday

We celebrated our sweet seven year old with a fishing birthday party.  The kids fished for inflatable fish in the pool, dug for worms in the sand, and ate more than their fair share of gummy worms.  We even got to swim in the pond, or the pool. 

The watermelon shark was a fun photo prop in addition to a yummy snack. 

 

Alexander is anxious to learn to skate with his newest set of wheels. 

What Have We Been Doing All Summer?

Where has the summer gone?  We have been busy, but enjoyed lots of lazy days playing at the pool.  

In early June we visited the Louisville Zoo.  Alexander then spent a week visiting Mimi.  While Alexander was away we went to the preparty for the Moonlight Ride.  We celebrated our friend Ben and his successful treatment at St. Jude.  

Alexander also celebrated his friend Merrick's birthday at Holiday World.  We went to Frankfort for a wedding, but Alexander stayed with Nana.  We enoyed visiting with Jessica, Derek, Addie, and baby Asher.  Audrey stayed with Mimi that week while Mommy, Owen, and Alexander went to Bible School.  Owen loved Bible School and Mrs. Pam and Mrs. Abby.  Mommy and Alexander enjoyed our time together in the kindergarten class. 

 We also celebrated at Ellen's wedding.  The kids had a blast dancing and hanging out with some of their favorite people, Madeline, Trey, Ellen, Jake, Allie, and Emily.  

We had another great day picking blueberries.  We picked and ate more than 6 pounds of blueberries.  Once again Owen was the champ at eating them right off the bush.  

 















We often visited the library to participate in Fancy Nancy Tea Parties, Paw Patrol Days, or see the penguin from the Newport Aquarium.  

Audrey was thrilled to see Madeline try on her wedding dress and make a new bear at Build a Bear Workshop.  This was her reward for learning to swim.  Her new bear is Little Bear.  Audrey treasures her girl time.  What a fun day with Nana, Manny, Mommy, Ellie Jelly, and Miss Jill.  

We also dressed up like cows in order to get a free meal at Chick Fil A.  We have enjoyed playing in the sprinkler, watching fireworks, eating plenty of ice cream, and hanging out with friends.  Why does summer have to end?