Thrift store Christmas and New Creations

oh gosh, I am just realizing there has not been a blog entry since before Thanksgiving. That must mean we are having so much fun (which we are)! December has been a time of celebration with friends and family in Texas. We have enjoyed (and will continue enjoying) every minute of time we have left. My kids LOVED being with their cousins on Christmas morning and I don't think even noticed that they had a "thrift store Christmas". By that I mean they needed clothes and I love the thrift stores! We don't have them in South Africa and I miss them and garage sales! Mama loves a bargain! More bang for your buck is what we say in this Even family!

This last week we have spent some much loved time with Andrew and Elizabeth in Arkansas. We got to relax, sleep late, bowling, go to a museum and hike. The time here is precious. We miss them when we are back in South Africa. Time together with family is the thing we always say when people ask, "what do you miss the most?" Sure Mexican food, thrift stores, Target, good coffee and Blue jeans that fit properly are always missed but the thing you never really adjust to is missing family.  Many of you can relate to this because you live far away from your families as well. We are a plane ride away, it just takes us longer to get back than most.

New Years always comes with new resolutions, decisions and goal making. I don't know necessarily if I like it or just want to rebel against the world. EVERYDAY we are a new creation. Christ died for us to make us new. Clean from sin and compelled to know Him. The everlasting maker of us, clean and pure!

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone and the new is here. 

So, you ask (or maybe not) what am I going to do different in 2012? What is the Even family going to do different in 2012? 1. Love God more each day 2. Spend less money on things that don't matter in life 3. Love people as Christ loved them 4. Remember to be thankful everyday 5. Lose a little weight by eating healthy and exercising. Some seem a little "churchy" or "missionaryish" (my made-up words), but true none-the-less. We are called as Christ followers to love Him and love people.