He is almost here!

Hello my friends!
I hope that the last 19 days has been peaceful, joyous,  happy and meaningful for all of you.
I have been spending my days teaching my children and trying to stayed grounded- amidst the chaos that surrounds us all during this season.
I don't know if I am just getting OLD or if it is something more profound in my heart, but whatever it is...I find myself drawn to my own home with my own family this year.
I used to be the fool waiting in line with the masses at Rockefeller plaza for that massive tree to be lit,  the first one in lone to see Santa at Macy's...with my children perfectly outfitted for photos.
This year though, I have enjoyed so much more. Something different. Home. Our giant tree that we cut down as a family. The gingerbread houses that we made with such a MESS! The singing of Christmas songs and memorizing scripture for the Christmas play, the handmade ornaments, the world vision gifts and the feeling of contentment has overwhelmed me.
Family.
A family is what we are celebrating this season. The beginning of real family.
A family of three. An unlikely family of three.
Mary was pregnant,  Joseph KNEW the baby was not his.  But, God came through.  He showed Joseph that His love was SO strong, SO safe, SO pure.  He helped Joseph to see that it didn't matter what anyone else thought. That HE was the only judge that mattered, and that HIS love was safe.-That HE would provide.

Joseph believe in God. Joseph believed in salvation. And, because Joseph believed...a family was born.  In a tiny manger,  in the little town of Bethlehem, the City of David.

The only twinkling lights were stars, the only gifts were those given to the Babe in honor of what HE was going to GIVE us.

He gave us FAMILY.  A family of believers. A family with love and light and hope. A family who looks towards the JOY of this season, as the birth of our salvation.

Pray with me?
Lord, guide our hearts in the same way that you guided Joseph's heart so many years ago. That we may feel Your safe, true love.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.

{beBlessed} and have a GREAT day!

Feliz Navidad! Let GENEROSITY abound!

Hello ya'll and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I am refreshed and full of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon our family.
God is so good and He always provides.

After a season of thankfulness for all that we have, it only makes sense to turn our hearts towards GIVING and blessing OTHERS.

The boys put together shoes boxes for Operation Christmas Child and it was such a JOY to take each of them shopping for their child. Their little hearts wanted to share all of their favorite things with a child somewhere in the world, who may be getting gifts for Christmas for the first time ever! Can you even process that? The football, books and silly putty that my babies put in a Rubbermaid box- will be the FIRST GIFTS EVER for 3 little boys somewhere in the world!
So, it got me thinking. What can I give to the people who have truly blessed me?
Over the past year, I have been blessed with little trinkets and books and bibles and subscriptions and... awesomness! I have listed these things in my favorite things list each month, and I think it is time to pay it forward a bit.
SO...I have decided to do a Christmas giveaway and contest all rolled into one!

Here is the scoop!:
1. Read my December Favorite Things blog post.
2. If you do not already follow the blog- become a follower.
3. In the COMMENTS under the December Favorite Things BLOG POST, tell me:
     1. Which favorite thing you think that you would like best. (Choose between numbers 1-10 only)
     2. Why do you think you would like it best?
     3. Your email address (I will not spam you,  this is just to contact you if you ste chosen!)
4. Share the link to the December Favorite Things blog post to a social media site. Either Facebook or Instagram and hash tag #thefarmeranddanielle

***if you are randomly chosen as the "winner", You will receive the item that you mentioned in your comment AND a Veggie Tales Nativity Playset to either give your own children or to bless another!***

You must enter prior to Monday, December 8th to ensure delivery before Christmas! 
Stay tuned for the list to go LIVE tonight!!!

{BeBlessed} and have a GREAT day!