Today was doughnuts with daddy at preschool....precious day for the boys in my family. It was the first time Chris has been into preschool this year, and I know Eli has been looking forward to it for a week! Oh how I love my husband and our little boy. This made my heart smile.
Precious family to pray and encourage us when things don't "look" like we intended. We are blessed by the enormous love they give us each and every day.
We were able to hang out with my cousin Ryan and his girlfriend, Alison this weekend here in Canton. It was a great time of fellowship. We enjoy each time they come and are able to catch a little break....college can be overwhelming at times especially with the courses they are both taking! Anyhow, lots of wii was played....I think guys could be content with a little food and a wii game or two almost all day! Convinced...ha!
We have had the opportunity to connect with true friends and make new ones over the past few months. I am treasuring this time we are in and the new friends that the Lord has brought into our lives. Oh, I treasure friendship so much, and am so blessed to have the friends I do...new and old!
Children being adopted from Haiti after the earthquake....this is a smile filled with tears as I have watched the rare pictures of joy during this whole ordeal. Truly fills my heart with joy.
Jesus....and the grace He abundantly gives. It really all starts and ends with Him... I love Him so.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti
I was able to sit down today and look at footage and pictures from the devastation that has occurred. My heart breaks, and I am sick to my stomach at the heartbreak in that country. With that said we have had the beautiful opportunity to sponsor children through Compassion International and World Vision...one of these precious children is Ilfrat, from Haiti. We obviously don't know if he is okay, but it kills me to know what he is seeing right now at such a young age. My prayers go out to that nation. As tears flow, I am at a loss of words this day. I am praying for these precious people. I am praying that through this horrific event Christ may somehow be seen as the giver of all true peace. I pray that people that love Jesus will reach out in whatever way possible to these beautiful people.
On a precious three year old note...Eli told me today "I will not be overcome by evil" while we were doing puzzles. I had to ask him to repeat himself, because he said it in what sounded like might be a song...it was a truth I needed to be reminded of...we are in a battle with evil each day...it is a fight...so I leave you with this verse...Romans 12: 20-21
On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
On a precious three year old note...Eli told me today "I will not be overcome by evil" while we were doing puzzles. I had to ask him to repeat himself, because he said it in what sounded like might be a song...it was a truth I needed to be reminded of...we are in a battle with evil each day...it is a fight...so I leave you with this verse...Romans 12: 20-21
On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Attempting to load pictures for the past few months...those that know my picture taking ability should know that there aren't that many, but I still wanted to get some updated ones on the blog. Hopefully, it won't take all day to load due to the fact that I rarely delete pictures off the actual camera so the loading process takes awhile! Anyhow, so in the meantime I wanted to share some highlights from the past month with you. Some heartfelt, others funny...you know a combination! So here goes....
1. We were able to celebrate Eli's 3rd birthday. It was fun to have family and friends here! I always love anytime we can have a group over. So, it was good...theme: Candy Land (favorite game at the time). Good day for Eli....we are incredibly blessed to have the family and friends that we have. The love they show Eli is beautiful.
2. Chris spoke to some students at The River Church...it is a blessing to have a "home church" that we can begin serving in.
3. Eli had a great preschool Christmas party. It was super cute to see him in that environment. He loves his friends there very much.
4. Christmas in Kingsport....always wonderful to get back there....it was hard to say goodbye...but was a wonderful time to get to have some quality time with family there. Again, in awe of our precious family.
5. Christmas in Marietta...we traveled to be with the Keith's on Christmas day. We arrived that evening in time to eat dinner. It was good to see everyone there and be a part of the Christmas activities there over a few days. What a beautiful family!
6. Ryan came from Clemson's win at the Music City Bowl. It was so good to see him. We got some major cousin time because Chris was hanging out in Macon on a youth retreat. He fixed all our electronics..which was amazing. Our tv now works with our computer and dvd player! He was so gracious to figure it all out!! Love him so much!
7. Chelcie and Delaney came to visit...what a beautiful treat that was. They bless our hearts so much. It is such a joy when they come....even though they scared me silly the night after the Vols beat down when I didn't know if they were safe...no worries...they were fine! My motherly instincts surely kicked in...I don't know what I would have done if something had happened. Anyhow, we were able to spend some quality time together before they left for Passion...oh girls...love you so much!!
8. Kristin and Kim....finally! Ikea, Cheesecake factory....the only thing missing was Katie...but we shared memories. I miss these girls so much. Great quality time with them and Lily Kate!! What a wonderful baby!! I will treasure our meeting dearly! Hopefully it will happen more often now. Kristin was able to stay another day which is always wonderful. I love those girls so much!
9. Passion 2010...Chirs volunteered...meals team...so cold...but the Lord was there. Though we watched the conference on our tv (thanks ryan)...we were amazed at how clearly the Lord was communicated through the speakers and music there. My heart overflows with how I saw the Lord work in my heart during this time. So glad so many college students were able to gather for those precious days.
10. Forgot...Eli got his first official haircut...very short...but it grows back.
11. Eli was excited to return to preschool for the 2010 year...he loves being there so much.
Looking back we have had an unbelievable month. Our friends and family are precious to us. It is wonderful to be on this journey with them all. We look forward to what is ahead in this year. Hopefully, this blog will take on more form this next year. Thank you for reading our crazy month....looking forward to sharing soon...hopefully some pictures too!
Love you!!
1. We were able to celebrate Eli's 3rd birthday. It was fun to have family and friends here! I always love anytime we can have a group over. So, it was good...theme: Candy Land (favorite game at the time). Good day for Eli....we are incredibly blessed to have the family and friends that we have. The love they show Eli is beautiful.
2. Chris spoke to some students at The River Church...it is a blessing to have a "home church" that we can begin serving in.
3. Eli had a great preschool Christmas party. It was super cute to see him in that environment. He loves his friends there very much.
4. Christmas in Kingsport....always wonderful to get back there....it was hard to say goodbye...but was a wonderful time to get to have some quality time with family there. Again, in awe of our precious family.
5. Christmas in Marietta...we traveled to be with the Keith's on Christmas day. We arrived that evening in time to eat dinner. It was good to see everyone there and be a part of the Christmas activities there over a few days. What a beautiful family!
6. Ryan came from Clemson's win at the Music City Bowl. It was so good to see him. We got some major cousin time because Chris was hanging out in Macon on a youth retreat. He fixed all our electronics..which was amazing. Our tv now works with our computer and dvd player! He was so gracious to figure it all out!! Love him so much!
7. Chelcie and Delaney came to visit...what a beautiful treat that was. They bless our hearts so much. It is such a joy when they come....even though they scared me silly the night after the Vols beat down when I didn't know if they were safe...no worries...they were fine! My motherly instincts surely kicked in...I don't know what I would have done if something had happened. Anyhow, we were able to spend some quality time together before they left for Passion...oh girls...love you so much!!
8. Kristin and Kim....finally! Ikea, Cheesecake factory....the only thing missing was Katie...but we shared memories. I miss these girls so much. Great quality time with them and Lily Kate!! What a wonderful baby!! I will treasure our meeting dearly! Hopefully it will happen more often now. Kristin was able to stay another day which is always wonderful. I love those girls so much!
9. Passion 2010...Chirs volunteered...meals team...so cold...but the Lord was there. Though we watched the conference on our tv (thanks ryan)...we were amazed at how clearly the Lord was communicated through the speakers and music there. My heart overflows with how I saw the Lord work in my heart during this time. So glad so many college students were able to gather for those precious days.
10. Forgot...Eli got his first official haircut...very short...but it grows back.
11. Eli was excited to return to preschool for the 2010 year...he loves being there so much.
Looking back we have had an unbelievable month. Our friends and family are precious to us. It is wonderful to be on this journey with them all. We look forward to what is ahead in this year. Hopefully, this blog will take on more form this next year. Thank you for reading our crazy month....looking forward to sharing soon...hopefully some pictures too!
Love you!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
My heart
Freedom in Christ is the most beautiful and "freeing" thing that one can experience. It's funny how the Lord works when you have those true encounters with Him to test your heart and your allegiance. Is my complete joy and peace in my heart truly grounded on the foundation of Jesus or is it like "sinking sand". I felt like a lot of 2009 was lived in "sinking sand". Conversations and situations would crush my spirit, allowing me to realize that I was trying to do a lot of things by my own strength. It is the worst way to live and I have been convicted and broken by this realization. I am excited to know that my hope, love, and unconditional acceptance occurs in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone. I am excited to know that at this moment freedom has come to my heart in the beauty of my Savior. I am overjoyed with the fact that I am loved completely through Jesus Christ and that I can live in freedom because of Calvary. Though situations on earth arise and are hard to understand, I know that God uses everything to equip me for His story. "Preparing, repairing, restoring." This is where Beth Moore gave to us through Jesus last night. This is how He constantly equips us...by preparing, repairing, and restoring. I needed those words.
Hebrews 13:20-21
20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Know that I am in awe this day of His unconditional love and grace. He has forgiven me completely. Grace.
So, in 2010 I want this life to count for His glory. I want there to be a cost. I want to look back and see grace. I want to give grace fully and live in His truth. My worth and beauty is found at the cross not by any other person. I am grateful for that sweet and precious truth this day. So, I beg for your prayers on this journey. May this soul not be content with mediocrity or a life lived for self. May the Lord overflow this cup so it can be poured out each and every day. May I be dependent on no one else but the Father.
In that I do pray that the Lord will teach me what it looks like to be a wife of love and grace. That my conversations will be continually seasoned with grace. I pray that the Lord will allow me to show grace as a mother and that Eli would begin even at this early age to stand in awe and wonder of Jesus. I pray that he will see Jesus through the way I live. I pray that I will be a consistent friend that encourages each one in His truth. I want more Jesus in every relationship I am blessed to be a part of. Pray that I would seek Him more than anything else. May I be satisfied in nothing else but Him alone. May every action that occurs this year point to Jesus. These are overwhelming statements...but it is my heart and I wanted to just share a brief glimpse. Pray for me. Hold me accountable. Call me out. I need it. I desire it.
Thank you for listening today.....my heart is full.
In the light of Passion 2010 I leave you with their theme verse and memory verse one of this year.
Isaiah 26:8
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts
Hebrews 13:20-21
20May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Know that I am in awe this day of His unconditional love and grace. He has forgiven me completely. Grace.
So, in 2010 I want this life to count for His glory. I want there to be a cost. I want to look back and see grace. I want to give grace fully and live in His truth. My worth and beauty is found at the cross not by any other person. I am grateful for that sweet and precious truth this day. So, I beg for your prayers on this journey. May this soul not be content with mediocrity or a life lived for self. May the Lord overflow this cup so it can be poured out each and every day. May I be dependent on no one else but the Father.
In that I do pray that the Lord will teach me what it looks like to be a wife of love and grace. That my conversations will be continually seasoned with grace. I pray that the Lord will allow me to show grace as a mother and that Eli would begin even at this early age to stand in awe and wonder of Jesus. I pray that he will see Jesus through the way I live. I pray that I will be a consistent friend that encourages each one in His truth. I want more Jesus in every relationship I am blessed to be a part of. Pray that I would seek Him more than anything else. May I be satisfied in nothing else but Him alone. May every action that occurs this year point to Jesus. These are overwhelming statements...but it is my heart and I wanted to just share a brief glimpse. Pray for me. Hold me accountable. Call me out. I need it. I desire it.
Thank you for listening today.....my heart is full.
In the light of Passion 2010 I leave you with their theme verse and memory verse one of this year.
Isaiah 26:8
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 3rd
So, I am sitting here on our couch with a completely "free" afternoon. I have a tendency to try to fill almost all of it with something, which allows me to put off blogging or other more productive time takers. I have so much going on in my head. I am excited that we are in a New Year and New Decade.
I don't enjoy being comfortable...I don't think it was God's intention when we are living a life of and for Him. When I get comfortable, it is dangerous, because I become more independent and less dependent on the One who has created everything good. It makes my heart sad to look back and see huge parts of the journey with a complete lack of awe, respect, and greatness of Our God. I don't want to live a life life about me or the things around me. I want to live a life fully surrendered to His will...whatever that may look like. I don't want this to be just words but a complete change in focus and drive in this new year....with that said the Lord has led us to a church that we feel called to. To be honest, I have never been more burdened and excited over a group of students that I barely knew. My heart is in the middle of them and yet I know few...pray for us in this. Chris and I feel the Lord opening that door for us that we had quietly closed in our lives for a period. The Lord is completely knocking that door down and ushering us into a new exciting journey I do believe.
We did have a great time with family and friends over the past couple weeks. It excites me to see what God is doing in the lives of those people. My heart goes out to Passion 2010 and the students from college campuses everywhere. I pray that they can catch a glimpse and that the campuses they return to will not remain the same. I am praying for those students like crazy.....I know God is doing great things there even as these words are being typed.
So....that is a very small glimpse of my heart over the past few weeks....so much more I could elaborate, but I won't for now.
For those of you that know me I am so bad with documenting things...
We continue to be amazed at Eli's ability to soak everything in. He remembers things like no one I have seen.
He told us this week that Monkeys eat mangos, Pandas eat Bamboo, and Dolphins eat fish. He learned it from a game he got for Christmas.
He still rarely meets a stranger and hugs people he doesn't even know yet (guess that came from me).
He still loves preschool, and can't wait to return on Tuesday (mommy is looking forward to it too!).
I am having some vision problems....so I can't really see what I am typing, so I will end for now....more to come....more to come...Lord willing.
I don't enjoy being comfortable...I don't think it was God's intention when we are living a life of and for Him. When I get comfortable, it is dangerous, because I become more independent and less dependent on the One who has created everything good. It makes my heart sad to look back and see huge parts of the journey with a complete lack of awe, respect, and greatness of Our God. I don't want to live a life life about me or the things around me. I want to live a life fully surrendered to His will...whatever that may look like. I don't want this to be just words but a complete change in focus and drive in this new year....with that said the Lord has led us to a church that we feel called to. To be honest, I have never been more burdened and excited over a group of students that I barely knew. My heart is in the middle of them and yet I know few...pray for us in this. Chris and I feel the Lord opening that door for us that we had quietly closed in our lives for a period. The Lord is completely knocking that door down and ushering us into a new exciting journey I do believe.
We did have a great time with family and friends over the past couple weeks. It excites me to see what God is doing in the lives of those people. My heart goes out to Passion 2010 and the students from college campuses everywhere. I pray that they can catch a glimpse and that the campuses they return to will not remain the same. I am praying for those students like crazy.....I know God is doing great things there even as these words are being typed.
So....that is a very small glimpse of my heart over the past few weeks....so much more I could elaborate, but I won't for now.
For those of you that know me I am so bad with documenting things...
We continue to be amazed at Eli's ability to soak everything in. He remembers things like no one I have seen.
He told us this week that Monkeys eat mangos, Pandas eat Bamboo, and Dolphins eat fish. He learned it from a game he got for Christmas.
He still rarely meets a stranger and hugs people he doesn't even know yet (guess that came from me).
He still loves preschool, and can't wait to return on Tuesday (mommy is looking forward to it too!).
I am having some vision problems....so I can't really see what I am typing, so I will end for now....more to come....more to come...Lord willing.
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