remembering and anticipating

wanting to remember 2011 . . .

we bought our first home

I was blessed by a new group of women with shared life experiences

new deepening friendships

my best summer ever

John's life spared

we welcomed to new nieces

our southern road trip

lived with Amy

speaking at STP

speaking at our women's retreat

trip to Asheville, NC 

trip to Athens, GA

trip to Louisville, KY

joined Christian Family Chapel

our first Christmas tree

our first fireplace

joining a Crop Share Association

my big sis graduating from PA school

surviving and accomplishing two months of gluten and dairy free

finishing our wedding album (5 years later)

looking forward to 2012 if the Lord wills . . .

starting it off with my birthday

John turns 30!!

John leading our region's Summer Training Program

celebrating 6 years of marriage

anticipating God's work and goodness to us

Maschhoff's visiting us

speaking at the Alabama Women's Retreat

caring about physical activity for the first time ever

projects, sewing, crafting, painting, decorating

planting some things

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

On every Merry Christmas, may our love of decor not stop at a tree but let our adorning be the hidden person of the heart, may our hunger not linger only on delicious treats but feast on evey word that comes from the mouth of the Lord, may our desire for fellowship not flourish only among our family gathered, but rest in our restored relationship with God Almighty because of His Son, may our delight in gifts lead us to remember and receive the Gift of Jesus, and may our festive singing be worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Merry Christmas.

The winter wonderland outside, in Cloquet, MN.

That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.

Ann Voskamp

birthday girl

my dear, dear mother was born this day.  she is a model of all models of a gentle and quiet spirit.  she loves well.  gives grace abundantly.  and has sacrificed much out of the joy in her heart for her family.  what a woman.  happy birthday Mom!