Saturday, December 31, 2011

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

Friday, December 30, 2011

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.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

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.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Friday, December 02, 2011

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

Thursday, December 01, 2011

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!