January 31, 2014

cold, cold, cold | january recap

Happy 2014! I cannot believe it's nearly February already. Where did this month go?! I'm not ready for it to end - time has been moving way too fast for me to keep up!

Jan. 1, New Year's day! We didn't really do anything super special on this day, but some teens and young adults from church spent New Years Eve at our friend's house eating, singing, and just talking and hanging out.


Jan. 5 was my 21st birthday. It was on a Sunday and it was sunny and fairly warm. Jacob and his family came over for lunch.  
Jan. 6 the temps dropped down to the negatives, and when it reached 8 degrees we went shopping so I could spend some birthday money and went to my favorite restaurant for lunch. We were some of the only people out and about that day, so that was a lot of fun! But this weather, man....when it gets below 20 degrees, us Southerners hibernate and wonder what's wrong with our world! Give me 105 any day! ;)


Jan. 19 we had the young adult class over for lunch after church and we spent the afternoon eating and playing games.



Jan. 20 saw the beginning of renovation on our sanctuary at church. Gym renovation was completed last fall, and we have once again outgrown our church building. After knocking out the back wall twice and a classrooms and offices addition, we didn't have any other option (besides a new building) than to knock out our baptistry and shrink the platform. This meant changing a good portion of the appearance of our sanctuary. Clean up that nasty old gym all you want, but going to town on our beloved sanctuary was a bit harder to take. However, it will be completed soon and have a new beauty we will all love. After 20+ years, change is good and of course, growth is wonderful.


Jan. 21 Lena Rae was born! Here she is just a few days ago. Call me prejudiced, I know I am, but this little girl is
b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. ;) ♥


Jan. 25 was our church's annual Pinewood Derby. Jacob made a replica of his big black Dodge and the boys were just all about that!





Other things included ball games, church meals, babysitting, and finding out my friend Hannah is expecting her first baby!! WHAT?! Since when are my friends grown up enough for babies? And if they are, then that means I'm getting older too, and that's just weird! ;) I am beyond happy for her and her husband Jacob, and I can't wait to meet their little baby in about 5 months!

I hope each of you had a lovely January, and a wonderful start to 2014!


January 21, 2014

Lena Rae

I would like to introduce my brand new niece...


Lena Rae was born this morning at 5:30, 8 days before her due date! She weighs 9 pounds and 4 ounces and is 21 inches long.Our family has a girl at last!


They brought her home today around 2:30, and we took the boys back home to meet her.


Jace and Jackson have been here before, but it's all new to Tanner and he absolutely loves his little sister.

....and so do the rest of us!






Welcome to our family, Lena! We are so excited to meet you!


January 11, 2014

Give Me Jesus

He is so good. Sometimes when I'm still and I'm alone, when it's all quiet and and I focus, it's as if I can feel Him sitting beside me. I close my eyes and inhale peace.

He is my rock. The foundation I lean on when the world around me is shaking and trying to hurt me. When what was so good has been broken forever, He is my comfort and my unchanging One. I slow down and inhale strength.

He is my happiness. When everything goes awry, when my dreams and plans are shattered and I don't know where I'm going anymore, He shows me His love. He reminds me my main goal and focus is pleasing Him, and as long as I follow His direction, He'll lead me to His will. I smile and inhale joy.

He is my protector. The One who bears my burdens. When sickness weakens my family, when my friends are far away, when someone I love is straying from the flock, He shows me He's in control of it all. I rest in Him and inhale security.

He blesses me. More than I deserve and more than I could ever repay. He fills my life with joy and light, I'm not afraid of the future for He is teaching me to trust. He allows me life and gives me breath. I inhale and exhale Him because without His goodness and grace neither would be possible.

So you can have this world, but give me Jesus.

I did not write the song below, and I can't find out who did. I think it has beautiful words and as I listened to it today I sat down and wrote this. The words are simple, but I love them.


"Give Me Jesus"

In the morning, when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus