#90

From the Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges on reconciliation...

"Happily for us, however, our reconciliation to God is permanent and eternal. Because Christ accomplished it for us, there is no possibility it can ever be undone. Though we continue, even as believers, to do those things that in themselves deserve God's displeasure, we can never revert to a state of divine alienation. For the sake of Christ, God will always accept us. And even when God deems it necessary to discipline us for persistent disobedience, He always does so out of love to restore us to the way of obedience (see Hebrews 12:4-11)...He not only saves us from sin's guilt and consequent alienation, He also delivers us from sin's reign and continues to work to progressively free us from sin's activity in our lives. However, in the midst of God's work and our struggle with indwelling sin, we must always keep in mind that our status of favor and friendship with God is always, and ever will be, based on the objective work of Christ for us as our representative and substitute. We have been forever reconciled to God through the death of His Son."

#83

#78

#52

Due to Inclement Weather...

once again, His plans were not ours!

I've been so excited about hosting our Care Group's Christmas party at in our home. I've struggled a little this year with missing the familiarity of the long standing friendships and family in Orlando. I've missed the parties and dinners and baking days and shopping trips that have been associated with the people we love dearly - especially that would happen this time of year. So, planning and preparing for the party last night was exciting for me! Reagan and I went out around 3 to pick up wood for the fire and cut holly for a centerpiece for the table. Then around 5 I went outside and I couldn't believe it...there was ice on the driveway! Then I looked out the front window to see traffic at almost a stand-still! Seriously?!?! By 6, I made myself come to the reality we were going to be eating a lot of cookies by ourselves tonight. And I was disappointed. And I tried to have a good attitude. But for a few minutes I didn't. I told Steve I just didn't want to plan and look forward to anything because it seems like God just doesn't want me to do the fun things we plan. I know, I know...boo-hoo.

Steve graciously corrected me and encouraged me. (I love this guy!) And then God quickened my heart to a piece of Scripture I've held near this year..."The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) Sure, I missed seeing all my friends last night and having fun and celebrating Christmas with them, but I was grateful they were all home safe, too.

And instead of pouting, God gave me the grace to change and enjoy the rest of the evening! Reagan, Sydney, Jordyn and I read about the 3 Wise Men and about Stinky Feet (their favorite story from the Jesus Storybook Bible) by the fire and then we watched cartoons before bed. Then Steve and I were getting ready to eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and play Scrabble (he really was trying to help me =)!) when he had the idea to bring some goodies out to the people who were desperately trying to get home. Now that was fun! It was fun to see the surprised look on the man's face when he got an unexpected treat. It was fun to help two ladies who had pulled over and had been sitting in their cars for hours because they were both scared to drive on the ice. It was wonderful to be able to bring them to our house so they could go to the bathroom and have a drink and something to eat. God knew those ladies would need a place to be refreshed last night. That has been my desire for our home. That people would come in and be refreshed. No matter how little or long they stay. And last night, once again, He answered that prayer - even if it was just for a few minutes! Then we played Scrabble and Steve beat me, but once again God showed me that even when His plans aren't my plans, He never changes and He is always good and worthy to be praised. So, I will keep praying and keep planning, but I'll hold those plans loosely, too. Knowing that even though I plan it is He who truly orders my days.

It's a Couple of Weeks Before Christmas...

and this is what's going on at our house...

*We are done with school 'till the New Year!

*Cristina made gingerbread men, women, girls and boys with the kiddos. We have been enjoying them and all their decorated deliciousness!

*We are enjoying our fireplace when we can actually get the logs to catch fire!

*The house is decorated with wreaths and garland, stockings, gifts and trees!

*We are enjoying reading through the Christmas story and my sis gave me the great idea of using our Little People Nativity to draw the kids in during the story. It's so fun to watch them "be" the different people and animals!

*Tonight we are joining Barry and Cherry (our sweet neighbors) at FBW for their big Christmas production. I'm dressing the girls up and after we eat our soup and hot bread, we'll be on our way!

*Fun gifts have been almost completely found for family and friends, now the baking needs to begin!

*We have barely been outside. This Florida girl has still not adjusted to this cold North Georgia weather! Although, I did go to Publix the other day when it was 30 degrees outside with just a long sleeve shirt. I can't stand layering and unlayering ever time I go to a store!

*We are hosting our Care Group Christmas Party here on Wednesday night!

*Next weekend we'll have our family Christmas and then pack up for Florida!

I Didn't Escape the Bug...

I thought I made it through all the sickness and cleaning up...that is until the wee hours of this morning. Then it hit. Over the last couple of hours I have been so blessed by my husband who has taken care of me so well. He immediately called into work and told them he needed to take care of the kiddos today, he's checked in on me and brought me refills of Sprite. We just talked about growing in compassion and it seems like after we have conversations like that good opportunities are just around the corner!

AND then Cristina offered to watch the girls so that Steve could go and work. Cristina who is helping her husband and preparing to move in a few days. Who has plenty to do on her own. But I hear them downstairs making Gingerbread cookies and laughing and having fun. I definitely wouldn't choose to get sick. Especially in December - less than two weeks before we leave for Orlando, but again I'm glad my plans aren't His plans. I'm thankful that I can rest today and get well quickly and that my girls are having fun and aren't having to sit in front of movies all day!

Today.

Today I woke up and went to the gym while it was freezing cold outside and started the day off by seeing two of my dear, sweet friends!

Today I watched 6 little girls play and listened to them giggle and be super good mommies to all their little babies!

Today I started reading The Gospel for Real Life and Shopping for Time.

Today I wrapped presents and excitedly opened packages that came in the mail today that are special gifts for special people!

Today I talked to my sister and mom on the phone to talk about Christmas!

Today we ate little gingerbread men at lunch and I watched all the little girls...and Luke =) nibble away one part at a time!

Today I was surprised by my sweet hubby when he came home from work with a Slurpee and dozen red roses in his hands for me!

Today I enjoyed eating dinner with my family and the Hartmans, realizing that this time next week they will be in the process of setting up their new home.

Right now I'm listening to 3 little girls laughing hysterically as their daddy entertains them before he prays for them and puts them to bed!

Today has been a good day!

#43

Jordyn was already down for a nap!

#26

When His Plans Are Not My Plans...

What a full, fun weekend we had planned! Friday we were going to go to the zoo, have dinner with friends and go to a meeting for church and the girls were excited about going to their friends for the evening. Saturday there were birthday parties and Lowe's projects to attend and a parade to go too, but God in His perfect planning had a different agenda already worked out for us.

Friday morning as I was getting ready for a fun day, I put on one of my new sweaters! I was greeted by my sweet Sydney - as I am most mornings - saying she needed to go to the bathroom. I was carrying her back downstairs when she got sick - all over my new sweater =) - and thankfully, the wood floor. Thus began a day of constant cleaning and caring for 2 sick little girls. Thankfully it was a fast and furious little bug and was done within a full day.

Reagan was upset about missing out on our fun plans (as was I), but I am so grateful for the opportunities this weekend allowed. I was able to talk to the girls about God's sovereignty and His perfect plan. God gives us good things. Actually, He always gives us what's best for us. Always. It may not always be what we want, or what's fun, but His care for us is planned out and specific and He loves us more than we can imagine. So, even though we were looking forward to fellowshipping with friends, celebrating birthdays, listening to the Word being preached on Friday night, etc., God's plan for this weekend was what was best to tend to our hearts.

I was amazed by the grace I experienced on Friday. See, I've never done well with throw up. Ever. Usually if someone else is sick, I can not even stand to be near them. But I experienced so much grace in caring for my little girls and cleaning up after them. I wasn't tempted to complain, but because God had already laid it on my heart to look for JOY, I was looking and again, He showed Himself faithful! Rarely do I just sit with the girls for extended amounts of time. We enjoyed a 4 hour Little House on the Prairie Marathon, I held them and rocked them and loved on them ALL day and well into the night. What precious time (even if there was a lot of yuck thrown in there, too)!

I am also amazed by how God sustains friends of mine and family who are regularly sick or care for those who are. As I cared for my sick children for one day, my heart was quickened to pray for the ones I love who are caring for sick babies or children or parents or spouses. It amazes me how He provides so much strength for those who need it, when it is needed!

So, this weekend wasn't all fun and games, but I'm grateful. Grateful that God is allowing me to rest and trust that I'm not missing out on things when walking in His will and plans for my days.

# 19

# 18

Joy.

With Thanksgiving just passing us by, of course gratefulness has been on my brain. We have so much to be thankful and grateful for, yet so often I find myself complaining about something. Most of the time it is something really, really dumb. Dumb or not, complaining is always sinful. And where there is complaining in my heart, there is a lack of joy. Several days ago I came across a blog through a friend's blog and wanted to join with my friend and others in pursuing looking for joy.

The holidays can be a stretch for me. The busyness, the planning, and the wanting to do all the extras in the midst of all of the "we-have-to-dos". Because of God's grace, I want to grow. I don't want to be so busy that I miss my time with the Lord or miss the gifts of joy He has placed around me for His glory and for my enjoyment, so that's what's on my sidebar.

This month I'm going to LOOK for 100 joys. Hopefully I'll see hundreds more than the hundred. I know they are there. Our Savior is so gracious, so kind, so extravagantly good that they have to be there. So often I'm just not looking for them. So, now I'm looking. And I'm seeing. Which leads to rejoicing and gratefulness. And smiles. And joy. And growing in joy is what I have been pursuing since January, so what a fun way to end the year!

Since June 22...

June 22 seems like a very, very long time ago. Since then I fell off the blogging world wagon and right now I am finding the desire to run and catch it! I've kept up with Facebook, posting pictures and updates, but how I wish I would have kept my thoughts here - in one clean little nook on my computer. But that's okay, today I start fresh. Today I am hoping to begin adding the funny and thoughtful parts of our days so that when I want to remember the hilarious words that spill out of Sydney's mouth or the sweet encouragement from Reagan, or the picture of a moment that says more than words can express, I can just pop on here and see it again. Also, as I look back over former posts, I am overwhelmed with God's faithfulness, provision and kindness and I want to keep seeing that - over and over and over again!

So, quick recap.

Over the summer, we had 8 consecutive weeks of company. We love being able to share our home. We love having people here - laughing, playing, talking, and praying together. Listening to little people try to fall asleep even though they are so excited they can barely stand it! Trying to fall asleep ourselves because some visits are just too short! We are so grateful for all the friends and family who have been here over this past year and look forward to many, many more guests!

The week after our last summer visitors, Ben and Cristina and Luke moved in with us! It has been a uniques season having dear friends stay with us. Having a friend in the house during the day to talk to has been wonderful! It sure is going to be a lot quieter in a few weeks when they move into their own beautiful new home about 30 minutes away!

We haven't done much work on the house since the summer. A little painting here and there, and a lot of yard work. Steve is amazing at cutting down trees, hauling things away, etc, etc. I truly think he can figure out how to do just about anything!

The girls and I have loved getting to know our neighbors better. They are so sweet and Mrs. Cherry has watched Sydney and Jordyn and Reagan several times for me during the day to run errands or take Reagan to Timothy.

Reagan has lost 3 teeth this month alone. She's lost 5 all together! I love, love, love to see her smile! She saved her "tooth daddy" money and went to the American Girl Store this week to buy something for her Kit doll!

We spent time in Orlando a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Amy and Kaleb's wedding! It was so fun being able to be a part of the wedding week and day! I can't wait to see all the pictures. Of course, Amy was a stunning bride! Steve was able to spend the week before with Danny in Greenville while all of us girls did fun things like shopping, planning, pedicures, etc! The girls were thrilled to be flower girls and are still talking about the fun they had!

We've been hiking, playing, working and enjoying life. I find my days go by way too quick. As I write so many memories flood my mind - so many highlights of the last few months - but I think I should probably just start fresh (again).

Concert

Steve took Reagan on a date to a concert Friday night.

She had so much fun. She was very excited. She couldn't sit still and randomly yelled things out to Steve throughout the concert.

My favorite was "This is louder than Jordyn!" =)

The Rest of March...

in pictures!

Blog...What's That?

March 8? Seriously, that was the last time I blogged? I'm feeling like time is flying by and I'm trying to grab it by the coattails as it zooms past! Mama, you've probably fallen out of your seat by now as you see a new entry listed!

So, now I don't know what to do...updates galore again or start from this day and move forward? A few updates just so I don't forget! =)

Since April, we've had 7 birthdays to celebrate, our anniversary and Mother's Day. Steve and I both turned 30 this year, Reagan 6, Sydney 4 and Jordyn 2. And we celebrated 9 years together!

Quick updates:

Me - Yep, I really turned 30. My sweet hubby took me away for my birthday and shopping for a night and day. It was very sweet of him, but I'm not sure we'll do it again for a long, long time. The going away part I hope we get to do again soon =). The shopping together part, not so much! It was a good and revealing getaway and Friday night was a lot of fun, but come Saturday some ugliness began to exude from my heart and has continued to be revealed through multiple situations. Although I'm so thankful for revelation, the Cross of my precious Savior, being able to repent, a husband who has been patient and kind, it has been a bit of a difficult season for me personally. But God is faithful and He is answering my prayers and for that I'll gladly take the pain of seeing my sin if it means I get to see more of His holiness and goodness!

Steve - He is a man of many talents! He's been working hard at work (as always), working hard on the house, and growing - by God's grace - in many different areas. And he still finds time to make us laugh everyday! The girls and I went to Orlando for a week and he worked his regular job during the day and worked on putting in new doors, painting, putting in trim, etc. in the house at night. Amazing!

Reagan - our little LuLu finished school right before we headed to Orlando and has been enjoying her summer so far! She just turned 6 and I love her quote of the day on June 4..."This is the best 6 year old day of my WHOLE life!" She got her first bike and has surprised me by how well she is riding. She continues to be a super helper and a super talker! =) She makes breakfast in the morning for her and her sisters, dusts the stairs, living room and our room, loves reading and making mud pies! She also loves visiting our neighbors and is asking more and more questions about the Lord which has made for some precious conversations lately!

Sydney - all you have to do is say "diaper" and you'll have her rolling! She is a stinker, but a very funny stinker! She also got a bike for her 4 year old birthday and has been doing really well riding, too! The first time she rode it she flipped down our little hill, so it took her a little while to get up the courage to try again. The other day I put them in the tub after they had been outside for hours, and I went to pull out her braid and realized her hair and scalp were just full of dirt. She informed me she was just trying to bury her head in the dirt. I had to wash her hair about 10 times and I'm sure I didn't get it all out! I never know what she's going to say...or do!

Jordyn - is 2 now! She is growing and changing and I'm so grateful for the changes I've seen in her over the last few months. She is a tough cookie, but God is at work in her and in us! She hasn't been passing out for the last probably month and a half, but she has started stomping her feet and hitting. BUT she's also started responding so much quicker, and loving on her sisters more, and talking a bit, and she LOVES to dance - especially when we listen to music in the car! I love when we turn into our driveway and she yells "HOME" and gets excited. Today I took her to our neighbors to play and she and I bounced on the trampoline and I didn't want to stop because I've never seen her laugh so hard! She was snorting she was laughing so hard!!

The house - we've been enjoying our home! I've been a little antsy to finish up some of the not so fun projects (like painting trim) and move onto some more fun projects, but we are also really trying to live life too and not be consumed by the home projects. Thankfully, Steve is better at balancing that than I am and having 3 little kids has limited the time I can paint, etc.! I want to enjoy the immense blessings we've been given, be wise with our time, and one day finish the windows! =) We have really been enjoying hours in our yard. The girls will play out there as long as we'll let them, Steve loves to work in the yard and so do I (I even got to mow for hours the other day which I love!) and we love to sit on our front porch and talk and read and watch the little animals run around. I've been going out almost every morning now to drink my coffee and read and journal, and there is much to be said about being outside and being still before the Lord before the whirl of the day begins!

OK, I do believe my Starbucks is wearing off so it's time to wrap up the updates. Oh, so much more has happened, but I think I'm going to start fresh and maybe pop in some of what I've missed blogging about over the last couple of months with pictures!

A Few Pictures...

Well, I've been pretty busy and haven't kept my camera nearby, so I have very few pictures of the last couple of months, but here's a few. (They are pretty much the same ones on FB.)

Updates Galore!

A little behind in the blog world, so now time to catch up a bit while hubby and I sit with our laptops on our front porch (where it is NOT freezing cold) as deer walk nearby! Ahhh, good times!

So, lets see here. Since I last blogged LOTS has happened! My little girls have been growing and changing. Let me start with Reagan...

My 5 1/2 year old blondie is becoming quite adventurous at our new home. She's a scooter riding, swing set playing, turkey chasing, leaf raking, branch hauling cutie pie! She's loved playing outside and really likes when there are turkeys in the yard or she gets to go back in the woods. (She is her daddy's daughter!) She's been a big helper, too. Saturday she just raked and raked! She's lost her two front teeth. The 2nd one she pulled while we were in Publix. She was so excited that she just bounced all around the store. I'd be excited, too. The tooth fairy has not been affected by the current economy and gives quite a pay off for lost teeth! She loves her art class and has made some cool projects. Last week she made a clay necklace. I can't wait to see it when she brings it home tomorrow. She's making breakfast and lunches for her and her sisters which is a huge help and cleans the stairs and empties the dishwasher. She's all into drawing birds and writing chapter books! They are so cute. School is still going really well. This last week especially she has been eager to do her work and get it done so she can play with her sissies!

Sydney is growing, too. She's thinning out like crazy and I just moved her into 4Ts. She's a snuggle bug these days. She, too, has been a big helper. Today she hauled a bunch of limbs for me while we worked in the yard and she was super cute! She still keeps us laughing and says some funny things - mostly to do with diapers or bottoms. She loves going to Publix and talking to people there. She's not quite as adventurous at the house yet, but that's fine with me. She loves being pulled around in the wagon and riding in the cart behind the lawn mower, though! I have to get some pictures soon!

And Jordyn, well our little Jordyn finally decided to walk at 20 months old! She just took off! Yep, that's right, all in one day and hasn't stopped since! She's changed SO MUCH and we are so grateful! She's been happier and quicker to obey. She loves playing baby dolls with her sisters and looking at books. She loves when Steve walks in the room and telling everyone we pass by "hi". Thankfully God has been working in my heart, too, and I really enjoy being with her now. She has been a difficult child to say the least, but I can't imagine my world without her. I love when she walks up and gives me kisses or says "more" or dances when I turn on the music, or knocks down her sisters' blocks or gets excited to get a cookie, or sings Holy God (I can tell that's what's she singing!) or snuggles with her blankie! She still passes out pretty often, but the screaming is getting less!! Oh my, I could go on and on about these girls. I still can't believe sometimes that this is my life. God is surely good!

Less Than 3 Weeks 'Til Move In!

I've been a pitiful blogger as of late, but I promise I'm not sitting around twiddling my thumbs! =)

Since we came back from Christmas, we've been in full swing around here. Steve has been working day and night and the girls and I have been holding down the fort here. Unfortunately, I've been a little under the weather the past several days so I'm trying to get well and pack here and there! I can't believe we have less than 3 weeks until we move again! This whole process has gone so much better than I anticipated. It's a lot of hard work and we won't have near as much done before we move in as we had hoped too, but all I can say is WE ARE SO BLESSED! We've been blessed with good workers, people who have given up days and evenings to come and just serve us, girls who have offered to babysit (and as soon as I can be of any help at the house, I'm taking them up on their offers!), deals at different stores, Steve has done amazing work and God has kept him healthy as he's worked many nights in below freezing temperatures with no heat.

So, here's where we are right now...

Last week we were able to have gas run to the house and it is all hooked up and working!

Two new A/Cs and Furnaces have been installed and work.

Stairs should be done this week.

Flooring has been picked out and will be put in the week before we move in.

We bought all of our kitchen appliances yesterday. They are all stainless steel. OH, and I was able to get a mac-daddy of a refrigerator at a steal of a price!!

The outside of the house is painted! All but the porch, which will be done when it warms up.

We hired some one to do the drywall. It is being put in as I type!

Steve is making progress on the kitchen counters and they look so good. We bought all the tile for them yesterday.

The girls' bathroom and master bath are starting to be put back together!

Prayer request: The pipes at the house are frozen and we really need them to thaw out. No tiling can be done until that happens.

So, progress is being made! I started packing this weekend and hope to get more done at night once the girls go to bed. This is by far the biggest, most expensive, hardest project we've endeavored on and we probably won't ever do it again =), but we are grateful for what we are learning and grateful that even though there is so much to do, we'll be settled in soon!