A NEW Beginning...

These last 6 weeks have been a very exciting time in our family. It has also been a time of change and transition and as I sit here this morning, I am in complete awe of how God's hand has covered, guided, supported, and moved us to where we are.

A dear friend of mine recently sent me a text saying, " Your journey has been long. You fought, prayed, trusted much, and you are now on the shores of your Promised Land."

Tomorrow a moving truck will be sitting in our driveway where we will load all of our belongings to fill a new home.

A new home in the south... Alabama.

My husband will be serving as lead pastor at a church in the area and as we have gone through this process, we have been completely overwhelmed with His timing and provision. We have taken what at times seemed like such small and insignificant steps, but as we have walked and trusted, they have been taken with so much faith and trust. In the end, aren't they often the ones that count the most?

My husband has reminded me and our children that the very best place to be is in the center of His will. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that this journey hasn't been hard and tiring. Even in the midst of the doubt or fear that sometimes crept in, I have known His peace in a way I never knew before. In many ways, I clearly see how He has prepared my heart for the new and exciting changes.

While we were in the middle of preparing for a new job and a move, our daughter, Jessica moved to her new home in Australia where she is attending Hillsong. She has made quite a journey these last couple of years as well. It's been a journey of waiting, trusting, pursuing and seeking hard after God. This is her time to grow and experience some amazing things and I couldn't be more proud or excited for her.

Last year, I claimed and held onto the verse Isaiah 43:18-19...

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Promised Land... here we come!

Happy Father's Day

Wishing all of you a wonderful and relaxing weekend. 

Just sharing again part of the post that I wrote last year for Father's Day because it's exactly what I would say all over again. I hope that the fathers in my life know that you are very much loved and I am blessed to have you in my life. I wouldn't be where I am today without your love, support and encouragement. 

Happy Father's Day to the men in my life ... 

Happy Father's Day to you, Dad. The first man I loved. My Dad is wise, full of compassion, and has a laugh that makes you laugh until your cheeks hurt. My Dad is a pillar of strength to our family. I saw firsthand that a strong man is one that cries and isn't afraid to share his emotions. 

When I was little, he would carry me on his shoulders so that I could see the world. As I grew up, he walked beside me and encouraged me to always do my best and remember who I was. He was always the first one to meet me at the finish line.

He taught me how to sail a boat and tie knots. He encouraged me to run fast and run hard. Because of him, I learned to appreciate classical music and find the beat in every song. 

My Dad knew when to let go but still hold on tight. He provided for his family and there was never any doubt of how much he loved us. He gives me security, unconditional love, and unending grace. My Dad loves his daughters so very well and even as adult women, we know that we are the joy of his life. 

This man has a heart of gold. He knows life without Jesus and with Him. Through my Dad, I know a whole lot of what Jesus is like.

Happy Father's Day to my brother-in-law, Mike.

Mike is a handyman, a Cubs fan, believes in the simple things, and works hard.

He can make the most amazing brisket and tells the funniest stories I've ever heard.

Mike came into our family and immediately fit in. It was like he had been there all along.  I appreciate that Mike understands the phone calls to my sister and doesn't mind that we can be on the phone for hours.

More than anything, this guy loves Jesus, my sister, and his girls.

I am so very blessed to have a father-in-law that has passed on a legacy of faith to our children.  His life is an example of working hard, trusting God, and being a spiritual leader.

He loves to fish, University of Kentucky basketball, and Cracker Barrel.

My father-in-law has passed down stories and songs that our children love.

He is loyal, consistent, generous and will always encourage you to take the high road. He is a man of great integrity and character.

My father-in-law reaches out to the lost and hurting and he has witnessed and been the part of many lives being redeemed.

He and my mother-in-law have raised a son that I am blessed to be married to.

I also want to wish my brother-in-laws, Tom and Charlie a very Happy Father's Day. Distance and schedules often prevent us from being together, but your presence and influence is felt not only with me, but also in the lives of our children. You are both are examples of strong men who are leading and guiding your families with so much love and grace.

And finally, Happy Father's Day to my husband, Steve.

He is my life companion. Steve challenges me and encourages me to live a life that matters. If there is one thing that I have learned and witnessed more than anything else from Steve, it is grace. He has walked with me through personal trials and never stopped believing in me. We couldn't be more opposite if we tried and I continue to be amazed at how God uses those differences to bring us together and make us one.

Steve has made many sacrifices along the way, but family always, always comes first for him. I know that and our children know that. 

He is a man of great integrity and strength. 

He doesn't preach his faith, he lives it. 

Steve is an encourager and knows how to speak truth boldly but gently and he will never give up on you. He is a man that has a deep and solid relationship with Jesus and this determines everything he does. 

I am so very blessed to be raising our three amazing children with this man. His teaching, guidance, discipline, support are all backed up by one thing... love. 

Happy Father's day to all of you. Each of you have had a special and significant part in my life and I couldn't be more thankful. I love you so very much.

Molly Christine

We are celebrating and giving thanks and praise to God for a new bundle of joy in our family.

Welcome, my niece Molly Christine....

 born on Friday, June 3 

7 lbs. 18 inches

Big sister, Anna Claire loved her from the minute she saw her.

I love these girls... Anna Claire, Molly and my daughter, Jessica. 

Hello

Well, I keep telling myself that I am not going to let time go by without blogging. This once was a place where posts were written frequently, but I have to be honest, life is busy these days.

All is well and we are even enjoying Spring break this week in spite of the fact it is very cold and we had snow flurries yesterday. I have to admit that being able to sleep in a little later is making me want summer to be here sooner than what the calendar is telling me.

I'm still focusing on the word I choose at the beginning of the year - DISCIPLINE and what it really means and looks like in my life. While there are still areas that I struggle with, I do see growth and have completely embraced the difference it makes.

I can remember having conversations with friends of mine when my children were just elementary school age and them telling me how busy my life will become once they are teenagers. Well, we have arrived at that time. What a job it is staying on top of schedules, being emotionally prepared and present for their needs, homework, friendships, and with two growing boys, just keeping the pantry stocked.

Baseball season is officially here for the boys so that means it's time for me to have an abundant supply of Oxy Clean, Gatorade, and quick and easy meals.

Our oldest son, Sam has also joined a cycling club so we are really looking forward to watching him race in time trials, criteriums, and road races. This is a new sport for him at this level, but what has been amazing to watch is how this is a passion and interest all his own.

Ben is keeping up with his guitar lessons and playing in the youth worship band. There is music being played just about all the time, and I love it. 

And then there is our oldest daughter, Jessica who is preparing to leave in July to attend Hillsong in Australia. This past year has been such a tremendous time of growth for her and I see over and over again God's provision for her and that He has so much more in store for her. 

So, in this season in which we are parenting two teenage boys, letting go of a young woman to live a life all her own, I can honestly say, life is good.

Happy Anniversary

I love you.

Dear Sam,

Today we are celebrating your 14th birthday ... we are celebrating you.

When I reach for your hand as we pray, it is a big and strong hand that now holds mine. The day has come too, where I am looking you in the eyes and I know they will be very short lived because one day very soon, you will be towering over me.

It is my prayer that as you journey through this next year, you continue to follow and pursue those passions God has placed within you. He created you for a purpose and you, my dear Sam, have a destiny all your own - one that He has orchestrated since the beginning of time. Dream big because you know God is big.

I pray that your love for Jesus guides everything you do. I pray that you will never be afraid to boldly share your faith and that others see Him in you.

I pray that you will have a love for His Word and that you seek the deep things of God.

I pray that you know the truth that His strength is made perfect in your weakness and that every gift and talent you have is from the Lord above.

I pray that you always know that you are loved so very much by your Father in Heaven and He will never, ever fail you.

Live everyday knowing that you are a soldier for Jesus Christ.

Happy Birthday, Sam. We love you...

A Day In The Country

These pictures are from a few weeks ago when I was visiting my sister and her family. We have a friend that lives in the country outside of Nashville and everything about that day said summer.

We sat on the porch, sipped iced tea and enjoyed being together.

It was so hot we pulled out an old wash tub for my niece, Anna Claire to splash around in and cool off. Even with the blazing hot temperature, the water out of the hose was so cold it took her breath away every time it splashed her belly or back. There is nothing that can compare to watching a child do something new - to embrace life and the activities of it in every way. 

Of course, what would a summer day be without ice-cream?

Or enjoying the beauty that fills up the gardens come summertime...

But the best thing about that hot summer day was swinging on the old swing holding a hot, sweaty baby.

To My Sister

Today, I am sending you the happiest of birthday wishes.


I love you, Sis!!!

4th of July Weekend

This weekend was full of making memories.

My parents came in from Virginia and my sister, Sarah and her family came in from Tennessee. We started the weekend off with a trip to Young's Jersey Dairy. Boy, did this bring back so many memories of being here when our children were small. Feeding the goats, sitting on the tractors, and of course, a trip to Young's would not be complete without ice cream. The funny thing is, Sam and Ben still get the exact same ice cream they did when they were little... cotton candy and bubble gum.

Anna Claire had the best time playing in the hose...

We celebrated my sister, Sarah's birthday...

Listened to Ben learn new songs on the guitar...

And completed the weekend with a 4th of July cook-out and fireworks...

To My Mom and Mother-In-Law...

The greatest impression a mother can leave on her child is the message of her living FAITH, unwavering HOPE, and steady TRUST in God that will be engraved on their heart forever.

I love you both so very much. Happy Mother's Day.

"These are the best days

of your life" are the words my Dad has told me over and over again as I have journeyed through motherhood.

Yes Dad, they are. And I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Vacation Part 2...

Our week continued with a trip to Manassas Battlefield. I know this is one battlefield that Sam has very much wanted to visit because it is where one of his favorite heros earned his name...

During the first battle of Bull Run General Thomas Jackson earned the name "Stonewall".

One of my favorite things that we did was to actually visit Stonewall Jackson's headquarters that is located in Winchester, Virginia. We were able to walk through the house, see artifacts and belongings of General Jackson and hear stories of the events that occurred there in the home. And for all of you history buffs out there, we even saw the prayer table and prayer book that belonged to Stonewall and was later used in the movie "Gods and Generals".

Our trip wasn't all history related for which Ben was very thankful. We have some very good friends that live in the D.C. area so we were able to meet up with them and spend the day in the city. Later that evening we went to their townhouse where Ben was able to meet up with some of his favorite friends. Please let me introduce you to Abby...

One day, the girls of the family headed off to the Virginia Farm Market...

I think my sister, Sarah and I had a lot more fun taking pictures than actually shopping. Although I did come home with a delicious blackberry pie... yum!

This was definitely a vacation packed full of memories. Mom and Dad, we had a wonderful time and we miss you so much already. We look forward to seeing you again real soon!