Likes

When your son's obituary gets 35,905 views.
Wow.
Blown away by that.
The reach that his little life had. Use us, Lord. For the most good.

Sometimes I want it all to go away and keep it extremely private. Other times I want to share each moment of sweetness that our family has had since his death. Not because of his death, but just since his death. Fuller moments. Fuller days. Eternally-based conversations. Serious love. Big laughs. But, good grief. It doesn't make the sacrifice any easier.

Grief gifts this month.
I got in to seminary!
I hit silver with Young Living and get to lead women.

Forever missing. Forever loved.

Notes

Tell your story.
Love God.
Love Others.
Make a Difference.
Share the love of Jesus with your neighbors.
Go boldly and confidently in to God's presence.
It starts at home.
God is waiting behind the door for your knock.
Share the story of what God has done in your life.
When you feel the nudge, acknowledge God in that moment.
SHINE.

My notes from church this morning.

I felt the nudge to share. Share my story. Share the story of what God has done in my life. That is how we disciple. It's not about arguing religion, it's about sharing your story.

Lean in

I opened my bible up to Galatians this morning. Chapter 5 speaks to me so many different times throughout it, but today I was drawn to Life by the Spirit. 

To live by the Spirit is to keep in step with the Spirit. 

We are not called to live out the fruitS of the Spirit, but the fruit (singular) of the Spirit. 

The fruit of the Spirit is 

love

joy

peace

patience

kindness

goodness

gentleness

and self-control.

You don't get to choose just one to focus on, it's a package deal. And how do we practice them all together at all times. This life by the Spirit, the unattainable fruit.

We lean in hard. 

HE alone is our rock and he already knows our shortcomings.

He knows I will not be patient today which will lead to un-gentleness, un-kindness, and the absence of peace - all because He knew I would lose my self-control.

What an incredible fruit. Born of Eden I'm certain.

The harder we lean on our Rock, the more we seek Him first, the juicier our life becomes.

Hands open

What keeps your hands closed to God?

What holds you back from living fully alive in each moment?

Lord, give me eyes to see. 

Open my eyes to see. To see your beauty in everything.

Remind me to take the time. 

The time to look around me. 

The time spent in your works.

Time with my hands open.

Be alive in each moment to the ones that you love. 

 I want to be present to feel His presence. 

To be thankful for the small things. All the small things that number and create the pages of a life. 

A life of gratitude for our Redeemer. The one who conquered the world, that we may live.

To be the light.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, 

O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 

Let me stand in your wonder and be in awe.

fall action shots

Little Edward has learned a lot about football this season and has grown to love it. He goes outside by himself and plays against imaginary opponents. Usually the dolphins! 

I brought my camera out and he loved taking some action shots!

 five. three. one.

Challenging ages in their own respects. We are in constant motion.

But having these three ages is really sweet, too. Just when one grows up and out of an adorable phase, the next one is right there in that same phase. And each one is very different in that cute phase. 

I love how they are each so different. 

Five is on the brink of reading, loves crafts, has the most tender-heart, and strives to keep everyone happy. I keep saying he will be the best husband :)

Three is three. This is the best and worst age. ha! Three loves to be silly, snuggle close, test the limits, and plays well. He has a faith that is unshakable and asks questions about heaven a lot.

One is a dreamboat. He is handsome, independent, loves to be held, love to be outside, and lights up when ever his big brothers are around.   

I love feeling settled in this season knowing that I am right where I am supposed to be. 

Baptized the Babe

I read some where that when you baptize a baby you ignite their flame of faith… 

And I absolutely love the thought of that.

We had a special time with family and Godparents.

Gasp!

This picture took my breath away. 

They get big so fast.