Jon & Kristen's Wedding

My best friend, Kristen, was married today to Jon, in a beautiful ceremony.  I had the privilege of singing "A Page is Turned" as the prelude song, which was one of the songs that was also at our wedding.  Jon and Kristen have had a very short dating and engagement relationship but it has been very Christ-centered.  We are thrilled that God has brought them together and we are confident that He will do extraordinary things through their marriage for His glory.  They are both the most selfless people you'll find and Lily has already gotten to know them very well, as they've graciously watched her so we can go to our connection group distraction free! :)  We're extremely thankful for their friendship and we were so honored to be a part of their special day.  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jon Hanson!

Lily's First Christmas

This year was an extra special Christmas, as Lily was celebrating it for the first time.  We knew she wouldn't yet grasp what it's really all about or get into the gifts but it was wondrous to see the look of excitement in her eyes as we gathered together and enjoyed fellowship with family.

Checking out the tree with Great Grandma Karen

She just smiles and smiles when she's with her great grandma!

Hangin with Grandpa Jim

Cruisin' Lily style - something in each hand!  She loved the bows.

Trying out her new rocking horse.  Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

All the cousins

That's How I Roll

Are All These For Me?

Our God Who Protects

Tonight I had a scary moment.  A very scary moment.  Lily was playing under the dining room table, just as she's done numerous times before.  I happened to look over and see that she had appeared to pick something up off of the rug so I quickly came over to investigate.  In the split second it took me to blink on the way over, she must have put said object into her mouth.  I wasn't even sure she had anything in her mouth, but something (or should I say, Someone) told me to check.  I stuck my finger in there and felt something decent size and started to get that instant panicky feeling come on.  I was fortunately able to swiftly sweep it out and discovered that it was a sharp, jagged piece of plastic!  Oh my stars, my heart skipped a beat!!  I have no idea where it came from but the fact that it made it's way into her grasp left me unsettled.  We had just nearly encountered a life or death situation and it made me pause.

I paused to acknowledge our great God.  To stop in the middle of my me-centered day and once again recognize that God holds each and every breath that we take.  He is there watching every little detail, including a baby's curious little hands, even when a mama's eyes do not.  Psalm 27:1 declares, "The Lord is my light and salvation - so why should I be afraid?  The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"  So tonight, as my precious daughter was sleeping in my arms before I laid her down, I was holding her a little tighter and praising our God who protects.

First Snow

"What's all that white stuff, Mom?"

 

 I'm sure these two can't wait until the day they can go out and play in it together!

Leg Stretches

A picture of Denise Austin Lily Maren doing some leg stretches, sporting the ever-so-fashionable leg warmers. :)

Sweet Brown Eyed Girl

Time to Make Christmas Cards!

Shutterfly is offering a great deal this season on photo cards.  Click here to get on your way towards 50 free holiday cards if you're a fellow blogger!

We've used Shutterfly in the past for Christmas photo cards and have always been so pleased with the variety of layouts they have.  Plus, it's so easy to order and I'm all about doing things the simple, easy way!

This year, we also might be checking out their calendars too.  So many fun things to enjoy for yourself or give as gifts to others.

This special promotion lasts until December 15th so make sure to check it out!

How Does This Sippy Thing Work?

9 Months Old

Baby Exercises

 Dumbbell press

 Squats

Lunges

The Stairmaster

Playing with my friend Mavin

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

Every year when Thanksgiving comes around, it gets me to thinking of how great it would be if we were all so thankful each day instead of only for special occasions.  I've made it a personal prayer that God would give me a Spirit of thanksgiving.  To not only thank him when I receive things to my liking but to always carry thankfulness in my heart.  I truly believe joy is a result of gratitude.

No matter what circumstances come my way, there are things as God's child that I can always be thankful for:


God's Love - Despite my failed attempts every day to live a life worthy of the calling, God's love is unconditional and meets me exactly where I'm at.  1 John 4:16: "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in them."

God's Sacrifice - Before I was even born, God knew that I would need a Savior.  He sacrificed everything by sending His only Son to be the atonement for my sins.  It feels insufficient to say I'm thankful for this.  But that is the surpassing power of God's grace.  Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

God's Provision - In the midst of this weary world, our Father provides everything we need - both big and small.  I think about particular instances when Justin and I have faced trials where no good outcome appeared to be in sight.  If it were dependent on our own means, we would have been defeated.  But God jumped in and said "I got this.  You don't have to handle it all on your own.  In fact, I wouldn't want you to."  When there are no other explanations, when we've received funds out of nowhere for the exact amount we lacked, when I get an encouraging email with perfect timing on a rough day....I well up with gratitude and thanksgiving.  My only appropriate response is praise and undivided worship to the One who not only created me but desires an intimate relationship with me.  Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

God's gift of Eternal Life - Because I trust in Christ as my Savior and am committed to live out the rest of my days for Him, I am promised an inheritance of eternal life in Heaven.  Last year, I co-led a study on the book of Revelation and my eyes were opened to just a glimpse of what's in store for me after this earthly life.  This, too, conjures up thanksgiving within me beyond mere words.  Me?  I get to experience that?  Wow, God.  Your love constantly blows me away.  1 Corinthians 2:9: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him."

May we all have a Spirit of thanksgiving as we continually reflect on what God has done for us, an undeserving people.  To Him be all the glory!

Helping Mom with the Dishes

Kristen's Birthday/Bachelorette

My friend Kristen is getting married next month and had her birthday on Friday so a few of us girls got together to have a combined celebration for her.  Kristen and I met in college and she has been such a blessing in my life.  Her fiance is one funny guy and I'm excited to see all that God will do in and through them in their marriage.  Cheers to you, KB!

Pssst....Can You Keep A Secret?

Dancing Machine

 

We discovered that Lily likes to dance. If it has a good beat, she'll bust a move.  We deemed her signature move as the "two-fingers-in-the-mouth bop."

Carrots Are A Hit

Happy Birthday Rachael

28 years ago today God blessed Jim and Connie Young with a beautiful baby girl.  Now 28 years later I as her husband get to celebrate that perfect day with her.  I am so blessed to be married to such a beautiful woman, mother, and friend.  Each November I get to thank God for creating her and this November is no different with the exception that Lily gets to celebrate with us.  As each year passes she grows more and more beautiful inside and out.  Tonight we celebrate 28 years on earth; at the same time God celebrates knowing he has Rachael for eternity.  Rachael I love you and look forward to many more birthdays together.  As we quickly approach 30 all I can say is that 30 had better watch out.  

    
Happy Birthday Beautiful!

Fall Social

Our connection group had our annual fall social over the weekend, complete with a bonfire, hayrack ride, worship songs by guitar and s'mores!

 A mighty fine lookin' group!

 The Carson Family

 The Jones Family

 The Kennedy Family

 The Antelmans

 Joel Carson - Mr. Photogenic