January 29, 2009
January 26, 2009
January 25, 2009
Bill and Mirielle took a weekend trip to see Bill's parents. They had a glorious time also visiting with Bill's sister Sherry who was visiting from California. I so wish I could have gone too! Miri came home telling me she had so much fun! Sherry's husband John works for The Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Miri told me that she and Aunt Sherry wore their shirts together on Friday :). Mirielle was also quite excited about the paperdolls Nana gave her . Thank you Nana!
We always look forward to worshipping with Bill's parents at The English Chapel. I've included some pictures along with a little history.
Here are a few pictures...
January 24, 2009
January 23, 2009
January 22, 2009
Have you ever started a book and quickly realized its life changing potential? This is one of those books! If you'd like to check it out you can read the entire book online here. There are so many quotable sections but this morning I'm meditating on:
"As we look at the life of Christ and listen to His words, we can hear God saying, "I am rest for the weary; I am peace for the storm-tossed; I am strength for the exhausted; I am wisdom for the foolish; I am righteousness for the sinful; I am all that the neediest soul on earth can want; I am exceeding abundantly beyond all you can ask or think, of blessing, help, and care." Amen!
Jan. 20, 2009
We don't get much snow in Charlotte so this was quite a treat see this morning!!
"Spiritual joy, on the other hand, is not an attitude dependent on chance or circumstances. It is the deep and abiding confidence that, regardless of one's circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord. No matter what difficulty, pain, disappointment, failure, rejection, or other challenge one is facing, genuine joy remains because of that eternal well-being established by God's grace in salvation. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that the fullest, most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It is not based on circumstances or chance, but is the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God." John McArthur
Jon and Taylor played at the Evening Muse recently-here are a few pictures!
January 11, 2009
We know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
A very helpful quote was shared at caregroup tonight from Jerry Bridges book Trusting God. So often we find our current trials and tribulations quite distasteful and it difficult to imagine how our trials can possibly be worked for good. Jerry Bridges writes:
"While growing up in
"The 'things' of Romans 8:28 are like the ingredients of the biscuit dough. By themselves they are not tasteful to us. We shun them. And we certainly shun the heat of the oven. But when God in His infinite skill has blended them all together and cooked them properly in the oven of adversity, we shall one day say, it is good."
Thank you Lord for working ALL things for our good and Your glory! We can fully trust you in all things!
January 11, 2008
I woke this morning with my heart heavy for Jake. How does one process such a personal 'failure' apart from the Gospel? O Father- draw him to Yourself!
"Bewildered and oppressed by the multitude of anxious thoughts within you—is there not a danger of being so absorbed by the care as to overlook the Caretaker.. to forget the heart's ease in the overwhelming of the heart's anxiety? Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you!" Octavius Winslow
The Father cares for you Jake!
January 7, 2009
I am excited to begin reading The God of all Comfort by Hannah Whitall Smith. I am hoping to follow it up with her other books! I read The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life- her most famous work- years ago and look forward to re-reading it. I just discovered she has authored over 23 books!
I would love to hear if anyone has Mrs. Smith favorites to recommend!
Hannah Tatum Whitall Smith
February 7, 1832–May 1, 1911
January 6, 2009
January 4, 2009
We had a glorious 4+ days in Orlando! We arrived Sunday night at the Davis family home. The Davis's amazingly offered us the use of their home while they were in the Carolina's. How we thank God for them! After unpacking- we headed to the VanLue's for a quick visit. Jon and Julie had just started their courtship so we wanted to hear all the details :). The next day my cousin Ryan and wife Tracy and girls (who were in FL on vacation) took Miri to Disney. She had such a blast! The rest of our time was spent with a few more treasured times with the VanLue's, a fun evening Christmas caroling with Todd Twining, a wonderful yet quick visit with Mom and Fred and then we were back on the road heading home. Here are a few pics!
