Book Recommendation(s)!

We just turned in a review in my Counseling Observations class for the book How People Change by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. This, as with any books put out by CCEF, is one of the best I have read when it comes to practically applying the truth of Scripture to our daily walk. There were many jewels of wisdom found in the pages of How People Change, some of which I spent days meditating over. Whether discussing the ways in which we tend to fill the "gap" in our lives with anything but the Gospel, or pointing out how we respond in our hearts to the circumstances and trials which come our way, Lane and Tripp demonstrate grace and wisdom in their counsel through writing. Here are just a couple of very brief snippets from the pages of this book:

• “By God’s grace, you are being progressively delivered from the one thing that can completely destroy you: sin. But God not only delivers you, He restores you.” (48)
• In regard to the trials we face, “God is simply taking you where you do not want to go to produce in you what you could not achieve on your own.” (131)
  

At first read, that last quote sounded kind of similar to things I have heard before. Yes, trials are inevitable and we are encouraged very specifically in Scripture. But how often do I stop right in the middle of a rough patch, of a season in which I am prone to discontentment or worry or doubt, and trust that the Lord is doing a work in me that I could never achieve? And am I thankful in acknowledging His work? Such a simple statement was so profound, and that compounded with all of the other elements in Lane and Tripp's made it a deeply convicting and encouraging read.

As far as other recommendations go for books you can find through CCEF, these are the ones that I have read and also highly recommend (and if you are really interested and can't find them in your local bookstore, please let me know!!):

• Addictions--A Banquet in the Grave, by Edward T. Welch (in dealing with depression)
• Age of Opportunity, by Paul David Tripp (good resource for parenting teens)
• Blame It On the Brain?, by Edward T. Welch (what does the brain have to do with behavior--this one I am actually still reading)
• Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, by Paul David Tripp (one of my top favorite books)
• Seeing With New Eyes, by David Powlison (one of the most gracious, clear, and Christ-saturated authors I've read)
• Speaking the Truth in Love, by David Powlison (covers the book of Ephesians)
• When People Are Big and God is Small, by Edward T. Welch (the title speaks for itself)

When Old Hymns are Revived

"His Love Can Never Fail"
I do not ask to see the way
My feet will have to tread;
But only that my soul may feed
Upon the living Bread.
'Tis better far that I should walk
By faith close to His side;
I may not know the way I go, But oh, I know my Guide.
(Refrain)
His love can never fail, His love can never fail,
My soul is satisfied to know His love can never fail.
My soul is satisfied to know His love can never fail.
And if my feet would go astray,
They cannot, for I know
That Jesus guides my falt'ring steps,
As joyfully I go.
And tho' I may not see His face,
My faith is strong and clear,
That in each hour of sore distress
My Savior will be near.
(Refrain)
I will not fear, tho' darkness come
Abroad o'er all the land,
If I may only feel the touch
Of His own loving hand.
And tho' I tremble when I think
How weak I am, and frail,
My soul is satisfied to know
His love can never fail.
(Refrain)
Words: E.S. Hall, Music: Christopher Miner

Indelible Grace and Matthew Smith were in Louisville last night and gave a concert at Clifton Baptist Church. My husband and I were first exposed to Indelible Grace during our first semester at Southern. Many of the more reformed Baptist churches in the area use their music in corporate worship, and we had the opportunity to see them perform on campus during the fall of 2005. We have loved their music ever since. Here is the interesting thing about Indelible Grace for those of you who are unfamiliar with their music: the songs themselves are not new. Indelible Grace seeks out old hymns, many of which you won't find in the traditional Baptist hymnal, and reworks the music. The rich lyrics stay the same, with the exception of an added chorus or refrain on a some of the hymns. Not only do they bring out hymns that we may not have ever heard, but they do also sing the ones you will still hear in Baptist churches. However, Indelible Grace incorporates new melodies and arrangements that seem to enhance the lyrics all the more, bringing to life the crux of the message. The songs are so different I have to remind myself at times that they are the same hymns I have heard since my youth. My husband's favorite song by Indelible Grace is "Come Ye Sinners" performed by Matthew Smith. This is the exact same hymn one will find in the Baptist hymnal with the addition of some phrases at the end of the verses. Here is just one example of why we have been so encouraged by their approach to these hymns and incorporating them into worship:

"Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requires
Is to feel your need of Him.
This He gives you, this He gives you,
'Tis the Spirit's rising beam."

Why can't all worship music be so rich? Indelible Grace has shown through their vision and ministry to the Church that there is no reason why "old" hymns can't stir our hearts to such sweet and sound worship.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Comes to Louisville!

There are parties all across this city and state tonight as fans watch their favorite University of Louisville band member: Patrick Henry Hughes. The home makeover team came to Louisville this past fall, so we have all been anxiously waiting to see the results of their hard work. Of course, anyone can simply drive over to the Hughes familiy's neighborhood to see the house, but what fun is that when the show is airing tonight on national television?

If you get a chance, go over to Patrick Henry's website to read more about him and his family. How incredible is this--when Ty Pennington asked him about his disability, his response was "I don't see my blindness as an ability, but as a disability." He went on to say that he doesn't see what everyone else sees, so he is less likely to judge people by their externals since he can't see that aspect of the individuals he encounters. He and his dad march in the University of Louisville, and yes, he is also a piano extraordinaire.

Check out the website: www.patrickhenryhughes.com

Outdoing One Another

"Let love be genuine...Outdo one another in showing honor." ~Romans 12:9-10

Long before meeting and dating my husband, there is one year I can remember celebrating Valentine's Day with a "boyfriend." It was my freshman year of high school, and only one word comes to mind when recollecting that day: ridiculous. Rather than a day for showing genuine thoughtfulness towards the one you cared about, it seemed to be a competition for who could bring the most obscene of balloon and flower displays. I, unfortunately, found myself in the middle of such a competition. I remember my awkward boyfriend showing up to school that morning with a hand-delivered bouquet of balloons, complete with red and pink balloons surrounding the featured heart-shaped balloon that had "I love you" plastered across the front. The bouquet was so large I spent the rest of the day having to shove myself into each classroom since what I was carrying couldn't fit through entryways. Everyone stared and commented, some sweet and some just as shocked as I was at the enormous display I was carrying around. At the time, at my naive and immature age, I thought such an extravagant display actually meant something. Sure, I was a little embarrassed, but such a gesture must have meant that he really wanted to declare is affection for me to the whole school!

Fast-forward over the many school years of singleness to my senior year of college. I spent the weekend at my then-boyfriend's house with his parents, and I remember that area of West Texas getting snow overnight on Valentine's Day. We were supposed to travel that day to visit friends, but the weather prevented us from being able to go anywhere. He woke me up by bringing me breakfast in bed that he and his parents worked on together: fresh coffee, poached eggs, and bacon. The gesture would not have been complete without my 5-month-old Nali puppy coming into the room with him to greet me. I was so moved by the thoughtfulness of everything he did. It was so simple and sweet, a little something he wanted to do since our original plans for the day had been cancelled. That was one of the first times he showed he was learning that I am a very simple girl, and some of the most simple gestures can mean the world...

And now I am married to him! I was reflecting on the ways in which he has shown his care the past four years since we first began dating, and all the times he has really shown thought in wanting to display just how he feels in a way that he knows I will enjoy. He became a student of me early on, and such a desire has challenged and encouraged me to do the same. We have an entire lifetime, however many days the Lord gives us, to continue learning one another. I spent much of Valentine's Day this year still feeling a little sick. I was still sneezing and coughing, wanting to do nothing but give in to my weakness and sleep the whole day. But I persevered and went to work and school anyway, only to come home feeling like I could collapse. When I arrived home after my 6-hour class on Thursday, my husband was not there. He showed up a few minutes after me with his hands full of grocery bags, and also revealed the exquisite bouquet of while tulips and roses he bought for me. He is so thoughtful and knows that my favorite flowers have always been white roses, so he said, "I would have just gotten you roses instead of a roses and tulips, but these were the nicest and most pure white roses I could find. I hope that's okay..." The bouquet was absolutely stunning, and as I have always done everytime he has given me roses, I carried them around with me everywhere I went in the house that night. What were all the grocery bags? He went and bought food to grill and prepare a wonderful meal for Valentine's Day, but when he saw that I wasn't feeling well, he decided to postpone the dinner. He, instead, asked me to go lie down on the couch (of course I brought the vase of flowers with me from the kitchen counter to the coffee table) and made me chicken noodle soup. He didn't get frustrated that his original plans for the evening were put on hold, but simply wanted to show his affection in whatever way would communicate his love to me that night.

This is a significant aspect of what loving one another is, and something I am still learning. Outdoing one another is not about other people seeing your actions. It's not about putting on a show with the hopes that others will look on and pat you on the back. Outdoing one another is about being a student of that one person the Lord has given you and asking yourself, "What is the one thing I can do today that will show him that I love him?" This is a question unique to each individual, and question that only those who know each other as one in Christ can answer. There is a time and place for celebrating in a big way with a nice dinner or night at the symphony, but then there are times when the most meaningful display of love for your spouse is by sharing an evening in over a hot bowl of soup. That was the most sweet thing he could have done for me that night, and he did just that. How gracious the Lord is in providing a husband that not only wants my best in all things, but one who finds great joy in putting my wants above his own. And nothing could be more challenging and encouraging than living with someone who regularly displays such selfless acts of love.

Notes on Books While Sitting on the Couch

It's a good day for a blog entry such as this considering the fact that I'm sitting on the couch in my pajamas, gazing at the winter wonderland outside, and transitioning between sleep and getting up for more hot tea. The best way I can describe my pitiful state (yes, I'm pretty pitiful today) is that my body has been trying to get sick for over a week now, but hasn't quite gone off into an official sinus infection or whatever else I'm prone to during this time of year. Instead, I have one day when I'll feel just fine, only to wake up the next day with a sore throat and my head feeling like a big balloon. Hopefully I'll be back to feeling better tomorrow so I can get back to work and also be ready for my 6-hour counseling class tomorrow afternoon.

Gret tagged me to write three sentences from page 123 of the nearest book to me. I looked on page 123 of the nearest book and decided that it would make more sense to quote three sentences on page 122:

"So in this chapter, I want to keep us focused on what we might call ordinary anger that we sort of accept as part of our lives but that is actually sinful in the sight of God. In facing up to our anger, we need to realize that no one else causes us to be angry. Someone else's words or actions might become the occasion of our anger, but the cause lies deep within us--usually our pride, or selfishness, or desire to control." Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate, Jerry Bridges

I haven't actually read this book yet--it's one of the many on my list of books to read that seems to increase tenfold during the peak of the school semester. While I'm pouring over reading material for classes, I find myself occasionally glancing over at the ongoing list of those I still long to read. I will say, though, that I have little doubt that this book will be rich, particularly when the very title of the book can be used as a means of conviction: respectable sins. It makes me stop and immediately examine myself with questions regarding those sins I so often brush under the rug, chalking them up to mere personality quirks. How often do we justify ourselves rather than "confronting the sins we tolerate"? I am going to go out on a limb here, beyond the conviction of my own indwelling sin, and say that the Church on a whole does not do this enough. We could probably look at the more common trends across Evangelical churches and see evidence that we aren't dealing with ourselves enough, and we do examine ourselves, it probably isn't a very honest assessment. If you have never read anything from Jerry Bridges, I strongly recommend beginning with Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts. Particularly if you are in a season of question or doubt, if you are on the brink of a significant change which is about to occur in your life, any issue which may be causing you to struggle with or wonder about the Lord's sovereignty--this is, without a doubt, one of the most encouraging books I have read. I would be more than glad to send you a copy of Bridges' book if you are interested in reading it for yourself.

I'm not yet sure what the purpose of this post is, if there is any this far into typing. I guess that is what you should expect when I start typing with a fuzzy head. Gret also posted a challenge on her blog for the month of March. She challenged her readers to pick out a book for the month of March that we have not read before, and that it be a book we have always wanted to read. I told her I was definitely up for the challenge, and then realized that I may be partially insane to add one more book to those I am reading for my classes. However, it poses a different kind of challenge for me in that I desire to read a couple of books that have truly been on my heart for quite some time. I left her a comment with the two books I have narrowed down: either Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick or When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper.

My thinking in choosing between these two is that it will be the month of March, a time when school is in high gear. School for me includes a tendency to focus more on academic achievement rather than the gift and wonderful opportunity the Lord has given for me to grow through studies. If I'm not consumed with that struggle, the other one involves contentment with work. Where I work now has absolutely nothing to do with where I want to be in just a couple of years, and the day-to-day can quickly become discouraging as I question how in the world such a job could be preparing me for counseling ministry. Such times can be significant in regard to personal sanctification. The Lord is sweet in both the seemingly good and bad to refine us as we grow deeper in our knowledge and dependence on Him. I know that I struggle with doing and doing and doing until I have ceased allowing for time to rest. Such a tendency robs me of sweet time spent in Scripture and in prayer. How can I begin to counsel or encourage someone else when I'm drawing from an empty well? My prayer this semester is that I will see each assignment and each "never-ending" day at work as one of many ways in which the Lord is providing above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined for myself. May I be thankful for my husband. May I be thankful for the job He has provided that meets our financial needs and allows me to serve my husband in a unique way while he is a seminary student. May I be thankful that I am able to study under pastors who have a deep desire to counsel, and train students in counseling, individuals with the solid foundation that Scripture alone can provide. Praise the Lord for His goodness, and even moreso when my limited perspective can't visibly see what He is doing!!


My apologies if this post turned out to be a nothing but a random assortment of book recommendations...

An Evening Snowed In

This was the glorious view from our back door and patio
View from the front door - I would have spent more time trying to get a better picture, but it was 18 degrees, so I just took the picture and got back inside as fast as I could!

Nali is like a little kid when she gets out in the snow, and she could seriously entertain me for hours! She turns into a giddy kid, prancing around trying to bite at the snow in the air and seeing how much snow she can get piled up on her nose.

Nali and Maia having taste tests of the fluffy white stuff

Speaking of tastes...what a perfect evening to try out our new bread machine!

Proof to everyone that if I can assist in making bread successfully ("assist" with the intention of communicating that my husband did the work), then ANYONE can use one of these machines! You literally dump the four ingredients into the machine, and it does all the work for you. Three hours later, you have this beautiful loaf of sweet bread!

What a cozy, late night snack before going to bed...

New Look!!

Welcome to the new look of my blog! I went back and forth all day on Saturday trying to decide which of the designs I liked best. I ended up putting my name in the hat for a contest over at Jilly Blog Designs, and mine was the name she selected! When you visit her blog, you'll be able to see why I had such a difficult time choosing the perfect one. After much consideration, though, I think I found the perfect. If you know me (or if you've simply seen my wedding pictures here!), you know that I am a fan of red. In so many other cases, I will try to veer away to another color, but always come back to red. So I am excited about this new look, I am excited about whatever posts are yet to come, and I must put in a recommendation for you to go check out Jill's wonderful designs!!

Prayer for Those in Distress

http://timmybrister.com/2008/02/06/supporting-union-university/

This post from Timmy Brister's blog includes additional photos and weblinks to those who are keeping us all informed in the aftermath of the tornado that ripped through Union University's campus on Tuesday night. Are you ever reminded of how small this world is in times of great distress? The aftermath of such natural disasters so often stirs up conversations of knowing someone either directly or indirectly impacted by such an event. Do continue to pray for those across all of the states that were impacted by these storms. Some areas will take years to rebuild, and all of the areas hit will require great sacrifices of financial giving. Click on the link to Timmy Brister's blog above for the address where you can send financial support to Union University if you are so led. May such an event remind us personally, and cause us to encourage others, of the great truth that God is good and works in and through events of such proportion. He is not less good because He ordains such a plan that includes seasons of great joy and peace and seasons of distress and question. He is not passive, sitting on the sidelines wondering why such events have occurred now and throughout history. He is our only hope in times of greatest need, and I pray that such difficult times will bring Him great glory as He uses both the good and the bad to draw us to Himself and deepen our awareness that He is THE only One who provides for our every need.

~Isaiah 45:6-8~Isaiah 40~2 Corinthians 1:3-7~Hebrews 4:14-16~

Samples of the Official Wedding Pictures

As you can see, I have changed my profile picture on this blog. There was deeper meaning behind my decision to have the image of Arwen and Aragorn as my profile picture in the past, but we have now entered into that which will define the rest of our lives as husband and wife. I found it appropriate to change the profile picture accordingly.

I was looking through all of the pictures that Brian took, picking out the ones I wanted to print. I couldn't help but notice just how often I make silly faces in pictures. This one was one of my favorites with all of my girls, including PandaGirl!

Most of the pictures prior to this one are of me crying and wiping my face. We took this picture before the ceremony thanks to Brian's creative idea for us to take this without seeing each other. As soon as I came around the corner and heard my groom's voice, I started crying. After being calm all morning, all of my emotions came at once and I could hardly believe that this day had finally arrived.

Taken immediately after the ceremony ~ I love all of these veil pictures of us so much that it was hard to pick which one was my favorite!

Now that I am married and getting used to being wife to a wonderful husband, I can say that I am definitely ready for a blog makeover. This is a brand new chapter in my life, one that marks the beginning of however many days the Lord gives for us to walk this earth together. Because of that, I want a fresh, new place to come write and update friends on current happenings.

I have entered a fun contest to try and win a free header from Jilly Blog Designs. You can go there yourself and see samples of her creative ideas! (The contest ends tomorrow evening if you want to enter - see her blog for details!)

For All My Texans

Well, I did it...I am now the holder of a Kentucky state drivers license. And they don't let you keep your old license, so when they handed me the new one, they KEPT my Texas license and tossed in a pile behind the desk!!! Well, they can take it away, but that doesn't change the fact that--

YOU CAN TAKE THE GIRL OUT OF TEXAS, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE TEXAS OUT OF THE GIRL

--Ain't that the truth.

More Pictures from JennyPen!

Look at his smile - that's the man I got to marry!
My precious matron of honor and her husband at the rehearsal dinner

Gettin' all snazzed up - me and two of my girls had our hair done by our friend Cherish, and we remembered on the way to the salon that the three of us went to her for our hairdos for senior prom almost 8 YEARS AGO! WOW, how times have changed!

I could not ask for more wonderful friends than those who were present on our wedding day...

Eryn had practice at my bridal portraits, so I asked her to help here as well

She helped me get into my shoes, too!

I was showing PandaGirl all of the delicate beading on the veil - I think she liked it :)

Why is this picture so small??? I have no idea, but I still love this - it was a very special moment for me to hug my precious Stef.

In the days of their youth, they were Bass the Fish and Monk the Coat...and now they're all grown up!

This is where we were announced as "Mr. and Mrs." to our guests at OUR WEDDING RECEPTION! That's still so crazy to me~

"Heel-toe, dosey-doe, come on baby let's go boot-scootin'!"

So happy and so relieved to finally and permanently be husband and wife...

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed...

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I woke up cranky, not feeling well, and wanting to roll over and go back to sleep next to my husband who doesn't have to get up nearly as early. Instead of saying "good morning" I sighed heavily while turning off my alarm and commented, "It's only Tuesday..." And him being the good and encouraging man he is, he said, "Don't be like that..." So while I was getting ready to leave for the day, I was really quiet and just wished I could go back to bed. I think my mood had a direct influence on my inability to head out the door on time, too.

As soon as I got in my car, I popped my Nichole Nordeman CD into the CD player in hopes of the music refreshing me and clearing my mind for the day at work. It didn't work. Then, an old familiar phrase came to mind. One of my oldest friends had a saying she used to tell all of us in high school when we were having a bad day: "Bad days are an excuse for not seeing all of the blessings God has for you." That kept playing in my head over and over as I drove, and the Lord convicted me of the truth behind such a statement. The more I thought of it, the more I also began thinking that my bad days are an excuse for not being thankful. What do I have that the Lord has not given?

This is not truth I was convicted of in my own conjuring up of profound thoughts. The Lord convicted me of my ungrateful heart as I was merging onto the expressway. Rather than waking up thankful and saying "good morning" to my undeserved and precious gift of a husband, I complained with my back to him. Rather than hug him and tell him how much I loved him first thing in the morning, I sighed. The Lord has provided above and beyond all we could ask or imagine, and all I want to do is react out of my self-centered, rebellious tendencies to complain! After years of growth, and seeing with new eyes my more common patterns of sin, I know that the root of complaining is a lack of thanks - thanks for the atoning sacrifice of Christ which is the only thing that saves, the gift of life and breath, the gift of a husband who desires my best which is satisfaction and joy in Christ alone, the opportunity to receive an education from an excellent seminary, and the gift of a stable, reliable place of employment to even drive to every morning.




What may merely seem like "waking up on the wrong side of the bed" to your average adult really is an excuse. Even the smallest and most common aspects of our attitude can distract us from a day that in and of itself is a gift.

Post-Ceremony Reflections Over a Meat-Lover's Scramble at Denny's

The goal and utmost desire was a Christ-exalting ceremony, one that clearly displayed the glorious relationship Christ has to His Church. As the bridesmaids lined up in the parlor with me standing around the corner in the bridal suite, I heard the music begin, "I have come with one purpose to capture for Myself a bride. By My life she is lovely, and by My death she's justified." I began to cry for the first time that day, and remember thinking, "This is it, this is the moment." As I entered into the radiant sanctuary, the instrumental music to "Amazing Grace" resonated in such a way that did more than tickle the ears of myself and the witnesses present. My tears by then were wiped away, and my eyes were fixed on one person - my groom. I can only attempt to describe in my limited words the experience of living such a vision and dream. I have dreamed of my wedding day for many years, and I have had a deep longing for the ceremony to be one wherein Christ was present and displayed as the sweet and satisfying Savior that He is.

My husband and I had a late dinner with one of the groomsmen last night at Denny's. As we were inhaling our omelettes and meat lovers healthy food, our friend told us that he used our ceremony in a recent sermon illustration. He described hearing our music selections for the ceremony at the rehearsal and wondering why we chose "Amazing Grace" for the processional. It's nice and it's a classic, but why that particular song? He told us that he didn't get it until the doors opened at the ceremony and I entered into the room to the majestic melody. What makes the bride pure, spotless, and dressed in a white gown? The righteousness of Christ which is the amazing grace lavished upon His bride.

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of
many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying
out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty
reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage
of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her
to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"— for the fine
linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. ~Revelation 19:6-8

As with any wedding I have previously attended, there were compliments galore about everything from the flowers to the dresses to the music, but those all fade into the background when we heard such comments as, "That was the most selfless ceremony I have ever seen," and others which were similar. If witnesses saw Christ at the center of every detail, then our goal was accomplished. If those unbelieving attenders saw that our primary concern was reflecting Christ's relationship to His Church, both now and in the day yet to come, then our hearts were fully satisfied.

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And
let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life
without price. . . . He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming
soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! ~Revelation 22: 17, 20

More pictures from one of my dearest of friends!!!

First dance ~ "What I really want to say, is what the sun would say to the stars, for giving it a place to come alive..."
He HAD to help me because I have a horrible track record of not knowing how to cut cake without demolishing the entire thing ~ and this red velvet cake was too beautiful to mess up!

Watch out for the bride with the big knife who doesn't know how to cut cake

Yes, I have an abnormally large mouth!

Kindred spirits ~ "Miles and miles and miles are between us, like Earth to Mars and then onto Venus, although you've gone away I still see your face"

"It is my great honor to present to you..."

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

9 Days ~ Christmas pictures!

What's a new laptop without a new printer/scanner/copier??
The annual shoving-of-the-face-into-the-stocking picture

And Maia seems to be catching on to this whole stocking thing!

The girls gave him a Christmas card this year that was addressed "2 Our Almost Daddy"

They've always had a special relationship...I think Nali gave up trying after a couple of years.

The annual Sheltie calendar - and Maia informed me that she's much cuter than any of the models in the calendar

Christmas is exhausting...

15 Days ~ Two Girls Wishing you a Very, Merry Christmas

A certain someone found the time to put up my Christmas tree this morning and surprise me by sending me this picture at work. ~I think one of them looks like a little elf~ I hope this picture makes you smile, and even though things are crazy, we are thinking of all our dear family and friends this Christmas season. It's hard for me some days to focus on Christmas, as this year it feels more like a stepping stone to a big day that's just around the corner! However, listening to Christmas music in my car on the way to work has really helped me reflect. Here is my absolute favorite this year, and I pray that the Gospel truth resounds in your heart this year as you share in the celebration with your loved ones:

Today a child is born on earth

Today the glory of God shines everywhere

For all the world

Oh Jesus born on this day

He is our light and salvation

Oh Jesus born on this day

He is the King of all nations

Behold the lamb of God has come

Behold the Savior is born

Sing of His love to everyone

Oh Jesus born on this day

Heavenly child in a manger

Oh Jesus born on this day

He is our Lord and our Savior

Today our hearts rejoice in Him

Today the light of His birth

Fills us with hope and brings peace on earth!

Oh Jesus born on this day

He is our light and salvation

Oh Jesus born on this day

He is the King of all nations

Today a child is born on earth

He is light, He is love, He is grace

Born on Christmas day

(version by Avalon)

17 Days ~ Yes, two posts in one day

• “At this time of year, sometimes it’s nice to pull aside from all of that and remember that what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ. I hope you and your family have a magnificent Christmas season. God bless you and Merry Christmas.”
• "If we are so politically correct in this country that a person can't say 'enough of the nonsense with the political attack ads, could we pause for a few days and say Merry Christmas to each other,' then we're really, really in trouble as a country." ~ M. Huckabee
  Source: http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2007/12/18/mike-huckabee-in-new-ad-merry-christmas-and-i-approve-this-message/

Nothing to say except....

17 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

24 Days ~ "When sin becomes bitter, marriage becomes sweet"

I find it increasingly hard to believe that the big day is just around the corner. After all of this waiting, and currently still waiting, I find it more and more surreal that I'm getting to the end of all the wedding plans leading up to the moment when all of the "to-do"'s will come to fruition. We are continuing to setup house while I still have an apartment full of stuff (and there's a lot of stuff) which is quite indicative of how I feel tossed between two different worlds. There is the world characterized by my being a student (the end is finally in sight!) and living on my own, having items in my apartment that have traveled to each location these past several years and can finally be donated or completely trashed. The plastic trash can is finally being replaced with the sleek, stainless steel one, and the dishes are matching each other more and more everyday. Then there is the world of which I am still on the brink. I am so close to no longer living on my own, looking out for myself and my possessions, and yet I am still in the preparatory stage. It's as if I am looking out towards the horizon which is much closer than before, and yet still feels so far away at times. I am learning everyday that we will never stop learning about one another. As much as we know each other now, there are both daily quirks and deep emotions yet to be revealed. At times I know that my tendency to argue stems from stress and anticipation that I allow to build up. I am marrying a man who is open and honest when he is frustrated which has moved me to trusting all the more in the Lord's sovereignty for seeing fit that I become united with him. Because of this, my sinful tendency is laid bare. While quite uncomfortable, such exposure is both necessary and good for my sanctification. How wretched that we, poor sinners we are, put up a defense against something that is clearly intended for our good! Rather than accept such truth and encouragement from the one to whom I will soon wed, I actually spend time trying to justify my horrid attitude. Praise the Lord that even now, prior to the actual marriage, He is showing me just how crucial and instrumental my spouse is and will continuing being to my sanctification. Praise Him that such confessions and conversations are taking place now rather than ten years down the road...

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~Colossians 3:12-17 (verses 18-19 happen to address husbands and wives)

"Saying that marriage is a model of Christ and the church places it firmly on the basis of grace, because that is the way Christ took the church to be his bride, by grace alone. And that is how he sustains his relationship with the church—by grace alone." ~ John Piper

31 Days ~ And the Real Countdown Begins...

Two significant things on this, the one-month mark before JANUARY 5:

We received our first dish yesterday - a beautiful, round serving plate. My fiance's words: "Well, I guess there's no turning back now!"

I have not had a Coke in over a week. This is HUGE regardless of whether or not you are aware of my affection for carbonated beverages.

That's all for now!

32 Days ~ A Week of Moving (or "A week in the life of a soon to be married woman who doesn't always seem to have her head on straight")

As requested, I figured I needed to at least post something on here. Unfortunately, this will be a post minus pictures since my camera is sitting at the apartment I am trying to move out of as quickly as possible. The more we got my fiance' moved into our townhome this past week, the less I wanted to be at my current place!


Here is a brief of some of the little events that come with moving that keep us laughing (or clenching our teeth in frustration):

• Some people like shelf paper in the kitchen that reminds them of being in a bright white bathroom with rubber duckies. In fact, they like it SO much that they not only cover the cabinet shelves with such green and blue checkered paper, but they make it all the more blinding by covering the WALLS of the cabinets as well! I am not one of those people, but the residents before us apparently were.
• Green and blue checkered shelf paper shows through beige shelf paper.
• Dogs who have had to live with slippery hardwood floors for almost two years act as if they are in a world of eternal bliss when presented with a glorious apartment full of brand new plush carpet.
• I will never again assume that I am as strong as I have convinced myself I am. This comes with breaking a perfectly decent desk while pulling for all its worth up the stairs as my patient fiance' is saying, "Wait, wait, wait." This is a lesson for anyone: if your fiance' is telling you to wait, don't pull one last time as hard as you can. The desk will break and send pieces of particle board, drawers, and nails flying in all directions.
• Picking the perfect shower curtain for a bathroom is perhaps one of the most stressful jobs in setting up a new home. Who knew the choice between stripes and sheer would be so difficult??
• Dogs who have grown accustomed to lounging on the bed tend to fall out of new beds that are twice as high off the ground (and that is assuming they actually get on top of it successfully - only one of them has made it this far).
• Picnic chairs and barstools make for a cozy setup in the living room.
• Some people like green and blue checkered shelf paper SO much that they incorporate it into linen closets and bathrooms.
• It is always beneficial to go through cabinets to see if previous residents left any items behind. We discovered a white mug on the very top shelf of the kitchen cabinet last night. Not only does it serve as a rather unexpected memento of our first home, but it's also "Gibson" brand!
• The most exciting thing for me was when our new bedroom furniture was delivered on Saturday. It's hard to believe that I am setting up furniture in my very own home that I am going to share with my husband.

Hopefully I will have pictures up soon, but I'm not promising anything! We still have my apartment to sort through and get moved over, which I am sure will take up the better part of this next month. One month?!?! Woohoo!!!

~ 54 Days ~

"O Sovereign Lord,

Let those that are united to me in tender ties

be precious in Thy sight and devoted to Thy glory.

Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven."

~~~

May this be my constant prayer even now in preparation for the days and years to come...

(This excerpt from Valley of Vision was posted by Carolyn Mahaney over at GirlTalk.)

57 Days ~ Reflections in the Night Hours

I just returned home from a sweet
evening at my friend Eryn's house. She was so thoughtful in throwing my shower
this evening, and I was truly touched by the ladies who came. We spent the
evening simply talking and enjoying coffee and dessert, along with the opening
of my presents (nope, no pictures on the blog of these!). What moved me most,
however, was the time they spent praying at the end of the evening. If I had a
more broad thesaurus I would definitely use a word other than overwhelming for all of the thoughts and emotions flooding my mind
right now. But seeing as it is the only word that comes to mind, well then overwhelming will have to do!

Last week is best described as having
been in a dream state. I spent last Saturday in my wedding dress outdoors at one
of the most beautiful parks with what was perhaps the most perfect weather one
could ask for. I was in utter disbelief when I finally got to see the pictures,
disbelief that I was actually taking pictures in my own wedding dress... I
remember the wonderful times past in which those dear to me experienced their
own dreams coming to life: PandaMom
holding her daughter in her arms for the very first time after years of earnest
prayer and many tears, going to visit Funderstorm and
her newborn daughter in the hospital after months and months of anticipation,
and the many close, forever friends who have experienced the glorious coming together in marriage that
I am entering into. The dream is slowly but surely unwrapping a layer at a time
as I attend showers, prepare wedding invitations, and think about those things
which pertain to the home I will soon be making with my husband.

As I have read through such books as When Sinners Say "I Do" these past couple of months, there have been
nights when I have wondered if I am really ready. After all these
years, years of watching other friends get married and begin their own families,
I have moments when I wonder if I am ready to give myself fully to another...
The answer is a confident yes, one completely dependent on the grace
and mercy of the Lord, that brings me to tears at the wonder and awe of such
commitment. The Lord actually saw fit for marriage to reflect Christ's
sacrificial relationship to the Church. So when my fiance', soon-to-be husband,
holds my face in his hands and says, "I am for your good. You now come first
above and beyond anything this world can promise or provide. You have my heart,
and we are now in this together," I can wholeheartedly believe him and trust in
his care. He really is for my good. My sinful nature is still at odds with this
undeserved reality, as I am prone to hold onto selfish notions for dear life,
even when I may not be fully aware that I am doing so. But even when I mess up,
whether it be saying something foolish without thinking or making a decision
without approaching it as our decision, he still desires to walk hand
in hand with me for as long as we have breath.

That is overwhelming, and
that is the beauty of Christ reflected through this man to whom I am giving my
life and love. His good is now more important than my own, and his interests are
now above my own. How incredibly Christ-exalting it is to see His Word actually
breathed out in the life of another. And this particular man is the one with
whom I get to share mine with for the rest of my days.



Praise the Lord, O my soul...