Monday, April 16, 2012

Choosing to Count

When life feels overwhelming...when you feel like you can't come up for air...when you get hit from every angle...


choose to count.


Instead of dwelling on the negative and giving in to my fears and worries...I will choose to count His blessings.


Big boy underwear, super hero style.

Anna reading her Bible out loud...shocked at the words she is reading
{excuse the little sweet boy getting frustrated in the background :) }.


A laugh out loud movie and a few quiet moments on the couch with my husband.


Coffee in the morning...lots of coffee.



Oliver just looking at me, out of the blue, and saying endearingly, 'Mama...'.

Anna singing her heart out during Philip's worship practice, hands raised high.


Warm weather, sunshine, blue skies...and cousins who swing with you.

Mommy dates and first time pedicures.  

Family who supports and loves you.

This girl.

And this boy.

Choosing to count, today.

Monday, April 9, 2012

The Day That My Faith Hinges On

Yesterday was beautiful.   


All week long I was anticipating it. All week we talked about and were reminded of His sacrifice.  I was longing for Sunday...to celebrate His resurrection.


Our service was outstanding...as my husband led us in a time of worship, my heart soared.  I sat there beside my grandparents and parents praying for the patriarchs of my family...thankful that they came to see Anna sing (which almost didn't happen...thank the Lord for Miss Sharon!!!).  


I thanked God for His stories of transformation that were shared...knowing that He didn't just conquer death, He conquered our sin as well.  How can we comprehend His love?  


"Father, forgive them," Jesus gasped.  "They don't understand what they're doing."  "You say you've come to rescue us!" people shouted.  "But you can't even rescue yourself!"   
But they were wrong.  Jesus could've rescued himself.  A legion of angels would have flown to his side - if he'd called.  "If you were really the Son of God, you could just climb down off that cross!" they said.  And of course they were right.  Jesus could have just climbed down.  Actually, he could have just said a word and made it all stop.  Like when he healed that little girl.  And stilled the storm.  And fed the 5,000 people.
But Jesus stayed.
You see, they didn't understand.  It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there.  It was love. 
(From my daughter's Bible...The Jesus Storybook Bible, italics mine) 

So thankful.

Family Easter picture.

Right before a huge meltdown...and naps.