Day 31

My final day of bible verses.  Since Valentine's Day is right around the corner, I thought the topic of love is a nice intro. 

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8   "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.   It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.   Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.   It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.    Love never fails."

I'm so thankful for the warmer weather and sunshine we had this past weekend.  Come on Spring! 

On a different note:  I've been researching an organization that is dear to my heart -spreading the love of Jesus and providing help to pregnant women.  check out  themercykenyahouse.org     -Their mission statement is: The Mercy House exists to provide alternative options for pregnant girls living in the streets of Kenya. The Mercy House will aid them in nutrition, housing, prenatal care, counseling, Biblical teaching and job skills for sustainable living.  - Check out their website and click on the Vision tab and read The Issue-it's heartbreaking. 

 

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly  

Day 30

Psalm 118:24   "This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it. "

Day 29

1 Samuel 12:24   "Consider what great things he has done for you."

Day 28

James 1:17   "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. "

Day 27

Hebrews 10:24   "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds "

Flashback Wednesday

Last night I saw one of my old containers in our spare closet, so I  pulled it out and it was filled with pictures.  It was so fun looking through them!   I thought I'd post the first few pictures I pulled out.  I really don't know how any of them are related-they span over a 15 year period - they were all lumped together.    A few are definitely embarrassing!

I was a Pinto in little league - I think I was 10 or 11 in this picture -what a goofy hat! "Pinto" -what a terrible name!  Love my pearl earrings!  1991 or 1992

This was my sophomore year picture.  One of my friends made me that necklace, I was so proud of it.  Thank goodness my writing has improved since then.  -1996-1997

Brittany -this was the first picture I pulled out, so I had to post it.  Look how cute you and Kyle are- high school sweethearts! You guys have been together half your lives.  That's awesome!    -1999

New Year's Eve 1999-I can't remember whose house this was at.  I'm top left.  Mark kissing the deer cracks me up!

5 year class reunion - this picture brings back a lot memories- it's funny, I was in preschool with some of those girls.  I'm on the left again- 2004

Day 26

Ephesians 3:17-19   "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Day 25

1 John 3:17-18 Msg   "My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves."

Day 24

Mark 12: 30-31  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."

Day 23

Ephesians 6:18  "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. "

Day 22

2 Corinthians 5: 17  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Sledding

I worked a half day and Brian left early so we went sledding since we got 4 more inches last night.  We have a gigantic hill right outside our neighborhood and we've never taken advantage of it.  After work I bought two sleds (there were only 4 left -3 round ones and 1 infant toboggan).  We had so much fun! HOWEVER...it was the hardest work out I've had in a year!!  We were huffin and puffin.  When we left I actually felt sick- nauseated and shaky.  I had to come home and lie down for a little while.  (I guess I need to push harder in my workouts).   It was so...cold approx 17 degrees, but thanks to the hard climb and heavy gear, I never felt cold.  The pictures don't do the hill justice.  The first video is of Brian (please ignore my annoying voice) and the second one is of me and shows me wiping out. 

Here are a few pictures and video:

Day 21

Isaiah 54:10  "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you."

Day 20

Galations 5:6  "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Day 19

Matthew 5: 1-12  "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

   He said:   “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  
  Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.  
  Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.  
  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.  
  Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy. 
   Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God. 
   Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.  
   Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
   “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Day 18

Isaiah 9:6  "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Day 17

Philippians 4:8   "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Day 16

Philippians 4:6-7  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Day 15

Revelation 1:8   “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Life is good

I mean, life is really good. I have noticed that I have been feeling more joyful and content than ever.  I have had this feeling that 2011 is going to be a great year, so I've been able to relax a little.  So much of my life has been about tomorrow, next week, next month, next year...and I have forgotten to see the gift of the present.  I definitely want a bigger family and am excited about what God has in store for us.  I know we are both excited about fostering children and hopeful that we can adopt, and we may even go through an agency, and we're still hopeful we can have a biological child.  We really do feel open to wherever God leads us, our hearts feel so open and full of love and joy.   In the meantime, I have been trying to take time to enjoy every minute that I have with my husband, friends, and family.  I have really been taking time to be thankful and enjoy the everyday blessings we've been given.  -Today for example, the sun is shining and glistening off the snow, my dogs couldn't be any sweeter (they adore us and follow us everywhere and just love us unconditionally), I'm off work today, we both really enjoy our jobs, we have great families, we have amazing Kentucky and Indiana friends,...
I found this video off a great blog I just found -warrenandjill.blogspot.com-  This video is great!  It made me cry. 


Isaiah's Story from 31Films on Vimeo.

Hope you're taking time to enjoy your day!

Day 14

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18   "Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Day 13

Matthew 5: 14-16   “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

1/2 Bath Remodel -After

And After Pictures:

This hand blown glass light pendant was the inspiration behind the bathroom ~ we bought it in Venice, Italy - Murano Island.    We love that it's a memento from our much loved vacation.  For half of a year we have been trying to figure out where to use it.  (If/When we move we're taking it with us because we love it and because it cost too much to leave behind)

 

I wanted to get a couple of pictures before the mirror went in.  I was trying to avoid having me in the picture

We love the color it's Morning Fog -the pictures makes it look a little blue, but it's more of a gray - thankfully Sherwin Williams has great primer and paint - it took care of the horrible sand texture

the toilet is new.  the floor is not.

 Eventually I'll find something to hang in here

 

We repainted the vanity, but put in a new sink, faucet and hardware.  We're really happy with the marble backsplash -it looks great against the gray walls, it has little streaks of gray

 

Finally the new mirror

During pictures:

Day 12

Zephaniah 3:17  "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Before Pictures 1/2 Bath

Sometimes I feel like we're remodelaholics, but we both like taking on projects and making things our own. ~ I need to be honest, I do very little of the remodel work.  I tell Brian my ideas and thankfully he makes them happen. ~ Our latest project was our 1/2 bathroom.  It's only a 3' x 8' space, but we really DID NOT like it.  The wall color was a disgusting brown that at times had a greenish tint with some sort of sand texture ~ I extremely disliked the texture. 

Before Pictures:   -Nothing bad, but just not our style

 

Too bad you can't get a good feel for the color and texture

 

The lights were terrible-reminded me of Vegas

 This is what you see when you walk in -blah

We are waiting on our new mirror- as soon as we get it, I'll post the after pictures.  

Day 11

Jeremiah 29:11  "I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Day 10

1 John 4:18  "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear."

Day 9

Matthew 28:  18-20  "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Snow!

We woke up to an unexpected surprise today:  Snow!  We were supposed to have had snow Thursday night and get about an inch - we ended up with nothing and I didn't hear anything at all about getting snow today and it's been about 2" so far.  Unfortunately, the forecasters here are not very accurate. I asked Brian to run out and get a picture of our house.  I'm hopeful this will be the last of the snow for the season, but I won't get my hopes up too much.  I love snow until January 1st, and then I'm over it and ready to move on to Spring. 

Day 8

 Psalm 118:1  "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;  his love endures forever."

Blogs of Note

 I found another blog that I love -www.storinguptreasures.com/2011/01/promoting-you.html -   This particular blogger has 10 kids!  4 biological and 6 adopted children.   I LOVE blogs that talk about adoption!  She is doing a promotion on her blog "Blogs of Note" to increase her followers and help others increase their followers.  I'm not really in it for more followers, although it's always nice knowing someone is reading what you're writing.  I'm in it to hopefully meet other bloggers.   

Day 7

Just to let you know, I decided in December to start the year off right and post a bible verse daily through January.  

Nehemiah 8:10  "For the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Day 6

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."

Happy Belated Birthday, Melissa

I'm so sorry, Melissa!  I forgot to post yesterday.  I worked and then went out to dinner with friends, came home, and then went to bed.  ---Anyway... Happy Birthday!  I hope yesterday was an awesome day for you.  You're a great sister-in-law!  You have such a great heart!  I wish we lived closer.  It's always great hanging out with you and Michael.  I'm hopeful for big things this year for you.

I'm not sure if that's Chris or Brian you're with, but I'm sure you know - you could always tell which one was which--I love that you two are sitting in a box--too cute

 Cruise -April 2009

Mary's Birthday Weekend -August 2010

And of course- The Happiest Day of Your Life --August 25, 2007 --I love this picture of the two of you

Happy Birthday!! 

Day 5

Romans 8:28   "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Day 4

Ephesians 2: 4-10   "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,  in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.   For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.   For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Southland Christian Christmas Service Sunday 10am - O Holy Night

Day 3

Galatians 5:22   "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Day 2

1 John 3:1   "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

2011

Happy New Year!!    I can't believe it's 2011.  That means 30 is right around the corner for me, which is exciting and a little unnerving.  Last night Amanda and Chris and Brian and I got together at Todd and Kristin's house.  We missed Matt and Sarah, Adam and Julia, and Shawn and Micki.  We kept it nice and simple- snacks, games, and then watched the ball drop.  At 12:02, we all packed up and went home - it was time for bed!  On our way home we called 911 on an impaired driver and followed her until the police came -she ran into the brick out in front of our subdivision - thankfully she didn't kill anyone. 

Here are a few pictures from the evening:

Todd and Kristin and baby (will be here in May)

Chris and Amanda and baby (will be here in July)

 And Us:

I'm always hesitant to set New Year's Resolutions, but I found this that sums up my life goals (copied from SCC blog): 

With God’s help I want to love others in the name of Jesus. I want to love my family and friends with a selfless love that focuses more on meeting their needs than my own.

With God’s help I want to serve the poor the way Jesus did. I want to be attentive to the needs of others, filled with more compassion and courage. I want to sacrifice my time, talent, and treasures with joyful generosity.

With God’s help I want to enjoy life at a manageable pace. I want to talk less and listen more. I want to be an encouragement to those I come in contact with and carve out more time for meaningful conversation.

With God’s help I want to grow in my understanding of the Bible. I want to know Jesus personally, deeply, and reflect more on his crucifixion and resurrection and the implications of those two realities in my daily life.

With God’s help I want to learn how to pray. I want to talk to God with honesty and humility. I want to be more focused on gratitude than personal gain.

With God’s help I want to heal from past pain and learn to live a life free of guilt and shame. I want to have victory over the sin that has robbed me of the freedom that Jesus died to give me.

With God’s help I want to believe that I am who he says I am, replacing my insecurities for the security of his love and grace and acceptance.

With God’s help I want to take a risk in 2011 and live by faith and not by sight.    

I thought I'd start the New Year out right and post bible verses daily through January.

John 3:16-17    "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."