102 Just Isn't Enough...

This weekend was extraordinary! My sister is the one who is so good at summarizing particular events, but I just wanted to share my thanks. Thanks to the Fervida's for hosting such a wonderful weekend and for providing so much. I truly enjoyed the great conversations, the time spent with good friends, and just the many interactions that took place this weekend. It was a weekend that I will never forget, especially with the many pictures I couldn't help but take. Here are just a few of the 102 pictures...that's right...102. But as the title suggests, 102 pictures just isn't enough to capture the amazing time we all had.

Our Examples

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. - 2 Timothy 4:2...You taught us the word of the Lord with passion and carefully instructed us on the ways that are right. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - John 13:34...You not only sacrificed for us and loved us so greatly as to hurt when we hurt and rejoice when we rejoice, but showed us how to love others with a love that has no boundaries or restrictions. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness - Titus 2:7...Out of everything you have taught us, out of all the love you have shown us, what really is emphasized through your lives is your faith in the Lord. Faith that by striving to listen and by standing on the foundation of Christ, He will guide you, love you, and hold you! What examples you have been. And for all of that I thank you. For all of that, I give glory and praise to God.

Wonder

Wonder filled me when I held Addison! When I saw that smile...while I watched her sleep...while I held her close to me and let her warmth surround us both, I was in wonder....wonder of what this world held for her. I wondered what her personality would be. I wondered if she could possibly know how much she is loved. I wondered if she will know what a blessing she is to all of us. I wondered how God could give us the ability to love someone so much. Congratulations Brad and Ang! We love you all. And thank you God for the blessings and wonder you provide.

Makes Me Wanna Dance!

Excited... Anxious... Stirred... Thrilled... Delighted... Eager... Enthusiastic... Happy... Zippy... Alive... Ecstatic... Elated... Gladdened... Joyful... Chipper... Jubilant... Overjoyed... and "what not..."

This is what I am feeling!

I am so excited to visit with my parents this weekend and thank them for being such wonderful parents. I am excited about our relationship and I am grateful for their LOVE!

It is only Tuesday and I am already this excited. It is the kind of feeling that makes me wanna dance!

Come Together

What an amazing experience I had this past weekend. I have worked with Habitat several times before. But this one was different.

Why? First, it was in my own community! It really opened my eyes to the need that is right next door. Secondly, I worked side by side with strangers, but also with friends. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine...especially Habitat. There is something amazing that happens when people COME TOGETHER for a cause.

I don't know much about building houses, but just by being able to hammer a nail, to carry items, and in this case...to read directions (putting up a hospitality tent), I was able to HELP construct a house for a very deserving family.

My favorite part of a Habitat build is the framing section. The house begins to take shape and seeing people work together to lift a wall is just inspiring. Maybe Habitat isn't something you are interested in, but there are different areas of the community both on a local and global level that could use the skills God gave you.

Reach out! Speak up! Do Something!