Future Tradition

I would like to take this time to thank a special friend who has created a wonderful memory for me, a memory that has developed into a future tradition. Thank you Sue for teaching me so much, especially taking the time to show me the special touches of making an apple pie. I enjoyed that time we shared as we worked together and as you taught me the basics of baking. That time with you meant so much to me. And though we may never share that experience again, it is something that will stay with me.

It was such a special memory that I wanted to share it with my sister and niece. I know my sister will do her always wonderful job describing the night, but I just wanted to say thank you to the friend who help create this tradition.
Last night Jess, Grace, and I made our first apple pie together. And though we discovered the importance of patience and though the kitchen looked like a virtual war zone, I was so thankful for that time with my girls...baking an apple pie, creating memories, creating a tradition. I look forward to next year!

Gift of Love

Ephesians 5:2
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

An expression of love for a special couple that united in marriage, and who understands the importance of keeping Christ the center of their love.

Waiting

Last night I shared with my bible study group a few scripture verses that really spoke to me. We have talked before how we sometimes bargain with God, how we want undisputable proof that He is there, that He wants us to do something...we just want a sign sometimes. We begin to question ourselves and we question God. Sometimes a little doubt exists. Sometimes fear gets the better of us. Sometimes we let life's struggles discourage us.

In Judges 6:15-18 I see that doubt, that questioning in Gideon. It states, "But Lord", Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." Gideon replied, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you." And the LORD said, "I will wait until you return."

The Lord said he will wait! I was amazed at the patience the Lord had with Gideon and I am sure the Lord has with me. As I battle the doubt, He is waiting patiently for me to return to Him. As I question His calling, He is waiting patiently for me to return to Him. As I get burdened with life's struggles, He is waiting patiently for me to return to Him.

What a message of Hope!

God is Amazing!

Wow! GOD IS AMAZING! How can we doubt? Thanks Dina for the amazing experience last night!

You see, last night Dina took me down the road to see the Northern Lights. I have always wanted to see them, but never thought I could see them from here. It was such a clear night! we pulled off on a side road, got out of the car, and just stood there watching the sky with the bluish/greenish haze. Streaks of blue and green would shoot up towards the center of the sky. It was like our own personal light show. It was beautiful! It was one of those moments where you wish you had a camera, but knew that no picture could ever really capture that moment, those feelings of awe, and the colors that were present. It was one of those moments where you realize how amazing God is, and how beautiful His creation is. It was one of those moments where I thought of nothing, wanted to be no where else, but there.

GOD IS AMAZING!

Stop

Last night after meeting up with a friend, I had the unique opportunity to come home early in the evening. Some how my week nights get filled with late meetings, choir practices, bible study, dinners with friends, or other evening activities that seem to come up. But last night I was home at 6:00 with nothing planned or nothing I had to run off and accomplish. And on top of that, you guessed it, it was raining. For a moment I thought about what I could get done at home, or maybe turning on the tv to see what might be on. But instead, I grabbed a book and since we are having this unusual warm weather in the middle of december, decided to enjoy the rain a bit on my porch. I sat there trying to keep my book from getting too soaked, but reading and at the same time enjoying all the sounds the rain makes as it hits the ground, the porch, the cars, the houses, the road. When it became apparent that my book was getting a little on the damp side, I decided to retreat back into the house. I laid my book out on the table so that it would dry and grabbed a blanket and curled up on the couch. There, through my sliding glass doors, I watched the small storm pass over. There were a few spots of lightning and sounds of thunder, but the rain was constant. Then it just stopped. Just like that, the storm was over and there was a break from the rain.

So why am I rambling about the rain and this experience yesterday. Because if I hadn't taken the opportunity to just stop moving, working, running around, I would have missed out on one of the most calming and enjoyable experiences I have had. I can't plan the storms, but I can take the time to enjoy them. I am one of those people who likes to be busy, getting things done, meeting with friends, but sometimes it is just nice to stop, do nothing, and just enjoy the moment!

Birthday Celebration!

What another amazing week. Most people know how much I love birthdays...in fact, I usually plan something every night of the week of my birthday so that it can be a week long celebration. So this past week was a busy week for me, from dinner with friends, a wonderful youth conference in Indy, dinner at Palomino's and Buca's, shopping with the greatest sister, dinner at the Boathouse, a great musical in Warsaw with friends, to being a proud aunt and watching the cutest little sheep (Grace of course) in the children's Christmas play at Union Center. It was just an amazing week and an amazing birthday. It has been an amazing year! Who would have thought after all I have been through, that I could say that. But honestly, I have never felt more at peace with where my life is. My life is no where near perfect, but I find comfort knowing that I am not in control. I find comfort knowing that God is in my life, leading me down the road He has prepared. I find strength in the friends who surround me. I find love in the family, especially my amazing sister, who encourage me and who love me for who I am. I am excited about this next year in my life and the years to come, because I no longer feel lost, but feel at home.

It is perfect that Grace played a sheep, because I felt like that lost sheep before, But this past year, God found me and I can't think of any better reason to celebrate!

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.