Insta-Friday

Friday (well really it's now Saturday; I started this post on Friday and am finally finishing it up on Saturday). I know I've been very absent in the blogging world these days. Just busy, busy, busy around here. And I guess just life in general has left me unmotivated in blogging---as well as many other things these days. We've had a full week here. From story times, playtimes, school days, Valentine parties, & sickness--yes I've had a lovely out of season sinus infection. I'm sure thanks to this "not typical weather."

Not sure why this is so tiny...probably something to do with how I downloaded; oh well. But these are the beautiful roses my sweet husband brought me home this week! Love the pink!

My only other Valentine picture from the week.....seriously I am slacking in my picture taking lately! My girl and I attended a local bookstore storytime on Valentine's Day. She loved it! And it was special for her to do her own thing since both brother and sister had parties at school.

My big boy writing all his letters this week! I came into the room before we were about to start some school work and saw he'd written these all by himself! I didn't even ask him to! He did ask me how to make an "s"...so I wrote samples for S-Z....but basically he did this all on his own!

And last, but not least, this was my Saturday morning. I got to go to a workout class and Daddy occupied the little people for several hours while I exercised, planned for the week, and read. Good, good morning!

May this be my heart and prayer as deeply humble as the Puritan writer......

"O how desirable, how profitable to the Christian life

is a spirit of holy watchfulness

and godly jealousy over myself.

when my soul is afraid of nothing

except grieving and offending thee, the blessed God,

my Father and friend,

whom I then love and long to please,

rather than be happy in myself!"

Is this winter?

So I haven't really blogged much lately. I think after all the holidays and excitement I always feel like the first of the year kinda puts one in a slump of sorts. I even find myself hardly taking any pictures......I think in the whole month of January I took maybe 10-15 pictures?! Not really like me who ends up with over 100 pictures typically every month! And we've been busy--adjusting to our new "normal" I suppose too. I've been up and down with all that, we still have been doing preschool, homeschool, figuring out kindergarten for next year, ballet again, fun play times with friends, and this "not normal winter" we are having. Usually by now it's snowed multiple times and the weather is just so unbearably cold....but now it's February and it's been really mild. We've even had quite a few 50something degree days and been able to play outside for more than 15 minutes?! Nice, for sure to not be cooped up in the house all day long---but just not what we usually experience this time of the year. I finally took the camera outside while they played yesterday afternoon and thought I'd play some with it...kinda feeling like it was collecting dust just sitting on my counter!

"let me catch the ball Reed"

This boy is seeming so big to me more and more everyday! How did that sweet little baby grow up so fast?! We truly have a little boy for sure. He will start kindergarten this fall and we are really praying through what is best for him and our family. We've been talking about all of this lots and what is best for us all---lots of registration deadlines are coming up in the next couple weeks so it all is very consuming and overwhelming to me right now. I can't believe it's time to already begin this new season!

So this looks like a real old picture I know.....I overexposed it and tried to play with it in the editing, but I obviously still couldn't "fix" the lighting issues. But it was the only one I had of her with her hands on her hips and it's just too cute not to post. She kept putting her hands on her hips all day yesterday.....so cute!

First snowfall

I've been a little absent from the blogging world lately. No reason, just season of life I suppose. Sad to say I haven't even used my camera much lately too.......but about a week or so ago we did have our first (and only so far) snow of the season. It's kinda bittersweet......I am not a huge fan of the cold, cold and nasty weather we often have here....but yet it seems odd that we are in winter and so far it's been so mild. I think by last year at this time there had been several snowfalls by now.

Of course the one time the snow fell it was freezing that day....I think 20s. They were begging to go out there and after the 25 minutes to get us all dressed I think they lasted only 10-15 at the most?! But then it was inside for some yummy hot chocolate.

A new chapter

"I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story there is a story-teller."

GK Chesterton

I titled this a new chapter, because that is just where we are right now. We are not only beginning a new year, but a year bringing lots of changes for our family, a new chapter in our story, or should I say God's Story........

Our annual family photo at this year's staff fellowship back in August 2011--was a little windy that day!

For the past 7 years of marriage I've known one thing-life of full-time ministry. It's not always been so easy, really in all honesty it's been lots of sweat, blood & tears. As I look back on this season in particular (or any season for that matter), this chapter of the story God is writing--His story that is--- it's now that I have a greater insight/appreciation for how God has been at work in my life.

Summer project 2011---our family with all of the fraternity guys that Casey has been discipling since our move to UK back in 2009.

I remember going to our church that day back in October 2003, and seeing Casey in that Sunday school class. I asked the friend I was with--who are "those" guys? She said "oh they just moved here. They are on staff with campus outreach." Hmmmm, campus outreach? What is Campus Outreach?

Married CO staff couples out for a evening out fun & ice cream during staff fellowship August 2010

Those of you who know me, well you know I grew up catholic, had some early spiritual exposure in high school & early college with young life. But it wasn't really was until my junior year of college that I felt God really did a work in my heart and opened my eyes to who He was and my deep need for Him! For the first time I saw my sin, not just those bad things I did, but really that my heart was sinful in my nature; I was born a sinful being! I was broken, and knew I needed to be saved!! It was then I truly repented & understood it was nothing I did or didn't do, but rather that I was a broken & a helpless sinner in need of being rescued! I needed His righteousness, nothing in my own strength or ability could save me! So all that to say--it was then I was lead to a ministry called RUF. They are the college ministry of the PCA church. For the first time I truly felt I heard God's truths being explained to me. That God is holy, he is sovereign over all, only he is worthy of our praise! So during my next 3 years finishing my undergraduate work & beginning of graduate school, I sought out & soaked up all I could to grow deeper in my understanding of who God was! It was there during this time I made some sweet, lifelong friendships! One being the friend who years later I was visiting in 2003 when I saw Casey in that Sunday school class! Isn't it amazing to look back & see God's hand and plan be woven into being!

Sweet friends having fun during Staff Fellowship August 2011

The Duncan & Willis Kids who spent the first half of their summer at project in June 2011

So fast forward to December 2004.....Casey and I were married. 7 years ago, I married this man who I was in awe that God brought into my life. He was everything I was not! He was extroverted, zealous, passionate, and ultimately had such passion & desire to not just know God more but to make Him known (and on the college campus specifically!) I was scared and so insecure, walking into this ministry I really knew nothing about.

Some of Casey's guys---always loving on our children---excited to come out to celebrate Reed's 4th birthday!

In the past 7 years I've had the privilege of seeing ministry first hand. I've watched God orchestrate bringing His people to Himself time and time again. I know in these 7 years there is something I know I didn't have before, and really in the past couple of years I know God was working to grow me in this area. Intentionality. I have so easily been consumed with myself, that I am realizing I didn't have much vision for giving of myself, to want to reproduce what's been given to me! To long to be intentional and think how can I share this Jesus who has revealed Himself to me?!! And yet over the past 7 years I've watched these college students catch that vision. I know there are some ministries that maybe people feel forced or pressured to "lead a Bible study" or "share their faith" etc. That is not at all what I've watched my husband, or any other staff apart of CO do. In fact, I would say it's the exact opposite. They are very cautious and thought through in who they ask to be a room leader on a project, or team leader for the project. They want to know these students are mature and the spirit is leading them and cultivating in them a heart to desire to love and help those who don't know Jesus!

Lots of fun times with staff children.....we sure have watched them grow and expand over the past 7 years!

I write all of this because as of the close of 2011, we officially closed this chapter/season in our family. Casey felt back in October after much sought prayer and counsel that the Lord was leading him into a new phase of life/direction/work/ministry. Initially, we had no idea what that was.....so yes, we took this HUGE step of faith in leaving CO. We were trusting that in this step of faith God would reveal/lead/guide him where he wanted him to be. And it was amazingly swift....in a matter of days the Lord opened up an opportunity for Casey to use some of his gifts for a local business man. We were in awe at how once again the Lord is so faithful, and had His hand upon us, leading us in this new path.

Our entire Lexington CO team at staff fellowship August 2011

As I prayed and cried out to the Lord so many nights, days, years for a godly man to come into my life---to be my best friend, to do life together---I never in a million years envisioned him to be a man in full-time ministry. I was scared and fearful of so many things being in full-time ministry; and now 7 years later I'm so in awe of all God has done! It truly has been a honor and privilege to watch first hand the Lord draw His people to Himself! My prayer is now that in this new chapter that our family will continue to be "intentional"......and with my very evangelistic husband I have no doubt we will be! My heart desires to befriend, love, serve those around us--friends, neighbors, family---but ultimately I long for those who don't know Jesus to know Him! And that as a family we would together minister and share our Redeeming God with those who don't yet know Him!

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt. 9:37-38

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things." Eph. 3:7-9

I love this picture from this summer's staff fellowship women's time. We had just had a sweet day of fellowship and discussion on hospitality. All such practical discussion, but yet so stirring for me in growing in desiring our family to serve together. I'm thankful for these ladies. Several of them are new and have become apart of our team within the last 2-3 years. There are about 4 of them who have been here since when I first met & married Casey back in 2004. I'm so blessed to have known them and had them as my friends! When I knew no one and was scared and insecure they loved me and encouraged me! We have definitely bonded and grown together in the past 7 years as we've shared in this season of understanding one another. Lifelong friends indeed!

A reason to celebrate

Merry Christmas! What a joyous day we have the privilege we have in celebrating the birth of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! In reflecting on this glorious day and what the arrival of this baby means I had a few thoughts....

1) God Himself came to earth!! Friends we are celebrating that our Maker & ruler over the heavens & the earth came to earth! He came to inhabit with his people! He came to lay his life down for us, those who are called according to his purpose. As I read in a devotional this week from a friend of ours, "God would be the great initiator of the invasion of heaven to earth. God had chosen to invade the earth in the most unlikely yet completely common way, through a baby. It is true that this “conception” was miraculous, but this Invader was brought into the world like every other human!! This is the brilliance of the plan of God. The sign given to the earth would be “God’s Sign”. The Son given to the earth would “God’s Son”. The messenger angel sent to announce the birth would be “God’s Messenger”. The timing of the whole invasion would be “God’s Timing”. Why did God choose to invade the earth as He did, when He did and with whom He did? God alone can give answers to these questions. He is the first and supreme witness to the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the only One that has

seen this invasion from its inception. He is the Master-Mind behind this great and awesome plan."

So as I see so many say "happy birthday Jesus" it bothers me that they are minimizing what this birth of a king really means! In thinking of the perspective that God INVADED the earth--how can we even compare this to our human birthdays?? He came born a man but yet he was God--the Creator & King of the universe!! He is so much more significant and bigger than saying "happy birthday Jesus" (which in all honestly makes me cringe).

2) I'm reminded of the depths of my sin & sin in my heart! Whether in the hustle & bustle of the "doing" & loosing sight of what we are celebrating. Or comments or words we may say to those closest to us out of thoughtlessness. Throughout this time I'm seeing more of how wretchedly sinful I am.....and how ever more grateful I am that our great God sent His son to earth, so He could live & die for me. So He would be the one who could cover all of these multitude of sins I'm faced with each and every day! He paid my penalty, and because I believe in Him (who knew no sin) I'm covered in His robe of perfect righteousness! Praise be to God!

3) He continues to amaze me and bless me beyond all measure! Because of this sin, because of what I really deserve, God is so faithful and abundantly gracious to me! He sanctifies me, He carves and molds away at me His creation. I certainly don't deserve such mercy---but because He sent this baby/His Son/King/Savior/Redeemer.......I continue to partake in these unmerited blessings. It's then I can have the perspective to look to what is eternal, to hope in what is to come......God our Creator and Redeemer coming to make all things new! Again here is another piece I read from the advent devotional that same friend sent us this week...."The Incarnation is a dramatic reminder that God is creating a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1) The Son of God taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Paul said, “the creation itself is longing for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19)

As we move through this life, we may be confident of this very thing: there is not one place on the planet that will not sing the eternal praises of the Son of God!"

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas.....celebrating the birth or the Savior and because of that the hope we have of what is to come!!!

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14

Christmas Festivities

It has been crazy around here lately! Just even hard to have a moment to sit down and go through pictures! So I finally did tonight........

First of all--last Friday I had the opportunity to take Emery-Claire to go watch our local ballet theatre's production of the "Nutcracker". It was so fun for us to go do this together! We have several friends who dance with this ballet company, so it was fun for her to see one of them (as it was brief performance of Act 2 for school groups to go to) dancing. She loved it! As did I! And the 45-50 minute show was just enough for her little attention span. A great kickoff to our ballet weekend!

Friday night we had the dress rehearsal for Emery-Claire's ballet recital. As you can see she could barely contain her excitement to be on stage and dance! And this is just rehearsal!

Saturday....all ready to head out to her recital!

Posing after the performance....it was so sweet! She did great!

So excited to have Gigi (and Pops, and Aunt Jess & cousin Brody, and Aunt Nee Nee & new cousin baby Rett) to come and watch her!

So it was also a big weekend as we got to FINALLY meet our newest family member---baby Rett! He was born back in October and we have been so excited to meet this sweet little guy! So finally 2 months later we have, and we is so cute! It was fun to see the kids enjoy holding him and being so sweet to him! I'm so used to always having a baby in the house, that it really hit me that it's been awhile now. As you can see they loved every minute of it!

Mary Etta was soooo sweet with Rett. She kept rubbing his head and saying "I be gentle". After he left she has continued to talk about baby Rett this week. One of the cutest things she said was in response to "whose girl are you?" (usually a game we play and she alternates if she is mommy's girl or daddy's girl). So this week it was "I baby Rett girl!"

A cousin picture--Reed looks so thrilled doesn't he!

Also, this week Reed has his Christmas program at school. He did great and was so excited to sing all his songs they had been working so hard on!

Posing in his classroom by their tree.

Advent Calendar

So tonight we had another little photo shoot to try and get some Christmas pictures. They did turn out a little better than the other night, but still the quality was not as great as I'd hoped. I think it is because my lighting in the house, once it's dark outside, is probably the cause. So as you can see I used a couple of them and changed the blog header to make it more "festive" I should say. I think I like it, but I really liked the other one I had......I just loved those pictures of Mary Etta I took outside. They were just so sweet! So don't be surprised if I change back-ha!

Ok now onto advent. I have had several friends ask me about my calendar. And I forgot that my friend, Rebekah, who I got the idea from has currently made her blog private (as I linked my post to one from last year, which linked to her blog--sorry for anyone who tried to look at it.). She is in process of an adoption and wanted (for security purposes) to make her blog private for now. So anyways, here is the copied list of symbols and verses I got from her to use for our advent tree. Basically I just got a advent calendar last year at Joann's I believe. I then made cut out pictures of the below symbols from felt (mine are nothing fancy....I'm no artist so they are pretty simple and decorated with glitter for some sparkly!).

I then wrapped a box like a present (a top and bottom lid) and put each felt ornament inside. So each day we open the box and pull out the day's ornament.....then read from the below listed passages. I ended up typing up all of these last year, as some of them are really long and way too wordy for little ones. So I basically look at my sheet for my summarized version for the children. They love it! And can't wait to break open that box every day---Reed is especially so eager this year!

It's so fun to see them be so excited to hear more of story each day. All the symbols and passages take you all the way through redemptive history & point to Jesus' coming; I just love it! I already emailed one friend my sheet with summaries, so I'd be happy to do that for anyone else---as some of these are long and really you have to be prepared before sitting down with your kids. So I liked having it all prepared before we sat down. I should be using the longer ones for my own time in the word everyday! So let me know if you want me to email you my summaries, it did take me some time to do it.

1. Tree for Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3, 10
2. World for Creation: Genesis 1:1-2
3. Fruit for Adam and Eve: Genesis 3:1-13
4. Ark for Noah: Genesis 6:9-22
5. Tent for Abraham: Genesis 12:1-7
6. Lamb for Isaac: Genesis 22:1-18
7. Ladder for Jacob: Genesis 28:10-15
8. Coat for Joseph: Genesis 37:1-36
9. Burning Bush for Moses: Exodus 3:1-10
10. Heart for Ruth: Ruth 1:15-18
11. Lamp for Samuel: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 v. 4 God's lamp was still burning
12. Harp for David: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
13. Crown for King Solomon: 1 Kings 3:3-14
14. Six-winged Angel for Isaiah: Isaiah 6:1-8
15. Bible {Word of God} for Jeremiah: Jeremiah 31:31-34
16. Church for Nehemiah: Nehemiah 13:10-22
17. Fiery Furnace: Daniel 3:13-28
18. Lion for Daniel: Daniel 6:1-24
19. Big Fish for Jonah: Jonah 1 and 2
20. Baptismal Font for John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8
21. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Luke 1:26-38
22. Saw for Joseph, the carpenter: Matthew 1:18-21, 13:55
23. Star for the wise men: Matthew 2:1-12
24. Manger for the Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-20
25. Alpha and Omega for Jesus: Revelation 21:5-7