Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Off to Vacation we go!

We are leaving for Charlotte, NC as we speak! Can't wait. Lots of pictures to come ;)

Until next time....

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

East to West


Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.


This song has hit so close to home lately...

Casting Crowns: East To West


Here I am Lord and I’m drowning
In Your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight

I know You’ve cast my sin as far
As the East is from the West
And I stand before You now
As though I’ve never sinned
But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the East is from the West?
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
You know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins
Endless reminding of my sin
And time and time again
Your truth is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From You leaving me this way


Jesus, can You show me just how far the East is from the West?
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
Cause You know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other

I know You’ve washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel
About the truth Your word reveals
And I’m not holding onto You
But You’re holding onto me
You’re holding onto me

Jesus, You know just how far the East is from the West
I don't have to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest (mercy I find rest)
You know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other

(Just how far, the East is from the West, Just how far)
From one scarred hand to the other
(You know just how far, the East is from the West, Just how far)
From one scarred hand to the other

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Going Away...

It's so hard to believe that today my baby sister is leaving to study abroad in Hungary. Her even just getting on the plane will be the first of many first time experiences ;) I will miss her sooooo much and am so grateful for all the fun memories we could make this summer. She is and always will be one of my best friends.

Her and my Mom were able to come over Friday for one last lunch together before she left. It was a fun time of laughter and also my first little photoshoot ;) I really wanted to make a little slideshow for Rissa (and also wanted to try out some of the features on my camera) I had mixed motives for sure! But I am so glad we did it. I'm such a beginner when it comes to photography, but am enjoying the learning process.


So here is my little video tribute to Rissa:




I love you sis! Can't wait to hear all the good things God does while your away.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A special surprise..

Just because he loves me...


A very special early Birthday present from my beloved...He's just simply the best!

So now I need to learn how to use it ;) I haven't been able to put it down and would still be playing with it if the battery didn't need to be recharged! I am going to try to take a class at Ritz next week! Oh Joy :-)

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Playing House

Lew and I had a great time babysitting our niece Gianna this weekend! She is so much fun to be around and we had fun taking lots of pictures ;) The funniest part was at one point we were at the park playing with Gianna running around like enthusiastic "parents" pushing her on the swings, sliding down the slide, pushing the stroller and as I looked around I saw Lew holding the leash with Lizzie (who happens to love Gianna) and the thought sunk it: wow, I bet this is what it feels like to have a family! After we fed Gianna, read her some bedtime stories, sang her a little song and put her down to bed Lew and I went downstairs put our feet up and relaxed with Lizzie. Lew and I both agreed that it was fun to play house for the night....and that God's definitely continuing to grow our desire for children. We still plan to wait for a little while longer....but it's the sweet times we get with our niece and nephew (2 more on the way!) that we are reminded of how much we can't wait to be parents.


Enjoy some cute photos from last night: ( I know there's a lot...she's just too cute to resist!)

I don't know about you two...



Actually Uncle Lew, your an alright guy!

We're number 1!


Hey guys come check out my stroller...


Isn't it so nice..

Check out the treads on these tires. Now that's quality...


and see this Uncle Lew, this is a basket for my Mom to put stuff in....


See, look at all this space! It can even fit me ;)


Peek-a-boo!


Here, catch!

Come here puppy, there's room for both of us up here

Uncle Lew I think you can push me higher than this...


Yeah, that's a little better....higher Uncle Lew!


Woohoo! Thats what I'm talking about ;)

Dinner time!

Hello?...Aunt Laura, Uncle Lew....I'm hungry

Hello!!!!?? Guys I think it's my dinner time....

Hmm....Maybe this will give them a hint

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Sheer Relaxation...

This is what our weekend has looked like so far....


It has been so nice in the midst of the busyness to find some time to do nothing! Even though there was cleaning to be done among other things my sweet husband let me spend a few hours doing nothing and enjoying some rest after a very busy week. And not only that....but he did the cleaning for me! I love you sweetheart ;)

Then after that we were able to spend the night doing very little. Pretty much eating, reading, playing a game together and then going to bed early....I know it may sound a little lame but our life has been a little too exciting lately so this was a nice change of pace.

Even though there was plenty on our to do list and lots of things that would have felt great to get done...after having a week away from my hubby and then another full day away on Thursday (I went to Busch Gardens for the day with my sister Charissa, brother Jeremy, and sister-in-law Rachel...it was a blast!) I have realized how much I have missed our "us time" where we just get to be together and enjoy a slow pace of life, and last night was just that kind of night.

In fact this morning as this song played I felt I could totally relate:

Time Well Wasted
-Brad Paisley
It was time well wasted
And there's no way I trade a few more dollars in my pocket I could've spent
For a day I'll never forget
No, I didn't get a thing done
But I sure soaked up every minute of the memory we were makin'
And I count it all as time well wasted

Those leaves were a foot deep in the yard
And 'wash me' was written all over the car
But watchin' movies all day with you
Wasn't on my list of things to do
But we laid on that couch
Girl, we never left the house

(Chorus)
It was time well wasted
And there's no way I trade a few more things that I could've crossed off my list
For a day I'll never forget
No, I didn't get a thing done
But I sure soaked up every minute of the memory we were makin'
And I count it all as time well wasted

(Bridge)
This world spins too fast if you let it
There's always one more thing to do
But lookin' back I never have regretted
Takin' off early or callin' in sick
Or lovin' away a Sunday afternoon

(Chorus)
It was time well wasted
And there's no way I trade a few more dollars or things crossed off my list
For a day I'll never forget
No I didn't get a thing done
But I sure soaked up every minute of the memory we were makin'
And I count it all as time well wasted

I count it all as time well wasted


Note to the reader: No, we didn't get a dog. The dog pictured above (Lizzie) is just ours for the next week and a half while her owners are on vacation. We are really enjoying her company though ;)

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

I'm back and are we ever busy!

I'm back from camp....and still recovering! It was a crazy week for Rissa and I, but by God's grace we made it through with no AC and being outside (yes in the 112 degree heat index) for more than 6 hours a day. Even though there were some challenges God blessed our week and we have many memories of the sweet children we were able to work with. Unfortunately all we have are memories, due to confidentiality we weren't able to take any pictures during the week since the camp was a medical camp. But I doubt I'll ever forget the faces of the children we encountered!

On another note as soon as I got back I basically slept ;) It had been a looooong week. Then our weekend plans kicked into high gear. Saturday morning was Gianna's 1st Birthday party and then after that was a baby shower for Hannah who was here for the weekend with Enoch and Isaiah. We had so much fun getting to spend this weekend with them! I totally forgot to take pictures of Hannah's shower (I cant believe I did that!) but here are a bunch from Gianna's party:


Mommy, Daddy with the birthday girl and Grandpa and Grandma
I think someone else was taking a picture at the same time ;)


Mom doing what she does best: entertaining the kiddos


The hula dancer with Dada




What a cutie pie!


Her beautiful birthday cake that Momma and Dada made

Little buddy ;) He's gotten so big!

Isaiah with Aunt Laura


Swinging....with one shoe ;)

Here is a short video clip of Gianna dancing. I tried to get a better one but with all the kids it was hard to get a good shot without someone jumping in the way. But here is the cutie pie dressed in her cute hula skirt!





And in other news... Meet our little buddy Prince. Isn't he pretty! Yes folks this is our first step towards preparing for parenthood. We thought we'd start small ;)


Thats all for now. I am trying some new summer recipes this week so depending on how they turn out I may post a few.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Reflections on God's love

The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

"The great God not only loves his saints, but he loves to love them, is pleased that he has pitched upon these objects of his love. He will joy over them with singing. He that is grieved for the sin of sinners rejoices in the graces and services of the saints, and is ready to express that joy by singing over them. The Lord takes pleasure in those that fear him, and in them Jesus Christ will shortly be glorified and admired." (Matthew Henry on above verse)

With Laura being gone this week I have had a chance to focus on the main thing be reminded of the love that has been shown to me that surpasses all over loves. Because Christ taking my place on the cross I am now a child of mercy and am allowed to experience God’s goodness. His goodness has supplied all of my need and His mercy has blotted out my sin. Since my sin has been blotted out, God does not just love me, but He delights to love me. He is rejoicing over me with joy and gladness. My joy is His presence. With God in my presence I have perfect comfort and absolute security, He is all that I crave.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever. (Psalm 23:6)

"'For thou art with me.' This is the joy of the Christian!...'Thou Art with me' I have in having thee, all that I can crave: I have perfect comfort and absolute security, for thou art with me...Goodness and mercy follow him always - 'all the days of his life' - the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feating, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. Goodness supplies our needs and mercy blots out our sins." Charles Spurgeon on above verse

Monday, August 06, 2007

marriage goals : more prayer

“We become fruitful by grace; we persevere by grace; we mature by grace; by grace we grow to love one another more, and by grace we cherish holiness and a deepening knowledge of God…The Savior cannot be glorified in our lives, nor can we be finally glorified, apart from the grace that He provides.” D.A. Carson

I've included a quote above from D.A. Carson on prayer. Prayer is in essence a crying out for more of God's grace. One of my conviction as I've tried to use this time to think about how I can better lead my family is the lack of praying together. There is a promise that where two or more gather together in Christ name He is there. The beauty of marriage is that we have the 1 plus 1 equals 2. Now we just have to take the next step and come together in His name to seek Him and His grace. As I was thinking about that D.A. Carson quote there are marvelous implication for it in relation to prayer. Below is my paraphrase.

“Marriage becomes fruitful by grace; marriage perseveres by grace; marriage matures by grace; by grace we grow to love one another more, and by grace we cherish holiness and a deepening knowledge of God…The Savior cannot be glorified in our marriage, nor can we be finally glorified, apart from the grace that He provides.” D.A. Carson paraphrased by me

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Happy Birthyday Mama (2 days early!)

Hi Mom ;)

I know your reading this! I was sad that I wouldn't be able to be here for your birthday, but couldn't go without writing this and letting you know how much I love you...and how very thankful I am for you!

You are a woman whose example I would love to learn from. The ways you sacrificed for us growing up has left a lasting impression on all of our hearts, and I hope to one day be able to emulate your example to my own children. Even beyond all of this Mom thank you for your passion and zeal after the Lord! All the years that all of us were on wayward paths you "prayed with out ceasing" knowing that God would draw us back to Him and that the seeds that you and Dad sowed in our lives would one day sprout and bear fruit. Thank you for your faith Mom, and now you get to see that fruit in our lives and rejoice in knowing that all of those years of laboring and sowing were not in vain.

Thank you also Mom for the times you wept with me when I was suffering, the years that the hospital became our second home, the way you had to divide your time between me and your 4 other children. You never made me feel as though I was a burden to you...even when it wasn't easy to be around me it felt as though you never left my side. Mom, there were times that just having you near was enough for me to be brave! I remember the little songs you would sing to me "Be strong and of good courage, be thou not afraid!!" or the times you would recite whole psalms to me when I was in the hospital and terrified. It's hard to believe all that we have walked through together, and now we can look back and see how good God has been to us! Thank you for lending me your strength when I was too weak, and for teaching me to trust in the Lord, to "lean on the Rock", and to "look up to the hills where my help comes from"

I love you Mom, you have left such a deep impression in my life and I can't imagine the crown you will receive in heaven! I'm so thankful for your life....Happy Birthday; )

Love,
Laura

Here is my little tribute to you!
(Song lyrics "Kingdom Comes" by Sara Groves)



When anger fills your heart
When in your pain and hurt
You find the strength to stop
You bless instead of curse


When doubting floods your soul
Though all things feel unjust
You open up your heart
You find a way to trust




That's a little stone that's a little mortar
That's a little seed that's a little water
In the hearts of the sons and the daughters
The kingdom's coming



When fear engulfs your mind
Says you protect your own
You still extend your hand
You open up your home


When sorrow fills your life
When in your grief and pain
You choose again to rise
You choose to bless the name



That's a little stone that's a little mortar
That's a little seed that's a little water
In the hearts of the sons and the daughters
The kingdom's coming


In the mundane tasks of living
In the pouring out and giving
In the waking up and trying
In the laying down and dying



That's a little stone that's a little mortar
That's a little seed that's a little water
In the hearts of the sons and the daughters
The kingdom's coming




To Camp Rainbow I Go!

It's hard to believe the day has come and Rissa and I leave for Camp Rainbow today, we come back next Friday. The children actually don't come until Monday, so most of this weekend is just orientation and team development. Please pray that God would use us in the lives of these children, most who either have HIV/AIDS, or have an immediate family member with HIV/AIDS. This is a Christian outreach, and we are very excited for it!

Also pray for sweet Lew and I...it's our first week apart since we've been married!!

I will miss you so much love!! Thanks for making this happen and for all your encouragement and support! I LOVE YOU!

Friday, August 03, 2007

Thoughts on Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

Over at the Desiring God blog they have a couple of great resources on the tragedy of the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis.

1)A video of footage from the scene (Desiring God offices is located one office away from the bridge) with an excerpt from a Piper sermons called, "Where is God."
2)John Piper's reflection on the event and a conversation he had with his 11-year old daughter when he put her to sleep.

Both of these resources I would highly recommend.

This morning on the metro the cover story was on the bridge and a report in 2005 said that the bridge was "structurally deficient." Is that not true for all of us. Are we not all "structurally deficient" because of the sin that plagues all people. I am not God, but I know who is, Holy Spirit, help me to completely place my trust in Him because in Him there is no weakness or deficiency.

"There is no such thing as implicit confidence or reliance on God until we renounce all confidence in ourselves. When Paul was convinced that no wisdom or efforts of his own could deliver him from death, then he was forced to rely on the power of God... The experience of past deliverance and mercies is the ground of present peace and of confidence for the future." Charles Hodge