Joy

I don't know why I put a charlie brown picture up, i just
thought it was so simple and cute

David and I are away from both our families this holiday, but we are hosting a "family of friends" at our house instead. Despite the fact that i'm a tad nervous about cooking a turkey by myself for the first time without my mom, I'm so excited to be surrounded by these lovely people.  When I think about all that I have to be thankful for, the joy of the Lord overwhelms my soul :)  Hope everyone reading has a joyful day!

No people on earth have more cause to be thankful than ours, and this is said reverently, in no spirit of boastfulness in our own strength, but with the gratitude to the Giver of good who has blessed us. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

Redemption

Sorry that i've been absent from posting.  Despite great visits from family and friends, there are no words to describe what has happened to me this past month.  Seemingly unsurmountable stress in all areas of my life...stress from school, on my marriage, on my relationship with God.  Anxiety that has affected me both physically and mentally more than I ever have experienced before.

As God is slowly bringing me out of the valley, i've already seen the work that He has done.  Going through the day-to-day process of healing is painful...extremely painful.  But when I think about the end result of all this, and what i've already learned from Him, it's an incredibly beautiful thing.  God has been merciful enough to open my eyes and point me towards Him.  He has shown me a deeper understanding of His love and forgiveness.  I still have more healing to do, and my prayer is that I will be able to praise Him not only on the good days but on the bad ones too.  I pray that when I feel helpless, that I will trust that He is close to me.

I hope that this is an encouragement to those that read.  That this will be a reminder that no matter how difficult, turning to God and being obedient to Him is always the best answer.  That no matter how wicked our hearts are, He still loves and forgives us for all things.  That He will never let go of us.

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

Refreshment

Good friendships are a treasure.  A joyful blessing.  

Tiffany and Wayne are some of our closest friends.  We went to school together, we went to church together, we rejoiced and laughed together, we struggled and cried together, we were in each other's weddings.  They took the time and money to come visit us this past weekend and it was awesome.

Since the weather was perfection, we spent pretty much the whole weekend outside.  These Texans enjoyed seeing a little bit more greenery.  

I'm so glad that they came all the way to Augusta to see us.  It was such a refreshment to my spirit...friends are great for things like that.

Can't wait to return the favor and come see y'all in Texas :)

Little lovelies

A simple post, about simple things I enjoy.  It's good to reflect on these when life is hectic (like now).

Nature's bright colors.

Cookies with milk in a mason jar.

Puppy love.

Enjoying the beautiful weather and good music with my love.

(self aim pictures are always crooked, oh well, keepin' it real)

Take the time to enjoy your blessings today, happy weekend!

Newest addition

We have a wonderful surprise to share with the world....







No, not this....

Think more....furry....

Blog world, meet Dex!

He's part husky, part lab, and just adorable as can be.

His eyes are a beautiful two-toned.  One's ice blue, the other dark blue.  I need to play around with my camera to be capture it better.

We can't get enough of him, and so glad he's in our family now.

Better pictures are hopefully soon to follow.  It's hard to get a puppy to sit still :)