Pillars

We spent the whole morning at our new favorite coffee shop/cafe this morning...

(for anyone who lives in Rogers Pak area, we HIGHLY recommend Pillars)

and it was WONDERFUL, sunshine and all. 

I'm gunna miss this little one when she goes to school next fall...I never thought that at the age of 23, I would be spending my days with my 3 year old daughter, but it has been the best, most precious 3 years of my life! Gotta soak up these moments! 

We decided we are bring daddy along with us next week, because well...that just makes it THAT much better.

Makin' Moves

Just for a little update....

We're headin' back down to Miami in a couple weeks. We are going to finish what we started last year, and Jay and I both feel like God has things for us there that we need to venture towards. 

It's another step, and another part of this journey that we are walking together as a family. And I am thankful. I am thankful for a husband who listens to my heart, my dreams, and my passions (my heart has been in Miami this whole past year, and I have been aching to go back and finish school). I am thankful that Jay has woken up at 3:30 every morning for work to provide for our family. I am thankful for the opportunity to go to the most amazing school, and I am thankful for excited friends and family who are looking forward to our arrival back. I am thankful for everyone who has supported us in this move-it has made the world of difference! I am thankful for what the Lord has done in our lives, our family, and our marriage this past year- from hard struggles to special memories. I am thankful that God knows what is ahead. And I am thankful that I can rest in His Son- My PEACE.

This move brings up a lot of stress in my heart. We have a lot of things planned out and set up, but there are always those last minute things- "the unknowns" that need to be worked out. I dont know what our life is going to look like this next couple of years- shoot, I dont know what any of our future is going to look like!! and honestly it makes me feel so out of control! Anyone resonate with that?!?

Jay and I have been reading this book called "Just Courage" by Gary A. Haugen and it is one of the most inspiring, challenging, real books I have ever gone through. He writes about this struggle Christians go through to either live easy, comfortable, controlled lives, or to venture out in this Christian life, humbly, courageous, and desperately needing God to carry us the whole way through.

"We can travel with Jesus but miss the adventure. Jesus beckons us to 

a place of weakness where I risk the vulnerability of a child so 

that I might know how strong my Father is and how much 

He loves ME. HIS POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN 

MY WEAKNESS, NOT MY STRENGTH." - Haugen

The joy comes from following Christ in our weakness. That is the best place to be, On our knees before  our Father. How often would I rather stand tall and proud feeling as if I am in control though?!

Sometimes I feel like I am in over my head and that I can't make it without God. I feel fearful and worried or stressed. I feel like I have made mistakes and now I can't turn them around. I feel like I am in the middle of a mess that I can't clean up. BUT, as much as I may feel those things, I'm realizing more and more that God wants me to be in that place- the place where I live like I BELIEVE God's power is actually made perfect in my weakness. It's in that place where we can find comfort and strength to press forward and where we see how MIGHTY our God really is. We are nothing without Him.

All this to say, some changes are ahead again, but we are so excited to see what God does this year. We believe that He is our Provider and that He is able to handle our circumstances down to the little details. Keep us in prayer as we take this next step :)

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

A Perfect Father

"No matter how hard we try, perfection won't come until we are face-to-face with our

 Father in eternity.

The beauty of our God, is that still HE uses us while on this earth, to bring HIM glory, regardless of our imperfections."

-Sarah Young

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is 

made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 3:18

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are 

being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Thank you Father for your heart towards us, your children. You are far greater than we could imagine! 

Birthday Girl

You're 3 now and CUTER, more BEAUTIFUL, and more AMAZING than ever!

We love you so much!

Christmas 2011

 

Gingerbread House

We made our first GINGERBREAD HOUSE today.

I would say that it was a success, besides the fact that Jonelle ate as much 

candy and frosting as we put on the house! 

But I should have expected that right?! :)

I think CHRISTMAS COOKIES are next on our holiday festivity list!

Our baby girl

Jonelle, you are growing up so fast and I feel like there is not enough time in the day to enjoy every single part of you! You fill my heart with so much joy! You will always be our greatest GIFT!

I LOVE...

how you ask for hugs and "kissies" 5 times every night before bed.

I LOVE...

that you call us, "my mommy" and "my daddy"

I LOVE...

to see you sleep-you still have your beautiful baby face.

I LOVE...

how you remind us to pray every night

I LOVE...

your tender, giving, servant heart.

I LOVE...

your sparking eyes. you light up every day!

I LOVE...

your spunkiness and your energy for life.

I LOVE...

that you love gymnastics...thats's my girl!

I LOVE....

your obsession with Daddy-he's the best!

I LOVE...

that you ask me if I am mad or happy and you ALWAYS want me to be happy.

I LOVE...

that I get to spend every day with you. 

I LOVE...

that you help me wash dishes and cook dinner (even though you make it sooo messy! lol). 

I LOVE...

that the first thing I hear every morning is..."mommy, I WAKE UP SO GOOD!"

I LOVE....

every single thing you say- you crack us up!

I LOVE...

that you tell us every single little "ouchie" that you have over and over again until they disappear.

I LOVE...

that you dance and sing with mommy and daddy.

I LOVE...

your tiny, dainty hands.

I LOVE...

that you are a little princess and tom-boy at the same time.

I LOVE...

that you know our daily routine...its's the little things in life that you notice and desire.

I LOVE...

that you love other people so much.

I LOVE...

when you are still awake when I come home from work.

I LOVE...

that you are shy and timid around new people, so you squeeze my neck so tight. 

I LOVE...

that you are the happiest when mommy and daddy are BOTH home.

I LOVE...

that you only ask daddy for strawberry milk...you know who the softy is :)

I LOVE...

that you remember little details.

I LOVE...

reading books with you (you have all the words memorized!)

I LOVE...

that you want to stay home with mommy instead of going to school

I LOVE...

how this list could literally go ON AND ON...

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU MY PRECIOUS GIRL!!