Saturday, December 26, 2009
December part 1
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thoughts from Keith
A question to consider: When reading this verse, what automatically comes to your mind?
For me, this verse says a lot about who God is and the true meaning of Christmas. During this time of year the phrase that is tossed about is 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season.' To some this is just a phrase and to others it really speaks to the true meaning of why we celebrate during the Christmas Season. Jesus did come to this earth to carry out the will of God and for this reason he took on our sin so that we could have a personal relationship with him. Oswald Chambers wrote "sin is a fundamental relationship; it is not wrong doing, it is wrong being, deliberate and emphatic independence of God." Jesus came to this earth to take our sins so we may have that relationship with the Father. We now have direct access to approach the Father anytime we want. With this in mind, consider how many times in the past few days we have spent talking with God and allowing the relationship to grow?
The last few days have truly been a whirlwind, trying to finish a semester of classes, attending Christmas parties, managing a staff, and getting ready for the Holiday Season. For me this season is more then gifts, it is about being with my family. I have been blessed with an amazing wife that supports me one hundred percent. What can I say? My heart stills beats as fast as it did the day that I truly knew she was the one. Our daughter is a joy that brings a smile to my face every day when she says 'daddy!' when I get home from work. This is the best gift that someone could ask for: being with the ones you love the most. However, our fellowship and our love for Christ should surpass the love of our family. This season think about your relationship with the Lord and evaluate it. Is he truly number 1 in your life? Family is next in line. Because the best gift we have ever received or can receive is the free gift of knowing Him and believing in him whole heartily.
This is something to just think about this season as Christmas approaches. There are so many people in this world that truly have nothing, but are happy because they know that they have real meaning in knowing Jesus Christ. To often, we (I am just as guilty) are not satisfied with what God has truly blessed us with. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a family that loves me. But most of all, a God that loves me unconditionally! Here are some lyrics to a song that I heard the other day that really sums up why I chose to write some words:
Give this Christmas Away by Matthew West and Amy Grant:
What if I told you
You have the power
To give someone hope
Beyond their wildest dreams
What if I told you
It’s right there in your hands
In your hands
It’s hard to imagine
How something so small
Can make all the difference
Tear down the tallest wall
What if December
Looked different this year
What if we all just
Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
One of many highlights of every day
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
30 Years
Monday, October 19, 2009
I have done something horrific
Monday, October 12, 2009
I get this look a lot
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Quilt
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Post surgery update
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Surgery Day
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Medical Update.
I’ve been putting this off for a little bit. When Keith & I went in for our ultrasound back in June and found out we’d had a miscarriage, the doctor called back the next day and told me they’d found a cyst on my right ovary. Which was just like putting sulfur in an open wound (which I have done via sulfur water in Alaska; totally a different story). They said I’d have to come back in 6 weeks for a follow up ultrasound to see the status of this cyst. 6 weeks came and went, had the ultrasound and I was pretty prepared for what came next (at least part of it). I had been having some pain in the right ovary area, so I knew it was still there, the doc called and confirmed my suspicions that it had grown. He told me they think it is a dermoid cyst, which by nature are mostly benign, but don’t go away on their own. So he told me I’d need surgery. I was okay with that until he called me a few days later and told me the cyst was too big to do laparoscopic. Now I’m getting sliced opened, c-section style. That is TOTALLY different. It requires at least one night’s stay in the hospital and 4-6 weeks of recovery. How do you explain to a 1.5 year old that her Mom can’t pick her up for that long? I will also admit that I HATE asking for help to do things. I’m prideful….and stubborn when it comes to this. I’m going to have to get over myself. Needless to say it’s been an eventful summer on the medical front and is now continuing into the fall. I have 3 more doctor appointments next week, including a stress test, and then the surgery is Thursday the 27th. I need your prayers desperately, I’m not looking forward to this at all.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Starting off a new week
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Brokenhearted
At our ultrasound yesterday, we found out there was no heartbeat. Please pray for us as we are mourning for the child we never got to meet and for my surgery (d and c) tomorrow at noon. Keith & I covet your prayers.
On the way home from the doctor yesterday I saw a billboard which read:"Jesus-the healer of broken hearts" and I was quickly reminded that even in this I can praise Him. No matter the circumstance, He is still the Lord and worthy of praise.
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pics
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Home from Alaska!
We had a great time on our cruise w/ my fam, but I am glad to be home and back to a semi-regular schedule for my baby, who is not so babyish anymore. BUT we have another little one on the way, so I'm sure I'll be getting a baby fix soon enough. This one is due January 10th. I have my first ultrasound next week, so there will be pics soon! We are really excited. I will post some pics from Alaska soon, between all of the cameras that went, I'm sure we have thousands of photos, so I need to collect them from other people. We told my parents via Maddy's shirt, but eventually I had to help matters along b/c no one was noticing what it said. Everyone is excited though. Except the part where we can't go anywhere for Christmas :( I'm really sad about that. Oh well, no dwelling on that now. Hope everyone has a great day!