The Not-So-Photogenic Duo

I just found this series of ridiculous photos.

It was an attempt to capture a pic of me and Selah to send to Scott. 

 

Needless to say, it didn't work out. 

Selah's Diary: A Perfect Saturday Morning.

I had the perfect Saturday morning. It was SNOWING! First off, I woke Mom & Dad up and we all watched Home Alone 2 together. It my favorite movie next to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Then we all went outside to play. 

Ok, so maybe I go a little nuts when I see snow on the ground.

But who can blame me? Come on, I'm a sled dog.

In the middle of my snow escapade, Mom made me stop to take pictures. 

Doesn't she realize it's hard for a dog like me to take a break to snap a pic?

I was not very happy.

But, any day is a GREAT day when there is snow on the ground!

Smell you scrounges later.

 Scampering in the Snow,

Selah

  

Reminiscing About Our Faithful God

The other day, I was reading through some old entries in our family prayer journal. I was reminded of the faithfulness of Christ and how He has not only provided, but blessed us tremendously in the journey from Texas to Chicago.

Our entry from October 30, 2009: (Almost a year before we moved)

• Praying our house will sell that we can move to Chicago from Denton to plant His church.

• That God will provide us with jobs that we enjoy as well as have opportunities to meet many people in the community.

• That God will provide us with an apartment in Wicker Park that has 1) enough room for us to be hospitable to others 2) affordable rent 3) that we could use it to love on people 4) comfortable/safe environment

• That God would reveal to us a certain place in the world that as a church, we will invest our time, energy, and resources.

How He answered:

• The Lord did not answer our prayer in our time table or how we expected (go figure). Yet, His timing was absolutely perfect! We were able to spend a year living close to our family as we all adjusted to the idea of Scott and I moving away. It definitely helped better prepare my heart and our families for the big move. Also, Scott had an amazing opportunity to be mentored by pastors, some from all over the world, which in turn has completely shaped the vision & DNA of our church. Lastly, we were unexpectedly stretched financially by complications in selling our house, which led us to become even more depended on Christ and increased our faith. Thank you Lord for your perfect timing.

• Within two weeks of moving, God provided me a job at Childtime Learning Center working with precious two-year-olds! Not only did he provide a job, but one that I really enjoy doing as I invest in children and families! He also provided Scott with many opportunities to get involved in our community through the dog park, Wicker Park Advisory Council, the garden club, and volunteering at Prizker school. Thank you Lord for giving us a vision for our lives here. 

• We drove from Texas to Chicago without ever stepping foot into the apartment we would call our home. When we walked in, we knew it was more than we could ever ask for. It is a great place for hosting large crowds (we get to have our Wednesday night Village here & other activities). I am also so thankful that I feel very safe & comfortable when I am alone and Scott is traveling. Thank you Lord for providing us with a place to live that is everything we asked for and more!

• The Lord did reveal a place for us to invest in as a church: Palestine. God has already provided a way for Scott to go once, and we are now making plans to go back as a group. Thank you Lord for showing us where you want us to invest! 

As I think back over the course of this year, I am so incredible thankful. Christ is the great provider and promises to provide for all of his followers. Yet, I feel like Christ has not only provided but truly blessed us! 

"If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him."                    Matthew 7:11

I'm just a Bahama Mama

I scrolled across some old pics and videos on my phone today. 

They took me back to my favorite vacation spot ever.

I can't believe we have had the opportunity to visit The Bahamas twice!

It holds such a special place in our hearts. 

Friday's Favorite

The Christmas season is finally here! My husband is no longer banning me from playing the Christmas tunes! It is such a beautiful time of the year as we celebrate God becoming man. My Friday's favorite is my favorite Christmas song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. We are rejoicing as we celebrate Emmanuel, God with us! It is so very humbling to dwell on the fact that Christ left a perfect place to come to earth as a man in order to make a way for us to have life through Him and a relationship with Him. I am so thankful for his great & perfect love. 

Oh come, Oh come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appears

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, Oh Israel!

Oh come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer

Thy people with Thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, Oh Israel!

Oh come, Thou rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'ver the grave

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, Oh Israel!

Rejoice, Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, Oh Israel!