Luv Ya Ash:)

I ran out of clean athletic socks the other day and thankfully found this pair of beauties in my sock drawer. ...One of the many perks to having a cool 15 year old sister:)

I Have the Best "Job" in the World

I am a mom to three great kids and wife to an amazing student pastor. That makes for one crazy, but beyond-blessed Easter Sunday. Every Sunday morning is a battle. -To not get frustrated as I rush around the house for a solid hour and 30 minutes trying to get all three kids out the door and to church. I HATE it when my heart is more focused on affection (or disdain!) for my hair than for my Savior. I HATE it when I nag my children all morning to do as they're told rather than spend those moments teaching and modeling what it looks like to prepare for worship. ...and although we experienced these same struggles yesterday, God was beyond faithful. He is SO worthy of our worship! He is overwhelmingly wonderful and full of grace. He has the power and authority to conquer death! I had the awesome privilege to pray with a sweet 7th grade student yesterday as she asked Christ to be her Savior. It was so cool. I have been praying with and talking to this same girl for nearly a year as she has wrestled with doubt and fear that has kept her from Christ. And yesterday was the day of salvation for her. I am so thankful and humbled that God allowed me to be a part of it! Praise God!!! For He alone is the Giver of life and all things good!!! He uses us to glorify Himself and bring others to Him in spite of our sinfulness and inadequacy! Thank You, Lord!

3 Year Old Logic

Anna Bell had a check-up with the ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Doctor this past Monday. And let's just say that our little girl is not a fan of doctors of any kind. (At her last well-check with the pediatrician, he broke out into a sweat just trying to check her ears and listen to her heart!) In order to prepare her (and myself!) for the visit, we talked quite a bit about what the doc would do and what it meant to be brave. We prayed with her, reminded her of the glorious sucker that she would receive after her visit, and practiced ear-looking while waiting in the room. One of the verses that Joshua has memorized is Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go." Our buddy Shelly taught Joshua a little song with that verse when she came to visit and I asked Joshua if he would sing it to Anna Bell as we waited in the room. This is what he sang:

"Be Strong!
Anna Bell 1:9!
Be Strong!
Anna Bell 1:9!
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go!"

...I LOVE it when we get little glimpses into their perceptions on life!!!

** We are celebrating Christ's ressurection intentionally this week with some special family devotion times. Pictures and stories soon to follow:) Our friends Josh and Tasha started this last year with their kiddos which encouraged us to do the same- check out their blogs for some great ideas as well!

Just Pictures...