Every time I listen to this song, I have a deeper and deeper appreciation for the lyrics...
ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOR LEADS ME
by Chris Tomlin
All the way my Savior leads me
Who have I to ask beside
How could I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide
All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the living Bread
You lead me and keep me from falling
You carry me close to Your heart
And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me
All the way my Savior leads me
O, the fullness of His love
O, the sureness of His promise
In the triumph of His blood
And when my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
Jesus led me all the way
All the way my Savior leads me
All the way my Savior leads me
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I'm a month old
Listening to Daddy
Staring at Daddy, listening to his voice, I even smiled twice!
My second photo shoot in Mommy and Daddy's home "studio" (on the bed).
I love my swing that Uncle D gave me...except when I fall fast asleep, my neck is not very supported.....
One month pictures...
Truth
This is just a short little piece of notes I took about a month ago, when I listened to one of Pastor's sermons online:
"What is too hard for the living God? Nothing puts a strain on Him. Nothing-where the promises of the Lord are concerned, we cannot maintain highest confidence. The divine purpose will always trump our circumstances. The obstacles are not obstacles for Him. Do you know your God? None of your obstacles or circumstances can stand up to His promises. Nothing can phase Him. Just because they are not removed from you, does not mean that He has met his match but that He has other purposes and plans. None of His promises shall ever fall to the ground. Delay never means the hand of God has been shortened. Delay comes because God has not yet determined to act in terms of His power.
Hang your soul on the fact that He-cannot lie, fail, change, forget, deny Himself. Pray to Him. Cry to Him."
"What is too hard for the living God? Nothing puts a strain on Him. Nothing-where the promises of the Lord are concerned, we cannot maintain highest confidence. The divine purpose will always trump our circumstances. The obstacles are not obstacles for Him. Do you know your God? None of your obstacles or circumstances can stand up to His promises. Nothing can phase Him. Just because they are not removed from you, does not mean that He has met his match but that He has other purposes and plans. None of His promises shall ever fall to the ground. Delay never means the hand of God has been shortened. Delay comes because God has not yet determined to act in terms of His power.
Hang your soul on the fact that He-cannot lie, fail, change, forget, deny Himself. Pray to Him. Cry to Him."
Monday, July 6, 2009
Fourth of July Pics
Thought you may enjoy these...We bought a special UV tent for Owen to hang out in at the beach.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Aslan
We found this amazing "new" Christian artist. Her stuff is incredible. It's great having Pandora on our iPhone, you can type in an artist of your choice and it will play all the music that sounds like the artist you like in that genre. Anyways, we typed in Jon Foreman, because we love his Christian music. Out came this amazing plethora of Christian music, people we have never heard before! It gave us hope in Christian music again! Anyways, if you have time, Check out Kendall Payne, Enter the Worship Circle: Chair and Microphone (1,2 and 3), Jadon Lavik, The Almost (Your Love is Extravagant is my song for Owen)...
He's not safe, no he's not safe
Are you tempted now to run away?
The King above all Kings is coming down
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
I know you're thirsty, the water is free
But I should warn you, it costs everything
Well, He's not fair, no He's not fair
When He fixes what's beyond repair
And graces everyone that don't deserve
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
No one knows Him whom eyes never seen
No, I don't know Him but He knows me
He knows me, He knows me
Lay down your layers, shed off your skin
But without His incision, you can't enter in
He cuts deep, yeah He cuts deep
When the risk is great and the talk is cheap
But never leaves a wounded one behind
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
Here are the lyrics to one of the amazing songs I found:
Kendall Payne
Aslan
Don't stop your crying on my account
A frightening lion, no doubtHe's not safe, no he's not safe
Are you tempted now to run away?
The King above all Kings is coming down
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
I know you're thirsty, the water is free
But I should warn you, it costs everything
Well, He's not fair, no He's not fair
When He fixes what's beyond repair
And graces everyone that don't deserve
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
No one knows Him whom eyes never seen
No, I don't know Him but He knows me
He knows me, He knows me
Lay down your layers, shed off your skin
But without His incision, you can't enter in
He cuts deep, yeah He cuts deep
When the risk is great and the talk is cheap
But never leaves a wounded one behind
But He won't say the words you wish that he would
Oh, he don't do the deeds you know that He could
He won't think the thoughts you think He should
But He is good, He is good
Friday, July 3, 2009
Prayer
I was given this amazing list by a friend on specific things to pray for my children. I am absolutely encouraged by this list, and have begun praying for Owen specifically.
You can find many amazing encouragements for prayer and challenges for your walk with the Lord and relationships on the website: www.reviveourhearts.com
31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children
by Bob Hostetler
1. Salvation—"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)
2. Growth in Grace—"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18)
3. Love—"Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)
4. Honesty and Integrity—"May integrity and honesty be their virtue
and their protection." (Ps. 25:21)
5. Self-Control—"Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do."
(1 Thess. 5:6)
6. Love for God's Word—"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." (Ps. 19:10)
7. Justice—"God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." (Ps. 11:7; Mic. 6:8)
8. Mercy—"May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
9. Respect (for self, others, and authority)—"Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands."
(1 Pet. 2:17)
10. Biblical Self-Esteem—"Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:10)
11. Faithfulness—"Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." (Prov. 3:3)
12. Courage—"May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions." (Deut. 31:6)
13. Purity—"Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions." (Ps. 51:10)
14. Kindness—"Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thess. 5:15)
15. Generosity—"Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." (1 Tim. 6:18-19)
16. Peace-Loving—"Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." (Rom. 14:19)
17. Joy—"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
(1 Thess. 1:6)
18. Perseverance—"Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them." (Heb. 12:1)
19. Humility—"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all." (Titus 3:2)
20. Compassion—"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Col. 3:12)
21. Responsibility—"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal. 6:5)
22. Contentment—"Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength." (Phil. 4:12-13)
23. Faith—"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." (Luke 17:5-6; Heb. 11:1-40)
24. A Servant's Heart—"God, please help my children develop servant's hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men." (Eph. 6:7)
25. Hope—"May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)
26. Willingness and Ability to Work—"Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." (Col. 3:23)
27. Passion for God—"Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' one that clings passionately to You." (Ps. 63:8)
28. Self-Discipline—"Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair."
(Prov. 1:3)
29. Prayerfulness—"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers." (1 Thess. 5:17)
30. Gratitude—"Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7)
31. A Heart for Missions—"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among the peoples." (Ps. 96:3)
You can find many amazing encouragements for prayer and challenges for your walk with the Lord and relationships on the website: www.reviveourhearts.com
31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children
by Bob Hostetler
1. Salvation—"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)
2. Growth in Grace—"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18)
3. Love—"Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)
4. Honesty and Integrity—"May integrity and honesty be their virtue
and their protection." (Ps. 25:21)
5. Self-Control—"Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do."
(1 Thess. 5:6)
6. Love for God's Word—"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." (Ps. 19:10)
7. Justice—"God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." (Ps. 11:7; Mic. 6:8)
8. Mercy—"May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
9. Respect (for self, others, and authority)—"Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands."
(1 Pet. 2:17)
10. Biblical Self-Esteem—"Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:10)
11. Faithfulness—"Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." (Prov. 3:3)
12. Courage—"May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions." (Deut. 31:6)
13. Purity—"Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions." (Ps. 51:10)
14. Kindness—"Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thess. 5:15)
15. Generosity—"Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." (1 Tim. 6:18-19)
16. Peace-Loving—"Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." (Rom. 14:19)
17. Joy—"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."
(1 Thess. 1:6)
18. Perseverance—"Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them." (Heb. 12:1)
19. Humility—"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all." (Titus 3:2)
20. Compassion—"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Col. 3:12)
21. Responsibility—"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal. 6:5)
22. Contentment—"Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength." (Phil. 4:12-13)
23. Faith—"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." (Luke 17:5-6; Heb. 11:1-40)
24. A Servant's Heart—"God, please help my children develop servant's hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men." (Eph. 6:7)
25. Hope—"May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)
26. Willingness and Ability to Work—"Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." (Col. 3:23)
27. Passion for God—"Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' one that clings passionately to You." (Ps. 63:8)
28. Self-Discipline—"Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair."
(Prov. 1:3)
29. Prayerfulness—"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers." (1 Thess. 5:17)
30. Gratitude—"Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7)
31. A Heart for Missions—"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among the peoples." (Ps. 96:3)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The change
Took O out of his Moses basket, fed him, brought him into bed, where he and I fell asleep... with his hand on my face.
Talking with Owen.
Feeding my little buddy.
Hittin' the beach together.
He is so handsome.I can't imagine my life without precious, long-awaited Owen.
Long before children were in the picture for us, and even when there was the hope of Owen, I was told by various people how my life would change. I have found there are two main, yet polar opposite, viewpoints.
First, there is the view that babies change your life, and are kind of an interruption and an inconvenience. Many views are that your lives change forever, your relationship with your spouse goes downhill, your independent life is non-existent and you live for this child. They say, "Kiss any sort of adventure or travel or fun goodbye." It's a very sad and empty way to see children, and motherhood and parenthood.
The other viewpoint I am surrounded by with my friends. They all share much of the same joy, the delight in the fact that life has changed, but for the better. Life becomes more full. Today, I was going to make it home, or so I thought, by noon, and then feed Owen at home after having dropped off Cheston in Simi to do Summer School teaching. Owen was hungry and he wouldn't wait! So, I pulled over at Starbucks in Simi, made a bottle, climbed in the backseat, held my boy and fed him. He ate for like 40 minutes. I didn't leave there until almost an hour later. I can't describe to you how much that delighted me. I can't tell you how many times I would go to see Cheston in Simi, or hit up the mall, and then head straight home. I'd stop if I wanted to, or wait to go to the bathroom till I got home. It was a very one-dimensional life, kind of missing something. Today, I got to stop and tend to Owen's needs, and nothing was pressing and he was the priority. I don't know if my description is adequate, but I will put it simply: stopping to feed my son in the parking lot of Starbucks is ten times more fulfilling than hitting up every store by myself in Simi Valley Town Center. And that is a huge statement, because you know I love shopping.
I love my son. I love motherhood. I love that it makes me the better woman who I want to be. I love that he makes me want to wear more dresses and style my hair. I love that I get to pack up the car when I go somewhere. I love picking out outfits every day for him. I love the privilege of washing his clothes. I love how he smells. I love that I learn something new every day. I love that I notice that Owen's eyelashes are growing longer. I love that his eyebrows are getting thicker and darker. I love that smile after he finishes a bottle. I love his dimples, one much deeper than the other. I love how I know to hold him to calm him. I love when I let him lay on my chest/tummy, how he loves to nuzzle his head. I love that he sweats. I love that when I kiss him, he opens his mouth. I love that when Chet kisses him, he opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue from the whiskers of Chet's mustache. I love that he sleeps with his hands by his head (when he's not swaddled). I love that he watches me intently when he's wide awake. I love that he turns at the sound of our voices. I love that he has the cutest little legs you have ever seen. I love that he sits in Daddy's lap while Daddy tells him the creation account. I love that we sing hymns to him. I love that we read him a Psalm every day. I love that Chet is already doing the children's catechism with him. I love that he loves to lay like a football in Cheston's arms. I love that he curls up in a ball when I have to change his diaper. I love that he pees everywhere when I change his diaper. (It's funny, c'mon, you gotta laugh at that!) I love that we didn't get what we wanted immediately years ago. I love that God wanted us to wait. HE WAS WORTH THE WAIT.
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