Big Daddy and Gabe
Mama Becky/"Bec" and Gabe sharing some ice cream
Crazy Uncle Mark
Gabe getting some early motorcycle lessons
New friends :-)
Gabe and Mommy
Uncle Michael hard at work. He did get to spend a little bit of time with us.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The State Fair
Yesterday the family and I went to the State Fair. Going to the fair ranks close to the top as far as fond Fall memories go. Racing around with my brothers from ride to ride, eating french fries and elephant ears... Ahhhhhh. I am fortunate enough to still be able to go with my parents and brothers as well as my husband and son. Here are some shots from last night.
Big Daddy and Gabe
Mama Becky/"Bec" and Gabe sharing some ice cream
Crazy Uncle Mark
Gabe getting some early motorcycle lessons
New friends :-)
Gabe and Mommy
Uncle Michael hard at work. He did get to spend a little bit of time with us.
Big Daddy and Gabe
Mama Becky/"Bec" and Gabe sharing some ice cream
Crazy Uncle Mark
Gabe getting some early motorcycle lessons
New friends :-)
Gabe and Mommy
Uncle Michael hard at work. He did get to spend a little bit of time with us.
Friday, October 13, 2006
A Thankful Heart
My precious child is grasping the concept of being thankful. He now not only says “thank you” when I give him something, but when I allow him to do something, too. A few days ago, for example, I told him he could go outside after saying no originally due to the terrible mosquitoes we have in our yard. (The way they swarm him you’d think the child was made of mosquito ice cream or something.) “Thank you, Mommy,” he said. I was floored. It was the first time he said that phrase in that context. I put some long sleeves on him and outside we went.
Gabe is also completely in love with Thomas the Train. He hasn’t seen any videos yet, but when we go to Book-A-Million, he will play with the Thomas display for an hour, easy. While at Walmart I happened upon some super soft Thomas fleece and decided to make him a blanket for the frigid nights we’re getting. (Ha ha. The Weather Channel says it is getting pretty cold this weekend…Maybe we’ll actually have a winter this year.) Gabe woke up from his nap while I was making the blanket so he watched me finish up. The next morning when Roddy went to go get him from his crib, Gabe's first words to him were “Thank you, Mommy,” while looking at his blanket. He then met me in the hall. “Thank you, Mommy. Choo-choo train.” My heart was melting all over the place. Even today he saw a small square of the fabric—you know, for matching blankets for his trains that he’ll be receiving for Christmas--and said it again, “Thank you, Mommy.”
Oh, the sweetness. I am so crazy about my family!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Letting it go
Acts 10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
I had a friendly chat with two men who work at one of the local thrift stores in my town the other day when I was looking for old wooden bookshelves for Gabe’s room. (Digging through the huge Rubbermaid container to get to his books was getting pretty old.) This particular thrift store is cool because it is a ministry for men who have recently gotten out of rehab, being homeless, etc. and gives them an opportunity to work. These men had a zeal for the Lord that was contagious! What the Father had brought them out of and saved them from was so evident to these men that they talked about Him to whomever would listen.
As our conversation was winding up, I mentioned a struggle that I deal with off and on--the black cloud called “guilt.” It was humorous, actually, this self-proclaimed goody-goody talking about guilt with men that have done who knows what. I repeated something that a good friend of mine once told me. “Katie, you know, it’s like spitting in God’s face when you keep asking forgiveness for something He’s already forgiven you for. It’s as if you don’t believe His gift, His only Son dying on the cross for your sins, forgives you for what you’ve done.” Smack! She might as well have hit me across the face. Spit in the face of God!!! I don’t want to do that!!
As I spoke, the expression on this man’s face changed right before my eyes. His eyes teared up. “I’ve been asking God to forgive me for something I did every morning for the last 20 years.” He then thanked me profusely for saying what I did.
I hope that this man, and me, for that matter, will be able to wrap our heads around the fact that Jesus said “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28).
So, my friend, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2)
I had a friendly chat with two men who work at one of the local thrift stores in my town the other day when I was looking for old wooden bookshelves for Gabe’s room. (Digging through the huge Rubbermaid container to get to his books was getting pretty old.) This particular thrift store is cool because it is a ministry for men who have recently gotten out of rehab, being homeless, etc. and gives them an opportunity to work. These men had a zeal for the Lord that was contagious! What the Father had brought them out of and saved them from was so evident to these men that they talked about Him to whomever would listen.
As our conversation was winding up, I mentioned a struggle that I deal with off and on--the black cloud called “guilt.” It was humorous, actually, this self-proclaimed goody-goody talking about guilt with men that have done who knows what. I repeated something that a good friend of mine once told me. “Katie, you know, it’s like spitting in God’s face when you keep asking forgiveness for something He’s already forgiven you for. It’s as if you don’t believe His gift, His only Son dying on the cross for your sins, forgives you for what you’ve done.” Smack! She might as well have hit me across the face. Spit in the face of God!!! I don’t want to do that!!
As I spoke, the expression on this man’s face changed right before my eyes. His eyes teared up. “I’ve been asking God to forgive me for something I did every morning for the last 20 years.” He then thanked me profusely for saying what I did.
I hope that this man, and me, for that matter, will be able to wrap our heads around the fact that Jesus said “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28).
So, my friend, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2)
Thursday, September 21, 2006
In Christ Alone
This song by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend is one that was made famous (at least to me :-)) by the Newsboys. I heard it this morning and am amazed how it moves me--my soul rejoices, my eyes tear up--each and every time I hear it. If you haven't heard it, please check it out. But for now at least, the lyrics will do. Amazing...
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my
strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights
of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when
strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in
the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took
on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of
love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to
save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath
of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the
ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He
rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's
curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is
mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of
Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of
man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He
returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ
I'll stand
Amen.
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my
strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights
of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when
strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in
the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took
on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of
love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to
save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath
of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the
ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He
rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's
curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is
mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of
Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of
man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He
returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ
I'll stand
Amen.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Happy Anniversary!!!
Today is our third anniversary!! We have been so blessed these last 3 years. We were married, took the job at our church and found out we were pregnant with Gabe all within 2 months of our wedding day. Since then we have watched not only our baby boy grow, but our high school youth group has quadrupled in size. God is so faithful to us when we are faithful to Him! I praise the Lord for giving us these "kids" whom we love and love us in return.
We had such a fun day! Since Roddy and I spent the weekend in Edisto, we decided to just have a normal Wednesday instead of him taking the day off like he normally does on special days. Our day started at Chick-fil-a at prayer breakfast. Then we went to Riverbanks Zoo. Gabe loves the zoo now! Just six months ago he thought the purpose of going was to run around. He now really enjoys looking at the animals and we get such a kick out of him getting excited!
At youth group last night we were playing around with our new AWESOME camera we bought each other as an anniversary present. Our old camera went bye-bye accidentally at a soccer game last month--hence the lack of pictures posted. We are going to really try and compile more pictures of our youth than in years past. iPhoto even has this cool program where you can take your pictures and they'll make a yearbook looking thing. We're hopefully going to have enough good shots to sell them as a fundraiser for mission trips at the beginning of the summer! The couch picture is a surprise that they set up in the youth room. The "love couch" was decorated and came with flowers, a card and 3 different gift certificates!! They rock!!!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Here I am to worship
I have started going to the Lexington High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meetings on Thursday mornings. It gives me a chance to see our youth as well as meet other teenagers in the area. This past Thursday I was thinking about pride during my drive to the church where it is held. I don’t consider myself a prideful person until I start thinking about it. I am incredibly prideful, and my I-don’t-ever-want-to-be-embarrassed, please-stop-looking-at-me-I’m-really-not-a-huge-dork personality plays into that a lot. (I am a big goober, FYI.) Little did I know that I would be tested in this area in the coming hour.
Fast-forward through breakfast and the message… We are singing praise and worship and one of my favorite songs is up first. “I love you, Lord. And I lift my voice, to worship you…” The girl that leads the group has an a-ma-zing voice and truly does a fantastic job. During this song, however, she took some artistic liberties that I wasn’t counting on, so when she paused, I was still belting out the words. Just me--no music, no anything. Multiple people turned around to look at me. Ahh! I was quite embarrassed. Unless I’m with a group of friends where I can let all of my quirks and dramatic expressions come to life, I normally try to back out of the spotlight.
I was telling myself, “It’s all for Him, who cares what they think?” over and over again, trying to make myself feel better. In hindsight, it’s really kind of silly, but then I was really struggling.
Two songs later, the worship leader says something to the effect of, “Isn’t it so cool that God is so big He can hear us each individually? He’s up in Heaven saying ‘Matt, I can hear you. Thank you, Jane, I hear you too.’” My perspective totally changed. It really is all for Him. I have an audience of one no matter how many people can hear me. John 3:30 popped into my head. “He must become greater; I must become less.” I am so thankful that my God is worthy of all the praise! "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me!"
Fast-forward through breakfast and the message… We are singing praise and worship and one of my favorite songs is up first. “I love you, Lord. And I lift my voice, to worship you…” The girl that leads the group has an a-ma-zing voice and truly does a fantastic job. During this song, however, she took some artistic liberties that I wasn’t counting on, so when she paused, I was still belting out the words. Just me--no music, no anything. Multiple people turned around to look at me. Ahh! I was quite embarrassed. Unless I’m with a group of friends where I can let all of my quirks and dramatic expressions come to life, I normally try to back out of the spotlight.
I was telling myself, “It’s all for Him, who cares what they think?” over and over again, trying to make myself feel better. In hindsight, it’s really kind of silly, but then I was really struggling.
Two songs later, the worship leader says something to the effect of, “Isn’t it so cool that God is so big He can hear us each individually? He’s up in Heaven saying ‘Matt, I can hear you. Thank you, Jane, I hear you too.’” My perspective totally changed. It really is all for Him. I have an audience of one no matter how many people can hear me. John 3:30 popped into my head. “He must become greater; I must become less.” I am so thankful that my God is worthy of all the praise! "Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down. Here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me!"
Thursday, August 31, 2006
A quick shout out
My husband is the most amazing man I have ever met. I thought of him and his humility yesterday when I read "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips," Proverbs 27:2. So here I go. :-)
He is an amazing guitarist, singer and worship leader. He played soccer in college and was an All-American there. (For those of you who don't understand what that means, he was picked as one of the top 30 players in the country for his division.) He is fluent in four languages and knows a decent amount of some others. He is phenomenal at his job. He had no youth pastor experience, but, because of his love for the Lord and his heart for high school students, was basically recruited for the postion at our church. He can build strong relationships with the students, be organized and responsible with the administrative part (with the help of his amazing assistant Mary) and teach with the best of them! However, he never lets his commitment to his job overshadow his commitment to his family and we never feel compromised. He is amazingly kind, loving and gentle. And he's cute on top of it all!!
I have been feeling sensitive and defensive over the last few days, and he has taken the brunt of that poo-pooness. I wanted to take this opportunity to praise my amazing man!! "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Prov. 27:19. Your heart, then, must be as beautiful as I think it is!! Thank you Roddy!!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Disclaimer
Just so you know, if you haven't figured it out already, I'm not a genius when it comes to spelling and grammer. I actually remember crying in the second grade because of a spelling test I had that day. Yeesh. My best friend and my husband are very educated on the subject, so excuse me if I sound paranoid. Please know that it is with my heart, and not my brain, that I write to you. If it annoys you or you feel an overwhelming need to whip out a red pen, please forgive me. :-)
Just so you know, if you haven't figured it out already, I'm not a genius when it comes to spelling and grammer. I actually remember crying in the second grade because of a spelling test I had that day. Yeesh. My best friend and my husband are very educated on the subject, so excuse me if I sound paranoid. Please know that it is with my heart, and not my brain, that I write to you. If it annoys you or you feel an overwhelming need to whip out a red pen, please forgive me. :-)
Where is Baby #2?
A good number of you out there know about our desire for another child. Gabe is two now and the thought of having a little brother or sister for him is incredibly exciting. We have been hoping to conceive another child since January, and the fact that we haven't gotten pregnant is a little bit shocking to me considering Gabe was born 10 months and 10 days after our wedding day. I just thought that one, maybe two (and that's pushing it), months would go by and I would be celebrating the news with my friends and family. I have looked for cute maternity clothes and baby bedding on eBay. I have thought about baby names. But now, 8 months later, I have been taught so many things about God and being a mom and I'm pretty sure I would've missed these things if this "time" never existed. I don't want to get in the habit of numbering thoughts; I just find it easier this way....
1. Life does not come FROM me, only OUT of me. Psalm 139:13, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Because Roddy and I were blessed with Gabe so quickly into our marriage, I just assumed that I was Fertile Myrtle and the second I wanted #2 it would happen. Ummm, no. Only God is the giver of life and it is in HIS timing that we will, if it is in His plan, have another child.
2. I have also gained a small understanding for those who cannot get pregnant. I am sounding borderline selfish, I know. I have a beautiful, healthy child, so how can I even come close to understanding? I can't. I can't imagine the pain, nor will I try to, but I do know what it's like to really, REALLY think that I'm pregnant and find out that I'm not. Or look at a pregnant person walking in the mall and wish it were me. These are only small things, like I said, but I feel more compassionate and understanding than I did 8 months ago, that's for sure.
3. I am able to do things that I would not have been able to do if I were pregnant. I have been able to dig in deeper to relationships within the youth group girls that I hang out with. I have the ability to put my (almost 40 pound) baby in my lap. God has opened my eyes to what a clean house can do to help my family and our relationships with each other. I have dumped out almost all of our closets, hauled embarrassing amounts of stuff to Goodwill, and have basically undone the "household damage" that was caused by college graduation, marriage, a baby and 3 moves within a little over a year's time. Praise the Lord!! I am free!!! I am amazed by the lifestyle change that has occurred in me since my cleaning craze began. I now work out approximately 3 times a week. I am learning and growing and reading my Bible with a passion that hasn't been there in a long time.
4. And last but absolutely not least, I have learned the importance of paying attention when God is calling you to do something. When my dear friend Kristen started talking to me about birth control 3 months before we were married, I started feeling convicted about things I thought were right and good in marriage. Waiting at least 2 years to have kids, for example, is very common among advice given to newly-weds. Roddy and I felt that that was not what we wanted to do (to the amazement of some), and so there was Gabe. We will have our 3rd anniversary next month, and I would change nothing about having our sweet child when we did. Thank God we didn't wait because that might have been our only shot.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Maybe He has something great in store for us that would be tough with a little baby. Maybe that child will be from a different mother and father, but will call us Mom and Dad. Who knows!!?? When people say, "Don't worry, he/she will come," I'm not worried! My God, the Lord of the universe, cares about me. He knows the plans He has for me. He is going to give me hope and a future.
I don't know where Baby #2 is, or if he or she will ever come. I'm okay with that. Ecclesiates 3:11 says "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." He has made everything beautiful in its time, and I can't fathom his plan or His greatness.
A good number of you out there know about our desire for another child. Gabe is two now and the thought of having a little brother or sister for him is incredibly exciting. We have been hoping to conceive another child since January, and the fact that we haven't gotten pregnant is a little bit shocking to me considering Gabe was born 10 months and 10 days after our wedding day. I just thought that one, maybe two (and that's pushing it), months would go by and I would be celebrating the news with my friends and family. I have looked for cute maternity clothes and baby bedding on eBay. I have thought about baby names. But now, 8 months later, I have been taught so many things about God and being a mom and I'm pretty sure I would've missed these things if this "time" never existed. I don't want to get in the habit of numbering thoughts; I just find it easier this way....
1. Life does not come FROM me, only OUT of me. Psalm 139:13, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Because Roddy and I were blessed with Gabe so quickly into our marriage, I just assumed that I was Fertile Myrtle and the second I wanted #2 it would happen. Ummm, no. Only God is the giver of life and it is in HIS timing that we will, if it is in His plan, have another child.
2. I have also gained a small understanding for those who cannot get pregnant. I am sounding borderline selfish, I know. I have a beautiful, healthy child, so how can I even come close to understanding? I can't. I can't imagine the pain, nor will I try to, but I do know what it's like to really, REALLY think that I'm pregnant and find out that I'm not. Or look at a pregnant person walking in the mall and wish it were me. These are only small things, like I said, but I feel more compassionate and understanding than I did 8 months ago, that's for sure.
3. I am able to do things that I would not have been able to do if I were pregnant. I have been able to dig in deeper to relationships within the youth group girls that I hang out with. I have the ability to put my (almost 40 pound) baby in my lap. God has opened my eyes to what a clean house can do to help my family and our relationships with each other. I have dumped out almost all of our closets, hauled embarrassing amounts of stuff to Goodwill, and have basically undone the "household damage" that was caused by college graduation, marriage, a baby and 3 moves within a little over a year's time. Praise the Lord!! I am free!!! I am amazed by the lifestyle change that has occurred in me since my cleaning craze began. I now work out approximately 3 times a week. I am learning and growing and reading my Bible with a passion that hasn't been there in a long time.
4. And last but absolutely not least, I have learned the importance of paying attention when God is calling you to do something. When my dear friend Kristen started talking to me about birth control 3 months before we were married, I started feeling convicted about things I thought were right and good in marriage. Waiting at least 2 years to have kids, for example, is very common among advice given to newly-weds. Roddy and I felt that that was not what we wanted to do (to the amazement of some), and so there was Gabe. We will have our 3rd anniversary next month, and I would change nothing about having our sweet child when we did. Thank God we didn't wait because that might have been our only shot.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. Maybe He has something great in store for us that would be tough with a little baby. Maybe that child will be from a different mother and father, but will call us Mom and Dad. Who knows!!?? When people say, "Don't worry, he/she will come," I'm not worried! My God, the Lord of the universe, cares about me. He knows the plans He has for me. He is going to give me hope and a future.
I don't know where Baby #2 is, or if he or she will ever come. I'm okay with that. Ecclesiates 3:11 says "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." He has made everything beautiful in its time, and I can't fathom his plan or His greatness.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Elegantly Shabby? What's up with that?
Here's some info about why I chose the name "Elegantly Shabby." #1. I like that it's an oxymoron. #2. I really, really like that style of decor. Some call it Shabby Chic. Whatever you want it call it, if it's half falling apart with chipped paint, most likely I'll think it's grand. #3. I think that name decribes me as a Christian. I am shabby because I'm a sinner. I was born that way, and I'll die that way. God says in His Word, the Bible, that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). ALL HAVE SINNED--not just the people sitting in a jail cell, or hiding out in the dark alleys. I will be the first to admit that I have broken the 10 commandments. Have I lied? Yes. Have I stolen anything? Yes. Have I disrespected my mom and dad? Yes. The list goes on and on. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do" (Romans 7:15). Don't get me wrong, I look like a saint compared to some people, but I KNOW my need for Jesus!!
Praise God that in Romans 6:23 it says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is ETERNAL life in Christ JESUS our Lord!" One of the definitions of elegant in the dictionary is "pleasing graceful in manner." That's cool! Because that is just what God is talking about in His Word. Grace. "We believe it is through the GRACE of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" (Acts 15:11) It is only by MY Lord's loving-kindness that I am saved. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I know some people reading this are saying "Amen!" Hopefully there are one or two of you out there scratching your head wondering what in the heck I'm talking about. If that's you, pray that God would reveal Himself in a real way to you!! He will!!
I want this blog to not only be a place where you can keep up with this family, but more importantly, learn how God is moving and changing us in awesome ways!! Elegantly Shabby. That's all for now.
Here's some info about why I chose the name "Elegantly Shabby." #1. I like that it's an oxymoron. #2. I really, really like that style of decor. Some call it Shabby Chic. Whatever you want it call it, if it's half falling apart with chipped paint, most likely I'll think it's grand. #3. I think that name decribes me as a Christian. I am shabby because I'm a sinner. I was born that way, and I'll die that way. God says in His Word, the Bible, that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). ALL HAVE SINNED--not just the people sitting in a jail cell, or hiding out in the dark alleys. I will be the first to admit that I have broken the 10 commandments. Have I lied? Yes. Have I stolen anything? Yes. Have I disrespected my mom and dad? Yes. The list goes on and on. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do" (Romans 7:15). Don't get me wrong, I look like a saint compared to some people, but I KNOW my need for Jesus!!
Praise God that in Romans 6:23 it says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is ETERNAL life in Christ JESUS our Lord!" One of the definitions of elegant in the dictionary is "pleasing graceful in manner." That's cool! Because that is just what God is talking about in His Word. Grace. "We believe it is through the GRACE of our Lord Jesus that we are saved" (Acts 15:11) It is only by MY Lord's loving-kindness that I am saved. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I know some people reading this are saying "Amen!" Hopefully there are one or two of you out there scratching your head wondering what in the heck I'm talking about. If that's you, pray that God would reveal Himself in a real way to you!! He will!!
I want this blog to not only be a place where you can keep up with this family, but more importantly, learn how God is moving and changing us in awesome ways!! Elegantly Shabby. That's all for now.
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