The twenties...going, going, almost gone

I'm trying to relish this last birthday in my twenties. Each birthday is such a great time to remember past years and then think on the years to come. Time used to sit still and now I'm begging it to slow down. Nevertheless, I've been so very blessed to live 29 years so far. I also can't believe that the Lord has given me such an AMAZING husband and son. And this is just a portion of what He's given/done for me. Today, I can't help but think on the incredibly powerful and beautiful song written by Stuart Townend.

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

How deep the fathers love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give his only son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice
Call out amoung the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts no power no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Who wants a new scarf?

Check out this beautiful scarf at my friends blog Second Street Designs. She's actually giving it away. Thanks for the opportunity Naphtali!

Classic case of bed head

bed head
n. a hairstyle in (intentional) disarray.

PRAISES...

to the Lord. John made it through this round of layoffs. We are so very thankful and we feel incredibly blessed. However, we can't help but think of those who are without a job today. Our prayers go out to all who are in this very difficult situation. May the Lord continue to sustain and encourage each of you.

Psalm 125:1-2 "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which CANNOT be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever."

Thank you all for such kind words and crucial prayers. The Lord continues to amaze us with such wonderful friends and family. It is such a blessing to be a part of His family.

I now want to leave you with some pictures of our many mounts in the front yard. We are experiencing a wind chill of -45 today, brrrrrrrrrhh! At the rate things are going, these snow mountains will probably be here in June. Its time for a trip down South.

A bit behind

Its been a CRAZY December for us. We enjoyed getting to spend time with all ten of my siblings around the Christmas break/wedding. It's difficult getting us kids together these days. Two of my sisters live in Chicago, one of my brother's is in Detroit, and then my younger brother is at college in Dubuque. I'm sure it will only get tougher as time goes on and as everyone gets married and such. Thus, we treasure every time we see each other.

John's parents were then able to come and stay with us for a few days after all the commotion. It was wonderful quieting things down a bit and just relaxing with them. Edward asked for Mimi and Pappy for days after they left. How we miss living close to them. I truly feel blessed for the years we were in the same town. Sadly, the only family members that we didn't get to see over the holidays were John's sisters and their families. We missed you all so much!

January has brought a scare to our family. John's company is laying people off today and tomorrow. We have been so fortunate to avoid this scenario until now. Nevertheless, we know that the Lord is ultimately in control and thankfully, the day is almost over and we haven't heard any bad news. I'll keep you posted. We do pray daily for some friends and family who have already lost their jobs. It's time for things to turn around for the better.
Coincidentally, our Chapel just began the Dave Ramsey 13 week course. Regardless of what happens, I am looking forward to learning and being inspired to make some changes. I love learning and miss the good old college days of buying all those expensive books, sitting hours in lecture, studying for days, and taking tests and such. This is similar...it will be easier as a whole, but a little harder to actually apply what I learn. So lets just make something clear, I'm the one who needs this class in our family. John is already great with finances post getting his masters in business. I guess he already had to take a lot of classes focusing on this area. Me on the other hand...I just can't say no to a good deal. Using cash will certainly change my choices and lifestyle a LOT. Is it possible to get rid of all credit cards??? I'll miss them for sure, if we decide to go that route. So this is another thing that I will keep you posted on.
In the midst of a serious time in our Country, we enjoy Edward and all his craziness. He is such a BUSY boy these days and becoming quite the talker. He loves to sing his ABC's and This Little Light of Mine along with many others. Edward loves playing in the snow with all his friends...he also loves eating it. We are looking forward to celebrating his second birthday in March. Time has FLOWN by these last couple years.
So here are just a couple silly pictures of our little HAM.



As I have now written a novel, I want to leave you all with a verse that has been a blessing to me lately.

"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;...they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:30-31