Kari Jobe -- Pure - Immerse Worship

Family fun.....

is always a treat! We took the kids to Como Zoo and Conservatory. They loved every moment. As did we. It brings me such joy to watch them discover and be in awe of everything- and how their little hearts in turn are sooo in awe of our God, the creator of all this beauty. I long to capture that excitement and pure joy in every part of my own walk with God. He definitely deserves the glory.

Baby Jocelyn......

My sister had her SWEET baby girl in March! She is soooo adorable- and a cuddly one for sure. We ALL love to love on her!

The boys love....

the park! We have a swingset in the back yard-- but it is OH so fun for us to walk the trail to 'Barney' park. We enjoyed a few hours there the other day. These boys are best friends and I love sooo much how they cherish each other. Reminds me of growing up and how much I loved my little sister-- AND how many fun memories we have together. I pray God protects that in them-- and that they continue to grow and love each other more!

Oh yes!! These are BARE feet ;)

March has been.....

sooo beautiful this year. It was so great to be able to send the kids outside without 20 minutes of bundling and only 10 minutes of outside time before someone had to go potty or was too cold.... etc. :) The kids have enjoyed running, playing, swinging, jumping, chasing, and digging. We have enjoyed many days outdoors- in the sunshine- excited to see the grass turning green. Spring always reminds me that God makes ALL things new. What a promise! He makes all things NEW! Doesn't matter where we are... or what we've done... we can hold on to that promise.

Life... according to Gabriel

Gabriel is such a sweet, tenderhearted boy. And such a blessing to me. :) He makes my heart smile (as do ALL of our kids) and he says the cutest and funniest things. Here are a few samples of recent conversations I have had with my Gabe.

Gabe: "Mom, who made you so beautiful?"
Me: "Well, Gabe... God did."
Gabe: "Wow, Mom. He sure did a good job."

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Gabe: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm doing my hair..."
Gabe: "Why?"
Me: "Because I want to look cute for my date with Papa."
Gabe: "Oh Mom.... I like you just like this- you're so pretty."

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Gabe: "Mama, do you think I can pray to God and tell Him to make me stop growing?"
Me: "Why would you want to do that Gabe?"
Gabe: "Well, because, Mom. I'm really liking being 4."

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Gabe: "Mama! I just realized something...."
Me: "You just realized something??"


I pray daily that God protects that sweetness and genuine heart- and that He gives me the tools to nurture that in him. What a little lover. My heart just overflows.

One month to Live...

Our church is doing a series on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook. It has been a great reminder to live intentionally... to take every moment and make it count. That doesn't necessarily mean filling every moment of our lives with more things- it means taking the time to rest and rejuvenate our souls- not every moment has to be the world's idea of "productive". We never know how long we have to live. If we did, how differently would we live? What things would we change? Would we follow our deepest dreams and love with abandonment? Of course we would! I want to encourage everyone to take an inventory of where and how you spend your time.... What would you do if you had only one month to live?