I know, it's currently nearing the end of December, and I'm now posting from November...at this rate, I will be so far behind by February...too bad :-) that's good preparation for us all since things will likely take a while to upload once we head overseas next year anyway!
This Thanksgiving was super special to our family as we got to spend time with each of our families. It was such a great time to think on the blessings that have come from God to us over the years.
The first and most important blessing to think upon is Jeremy and I coming to know Christ years ago (Jeremy a few further back than me). It is important to remember how He has changed us and how He continues to change us through the Holy Spirit. It is crazy to think back on where each of us has come from and how far we were from God, stuck in our sin, unable to be in a right relationship with Him. But in His grace, He reached down into our hearts, at separate times in separate locations, under different circumstances, and showed each of us our sin and need for a savior. We heard the good news that Jesus didn't sin when he lived on this earth. He stored up righteousness. He could stand fully right in front of God, whereas neither of us can. Then He stepped in and bore the punishment for my sin. Not his own...mine. He took it on himself and was killed for it. He conquered death and sin by resurrecting from the dead so that, through faith in Him alone, I can stand in front of God, not because of anything I could ever or will ever do, but only because of Jesus! It's beautiful, amazing, and utterly astonishing. I screw it up daily, yet God forgives, through Jesus. It's scandalously rich in grace!
Anywho, through rescuing Jeremy and then myself, God put the two of us together to share this life and walk through the good and bad together. He did so in order for us to have the opportunity to sin against each other over and over again and love as He loves, forgive as He forgives, show grace as He shows grace. Its meant to be a picture to the world of sacrifice and forgiveness, and love that does not end. So as you look at our pictures of smiles and laughs, please know, this is but a glimpse into our lives. The window through which I let you look as you view our blog is one of great joy. And there is great joy here in our hearts. But don't be fooled, there is always sadness and pain and unhappiness here too. That's real life. NO ONE has it together. Our family is no exception! It is through Jesus we can smile even sometimes! He gives us the ability to persevere through difficulty. Smiles and joy happen sporadically and I try to capture it on film when I can, but the real life day to day things that happen around here require His strength, His deep abiding joy, His love, His grace. Enjoy the fun of our pictures :-) but remember not to think that any family is super wonderfully happy all the time....because true joy will only come on the other side of life when we are with our King Jesus! That's something to look forward to! (and what a perfect time in December to look toward Jesus ;-))
I know, I know, enough Samantha, here are some of our favorite pictures of the month :-)
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| Daddy hard at work, providing for our family |
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| wrestle time! |
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| This was taken while going full speed... |
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| They love it! |
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| just too many precious faces!! |
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| Kaitlynn started really exploring now :-) |
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| Just a little fun in the sun and sand. |
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| Playground=whee=sand buildings |
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| fun glass from Aunt "Nindy" |
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| Mommy, cheese, water=take a picture of my water |
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| serious face |
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| what happens when you leave her sight |
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| loves to drive |
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| watch out for him! |
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| bath fun! |
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| Early morning flash faces |
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| 9 month pictures with an old friend |
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| well hello there |
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| too sweet |
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| second try for 9 month pics |
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| just loves the bear too much to sit still |
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| patterned road, anyone? |
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| sand fun last year round with this family |
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| Thanksgiving dress |
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| Turkey time! |
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| William liked for me to wear the fun glasses too |
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| Baba came down for a visit from Michigan...William liked the beard |
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| Cousin Brady and Uncle Edward |
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| A horse!! |
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| cousin love |
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| Seriously.... |
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| Picking up pecans with Yaya...southern family fun |
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| loves to play in the country |
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| William standing on Yaya's shoes as she is trying to move...love it! |
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| Radio Flyer from 26 years ago...still works great! They don't make toys this good anymore! |
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| William riding on Gramm the Horse |
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| Gramm laughing so hard having so much fun |
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| Cousin Tegan, not having so much fun, but William is trying to help her! |
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| That's all....:-) Happy Belated Thanksgiving Y'all! |
