"O" is for Overalls

  . . . and "o" is for orange-colored mums . . .

 . . . and "o" is for oatmeal bread . . . 

 

 . . . and "o" is for our overtired baby, who likes to take one half hour nap a day lately . . . 

 . . . but of course we still love her lots!

Gemma's *Fifth* Wedding!

Recently, we drove back to my Alma Mater for yet another wedding of a dear friend from my college days.  <3

This wedding was actually in the lovely Neo-Gothic chapel on campus.  I was thrilled that Gemma was there to experience all the beauty!

 

And beautiful it was!   The bridesmaids glided elegantly down the aisle in gorgeous up-dos and floor-length chiffon gowns, echoing the blue in the stained glass windows.  A couple of them, the bride, and a few other guests had been friends since freshman year, and it was sweet to see them again. 

 

The bride looked absolutely majestic as she entered the chapel on her father's arm, the pipe organ triumphantly sounding traditional wedding music.  

  

The butter was pretty . . . 

 

John found another engineer to talk to, and they even matched . . . 

 

And, all in all, we had a lovely time! 

 Congratulations, Sarah and Chris! 

On the Law and Me

Often, I've noticed the different spiritual influences in my life coming together in chorus on the same themes.  Only God can make that happen, obviously!  And that fact gives me reason to pause and consider those themes seriously. 

The theme recently has been the importance of God's law for the Christian.   It's one of those things that I struggle with, even though I probably shouldn't.  But Christians regard the Law differently and apply the Law differently.  Amidst all the differences, lately I was finding myself somewhat confused.

Then, Sunday night, Pastor Fortner said (and I quote as well as I can remember), "I want you to remember that Jesus died for you in order to align your heart with His." 


It isn't just about being saved, becoming joyful, and sharing the good news with others.  It's about becoming holy as Jesus was holy.  And it has to be in that order. 

Jesus kept the Law (i.e. Ten Commandments) perfectly while He was on our earth.  If we want to please Him, we will try to be like Him, yes?


And then we sang, "Love so amazing, so divine,/ Demands my soul, my life, my all."

My soul.  He died to save me.  My soul is His!

My life.  This can't just be talking about long-term missions, because not everyone is called to that.  How can I know what it means to live my life for Him?  

• "How can a young man keep his way pure ? By keeping it according to Your word."  (Psalm 119:9)
• "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
• "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day."  (Psalm 119:97)

 My all.  My soul and my life . . . isn't that all I have?  If I offer these with my whole heart, following after Jesus eagerly, then He has my all!



 ". . .Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.."  Titus 2:14

Pig Tails

Our little one can wear . . . 

pig tails!

Next time, we will probably use elastic bands, though.  They didn't stay in for very long.  ;)

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Tomorrow, my beloved turns a year older.  One advantage of having married someone five years older than me is that I will never feel old by comparison.  :)

A year ago, he shared his birthday with a surprise baby shower for Gemma and me. 

 (This photo was actually from the not-a-surprise baby shower my aunts had the night before . . .it seems we only have hard copies of our photos from the day itself!)

The year before we were newlyweds, and he shared the excitement of that first cake I made him with the little niece on his lap.  <3

On his birthday the year before that, he gave me quite a gift!  Although, he told me that I was the best birthday gift he could receive.  Awwww.... (This was also a very smart move, because the date was 10-09-08, and it has helped me to remember his birthday!)

Yes, my sweetie's birthdays have been quite memorable, and they've been quite shared.   I love you so much!