Fellowship

Sunday we attended Riverside (our old home church) for Miah's nephew's baby dedication. Though it was nice to be only 5 minutes away from church, we both were sad we weren't able to go to Freshwater. In the car on the way home, both of us strongly agreed that being there only made us even more thankful for the beautiful fellowship and deep friendships we have at Freshwater. We really love our home church. God has blessed us so richly through the body at Freshwater-- and we are so thankful!

I have been thinking a lot about relationships lately. Those I love deeply and those I am praying grace to love as well. I am endlessly thankful for friendships I have that are so deep and real-- and so loving. And my continuing prayer for those relationships I struggle with is that I will see them more and more through the eyes of Jesus. Only then will I be able to fully love them with no reservation. Jesus, in the days, weeks, months to come as I encounter those who are "unlovable" and difficult to love, please work in me the desire to pour out YOUR love on them-- so deeply and fully that they are unable to deny your love. I so desire to be your hands and feet to those hurting in this world.... and though I know I will sometimes fail... please give me the grace and humility to humbly approach them in repentance for my attitude. You are my reason for life. Make that so evident to all who encounter me. My love, my heart is yours.

I have been feeling okay. Not nearly as wiped out and tired as I was with baby Z, but that could also be because I really don't have time to be tired. I am nauseated off and on throughout the days-- but am thankful I am not nearly as sick as some people I know have been. I really have nothing to complain about. :) Just focused on being the best steward of God's littlest blessing in our lives. I still have to chuckle when I think about it. The shock has worn off some and I find myself daily more and more excited to meet this joyful blessing- when the time is right! :) We are so excited to share with our kids- I remember telling the girls about baby Z- they stood hugging and screaming in the hallway for at least 10 minutes. Such sweetness in that. I did tell Miah he can choose when to share this news-- timing doesn't matter so much-- I am standing in the shadow of the wings of my Lord. I have no doubts he will protect and hold my heart ever so gently. He has only ever proven that to me. The thing that always surprises me is how miraculous new life is-- whether it is the first time you're carrying a baby-- or the 6th. Every single repeated moment holds the same joyful expectation as the first time around. My heart is overflowing with blessings and I am honored to be allowed this wonderful privilege once again.

There is so much I have been reading in the word lately that has resonated with me. I feel like I am constantly underlining, highlighting, and praying over what I have read. I feel like Colossians 3:16, 17 is my prayer. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." The word of Christ dwelling richly in me.... I love that. The word is SO alive with truth and so deeply convicting. I love reading the word for this very reason. Conviction and truth-- all drowned in His love for us. Everything God speaks to us about is like honey on my lips. Sweetly wrapped up in Christ's sacrifice and grace. Dig in! I find myself digging in deeper and deeper... hungering and thirsting for more of God. Praising Him for the difficulties I encounter as well as joyfully thanking Him for all the amazing blessings He has given us! Jesus, continue to draw me into you. Let my life be a living reflection of who you are!