Christ focused Christmas.
Wow I feel like every single year seems to go by faster and faster. As calm and relaxing as I’d like to think things in this world are, I know that they aren’t and if they seem to be it is because SOMEONE else is helping smooth them out – now of course I am not referring to the control that God has. What I am speaking about is if we don’t see someone protecting our country it is easy to forget that there are soldiers fighting for this great nation, every.single.day. I recently found out that my cousin’s husband, an FBI agent, is on a special mission overseas for the next few months. Other things that I know I personally take for granted include having food at the grocery to buy. After visiting a relatively poor country over Christmas, I’m reminded that here in the US many modern conveniences are not guaranteed. Speaking of Christmas, I’m not sure that I shared it on here or not, but our family went on a cruise. It was awesome to have time together. Not being responsible for cooking or cleaning anything really let us take time for each other. We all needed it. We were with our good friends, the Ratliff family. So not only did we have good quality couple time, family time but we also got to enjoy time with friends. It will be a trip that I will remember! The photo here was taken on the evening of December 25th. We made the decision to not take gifts on the cruise. So we truly were able to focus on Jesus and his birthday. As a group we read this little book and each received a small wooden boy {to represent the greatest gift – Jesus}!
Recently I’ve had a random list of thoughts rolling around in my head. So lucky for all of you, the blog is going to be the spilling spot! Some are prayer requests, some praise spots and others complete and total randomness! Here goes:
>feeling blessed to have the ability to travel to Ohio for a wintery visit…Jameson is excited to play in the snow and see his Ohio family (his term for extended family!) With full-time school in the near future, our extended visit won’t be as easy to come by – excited for our little boy to grow up but adjusting to what that exactly means.
>passion is something that is important to me…and I can so wholeheartedly say that I am passionate about photographing others
>praying for my cousin’s husband serving overseas
>the first real hug I remember receiving from my dad was the day I moved away for college, it was one of those moments that I will remember always
>another cousin found out that her husband will most likely need a liver transplant
>first check our family wrote in 2010 was to the church.
>our ADPi chapter at Indiana University nearly doubled their size through Formal Recruitment over the weekend. So proud of them!
>we already have a trip to the beach planned for this summer! {this was a Christmas gift from James’ parents – so excited!}
>tripping is a regular occurrence for me when walking and especially do so while attempting to walk UP stairs
>praying for this photographer who recently lost her 10 week old baby. Her faith is awesome!
>rhythm is occasionally something that I have, however I am not able to clap and sing simultaneously
>started a new bible study at church, looking forward to learning more about the Names of God. The leader of this study is such an amazing Godly women AND she is an ADPi!
>also praying for my dear friend Abby as she mourns the loss of her dear Grandmother, read here post here.
Now if that isn’t a random list…here is one more picture to show you how many of our recently days have been spent. Jameson loves his puppy!
My little boys!