Day 17

A picture of something that has had a huge impact on your life lately

The "Prince of Preachers", C.H. Spurgeon, once said "Train up a child in the way he should go - but be sure you go that way yourself." The old baptist preacher understood that for the Believer, parenthood isn't just about changing diapers, reading bedtime stories, and kissing boo-boos. He knew it was about sanctification (progressively looking more and more like Jesus).

Nothing could prepare me for the weight of parenthood and the self-reflection I have experienced the past 6 months. I have been more aware of my insecurities, idolatry, and shortcomings than ever before and have realized more than ever my need for the Gospel to work in my life daily! I can tell Charlie what to do, or I can model for him what a life of "living sacrifice" looks like. Will he see patience, generosity, humility, honesty, worship, truth, grace, forgiveness, contentment, and kindness? I pray that for the Lord's sake he will see it in me.

Day 16

A picture of someone who inspires you

Tuesday is my favorite day of the week because I get to spend the evening with these 5 beautiful women. We are all seminary wives just figuring out life together - how to deal with husbands who are always in the library (or need to be), being away from our families, and preparing ourselves for ministry alongside our husbands. I am so thankful that the Lord has given me such genuine friendships during this season.

Ladies, you inspire me in so many ways.

Laurel - your sincerity
Rylin - your creativity
Claire - your tenacity
Kayla - your honesty
Vandi - your loyalty

I love you all!

Day 15

A picture of something you want to do before you die

In 2009 Jordan and I had the opportunity to spend two weeks in Kenya with members from our church, in partner with 410 Bridge. We both immediately fell in love with these faces, and hoped and prayed that we would one day return to Africa.

The time has come, and in six weeks we will be heading East again to the country of Uganda. Through Training Leaders International and Africa Renewal Ministries, Jordan will be teaching at the Gaba Bible Institute and I will be serving in various ministries.

What does this have to do with "something you want to do before you die"? Well, Lord willing, someWHERE in Africa will one day be home and someONE in Africa will one day be a part of our family.

There is so much to say on this topic but I'm going to save it all for a post after our trip.

P.S. - Sorry for all of the hyperlinks. They are all worth checking out!

Day 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

A journal entry from January 12, 2004 (written in the journal I gave Jordan at our wedding):

Last night on the way home from Augusta we talked the entire time. You must have said "you know" over 200 times. The silly thing is I do know you by now and every little quirk about you. I love how you can plan for two hours and in the end have no clue what will happen. As we said last night, next year will hold a lot - baseball, finishing school, and the wedding. In truth, we have no clue how the next year, 10 years, 100 years will pan out. But one thing is certain, and I hope we will both cling to this truth I read today.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways", declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than yours". - Isaiah 55:8-9

I look back over the 7 years since I wrote this and I could write the same thing today. We still don't have a clue what the next year, 10 years, or 100 years holds, but we are still holding on to God's truth. Jordan, I love you the most, and I can't imagine passing through with anyone else.

Day 13

A picture of your favorite band or artist

I'll admit....I'm not that "in" to music. I'm not a concert-going, cd-buying, lyric-knowing person, or even one of those cool people like Abby Perry who knows about artists way before they are cool.

But one band captured my heart long ago. I went to the concert (even had a concert on VHS), had the cassette tapes (remember side A and side B), and knew every word to every song. I even had the easy-play piano book so I could play along.

Let me take you back to my childhood and the musical genius of New Kids on the Block....

Day 12

A picture of something you love

Why yes, that is a picture of a Mexican Restaurant in the middle of a strip mall. And yes, it is something I L-O-V-E!

Jordan and I have been faithful Jalisco patrons for over 7 years and it's by far the thing we miss most about Atlanta (sorry friends & family)! It's decor is "tacky" at best, but still personal. All along the walls and chairs you will find personalized plaques celebrating birthdays, graduations, and the like. We even have a plaque on the wall given to us last January by our fellow patrons & friends, the Hostetlers.

But we don't go there just to read plauqes. The food is A-MAZING! Texans....this is what Mexican food is all about! WHITE queso (aka "cheese dip") is a must and don't forget the side of honey with chicken fajitas. Yum!!! I might cry just thinking about it.

Jalisco, how I miss thee!

Day 11

A picture of something you hate

If I was on fear factor and had to eat this for a million dollars I would lose!