There are at least a hundred titles given to our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the Bible. It seems that it is not the language that has utmost importance to his identity but his character and attributes. Who is this Savior whom we call upon for redemption and mercy? Is his power limited to a single term or name or language? Can Scripture's emphasis on His name be purely limited to a physical utterance of fleshly vocal cords? Or is His name a description of who He is and what he has done? Here are a few of my favorites: Author and Perfecter of our Faith, The Stone the builders rejected, Lamb of God, Bread of Life, I Am, Living One, Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, Wisdom of God, Deliverer, God, Last Adam, Firstborn over all creation....

I am in awe of the great love story. The story of an all powerful God and the almost unfathomable redemption of his wayward people. He has made me to know my sin and has made me to know his love. Day by day I am confronted with my carnal flesh and day by day I am amazed at his grace, mercy, and forgiveness. May I always be face to face with my humility until the day He completes the good work he began in me. And as long as I have children, I'm sure that I will!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Too sweet!

Gage turned 7 this month!

Gage takes after Daddy, he's a little corny.

Happy Reformation Day!

I am so excited to share with our church once again in the celebration of the Reformation on October 31st. This year we will be eating French and Swiss food as we learn about the work of the great reformers. This year we celebrate in honor of John Calvin's 500th birthday!

People tend to ignore history making the same mistakes again and again. Sometimes it seems like our government officials were home sick during this particular class! We have much to learn from history both as a nation and as the church. Recently our pastor reminded us that Scripture can never mean what it never meant. This is why it is so important to study church history and question the credibility of what we are learning. From whom have we learned? 2Tim3:14

Happy Reformation Day!

The other kids :)

Piper has been reading like a pro. for a little while now. Seems like once it finally 'clicks' they can't help themselves and just want to read constantly. I can't even tell you what it means to me to see them sitting still reading to their younger siblings. Life is sweet. Ooooooh BTW she had her 5th birthday this past September!

Is it just me or does Rowan dwarf everyone else?

Piper sitting by one of her BFFs, Beth.

My MIL brought Rowan this costume. He doesn't like it. ;)

This is certainly not the best picture of them. But I absolutely adore this one.

Those are for you, Sondra!

This should brighten up your day.

My adorable baby Fiona!

Sacrifice

The more and more I experience personal sacrifice the more I understand how great the ultimate sacrifice really is. Being a mother is full of sacrifices, some of which I wouldn't have made two, four, or six years ago. Sometimes I fear that I'll never be known as an individual person with individual interests and hobbies again. Though I know the season will come again. I've sacrificed a moment of my life to bring new lives into the world and faithfully train them. Mothers sacrifice their very bodies to carry children, birth them, and nurse them. This was extremely hard for me as a young mother of 18 with my first child. Still, I see women my age (25) without the scars and ties of motherhood leading exciting, free lives, who consider my life dull bondage. I may not have excitement daily but with my freedom I've made these sacrifices. These things may have appeared dull and burdensome to me years ago but now I see it much differently. Like an investment, I might say, that if carefully looked after will reap interest that can't be touched by a failing economy.

I thank God that he has given me the oppurtunity to sacrifice and serve. I pray that I would learn to do all things as unto Him remembering His sacrifice on my behalf.