[MERRY CHRISTMAS]

Merriest Christmas wishes to you and yours!

//He is risen//

While we are ever so grateful for His suffering, His shedding of blood, and while the cross was necessary, today and the rest of our days, our praise, our rejoicing, our song, our LIFE is because of His resurrection. Death could not hold Him. He is risen!!! •Matthew 28:6 KJV [6] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. •

{Merry Christmas}

On this Eve of Christmas our family would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and season filled with merriment!!! 

{Thanksgiving Day 2014}

{Happy Thanksgiving}

I wanted to post for Thanksgiving, but wasn't sure what I wanted to post about. 

I think I have finally decided. 

While Thanksgiving is a day set aside to give thanks, let it not be the only day you count your many blessings!! It is God's will that you give thanks!!! 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

This morning I recorded 50 things right off the top of my head that I'm thankful for. 

The list could be much longer...there is so much more to say about my abundantly blessed life, but God is so good, the list would go on forever…

So here it is…

{fifty things I'm thankful for} 

1. This precious thing called life 

2. My Fathers unspeakable gift 

3. The precious blood of Jesus Christ 

4. The perfect family for me 

5. Being created with a purpose 

6. Hope in the midst of darkness 

7. Freedom to worship my Saviour 

8. The best friends in the world 

9. Always having more than enough

10. Opportunity to serve--though I'm so unworthy

11. A family who follows God 

12. A life full of adventure 

13. A godly heritage

14. My God who is so amazingly good 

15. The foundation of this land 

16. Simple pleasures in life

17. My very own copy of the Word of God 

18. Memories past and memories to come 

19. A closet full of clothes 

20. Never once going hungry

21. Parents who raised me to follow Christ 

22. A godly home 

23. My sisters--my heroes, my role models, my friends

24. A brother who wants to do right 

25. Two brothers-in-law who follow where God  leads

26. The beauty of God's creation 

27. Examples to follow 

28. A God who works for our good and His glory

29. A church to worship and serve in

30. Knowledge in the kitchen

31. Teaching violin to a girl who wants to use her talent for God 

32. Worshipping God through song 

33. God's will isn't hidden

34. A daily quiet time with my Father 

35. A Father who hears and answers 

36. Friends who sharpen

37. Being forgiven by God 

38. Men and women who fight for freedom 

39. Ways of communication 

40. When family gathers together 

41. Coming to Jesus at an early age 

42. A place of employment

43. God never gives up on me 

44. Hard learned lessons 

45. Lovely weather each season

46. Learning homemaking skills 

47. A faithful pastor 

48. Godly influences in life 

49. The privilege to serve God 

50. Too many blessings to count 

That's 50...not in any order, and definitely not the only things I'm thankful for...just a glimpse. 

{Happy Thanksgiving!} 

Soli Deo Gloria {glory to God alone}, 

Erin 

4th of July Travelings...

This past weekend my family and I headed down to land of the ducks, guineas, horse, llamas, zebra ...ok we went to my oldest sisters house in NC to spend the 4th of July with them. 

{ Happy Belated Independence Day!!! }

We got down there Thursday morning and did some running and then went to there midweek service. 

Friday morning we started our day of events with one of the most painful events for me...

senior pictures.

Anna kept asking me if it was painful for me to smile for the camera and I kept replying with a very confident "yes!" 

I like to be on the other side of the camera,so this was hard.

Anyways...here's a few.

 I have been warned that this is only the beginning of pictures. I am supposed to return again in the fall for more. This time was kinda a last minute thing. 

Banana puddin' that I made

We went over to friends from the church down there. We had lots and lots of food. We ate around a campfire and then sang some songs about our Nation. After that we played volleyball.

writing stars 

"July 4" 

Anna and I making a heart for our dear sister,Olivia.

These are some first attempt pictures at capteruing sparklers on camera. Anna's turned out better,but I'm using the excuse that she had a tripod and I didn't!! :) After we were done with the sparklers,some of us younger folks played kick-the-can til it was time to go. 

This is a pile of stuff that we got on Saturday. The guys went kayaking and caneoing with some of the other guys from church,so mom,Anna,and I went shopping. We went everywhere-from multiple thrift stores,to World Market,the mall,and Rite-Aid. We all got a good bit of stuff,and I think we enjoyed ourselves!! :) We spent enough time shopping for a year,I think!! 

This is why we went to World Market. Olivia thought I'd like this measuring cup set,and after looking it up Anna said they had a World Market store down there,so we went in so I could get one for my ever-expanding hope chest.

 It's pretty neat. It's glass measuring cups that turn into a mason jar. It's multi-functional--measuring cups and decoration! 

Sunday was our last day down there,we went to church,relaxed in the afternoon,and went back to church that evening. After the evening service some of us played our instruments together,others sang,and the rest of them listened. It was a great time of fellowship. 

We left this morning and headed home. 

Another summer trip off the list... 

Home for awhile before packing up again.

On a day when the weather feels like it could be Easter Sunday,we anticipate the coming of Christmas. Only 4 days until Christmas and the weather is in the 60's and sunny. I was outside enjoying the weather earlier today and got to thinking about the weather and how it felt like Easter weather...how fitting to be thinking about Easter at this time of the year. We celebrate the birth of our Saviour because He came to die for our sins. 

Jesus knew when He came

He would suffer in shame;

He could feel every pain and sorrow.

But He left Paradise,

With His blood He paid the price-

My redemption to Jesus I owe.

Born to die upon Calvary,

Jesus suffered my sins to forgive;

Born to die upon Calvary,

He was wounded that I might live.

*Ron Hamilton

Let's not forget the real reason why we celebrate Christmas. We are celebrating the birth of a King!! 

Where Has the Time Gone??

I guess I better catch up.

Time has just sorta,well...

flown by.

I have been just a little busy...

 With Christmas right around the corner I have been busy shopping and getting ready for Christmas...and with all the shopping I have done so far I still have to go out tomorrow and go shopping. Dad,Josiah,and I went out shopping tonight. It is like a tradition in our family that dad takes us kids shopping right before Christmas to get stuff for mom. The group of "us kids" is slowly dwindling down...we are down to two of us. 

This whole Christmas season has been a little different. It is the first Christmas that Anna and Olivia haven't either been at home or nearby. I do miss them greatly...

I have been working about 30 hours a week,so that consumes a lot of time. I have been shift manager for a couple of weeks now and it has been going well for the most part...but there are some bad days.

School has been going well. I just got done telling a friend that I don't really mind school...which is rather shocking to hear myself say. I didn't say I enjoy it,I just said I don't mind it!! Christmas vacation is coming up in about 4 days and I am pretty excited about that!! 

I have been pretty busy with church stuff as well. I am teaching the 4-5 year old Junior Church this Sunday,playing offertories and specials,helping in nursery,and so on. We went caroling two Wednesdays ago and this past Wednesday was our youth group Christmas party.

 

 It still hasn't really dawned on me that Christmas is in less then a week...I am not really sure why.

Well I think this is a good enough update for now. I have a long list of things to do tonight and I am hoping to get most of them done!! I will TRY,I am not promising anything,but I will try to be a little more faithful in posting.

Hope you are all enjoying the holidays and remembering the real reason for the season!

True joy is not found in presents,but in His Presence. 

 

 

Christmastime is Here

 It's been a long time since I've posted...sorry. It's been pretty busy around here. 

I have been preparing for Christmas and all it's joy that it brings.

I have been reflecting on the amazing love of God. To think that He would send His Son born in a manger many years ago.

Willing to give up His own precious Son as a gift to all men who will receive it.

I can't quite grasp all this love.

God sent His only Son,the One He loves so dearly,for ME!?!?! 

  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15

May I have a heart of thanksgiving this Christmas season!!

lights

ice

cookies

manger scene

Merry Christmas Y'all!!!!

Thanksgiving

O give thanks unto the Lord;for he is good.

Psalm 107:1 

Happy late Thanksgiving!!

 I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
My family and I went down to my sister and brother-in-laws house in NC for Thanksgiving.It was so good to spend time with family,though I missed my dear sister and her husband. I am thankful that we got to talk on Thanksgiving. We ate,played games,ate,walked,ate,shopped,ate,made cards,and ate some more.Ate least it seems like we ate this much!!! Here are some pictures that I took throughout the time we were down there (mainly for my sister in Texas!!) ...

peeling apples for pie

making pie crust

rolling pie dough

Anna and Mom working in the kitchen on pies

we played Logo's and some how I ended up beating dad!! That was a HUGE,first time, accomplishment.

pumpkin pie

making pumpkin pie

Thanksgiving table

Mexican train dominoes

Dad,Matt,Josiah and I went shopping on Thursday night..and what did I get??? Skittles!! These were the dessert ones and they caused lots of laughter....we were eating them as we played dominoes and it made dad a little crazy...

Dad's skittles eyes...see I told you they made him a little crazy!!

dominoes

making cards

 I am so thankful for my family. The time we spend together and the memories we make! We missed you Liv and Trevor!!!!

Amazing Grace,Amazing Love

Amazing Grace,Amazing Love
Amazing grace,how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost,but now am found,
was blind,but now I see.

Amazing love,how can it be
that Thou my God,
shouldst die for me?
I'll sing through out eternity,
Amazing grace,amazing love

Was it for crimes,that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity,grace unknown,
and love,beyond degree

Amazing love,how can it be,
that Thou my God,
shouldst die for me?
I'll sing through out eternity,
Amazing grace,amazing love.

Amazing grace,shall ever be,
my song of praise,my highest call.
Love so amazing,so divine,
demands my life,my all.

Amazing love,how can it be,
that Thou my God,
shouldst die for me?
I'll sing through out eternity,
Amazing grace,amazing love.

O Come All Ye Faithful

 

O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the king of angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exaltation
Oh sing all ye rivals
Of heaven above
Glory to God, Glory in the highest
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Merry Christmas!!!

  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:9-11

As we celebrate this holiday season may we remember the true reason for the season,The Birth of a Saviour!I hope you all have a very,Merry Christmas!

What Child is This

 

What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping

(Chorus:)
This this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste haste to bring Him land
The babe the son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and cattle are feeding
God christian fear for sinners here
The silent world is pleading

(Chorus)

So bring Him incense gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, All is bright;
Round yon Virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ, the Saviour, is born,
Christ, the Saviour, is born.


Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
 
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.

O Holy Night

source

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night, O holy night, O night divine

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here came the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger
Behold, your king
Before Him lowly bend
Behold, your king before Him lowly bend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love, and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord, O praise His name forever
His power and glory ever more proclaim

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

O Give thanks unto the Lord;for he is good:

~Psalm 136:1a 

Memorial Day Adventures

Today my family and I (including my brother-in-law and sister) went hiking/swimming/fishing!It was tons of fun,and nice and relaxing!Here are some pictures:

creek

this is an old train trestle

train trestle

Liv walking on the trestle

Liv walking on the trestle

waterfall

pathway

Dad,Mom,and Anna relaxing/fishing

Liv,Anna,Si,and I playing around in the water

creek

creek

rocks and trees