Lent Photo A Day #10: Wait

Waiting is hard, especially for those of us who are Type A.  I see it in my kids that they never want to wait.  In this pic, I had asked Jessica to wait before returning to her snow play so that she would actually be wearing her gloves.  We often question & get angry when we are called to wait, but I have learned to be patient in those seasons of waiting & to listen for God to guide me.

³¹ but those who WAIT for the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Lent Photo A Day #9: Place

Thinking about today's theme, I kept coming back to the thought of a special place/ hiding place.  A place of refuge, which is what God is for me.  Comforting to know that although we live in a world where there is much evil, our God provides shelter to us.  The below photo is of Jessie in her favorite hiding place as of late, a plastic bin.

"You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

Lent Photo A Day #8: Remember



I believe that true happiness & contentment in life comes from our ability to REMEMBER all that the Lord has done for us.  My children are constant reminders to me of all that the Lord has done in my life.





4Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. 5Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth

Psalm 105:4-5

Lent Photo A Day #7: Path

 Today's theme is Path.  As a concrete concept you can think of a path, paved walkway, etc. that leads you somewhere you want/need to go.  The path of life is another way to look at it.  My prayer is that the girls will always seek God in finding their path in life.  It is the only true way to happiness.

¹¹ You make known to me the PATH of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Lent Photo A Day #6: Covenant

Covenant is the theme for today, a weighty word, which is often hard to understand, in my opinion.  The most concrete understanding for me is the marriage covenant, which God has created to give us an ideal of His love & commitment to us. 

 

 

⁶ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

 





Matthew 19:6

Lent Photo A Day #5: Celebrate

This season of life is also a season of celebrations.  It doesn't take much around here to celebrate.  Celebrations in our home right now means candles, goodies, &/or balloons.  Thinking about the theme for today, I was reminded of the Prodigal Son & the celebration that ensued as he returned to his father.  Amazing feeling to know that no matter how far we run, God always welcomes us with open arms & a celebration.



^32 "But we had to CELEBRATE and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."



Luke 15:32

Lent Photo A Day #4: JOY

Joy is something I am very familiar with having young kids.  I see joy on their faces almost daily.  That is one of the huge parts of happiness in my life right now is seeing their joy.  The joy I see on their faces is really a reflection of the joy that God has endowed in His people of faith.  A great reminder for this Lent season.

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."



Romans 15:13

Lent Photo A Day: #2 Look

Lent Photo A Day Challenge #2: Look

I'm such a concrete thinker, I immediately go to our eyes as our ability to look at things, people, places, etc.  Look can be metaphoric as well as in look to someone/God for help.  Here's my perspective on today.

"Lift up your eyes and LOOK to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

Isaiah 40:26

Lent Photo a Day: #3 Alone

Alone is a tough one b/c I am in a season of life where I never truly feel alone.  The noisy mess of having 2 busy preschoolers at home leaves little time for "alone" time.  My only real alone time is at night in bed after the kids are asleep & when Michael has yet to come in our room or in the morning before any else wakes up.  Occasionally, I get some alone time in the afternoon on my days off when the kids decide to go to the playroom by themselves but other than that, not much alone time at all.  Alone is often thought of as a sad thing, I think, but if you have faith then you are never truly only, really!  The most "alone" feeling time for me as of yet, is the time after our accident had occurred when Michael was unconscious & I was by myself in the car.  This was before any 1st responders had arrived.  I guess I felt alone, but somehow reassured that God was with me.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4

Lenten Photo a Day Challenge 2015

I have a sweet friend who loves photography, as I do.  She actually has a fine arts degree & brought this Lent Photo a Day Challenge to my attention.  I've never done one of these, but I'm hoping it will give me some inspiration for keeping myself focused during Lent & also on the meaning of this season.  I invite any of my other friends that celebrate the Lenten season to join me.  Here's the list of themes for each day.

For today's photo I thought about what Ash Wednesday means to me.  I always try to read about Jesus' temptation in the dessert & think about the coming Easter season.  Ash Wednesday is a great reminder of who we are in our faith & a great way to open up dialogue about faith.  Announce to me, means to announce that we are a people of faith.  Announce that we are intentionally raising our children to be people of faith.

Announce

1st day of dance

Many of you who read the blog, will note that I've often mentioned how I thought Ella would love dance & how much I was looking forward to her starting classes.  Well, today was the day!  Her first day of dance & she loved it.  Her teacher, Ms. Pam (who is probably close to 60 & can certainly move), said she is a natural & was impressed with how great Ella did (especially in tap).  Her class is 50 min. with a combination of ballet & tap & some fun creative movement stuff also.  Her 1st recital will be in June, so that should be adorable!  I'm hoping she has a great time with this class & learns some new things also.  The course runs 8 weeks, so we will see if she will continue when the time comes, but for now we will enjoy this cute class together.  Check out my cute little dancer!  Unfortunately they do not allow cameras into the classroom.....we will see how strict they are with that in the weeks to come :)

Our first attempt at a sock bun....gonna need some work, but still cute :)  I think we'll be growing her hair out.

The littlest Valentine

Ella loves to take pictures & gets excited when I tell her we need some for her grandparents.  She loves to pose & laugh.   She's a silly little girl!  Happy Valentine's from out little Valentine :)

Queen of Hearts

Jessica is getting harder & harder as far as taking pics.  I knew we needed to get some Valentine's Day pics done ASAP to get cards ordered for Grandparents & such.  She would only cooperate if I allowed her to wear her "queen" costume.  I do think they turned out pretty cute...of course, she is my child so I'm biased.  Happy Valentine's from our Queen of Hearts.