What I've Learned Lately

-God’s love is not based on my performance.

-In Jesus’ last hours he gave himself away to others by washing the disciples feet knowing one of them had already betrayed him…if we only love people when they’re loveable we are not living out the kind of love Jesus told us to – anyone can love loveable people.

-It’s never too late to apologize and forgiveness is the only Christian response to an apology. Forgiveness, however, does not erase a memory, remove the pain nor automatically restore trust.

-To have a strong marriage we need to be open to criticism and requests for our spouse. We need to learn how to make our spouse feel loved and we need to learn how to apologize and forgive.

-“An anxious heart weighs a man down.” Proverbs 12:25

-“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:27

-Worry is like a rocking chair – it gives you something to do but you never get anywhere.

-Worry fixes our eyes on the situation and not on God, and a life filled with worry and fear has little room left for faith.

-“We face legitimate concerns every day of our loved. But instead of fretting, instead of worrying, we need to focus on discerning what we can do (with God’s help) and what should be left entirely up to God.”

-Much of our attitude, feelings and reaction to something is a choice. We can choose to pray instead of worry. We can choose to have a grateful heart in not so grateful circumstances.

Now, if only I can remember this when I’m tired, thinking about work and feeling behind on everything! Regardless, I hope this gives you a little perspective like it has for me!

Baby Boy Update

Our ultrasound to check on the cyst went great today. Dr. Love (coolest doctor name ever!) didn't find anything else that was abnormal. He also informed us that these are more common among babies with Finnish and/or Norwegian heritage. My great-grandmother was 100% Norwegian, so this could explain it! Thanks for all the prayers.

Above are a few 3-D ultrasound pictures. Since he's still so tiny with very little fat he looks a bit scary, but we know he's still super handsome!

It's a BOY!!

He is growing great and was a busy little thing during the ultrasound. We return to the doctor tomorrow for another ultrasound becaue he has a small cyst outside of his brain, so they want to rule out any genetic abnormalities. Most likely, it is nothing and will go away before he is born.

This explains why I've been much sicker this go round! Everyone suspected it was a boy. Now we just have to decide on a name...

A Season for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

On July 28th we lost my wonderful Grandad.





On August 3rd my cousin welcomed a new son, Caleb.



We celebrate a life well-lived and a new life.

On August 4th Geoff turned 32, and we were able to enjoy a lovely dinner out by ourselves (pre-dinner picture).



On August 6th we celebrated two lives being joined together with the new Casey and Kindal Barden.



We wrapped up a wonderful week at the beach last week with Geoff's parents and Kameron, the youngest Lawrence sibling. Mike and Margi ensured Geoff and I were able to take a break and were very generous in their time with Mary-Michael. Our sweet girl LOVED the beach, and we had so much fun watching her explore new things. She is really growing into a beautiful young lady. We love you, Mary-Michael.