CHRISTMAS EVE WALK

Taking some time to reflect on one of my favorite memories this Christmas.

{our Christmas Eve walk}

With my people...

Loving on each other...

Passing by other families doing the same...

Together.

In awe of the beauty of God's creation and the gift of this moment right here.

"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!"

Psalm 113:3

A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

It was a merry little Christmas...

Full of all the nostalgia we anticipate and cherish each year.

We laughed.

We shed a few heartfelt tears.

We made special memories.

And we thanked God for the many blessings He has given us...most importantly the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

He is our hope, our strength, our peace, our joy even amidst trials. We praise Him for His faithfulness, goodness, and love!

With each year, the holiday traditions we love that knit our hearts together also knit our hearts to His.

It was a merry little Christmas indeed.

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2018

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6 

CHRISTMAS EVE

It was a blessed Christmas Eve full of family, friends, and festivities.

Our dear new neighbors hosted us for a special lunch...so kind!

Then we went for a long family walk down the beach, followed by a candlelight Christmas Eve service.

It was beautiful and we made memories.

We praise God for His love for us in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth!

It was a Merry Christmas Eve!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

SOURDOUGH SUCCESS

Elka's been working on her starter for a bit now and today was finally her day!

Sourdough success!

"Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl."

Deuteronomy 28:5

NATIVITY

{By Olia}

I love it.

"'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.'"

Luke 2:11-12

AIDA - 18

"Adult"...it's such a grown up word.

And she is.

Aida has always been one of those that was well beyond her years.

And so she is still...at 18 now, all grown and lovely inside and out.

Aida, thank you for the friend you are to me. Thank you for getting it. Thank you for your heart for the Lord and commitment to loving Him and obeying His Word. Thank you for your wisdom, insight, and depth of character. You are an inspiration to me!

I couldn't love you more!!

Happy 18th Birthday to my firstborn, the one who made me Mommy.

To quote Olia, "I love you more than I can write."

. . . . . . .

(Date with Mom)

(Date with Dad)

(Bike rides and walks)

(Learning your new camera)

(Boat Parade!)

It's been a special 18th birthday full of memories we'll cherish!

XOXO

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:26,30

WILLOW

...found Brodie's piano.

"Make a joyful noise."

Psalm 95:2

BEN'S BAPTISM

This past Sunday, we had the blessed privilege of being part of our dear friend, Ben's, baptism.

What a special day!

What a beautiful testimony Ben has and shared with us all.

It is so exciting to see the Lord at work in Ben's heart and life. 

It spurred on everyone who witnessed the event!

We praise God for saving Ben and giving him a testimony that encourages others!

And we thank Him for bringing Ben's special friendship to our family.

Praise the Lord!!

"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Acts 2:38

VIOLIN

When we were in Tennessee, one of the sweet families there bought our family a violin. Their children pooled their money and surprised ours. What a blessing! Since then, Elka has picked it up, determined to play. I admire her enthusiasm and willingness.

It's beautiful.

"Praise him with strings!"

Psalm 150:4

WILLOW

...found Daddy's phone.

"There is...a time to laugh."

Ecclesiastes 3:4

FINDING SEA GLASS

One of our favorite pastimes here.

We walk and talk and hunt for treasures.

We spend peaceful time together.

Or alone with the Lord.

We collect our finds on a special shelf.

And small hands create works of art...

As we reminisce about how we found unique or memorable pieces.

(biggest find yet)

Willow's favorite sea glass activity is organizing it by color.

A sorting activity that trumps a worksheet any day!

How many lessons we learn through such a simple object of brokenness-turned-beauty and the efforts (or conversely stillness) we employ to find it. And so we thank the Lord not only for this blessed and beautiful season here along the ocean shore where we can enjoy the masterpiece of His creation, but also for the discoveries of life-giving analogies we gain through finding sea glass.

"He will give a crown of beauty for ashes."
Isaiah 61:3