Lead Me to the Cross

We have been studying Philippians in our home group and one of the questions that keeps coming up is "What stirs your affection for the Lord?" and "What robs your affection for the Lord?" I think other nations stir my affection for the Lord. I think it is so amazing to see the God of the universe work in areas that I did not even know exist. It reminds me of just how BIG our God truly is. I think music also stirs my affection for the Lord. I have always been one that music helps me focus, helps me study better, run faster or just work harder. Worship music helps me to stop my racing thoughts about all that is going on and just focus on Him.

Something else that I have been thinking about lately is those moments in life that cause me to bow at the feet of Christ. Maybe it was a time when I felt so helpless that all I knew was to go to the cross. Or maybe it was a time when I was so overwhelmed with joy and I stopped to realize that our God deserves all the thanks and praise. Whatever the situation may be, I pray that I am consumed by these moments. I know that when we wander from the cross that the Lord never leaves us, but I wish I never wandered. I wish that every second of every day that I am constantly seeking the Lord. Unfortunately, I confess, I still wander. Today I pray again..."Lead me to the Cross."

Savior I come, quiet my soul

Remember, Redemptions hill

where your blood was spilled

for my ransom

Everything I once held dear

I count it all as loss

Lead me to the cross

where your love poured out

Bring me to my knees

Lord I lay me down

Rid me of myself

I belong to you

Oh lead me, lead me to the cross

Lead me to cross. Hillsong.

Birthday's and Anniversary

Starting February 14th, it is a 3 week long celebration at our house. First Valentine's Day, then my birthday, then our anniversary. This year we decided to go to San Diego to celebrate. Though the weather was not so friendly (the only time we walked on the beach we got hailed on) we still had a great time. We ate lot's of good food and got plenty of rest. We also made a trip to the San Diego Zoo, which was not quite as exciting as our safari in Botswana, but still definitely worth the trip! Here are some pictures from the trip!

New Year and New Tradition

Since not all my family is on Facebook, I decided I should start a blog for Matt and I so we can keep everyone updated. Warning: I am not very computer saavy, so I can't promise much. But I will definitely try. I have really enjoyed reading some of my dearest friend's blogs over the year, so they have inspired me! A will try to do a quick recap of what Matt and I have been up to...

March 7th, 2009: I could write a book on this perfect day...but since most of you were there I will keep it short. One of my favorite pictures is the one below. Not only can you see a proud daddy about to give his daughter away, but you can see the absolute excitement of a bride about to marry her groom. When I think about my emotions at this moment, finally seeing Matt, I am reminded of this beautiful song we sing in church. It's called "You're Beautiful" by Phil Whickham. Basically, it describes the beauty of arriving in eternity to meet our heavenly father. I can't even begin to comprehend what it will be like when we see our Savior face-to-face...but I can't help but believe the emotions I felt this day were a glimpse of what is to come.

Summer 2010: As you all know I had spent two summers in Zambia, Africa, my home away from home. Well this past summer, Matt and I got to experience this trip together. This trip brought a different type of excitment. Seeing my girls from the previous years was AMAZING...but seeing my husband fall in love with his own group of boys had to be the highlight. He had a group of teenage boys and he was such an amazing leader and role model to each one of them. Serving the Lord is great, but serving the Lord with your husband is even greater. We hope to get to go back again soon.

Other highlights have included buying our first home in Flower Mound and Matt getting his new dog Bumble. So, for now it's just the 4 of us...Me, Matt, Ellie and Bumble (our 2 chihuahua's). But this June, Ellie and Bumble will have to learn to share, because we are expecting our first child. More to come on that later!! We love you all and look forward to keeping you up to date on our journey.