It was a beautiful day of wedding love. 

The details of tradition and ceremony can seem a bit trite, but when you see Christ in each one the meaning becomes a sacred display of Christ's love for his bride.

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;

my soul shall exult in my God,

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Is. 61:10    

looking forward to more photos from Rebekah Stephenson...

As a mother, I know what it's like to be preparing and anticipating the birth of a child. At the end of those 9 months, there is excitement amidst fear and preparation all-consuming. Just a year ago at this time, I was due with Elim and Mary was often on my mind. My heart was full of the life I was carrying, but what would it be like to mother the Savior of the world?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water? 
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? 
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? 
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? 
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? 
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? 
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again. 
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? 
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations? 
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? 
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.    
~Mark Lowry

As I am packing, wrapping, baking, mothering and all those Christmas preparations, may I prepare my heart with purpose, joy, calm and hope. May I prepare to receive the gift that Mary did.

12 years ... with her

12 years and counting (unless you include the 3 years it too me to convince you).

12 years of bliss (except the time I drove off and left you at the gas station in the cold)

12 years of balance (including the time after vacation I drove into the garage with the car top carrier on...after getting on to you for doing it before vacation...)

12 years of knowing (since you always sniff out my gift ideas)

12 years of friendship (I'd take a weekend with you over a weekend with the guys anytime)

12 years of compromise (I honestly don't care where we eat)

12 years of growing (with kids we know and don't know)

12 years of fun (camping? snow shoeing? did someone mention camping?)

12 years of holding hands ('member the first?)

12 years as companions (from not having passports on our honeymoon to scrubbing marker off the cabinets and walls)

12 years intertwining two families (one that plans everything and one that plans nothing)

12 years worth any cost (putting a price on the priceless, even a high price, actually cheapens it)

12 years

Last weekend my youngest sister got married in the same church as we did 12 years ago...wow. Sitting in the old sanctuary I thought back to that day and I realized how much I didn't even know the guy. 

Now, what I do know, is this husband is more than I hoped for on that day I said "I do". 

Much more. I love you darling.

Play

Toys for Christmas? Who needs them?

Repurposing stuff around the house is what these kids are experts at.

 It's not always neat and tidy, but it works.

Spa time. Then they created their own perfume...with extracts, oils and spices. 

I tried not to hyperventilate.

I think he's topped his dad with this domino-building-wonder.

 Snow that doesn't melt inside. Still finding it days later.

 Electronic deconstruction.

Eating is apparently what he does for fun, there's not a food he doesn't like yet. 

Blueberries equal a smurf baby for a day.

We really need to get out of the house now.

Elim did

let his mama get a few snaps of his slumber before he 

woke up

and gave every face in his repertoire 

and a wave

and only a mama can't decide which face is her favorite because they all are.

It was a hard day full of bad attitudes, bickering, impatience...

Thank you for this morning's sunrise. Out my bedroom window, You showed me glory.

Thank you for Mondays, even when we're tired and crazed and not who we should be and I am humbled when the little people ask for forgiveness.

Thank you for the cross that has saved me from myself. 

Thank you for my grandpa's 85th birthday celebration. As his sight fails and his hearing is almost gone, may his eyes see You clearly and his ear's hear Your call.

Thank you for my husband working late tonight so that we can head up to SBL just a bit earlier this week.

Thank you for a family photo session with a 8 month pregnant friend. The rain was falling and we were ready, then the clouds broke and the sun shone His care for the little things. It was beautiful and we had fun. Who knew?

Thank you for camping one last time this year. Even a crabby baby can't make a fire, golden leaves, and hiking trail anything less than good.

Thank you for harvest during sunset. Year after year it never gets old riding the combine with Dad.

Thank you for the sunset over those fields of provision.

Gift # 171

Color