70 Years

Last month, we celebrated the upcoming wedding of my brother along with the 70th anniversary for my grandparents.

The James family doesn't have a party without a program!

The difference in their expressions cracks me up!

My brother was featured on the news. This is my grandmother's reaction! Needless to say we are all super proud of him!

A Storm

Growing up storms were usually a good thing. My daddy being a farmer often wanted rain. (I rarely remember him saying he wished it wouldn't rain.) Some of my friends grew up being scared of storms, afraid of their power and their noise. This is a fear I don't know. I was and still am thankful for the big gray clouds that roll in and the heavy drops that crash to the ground. They are good. And as a child, all I knew was that they made my daddy happy.

I can't explain it well, but I believe with all my heart that right now I am in a storm. I believe that the Lord is allowing many things to happen that bring on crushing anxiety. The thunder is found in my heart as pounds in the middle of the night.  I toss and turn and sleep does not come. But He is there. He is fighting for me in this storm. This storm is for me, and I should be thankful for it- like my daddy is thankful for rain.

This morning- this beautiful verse was brought to my attention through Sarah Young's Jesus Calling:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In this season of the cross, I rejoice in this reminder of our redemeer who has overcome the world!

the tea

My grandmother threw a tea (yes a tea and NOT a shower) honoring my brother's precious fiance. As each guest entered her house, they were met with old southern traditions from the punch bowl to the receiving line. Enjoy these sweet moments!

Who wouldn't want to be greeted by this sweet lady?

While giving her gift, she quoted from Camelot. I promise there is no one on earth quite like her. She is  full of grace and charm. 

On a side note- I can't wait for their big day. I am thrilled to have this lovely lady join the family. 

His Love

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This weekend I attended a conference that forever changed my view of the gospel- my southern baptist be a good girl gospel.  Elyse Fitzpatrick spoke at the women's conference at my church. And for some reason this time it clicked...this time the message of the gospel was different to me. It was freeing to me. And oh what a feeling that is!

Often my view of the gospel is based on what I've done, whether or not God is happy with me or disappointed in me. I seek His approval because that is was I think I need to be saved- to be right with Him. I grew up heavily believing that if I am "good", I will be rewarded, if I am "good" things will work out the way my selfish heart thinks they should, if I am "good" God will be good to me. Oh how I believed this, at times continue to believe this, and I am confident that many others believe this too.

Dear friends- let me tell you- me who struggles to grasp this idea- IT DOES NOT DEPEND ON ME! I know I know- you've heard this before and so had I. But the one thing that I believe will stick in my mind forever is this set of questions: Where is Jesus now? Seated at the right hand of the Father. Is the Father mad at him right now? No. Is the Father disappointed in Him right now? No- He is pleased.
We are IN Christ. He is IN us. We are with Him. When the Lord looks at us, He sees Him. He can see nothing else. And I am loved IN Jesus.

Yes- I fail Him. I will fail, I have failed, I will continue to fail until heaven is my home. But I am loved by the ONLY one who can continue to love and forgive me when I fail. This idea is still new and fresh to me, and I long for it to soak in, to stain me, to last like nothing before.

If I accept and trust that I am LOVED in Him, then my faith can begin to grow. My obedience to Him and His Word must be fueled by THIS LOVE- not the love of the works I've done to please him or to look good. This LOVE- that took the wrath of ALL sin must fuel me. Elyse stated that obedience that is NOT motivated by love is worthless. Most of my obedience or wanting to be better is fueled by my desire to look better- not out love for my redeemer. This thought makes me wince- to think about the many times I want ME to look better- how often I seek my own praise- how pitiful I am. As my mind swiftly runs down this defeating path, I am reminded once again- IT DOES NOT DEPEND ON ME!

I have been redeemed from the pit of hell. The ONE who redeemed me continues to love me every time I fail him. I cannot escape Him. He took my wrath ONCE and FOR ALL! I am loved. And I love BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED ME.

Crafts and a Cutie

Poor D had to work on Monday- that meant I had the house to myself. My craft / guest room received a much needed cleaning. 

These neatly organized supplies are just calling my name!

On a completely different note, it just doesn't get cuter that this. 

This was a few moments after he knocked a chunk out of my great-grandmother's table.

Moments

I am grateful that these moments have been captured.
What a gift they are.