More catching up

Some of Laynie's newborn pics

Reminders to Self and Prayers

Here I am Lord, send me.
But, really, what difference does it make?
He gave up everything for me, I owe Him everything.
I can never repay Him, does He really NEED me?
I could at the very least show my gratitude by being salt and light.
How can there be so much anguish, so much darkness...how will they ever hear? See? Know?
That's why He has me here.
I can see every reason NOT to.
He's the only reason to do.
I can't see how it will ever work.
I don't have to.
I don't think I am really able.
I'm not, He is.
I'm not patient enough, kind enough, organized enough.
He can help with that.
I'm too selfish.
He is molding my heart.
I don't see the path...I can't see the way.
I'm on it. He sees it.

Trust, seek, follow, obey.
Compassion, love, mercy.
Be the blessings I count each day.

Ahh...calm my spirit. Focus my heart.
Tighten the reigns and teach me discipline.
Stir in my family, in my home.
Be in my husband.
Let my vision be yours, my heart, your home. Let me follow in your shadows, not just seeing the need, but meeting it.
Let me love like you.
Fill my thoughts with yours.

Long overdue

These photos are long overdue and SO old. :/ Just trying to catch up for keepsake purposes and I haven't really updated day to day family photos since JANUARY! Yikes!!

I've just been so unmotivated to blog...I've been busy, naturally, but even when I do have minutes to spare, literally all I am motivated to do is snuggle my kids, crochet and sit quietly, trying desperately to glean from Jesus. I've really been feeling such heavy stirrings in my heart, for months. And every time I sit at His feet, singing, praying, listening...pouring out to Him, it leaves me wanting more and more...I just cannot get enough. Ahh...which is great, and I love it and I'm so thankful for the season of growth that I am experiencing, but it really hasn't helped the 'ol blog. ;)

Getting ready for Laynie's arrival. This was my dress home from the hospital and then Kaelyn wore it home and then Laynie. 

I spent so much time staring at these ultrasound pics, just imagining her little face and the little lines I would soon be running my fingers across.

Kaelyn sporting her Kitty beanie

This is how we do pasta around here. lol

Kaelyn's favorite maternity pic...she loves Wayde's face

Meeting Laynie

I think I was pointing out where she was at

Tiny, wrinkled up hands

hospital bands put on AFTER delivery because we almost didn't make it ;)

Family

Teensy tiny toes

Taking her in

My babies

The pictures and the dress

New baby

WHA??? My last baby was 9lbs 4 oz!!

I told Sarah I wanted all the raw, dirty, messy pictures of my baby...I wanted to remember and relive that moment every time I saw these pictures. She was amazing.

I always get a pedi before I have my babies...and very rarely otherwise. pink power ;)

love those clenched fistesses :)

I was talking to my momma here...and man do I LOVE the juice at our hospital! lol

The nurse who delivered Laynie...she was so sweet...and so surprised! lol

Church

Church. What a topic, huh? People love to hate to talk about church.  It seems like there is so much griping about church today. So much dissatisfaction, so many complaints. I am not saying whether or not those feelings are valid...just pointing out that the whining about church is heard loud and clear. All this grumbling isn't just coming from non-believers either. Nope, I think the biggest critics of the church are the believers themselves! And I am just as guilty as the next. But something occurred to me tonight. Aren't we, as believers, considered to BE the church? Isn't it said that the church is not the building, but rather the church IS the believers who gather?

Second thought..."he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone..." 

So, if I am not mistaken, and WE, as the body of Christ, ARE the church...and we are obviously not without sin, shouldn't we do a little less criticizing and a little more encouraging? Perhaps put in some more work? A little effort? BE the change that we want to see in the church? Ask not what our church can do for us, but what we can do for our church? When we see the failures in church, perhaps we should stop looking around us and just look inside. Work on ourselves so that WE can be and do who/what God desires. 

Church is not just a place for believers to go and get the warm and fuzzies, to have a little break from the kids, sip some coffee, enjoy idle chit chat, sing a couple songs and listen to a quick little message for the week. Church is for believers and nonbelievers alike. A place that is safe, warm, welcoming. Ready to help, guide, love. Praying, giving, serving. Looking out into the community to see what needs to be done. Who needs to see and feel and experience Jesus' love today. 

So when you leave church complaining that the worship wasn't that great this morning, or when you make excuses for not being a part of a church family (as a believer), remember that YOU are the church. It is not the pastor's job, the usher's job, the Sunday school teacher's job, to meet your checklist of criteria to make sure you have a pleasant morning on Sundays. Church should not come with a list of amenities available. It is OUR job to be that person, holding our hands out, offering what we have, everything, to be of service to others. A great place to start is at church. Maybe we could reform the church's reputation back to what is once was. A place where the lost, hungry and sick could find refuge and His love. Not the snooty Bible club we've become. 

Go to church. And BE the church.