"How He Loves Us"

I heard this song not long ago and have loved it. I found out the first single on the new David Crowder CD is this song. I love his version and you can listen to it on itunes - but it's not on you tube so I'm sharing this one - which is good too. "How He Loves Us" listen to this and remember just how much He really does love us!

Family at the Beach

We got to spend some time with Jody's sister and brother in law in Destin before Jody and I had to leave to come home. They arrived in Destin near the end of our time in Destin but we got to spend an evening and a day with them. They invited the girls to stay with them in Destin. Of course Taylor and Aubrey were all for this!! Taylor and Aubrey just love their cousins Kaleigh and Gabriella. They had a fun time playing in the ocean, building sand castles, and swimming in the pool before I left. I am glad they got to spend this time with their family, they made some great memories and had a great time!!

Here are a few pictures that I got with my camera before I left. I am sure the girls will have many more when they get home!!

More Destin Pictures

Here are a few more beach pictures. The girls enjoyed building sand castles, floating on the waves, and just lying/sitting at the beach. It was a great time at the beach.

the beach

We love the beach!! We had a lot of fun at the Universal parks but we were ready to get to the beach. After several hours of driving...we got to Destin. This was the girls first time at a Florida beach. They had been to South Carolina beaches ALL their life! So this was a new experience for them. They liked the white sand and the clear water (sometimes) and the pretty shells they found. They did not like Nana and Papaw not being at the beach with them :( We missed you all!!

We ate some great food. You will see a picture of Cheeseburger in Paradise, which you may remember I think has the best chicken sandwich in the world on the menu.

You will also see a picture of a Dippin Dot bowl. In Destin there is a store that sells just Dippin Dots. There were probably 25 or more differetn flavors of Dippin Dots in this store. The girls were soooo excited. Aubrey LOVES Dippin Dots. She wanted to go every night and try all the different flavors.

Aubrey also got her haircut while in Destin. She loves to have short hair. Her new haircut looks so cute!!

More Fun at Universal and Sea World

Here are a few more pictures from Universal Studios, Island of Adventure and Sea World. All the parks were fun, even though Disney World IS STILL our favorite. I am glad we were able to experience the Universal Parks. I loved Sea World and the Shamu Show. It was awesome and the people who work with the sharks are so talented.

Dancing at Universal and Sea World

Here are pictures of the girls dancing in Orlando. All the girls did a great job and had so much fun. It is such a privilege for the dance studio to get asked to perform at Universal and Sea World. I am glad we were able to go and the girls were able to make these memories. You can tell in the pictures how much fun they had while they were dancing. Thanks Mrs. Ashley for getting this trip all together for the girls.

Where have you been?

I am glad you asked. We have been to Universal Studio, Island of Adventure, Sea World and Destin Beach. We had a great time. It was VERY hot!! We went to Universal Studios and Sea World so that the girls could perform with their dance studio. Here are pictures from Universal Studio and Island of Adventure - hope you enjoy!!

Sweet By and By

Sweet By and By

Sanford F. Bennett

There's a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way, To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore, The melodious songs of the blest,

And our spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

To our bountiful Father above, We will offer our tribute of praise,

For the glorious gift of His love, And the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

Sanford F. Bennett was a pharmacist in Wisconsin. One of his closet friends, Joseph Webster, was a local musician who also suffered with depression. In 1868, Bennett was filling a prescription for a customer when Webster came in looking sad. When asked what was wrong, Webster replied, "It's no matter, it will be all right by and by." Immediately Sanford Bennett sat down at his desk and wrote the first verse and chorus of one of our most beloved hymns. He never even looked up at the two customers who came in. When he was finished he handed it to Webster and said, "Here is your prescription, Joe. I hope it works." Over 140 years ago "Sweet By and By" was written in a drugstore in less than thirty minutes and it is still sung today.
*Hymn history taken from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Civilla D. Martin

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart be lonely And long for heaven and home

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise,

When song gives place to sighing, When hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him; From care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me.

Civillia D. Martin was born in Nova Scotia on August 21, 1869. She grew up and married a traveling evangelist and quit her jobs as a school and music teacher to follow him. She met a couple in New York who lived with very hard circumstances but always had such a bright and hopefully outlook on life. When asked about this the wife replied, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." Those simple, faith-filled words inspired this great hymn.
*Hymn history taken from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan.

The Light of that City

You Wouldn't Cry

I saw this on Tangle. It is an awesome story that God wrote between Mandissa and a woman about to give birth to her son. It's long - but so so worth it.

For those of who have gone through a miscarriage whether early or just before term, or experienced the loss of child at any age, it will greatly bless and encourage you.

This song really speaks to the hope and power of heaven. Heaven is a place beyond all our human understanding. We have a beautiful description of what it will be like.

Make sure you listen all the way to the end to see the video with pictures and to hear the song, "You Wouldn't Cry" by Mandissa.

Baby Gabriella

I have not shared with some of you the news of the new baby in our family. My sister -in-law and brother-in-law adopted a baby 9 weeks ago. Her name is Gabriella Faith. I am so happy for the family to have this new addition. This adoption has made me start thinking and praying for birth mothers who lovingly and willingly place their babies for adoption. I know several children who are adopted. I know several families who are waiting to adopt.

This video was on a friend's blog who is waiting to adopt a baby. Listen to one birth mom share her story. Although all adoptions are different and unique, we need to pray for the birth moms and dads and families. We need to be supportive in their decision to do what is best for their baby.



So, may I introduce you to Gabriella Faith. Thank you birth mother for choosing my sister in law and her family to adopt your sweet baby. We are praying for you and your family daily. Please know that we will care for and love Gabriella so very much!!

a beautiful song

I found this video of a pianist that combined Taylor Swift's Love Story and ColdPlay's Viva La Vida for his daughter. One listen and I loved the song...so I thought I would share. It is amazing that two songs could combine so beautifully....

Child Like Faith

I was sent this link from Good Morning America a couple of days ago as a prayer request to pray for this girl and her family. It is an incredible story. Go to http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCallPlusBreastCancerNews/story?id=7739714&page=1 and read the story about a 10 year old girl with breast cancer. Her positive outlook is amazing. I watched it and I cried.

Mark 10:13-16 says,
And they were bringing children to Jesus so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

My Jesus I Love Thee

My Jesus, I Love Thee

William R. Featherston

My Jesus I love Thee; I know Thou art mine.

For Thee all the follies Of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, My Savior art Thou.

If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee, Because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon On Calvary's tree.

I love Thee For wearing the thorns On Thy brow.

If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now.

I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,

And praise Thee As long as Thou lendest me breath;

And say when the death dew Lies cold on my brow,

"If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now."

In mansions of glory And endless delight,

I'll ever adore Thee In heaven so bright.

I'll sing with the glittering crown

On my brow,"If ever I loved Thee, My Jesus, 'tis now."

William R. Featherston was born on July 23, 1846. Little is known about this hymn except that he wrote it at age sixteen! It has been reported that he sent it to an aunt in California and it was published as "anonymous" in a British hymnal in 1864. He died at age 26.

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou My Vision
Irish Hymn, c. 8th Century

Be thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Walking or sleeping thy presence my light.

Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,
Thou in my dwelling, and I with thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.