It's a Baby Shower!

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

Babies showers are so much fun! Mom and I had the pleasure of hosting one for Meadow. The planning, cooking, hosting, and fellowship(ing) were delightful!

What fruit slice would you like with your beverage?

Mmm. So much good food!

Good friends with whom to celebrate

Meadow (the new mom) and her mom

Atticus

But, what would a shower be without gifts?

Children truly are a reward.

Congrats Kent & Theresa!

Doesn't the couple look wonderful? Wait. That's not them...

This is... But isn't the picture above impressive?
(I stole this picture from FB, because I didn't have any. Tear!)

The wedding was beautiful! At the reception, crayons were provided, and we drew on the tablecloths. What a fun idea!

With our own messages and well-wishes, we celebrated with the new Mr. and Mrs. Kent K.

And Keely drew the happy couple. (Pictured above.)

Of course, everybody was in their best looks.

Weddings are a great excuse to get dressed up.

Smart clothes were everywhere.

And what would a wedding be without dancing? :)


Congratulations Kent & Theresa! We're all very happy for you!

Prefer reading to cards, do you?

But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. Ecclesiastes 12:12

I am a reader. No doubt about it, but sometimes I just can't read. I don't even want to think about picking up a book.... But, most times, my book stack grows and grows. How about y'all? Any good books lately?

And Floe --> Scarlet is for you. :) I thought that if you had finished Hood, I should start reading Scarlet again, right? Especially since, I don't have The Last Olympian.

Now is the time for Soup

Chicken & Rice Soup with Lime

*10 c. chicken broth
*1 medium onion, chopped
*1 c. sliced celery
*1 c. sliced carrots
*1/4 c. snipped parsley
*1/2 tsp pepper
*1/2 tsp dried thyme
*1 bay leaf
*1 1/2 c. chicken cubes (approx. 3/4 lb.)
*2 cups cooked rice
*2 tbs fresh lime juice
*Lime slices for garnish

1. Combine broth, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, pepper, thyme, & bay leaf in Dutch oven.
2. Bring to a boil; stir once or twice. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered.
3. Add chicken; simmer uncovered, 5 to 10 minutes until chicken is cooked.
4. Remove bay leaf.
5. Stir in rice & lime juice just before serving.
6. Garnish w/lime slices.

Delicious! Thanks for the recipe, Cindy!

Long Overdue: Dancing

Just like last year, the ball committee had a great time at the last summer practice. It was a great success. :O)

Patty Cake, Patty Cake

Baker's Man

Bake me a cake, as fast as you can

Twinkle, Twinkle... Right Hand Star?

London Bridge

The Farmer in the Dell
Nope, no good reason for that caption.
I just like the song. ;)

It wasn't my plan to share the "bubble" pics,

but Ineke loved them.

*grins and giggles*

Grand March

Still Marching...

Still Marching... and doing the "snake"

Go faster?

into the "tunnel"

What to do after a dance practice?

A silly question.

Silly pictures, of course. ;)

Learning to Be Joyful for His Name's Sake

"I have seen a limit to all perfection;
Your commandment is exceedingly broad."
Psalm 119:96

I’ve blogged about joy before but never like this...

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Sunday school… even in a time when it’s not popular in the broader Christian circles. Sunday school is a convicting, encouraging, and enlightening time for me. Learning from my elders or teaching my little ones is a blessed experience (who by-the-way, usually know the lesson before I teach it because of their covenant parents, but that's another blog post). Yesterday, the most prevalent element in the adult Sunday school was conviction.


The Larger Catechism’s explanation of the third commandment is beyond all my ideas about the Lord’s name…

Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

Are you humbled yet? I was and am. The “murmuring and quarreling at” section spoke to my heart the most. Throughout my everyday existence, I am a great murmurer. (And yes, I know it’s not a word.) If there was a trophy for whining, I would win the championship. It’s nothing for which to be proud.

By whining, complaining, and wishing (for another time of life), I take the name of the Lord in vain. I profane the name by my sinful and wicked attitude. God’s sovereign providence is good, right, and holy. Who am I to question His plan? Who am I to criticize? With my attack, my disapproval, and my murmur, I place myself higher than God. I declare that I know the best "good" for my life. Therefore, I deny His word: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

It’s not only complaining about chores, work, and calling. What about people? Do I whine about my parents? My brother? My grandfather? My church? Yes. But, God has established these relationships. What do the scriptures say about God’s providence and complaints?

Elihu’s rebuke to Job rebukes me. "Why do you complain against Him That He does not give an account of all His doings?” Job 33:13

With this judgment, I speak Job’s words of weakness to God. "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth.” Job 40:4

Although life can be difficult, I should rejoice in what God has laid before me. Doing the laundry, the vacuuming, and the dishes… while studying, reading, and learning… in the relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Will I keep this commandment perfectly? No. For as Paul says in Romans 7:15, “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” But I will by the grace of God “[fight] the good fight of faith” knowing the Jesus Christ will be the one to set me free from the “body of this death.” Therefore, my brothers and sisters, "Consider it all joy." Soli Deo Gloria.

"We'll Be A Dream"

No new great, inspiring posts today... Only fluff. I <3 this music video. :)