When in the midst of a conflict I hope to desire a God glorifying resolution and peace instead of proving I'm right.

-Just one of those things I've been thinking about and asking God for help with

friends for a visit

We had the Bartows stay with us Sunday evening through Monday morning. We'd always hoped one day they might visit, but until this past week had never actually known how much fun it would be. IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST!

Monday- We headed over to Reaghan's pool for the afternoon. It rained, thundered, and there was some lightning which kept us on their back porch for part of the time. That night we enjoyed a delish dinner together and watched the movie Emma

Tuesday- We made a run to Michael's to grab some paper & supplies to decorate the cigar boxes my mom and I had previously picked up. We spent the afternoon decorating our boxes and talking together. I ended up giving my box just today to J'Nelle as part of a birthday present. It was fun carrying on the tradition of our moms to do projects and crafty things together.

Wednesday- We traveled to Williamsburg for they day. To begin, we explored Colonial Williamsburg. It was HOT, but we had fun. One of my fav parts was trying to take a pic of some flowers while dodging a sprinkler. The Cheese Shop made for an appetizing lunch, though we had to fight off a company of yellow jackets. After lunch, we moved onto shopping at the outlets. By the end of the day we were all exhausted.

Thursday- Of course Thursday was beach day! We played soccer, enjoyed getting in the water, and sun bathing. That evening we watched the boys' last summer bball game before heading over to Reaghan's to swim again. A lot of people went and I got to spend some time talking with Abigail and girl named Laura.

Friday- We worked out at the Y and then layed out for a few hours. That night we took Abigail and Anna with us to 316.

Saturday- We spent most of the day getting ready to go out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory in Town Center. We all dressed up in sort of coordinating outfits. Dinner was really good and we all felt completely stuffed afterwards. We ended the evening walking down at the boardwalk.

Sunday- We just hung out around the house and ended the night with Skinny Dip. It was sad to see them off the next morning but we're hoping/praying they might be able to move here.



Before journeying to Williamsburg






Mary & Emily







Abigail









Isabel & Anna








Might just be the funniest picture ever









the picture I fought for


Caitlin







Dinner at the factory

Abigail's garden











the cutest little bro and me










on the boardwalk

considering

a new purchase

these summer days...

trees...

i truly love trees. i love almost everything about them. trees are sturdy, rugged, strong, lush, and friendly. they are brave-standing strong through heavy gusts and gales. they are friendly- often providing a shady rest spot. they are classy- decorating the lawns of both the prince and pauper. they are patient- allowing children to climb their muscular limbs. they are timeless- some live to be hundreds of years old, growing more beautiful by the day. i'm simply fascinated and amazed. i wish i could better capture their beauty and the feeling of awe that shoots through me when i gaze yet another leafy looker. God's creativity and kindness when He created trees, mmm i don't know what to say about that. they are simply wonderful.

















these trees are all planted in Williamsburg, VA. my pictures don't do these trees justice

predestined for Christ's glory

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.
In love He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His Will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His Purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in Heaven and things in earth.
In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His Will so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His Glory.
In Him you also, when you heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His Glory.


Ephesians 1:3-14

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me


Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

Your Love Is Strong by Jon Foreman

I desire that my love for other people would grow to be more like the love God has for me. Unselfish, pure, and deep.