24 November 2011
“Give Thanks” embroidery pattern by the Clementine Pattern Co.
Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends, rejoicing in the greatness of our God and giving thanks to Him…
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever. Amen.”
—Romans 11:36
31 October 2011
We rose last Thursday morning to find this beautiful landscape in the mountains of North Carolina. A chilly morning, a foggy haze, and a warm cup of coffee made for a peaceful beginning to a weekend filled with delightful fellowship, encouraging and challenging messages, and rejoicing with many about the great work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel-Centered Marriages for a Glorious Church conference was a grand adventure! Photos and notes from the conference are coming soon… stay updated here.
“Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”
—Ephesians 5:24-27
14 October 2011
”Every woman, whether rich or poor, married or single, has a circle of influence within which, according to her character, she is exerting a certain amount of power for good or harm. Every woman by her virtue or her vice, by her wisdom or her folly, by her dignity or her levity is adding something to our national elevation or degradation.” —John Angell James
26 September 2011
A peaceful Saturday morning. (See another shot here.)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” —Colossians 3:16-17
11 July 2011
It wasn’t the fireworks that lit up the sky that night, even though they could be seen above the horizon. No, that night there was a greater show, a mightier display. It was a display speaking loudly, declaring the glory of God.
It was a glorious sight to behold the strength of these bolts which lingered oh-so-briefly before our eyes, with nearly blinding shocks of light.
“His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.”—Psalm 97:4
P.S. You can view a closer glimpse of the lightning bolts here.
3 July 2011
This is Will and Bethany Joy.
They were joined as husband and wife on June 25th. On that day was much joy, love, beauty, thanksgiving, and most importantly the love of Christ.
At their wedding they shared their first kiss. Their commitment to purity displayed the loveliness in keeping oneself pure until marriage for the one who the Lord has for you to marry.
The ceremony reflected the love of Christ, displayed the importance of serving one other, and was filled with the blessing of the parents as a new family was founded.
The sign welcoming the guests. There were three sections of chairs set up and in front of each section were quilts laid out on the ground for the children and a closer view.
Joy taking the arm of her father as they approach her groom.
Prayer for their new life together.
My dear father was a groomsman in the wedding (he is farthest left in the group of men at right.)
Their FIRST kiss.
Mr. & Mrs. William A. Smith, III. Happily wed.
Flower girls rejoicing with the bride and groom.
Although I was not an official photographer, Kristi was very kind to let me tag along and act as an unofficial second-shooter. It was delightful!
Only the beginning.
The stunningly beautiful bride, Mrs. Smith.
After the wedding the guests and wedding party boarded the “Dixie”, a paddle boat from the 1920’s, while the bride and groom’s portraits were taken. There was great cheering when the newlyweds appeared and boarded the boat.
The icing flowers were made by the bride, the cake was made by her mother, and the log-stand was decorated by my sister, Breezy.
The bride and groom’s first dance was choreographed to “Lucky.” (But, of course, everyone would agree that they are blessed.)
Instead of birdseed or bubbles, lavender was handed out to the guests to be tossed at Will & Bethany as they departed.
Mr. & Mrs. Wm A. Smith, III.
Balloons were released…
…and they “sailed” off on a speedboat.
We’re excited to see how the Lord will use this couple in the furtherance of His Kingdom!
(We love you, Will & Joy!)
[Find a few more pictures from the wedding here.]
2 July 2011
At the rehearsal dinner. The next day Will would gain a wife and Joy would gain a husband before God and man, to glorify God and further the dominion mandate.
The wedding rehearsal.
Will with my dear father. They first met two years ago when Will began working for the same company alongside Dad. Their friendship has only grown since then. Dad was honored to be asked to stand with Will as one of his groomsman and gladly accepted.
[More pictures from the wedding coming soon!]
8 June 2011
To let go and trust – willingly, without a fight.
There is a peace that comes with trusting in the One who “knows all things” (1 John 3:20).
When I’m completely submitted to the Lord’s will and purpose, the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7) covers me and I’m engulfed in joyously watching the Lord’s hand at work.
Yet too often I try to control a situation, wanting my way in my timing. I am left anxiously worrying about whether or not things will happen according to my plan instead of soaking in the rich mercies and blessings of my Savior in His timing. And, before long, I’m exasperated.
The entirety of every situation is in God’s hands, no matter what I try to do. It’s when I, in foolishness, pretend that I can “handle” things that I’m lead to anxiety and worry.
Wholeheartedly in every circumstance I must, by the grace of God, trust and say,
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
I know that His will is perfect, His grace sufficient, His peace surpasses all understanding. This is a thought too wonderful for me, but I know I must hold fast to it and trust.
“How wise should we be if, with joyful certainty, we accepted each unfolding of His will as a proof of His faithfulness and love!”
—Susannah Spurgeon
31 May 2011
Honor life. Embrace life. Love life.
“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
—Psalm 127:3
