A Beautiful Bride!

Soldiers of Christ arise and put your armor on.... As time continues to march on, the days seem to be growing darker. Our little town alone has suffered some tough blows this past week on the heels of Haiti's own crisis. We "Onward Christian Soldiers" need some encouragement as we are waiting for Jesus' return. I know HIS hand is upon us, the Lord watches over us. When I think about the big picture of this church age we are living in, I can't help but be encouraged. I see some ways in which His church (aka His bride) is being prepared. In the last five to ten years we are seeing man-made denominational lines being dissolved within HIS church. His followers are looking to the scriptures to figure out exactly what they believe, not just allowing a church to dictate what they are called to do as a Christ follower. We are seeing churches being purified of legalism, YAY! Christians are being called to become authentic, not just go to church or go through the motions. The gray areas in our culture are becoming more black and white. Christians are having to identify themselves as such. In as much as, putting "Merry Christmas" on your Christmas Card! I love that!

As Satan's days are growing short, He is growing more desperate and active. However, so is The Holy Trinity at work!! For one, the Christian music industry is by far at its finest and far reaching. Brady and I were watching some "old" Christian videos just the other night and laughing, partly because of their hair and partly because it was just bad! I was instantly reminded why I didn't like Christian music that was on the radio in the 80's and early 90's. I love how Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, C of C's (you know who you are), all worship Him together with amazing Christian music that connects us all as we worship HIM. Who alone but Christ could accomplish this kind of "harmony" amongst His prideful, hair splitting followers. Also, Biblical teachers and preachers are speaking to the masses who all sit on different pews on Sunday mornings. Another major source of encouragement for me personally, are the Christian book stores in every town (even mine) filled with shelves of wonderful Christian books by wonderful Christian authors. So, for the bombardment of Satan's hourly attacks on our joy and ultimately our very soul. God has supplied the necessary encouragement we so desperately need. Just turn on your radio/TV/Computer/MP3/Phone (whatever your source) and listen to some amazing Christian encouragement or better still, open your Bible or pull up your Bible App. Let us weary soldiers not forget, HE is also readily available to hear our prayers 24/7!!! We have not been forsaken or forgotten!!! The invitations have been sent and this will be THE wedding I don't want to miss!!

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
REVELATION 19:7

Happy Birthday Bailee Boo!

Yesterday Riley took Bailee out in the freezing weather and took pictures of my "Winter Baby." I love this first picture of her, it looks like she is an angel with a halo!!
We call her our "Winter Baby" for several reasons. One, because she was born in February when there was snow on the ground in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Also, because she LOVES to be outside in the winter sledding and ice skating. I really want to get her on the ski-slopes because I know she is going to be fearless!
She and Hallie just started taking Taekwondo lessons. (They had been begging me for a couple of years.) She loves to read and has a great sense of comedic timing that keeps our whole family laughing!! She has played the violin for the last two years but, decided to take a break this year. I really hope she wants to pick it up again next year! She is a pretty good little soccer player, too!

Just so you don't think she is a perfect angel! I thought I'd throw in one of my personal favorite pictures of her when she was hot and tired! Bailee, like Charlie is a child of extremes. They are either really happy or really not happy!!! I love their intensity! I can't believe she has been with us for nine full years!!! For her birthday she asked for a heart-shaped locket with a picture of Brady and I in it!! AWWW SO SWEET!!! I KNOW!!! I can't believe God has given me such amazing children! HE is already doing such great things with her! She is fearfully and wonderfully made! (Again a reminder of her normalcy ...she also asked for a cell phone which she did not get!)