May it be to me...

Today I read in Luke 1:26-38 about Gabriel telling Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah.

At the end, her response was, "I am the Lord's servant...May it be to me as you have said."

I was struck by the peace in that statement.  Previously I would have thought about how much trust, faith, and obedience Mary had.  But today I saw the peace.  In her surrender to God as His servant, she had peace.  Deep reaching peace.

I have been watching a friend with that kind of peace.  They are the Lord's servant...may to them as the Lord allows.

I want this for my life.  That peace in the midst of uncertainty, hope, despair...I am the Lord's servant.  May it be to me as You have said. Total peace in total surrender.

Our life is not our own, we were bought at a price, and I am His servant.  His will for my life, that is what I want.  I may not understand it, but I want it, because He is my Creator God who is Love.

Changing Seasons

By: Matthew

Nostalgia moves in
Like a cold front in
     September

Memories drift past
Like leaves sweep away

What was moves out
Like warmth moves on

But seasons must go
And new stories settle in

Gardening Love

Yesterday we went to see a dear friend of ours, Caitlin.

She showed us her garden and we took down tips for ours that we hope to plant this summer. (Caitlin, we will be borrowing your help this coming summer for our garden!)

But more than just her gardening tips, we took heart notes on love and serenity in Jesus' arms.  Caitlin's peace in Jesus was in the gentle kindness she always shows.  To be with Caitlin is to feel God's love.

We spent part of the evening discussing favorite children's books, and even reading one by Patricia Polacco called An Orange for Frankie.  My favorite picture was the one that showed the gift of selflessness--and love in a family.

And it made me think about two other books.  Books about gardening.  And about love.

 In both books, the things that are planted are more than just the item itself.  It is love and selflessness that defines the things planted.  And what is planted is given and shared with others to make the world a more beautiful place.

When I think of Caitlin, I think that she too, is gardening love.  She is planting and growing God's love and is living and giving it out every single moment.

We are blessed to call her friend, and pray that we will learn not only how to cultivate a vegetable garden, but more importantly a garden of love, as she is.  

We love you Caitlin.  Thank you for the blessing you are to us, and for always being an example of His love.

4 Year Anniversary

This happened back in June 20, but here it is now!

I was taking master's classes at Southern, so Matthew came down and said he would take me somewhere after school.

First we went to P.F.Changs

Vegetarian lettuce wraps...mmmm

Amazing dessert

Then he surprised me by taking me downtown Chattanooga to stay at the Stone Fort Inn, a bed & breakfast built back when.  The room we were put in was decorated with dog stuff.  It was great.

We wandered around the inn enjoying the decorations and just being together.  The summer was a long time to be apart so much.

After parking our car we took a few pictures.

 A kind stranger took this for us.

 There were a LOT of mirrors in the place, so I decided it would be fun to take a picture of us in every mirror that we could find.

 Mirror 1

 Two knights

Where we had our breakfast before Matthew drove me back to class.

 Mirror 2

 Mirror 3

 Mirror 4

 Mirror 5 (in our bedroom:sleeping)

 Mirror 6 (in our bathroom: brushing teeth)

 Mirror 7 (in the hallway.  The bowl is where they put cookies for the guests. We are holding our hand out for cookies)

 Mirror 8

 Mirror 9

 Mirror 10 There was an open room, where we didn't think anyone was staying, so we jumped in to take an extra mirror picture.

 Mirror 11

 Mirror 12 (by the teacups)

 Mens' bathroom

 Mirror 13

 Mirror 14

 Anyo to Greek (Anyo=no in Korean)

 Matthew jammin' out

Mirror 15

 Our free cookies

 Matthew doing a flamenco dance with cymbols...or cookies

 More Chattanooga scenery.

Mirror 16- this is on our way out the next morning.  Matthew is holding part of an amazing scone!

This was a very special and relaxing anniversary.  I have a very special husband who plans fun things and will be silly and take mirror pictures with me.