Traveling Light

We so enjoyed the time with our families celebrating Thanksgiving. I was reminded as I looked around the table on Thursday, of the precious gift of my husband and the family the Lord has given me.

Friday found us facing the crowds and taking part in a day-after-Thanksgiving shopping adventure. We had a blast and enjoyed some nice warm coffee and bagles with lots of laughter (after a good four hours of shopping).

I love taking pictures that capture fond memories to look back upon as I think of all the blessings God has placed in my life.

Psalm 100

Shout Jofully to the Lord, all the earth. 

Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before Him with joyful singing.

Know that the Lord Himself is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

And His courts with praise

Give thanks to Him, Bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations.

Justin and I are really looking forward to spending this week of Thanksgiving with our families.  May this Psalm be our prayer and our focus as we place our affections on our loving Heavenly Father.  He has blessed us beyond all we could ask or imagine.   

A little while ago Justin and I got our umbrella out of the closet, dusted it off, and went for a walk on a long-awaited rainy day. What fun to hear the rain splashing down all around us and to breathe in its clean scent. We watched as the sky changed so many brilliant colors while we wandered around the streets of Tujunga. It was amazing!

I blinked back joyfilled tears as I contemplated the God of all creation who had made this day for our enjoyment. Everywhere we turned, the beauty surrounding us spoke of His handiwork. It was with awe that I contemplated this same God who has saved me and called me His own.

I love the lyrics of the Casting Crowns song entitled Who Am I? It has been stuck in my head as I have continued to think about how the King of the Universe could possibly “care to know my name.” Although my life is a quickly vanishing vapor, it is my prayer that I will use it to worship the One who deserves all praise and honor.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You’re

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
‘Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

Emily and I had a fabulous weekend together.  We enjoying talking at coffee shops, swinging at the beach, escaping the corn maze at Avila Valley Barn, shopping downtown, and strolling at Farmer’s Market.  I’m so thankful to the Lord for sisters!

Justin and I were a part of two very special weddings this summer and early fall.  It was a joy to celebrate the beginning of our friend’s new marriages, and brought back many wonderful memories of June 17th, 2006.  We pray they are enjoying the blessing of marriage as much as us :)

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lege

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Kern