Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots."  It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history.


Here are pictures from our Jesse Tree:

Hearing the Word.

Putting the ornament on the tree.

Our Jesse Tree.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

On Monday, June 20, Lydda Grace and I went to Chickfila for a Daddy Daughter Date night. Here are some pictures to show you about the night.


Here we are about to leave. What a beautiful little girl!!


The greatest smile in the entire world! I hope this never changes.

Chickfila had a special place for us to sit down and eat. There was a classical guitar player playing hymns while we ate.


Here we are at our table. TABLE 13!


Incase I did not know what to talk to Lydda Grace about, Chickfila provided us with conversation starters.


Lydda Grace and the Craft she made!


Lydda Grace's favorite part of dinner: LEMONADE.

So as soon as our food came out the waitress brought out a dessert menu. LG asked if she could have an ice cream cone since Wade wasn't there. (Note: most everybody knows we get a bowl of ice cream when we go to Chickfila because we can use a spoon and share with Wade.) On the dessert menu was every kind of dessert Chickfila serves including the cookies n cream milkshake (LARGE). I was not about to let LG get a $1.00 icedream cone when she could have a large milkshake. So I ordered me a milkshake and let her try mine. She would not give it back. So I ordered me a large milkshake as well to go. I was able to get the milkshake away from LG long enough to go from the inside of the car to the outside. But here is what I saw in my rear view mirror all the way home.



Here is a video of Lydda Grace explaining to Emily about our night.

good day

Today was a really good day. Not that every day isn't good, but today was especially nice. It was very peaceful and productive which I really love! Lately I have struggled with worrying about finances now that I'm working part-time and given that I won't be working once the baby comes. Jon and I really know that this is what the Lord is calling us to, but the real test is totally trusting His provision. So today I was just so overwhelmed by the many blessings in our life, from the baby to our wonderful apartment, from Jon's job all the way down to the leftover calzone from GA selection that I was given for lunch! He provides more than we could ever ask or imagine. I just need to keep remembering that. I have also, due to some super web sleuthing on Rebekah's part, learned about some amazing resources for better budgeting and saving when buying groceries. It is amazing and I can totally see how the Lord is using this to teach me to be a better steward of what we have been given! Check out the money saving mom blog for some amazing tips and tricks. So this is my new hobby and game, seeing how cheaply and healthily we can eat each week. I'm looking forward to the challenge!

praise the LORD!!!

I went to school with a couple named Chris and Emily McGowan. Then Christy told me about this prayer need. They have a 2 year old son and were pregnant with their second son when he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disorder. They were told they would be lucky if they had a few hours with him after he was born. For months many, many people have been praying and Wednesday night the baby was born and is ALIVE and WELL! Jon and I keep turning to each other and saying, "Isn't our God amazing!" What a testimony this precious baby's life is to God's love, goodness and the fact that He listens when His people pray. I'd encourage you to check out their blog and to continue to pray for this little baby and his family.
http://www.cortmcgowan.blogspot.com/