A Quiet Heart…

“The More Satan has endeavored to dishonor marriage, the more should we vindicate it from all reproach and abuse, that it may receive its due reverence.”
~John Calvin

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“Marriage is thus a great and honorable estate through which we have an incredible opportunity to grow in grace and godliness.  Marriage is a ministry.  It is an institution ordained by God through which he intends to gain glory.”
~Voddie Baucham (What He Must Be…, pg. 46)

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Quote of the night: “I can still hear them with my eyes closed!!” ~Aiden

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~July 4, 2010~

I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be.

We turned our home into “Wonderland” for Hannah’s 5th birthday party!

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Admittedly, we mixed themes a bit…The table was a combination of the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” and “Painting the Roses Red”.  The cake was (supposed to be) the White Rabbit’s pocket watch.

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Our craft idea came from the “Golden Afternoon” scene…Each of the girls made flower hair accessories!

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Hannah’s wonderful daddy used his artistic ability to create our game: “Pin-the-Smile-on-the-Cheshire-Cat!”

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Hannah invited several friends from church and Cubbies to help celebrate!
 We are so thankful that the Lord has blessed her with such sweet friends!

In addition to celebrating the new life that we, as believers, have through Christ’s death and resurrection…we also celebrated 5 years of Hannah’s life, yesterday!!  Busy day.  But, in my opinion, both are incredibly special reasons to celebrate, rejoice, and give thanks to the Author of Life.

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The birthday girl had very specific ideas about her birthday cake…and this was my best attempt at turning those ideas into reality…  She requested a “strawberry-raspberry-vanilla cake.”  But, both the cake and frosting had to be white…with pink swirls in the frosting…and a strawberry on top.    She seemed pleased.

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Happy 5th Birthday, Hannah!!

5-Years-Old! 

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Every year, I think it gets harder and harder to remember what our life was like before you…Not that I really want to!  You truly are a blessing.  You are growing into such a fun little person, and I love spending the day with you – playing, talking, teaching, shopping…  Even after 5 years, I am no less amazed and thankful that I get to be your mommy.    It is a privilege and a joy to watch you learn, and grow into our sweet, caring, and compassionate little girl.  You have such a tender little heart, and you are always ready and willing to help however you can - whether that means a hug, or giving money from your piggy bank, food from our pantry, or as we’ve explained and discussed the possibility of adoption with you, even, your own parents.  I pray that the Lord will continue to draw your little heart to Himself, and I am excited (and, honestly, just a little bit terrified) to see how the Lord might use that tender heart to serve Him in the future… 

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Happy 5th Birthday, sweet girl!

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Rejoicing in the empty tomb!

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“Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.”

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He has risen indeed!!

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

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How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

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Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

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It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

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I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr’s, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

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Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

~Matthew 27:62-66