Karis' First Sleepover

About 1:00 yesterday afternoon, I got a call from Lori Brooks. She said she was having major labor pains and wanted to make sure that I was home. Just a few minutes later she called back and said that her water just broke. Karis and I went over to the Brooks' house to pick up Hannah. The girls played awhile after Hannah got here and then they both took a nap, Karis did not want to sleep because she was so excited about Hannah being here. After they woke up, they watched BOZ so I could make dinner. Justin had to go to Raliegh for his internship at Open Door Baptist Church, so I was alone with the girls for the rest of the night. They played a lot, and I laughed a lot. For two two year olds, they really do play well together. They played in Karis' kitchen, read books, ran around the house, and mostly jumped from one bed to the other. I told my mom yesterday that I don't usually let Karis do that, but I thought this was a special occasion.

Hannah is "reading" Karis her version of the book.

After bath time and milk, the girls shared Karis' stool to brush their teeth.

I was a little worried about Hannah going to sleep since she has never been away from her mother, but she was fine. In fact, Karis was the one who didn't want to go to sleep. All in all, about 9:00 I didn't hear anymore noise from either room.

This morning, they woke up around 7:30. It has been a fun morning for them, and I have cleaned the bathrooms and blogged. It is nice to have someone else entertaining Karis so I can do some work.

I have realized through all this that Karis does share her toys pretty well but at times can be a little whinny. I know she doesn't do that at Hannah's house, but she does it at ours if Hannah takes something she doesn't want her to. I think it also has to do with her not getting enough sleep. I think she will probably take a big nap this afternoon.

Hannah's little sister, Madeline Grace, was born yesterday at 5:30pm. She weighed 9lbs. & 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. Praise the Lord for a new life and for the girls being so good here! Hannah can sleep over anytime!

Karis' Favorite Phrases and Words

I know that at times only mom's can understand what their child is saying. It seems that even at times, I don't know what Karis is saying, but here are some of her favorite phrases and words.

Phrases:

"whrestle, daddy"- wrestle daddy

"mommy goes," "nite, nite goes"- when someone leaves or she can't find her nite, nite(blanket she sleeps with.

"tee-tee self, nooo!"- this means we aren't supposed to tee-tee on ourselves

"read again"- anytime she wants to do something again

"Papa John, Texas"- my dad, she knows he is in Texas

"Hannah, Lori, Jonathan"- the Brooks family, if any are mentioned she says them all in this order back to us

"flo lyin fly"- it all sounds like one word, it is the name of one of her Hermie dvds that she loves to watch

"ray-ray"- we sometimes watch Racheal Ray on TV

"God's Wurd"- and points to the Bible

Words:

"nilk"- milk

"lu-cy"- she calls Calvin, our dog, Lucy when she is making fun of him, Lucy is Courtney, Justin's sister's dog

"yo-yo"- yogurt

'blessing"- every night before bed, Justin reads her a blessing, except now she thinks she has to have one read to her even before naptime

"playtoe" - playdough

I am sure there are many more than this, so I will add on as I think of them.

Modesty

This picture was taken when we lived at the Dale's home. Karis is sporting Carol's scarf. She looks pretty "girlie" to me!

As I was looking back through pictures of Karis, I was struck by how she dresses so much like her mom. I know that is because I am the one who dresses her and buys her clothes. Raising a daughter in this world is a joy and priviledge. Part of that is teaching her how to be modest and feminine at the same time. I know that Karis is only two years old, but I pray that I am already instilling in her the idea of modesty even in how she dresses now. I also pray that my clothes would be a reflection of Christ at all times. Our daughters are looking to us to lead them in the direction of Christ in all areas of our lives, especially in how we dress and carry ourselves. More discussion on this topic to come at a later date. I challenge us as moms to really look at how we dress and to evaluate if God would be pleased with us, and if not, what should we do to change it?

I Love You, Justin!

On Valentine's Day, we are always reminded of how much we love our spouse. It reminds me of what a blessed woman I am to be married to Justin. God has brought us both so far in our marriage in the last seven years. I cannot imagine a day without him. Love is something that only God can give to us because He is the definition of love. The Bible says that "God is love." It is so wonderful and gracious for Him to allow us to see His love through someone else. I see it in my husband in His love for God, His passionate life to live every moment for the glory of God, the way he values our relationship, the way he loves Karis unconditionally, and the way he loves His flock.
God has blessed me beyond what I deserve in Justin. I cannot wait to see all that God has in store for in the next years of our lives. I will always be His and Yours.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Justin. He is standing in front of David Brainerd's grave, one of his great heroes of the faith.

Just Like Mommy!

I have learned a lot more lately how much Karis is just like me. The other day, after I went to the YMCA to work out, I came home and decided to take Karis to the store with me. She had been home playing with Daddy because it was his day off. I got her dressed, and then I put on my hat to run our errands. The next thing I know, she comes into my room with her hat and says "hat too, mommy." She wanted to wear her hat just like me. It is a humbling and flatering experience when your child wants to be like you. I pray that the things that Karis imitates in me are godly things. I know some of them won't be, and I praise the Lord for His grace to show her through those things in my life. He humbles me everyday as I do my best, in His strength, to train and discipline Karis in His grace. Children truly are a gift from Him, a gift that teaches us as much as we teach them.

Women's Ministry & Baby Shower

We had our kick off for the Women's Ministry at Carol's house on Saturday afternoon. It was a fun time of fellowship and food, as always, we Baptist love to eat! We all brought our own covered dish and had a wonderful variety of casseroles and dessert to choose from. The food was excellent. After we ate lunch, we all met together to discuss what we want out the women's ministry at our church. It was very refreshing to hear that most of us all want the same thing: a Christ-centered time to build strong relationships with other women and encourage each other in Christ. I am very excited to be one of the Bible study leaders. God is good to allow me to teach these women about Him through His Word. Please pray for us as we embark upon this new ministry in our church. More than anything, we want to see our women growing in Christ and growing together to better help "spur one another on in love and good works, (Hebrews 10:24)." (By the way, Jonathan Brooks, our associate pastor, preached on this passage in Hebrews on Sunday. He did a fantastic job challenging us to the commands in this passage.)

We also threw a surprise baby shower for Lori Brooks, Jonathan's wife. She is pregnant with their second child, another girl, and will hopefully be having her very soon, (at least she is very hopeful!) I was priviledged to be able to decorate a cake for the shower.

We are still saying "baby girl Brooks" because Jonathan and Lori have not decided on a name yet.

Another view of the cake.

God is so good to put new friends in our lives. Lori is very much like my best friend Laura from Beaumont. What a joy and blessing it is to have them here. I am also very blessed to have such godly women in life to spur me on in my walk with Christ. Our church families are so important. I pray that you are all involved in a local church body.

True Faith

What is true faith? How can it be measured? What do we, as Christians, think that true faith looks like? These are good questions to ponder in our own lives. In Psalm 26, I think that David answers these questions.

Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,

and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me;

test my heart and my mind.

Psalm 26:1-2

David says, "I have trusted in the Lord without wavering." To trust God without wavering means that we trust Him fully for every aspect of our lives, good or bad. It means that we can totally rely on Him to bring about what is best for us and mandy times that means suffering. Trusting the Lord through that suffering is true faith, and we know that we only have that true faith because of God's grace in our lives. He enables us to trust Him more fully.

To ask God to "prove and try me." That might sound crazy, but it isn't. It shows that we know God is in everything and knows everything, He is sovereign over all. It allows us to see that our hearts and minds are totally His. I pray for myself that I will trust in the Lord enough to ask Him to prove and try me to see if my faith is unwavering. Thank goodness that it isn't really up to me, but up to Him who gives me the strength to be unwavering in the faith He has given me.

Saturday Night Fun!

Saturday night, Justin and I got to watch Hannah, Jonathan and Lori's 2 year old, so that they could go out on a date. We traded nights, so Friday they watched Karis so Justin and I could go out on a date. It sure is great to have new friends here our age and for Karis to have someone her age to play with. We had a great time watching them play and interact. I never knew how passive Karis was. She likes to watch and take things in, while Hannah likes to go-go all the time. It was a fun night of pizza and play. Justin and I had a wonderful time keeping the peace. They actually played together very well, with the occasional tantrum or fit.

Calvin is investigating the destruction of Karis' bookshelf. As you can see, Hannah and Karis had every book off the shelf. Hannah was "reading" the books to Karis, while Karis laid on her bed.

Hannah and Karis are playing in the kitchen and sharing very nicely.

Hannah and Karis looking cute as they set the table and cooked in the kitchen.

God is so good to give us children. He is always teaching me about His grace through Karis. I see daily His love for me and His grace through teaching Karis about how to obey. It is hard for her sometimes just like it is hard for me sometimes to obey Him. Thank goodness He is a forgivng and loving God to His children just like we should be to our children.

One Week of Potty Training, Special Moment

I would say that Karis is potty trained. She knows when she has to go to the bathroom. We had three days with no accidents until yesterday when we were having so much fun playing that we forgot to use the potty until Karis said "tee-tee self." She then ran to the potty because she knew that she had wet herself. I am still using pull ups over her panties, even though I call them extra underwear. She doesn' t know the difference.
Potty training really isn't all that bad, so don't fret it. Remember in the big scheme of things that God is bigger than even potty training.
Yesterday at breakfast, Karis was being a little difficult. I had to take her to the bathroom and calm her down. When we set back down to eat, I started eating and she looked at me and said, "pray, Mommy." Our children really can teach us so much. It also allows us to see that our labor and teaching of them is not in vain.

Karis' first snow

This morning when we woke up, Karis and I didn't expect to see snow. In fact, I had just finished getting ready for BSF, when Justin called and said it was snowing. I looked outside and saw the first small glimpse of a snowflake. When Karis woke up a few minutes later, we watched the snow together. BSF was canceled, so I decided to take Karis to McDonalds and the grocery store before it got too bad. She kept thinking it was raining, but she said "white,' refering to the color of the 'rain.' After we got home from the store, it had snowed a lot. We called daddy, and he came home to play in the snow with us. I'm not sure how much Karis liked it because her poor little hands were really cold, I didn't have any gloves for her. She did like trying to throw snow balls at Calvin!

Karis wasn't so sure about this snow at first.

"Look Mommy, snow!"

Karis tried to hit her daddy with the snowball.

What a wonderful surprise to wake up this morning and get to see snow for the first time in her life. God is so good to allow us to see His glory in His beautiful creation.

Reading & Potty Training

It would be hard to be a part of the Childers' family and not enjoy reading. Justin and I are avid readers. Karis is inheriting this trait easily as she really enjoys us reading to her and just looking at her books by herself. If it gets quiet in the house, I know where to find her. She is usually on the floor with all her books around her looking at them. She is so funny to watch because now she knows some of the words on each page from us reading it to her over and over.
This picture is from last year when we first moved to Wilson. I just love the expression on Karis' face. It is typical Karis.

Today is the fourth full day of potty training and so far today we have had no accidents. I think I came up with a grand idea, but maybe someone else already thought of it. On Saturday, we went to the neighbors for a party and I put Karis is panties and plastic panties over them. Of course she had an accident. I thought, what am I going to do for church in the morning. I decided to put her panties on and a pull up over it. It worked really well because she doesn't know that a pull up is really a diaper. She thinks it is extra panties over her other ones. It has worked really well so far. We shall see. We will press on to being a BIG GIRL!

Christ Baptist Church Update

I realize that I have not been very good at keeping you updated on our church. God is continually growing us. We will vote on eight new members tonight at our members meeting. That will give us a total of 24 members. This doesn't include children, because they do not become members until they have professed their need for a Savior and trust in Christ. We started Sunday School (Bible Study) last Sunday. I am teaching the two year olds and running the nursery. It is a step of faith for me, but is graciously giving me strength and guidance to communicate His Word to these children (including Karis, who always seems to misbehave when I am there.) When I go and pick her up after church, the nursery workers always tell me how sweet she it. The Lord continues to show me my need for Him and His love in all of this. I am thankful that our church is memorizing Psalm 34 together this year. It has been a help and a comfort.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear nad be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!
I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delievered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord hear him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!
The young lions uffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalm 34:1-11

This is keeping me busy right now. I will continue on as we get to the rest of the verses. I challenge you to memorize this psalm with me if you are not currently memorizing anything. Just ponder this psalm today and see what God desires to teach you. Have a wonderful day with God's heart, His church.

Surprise from Texas!!

Tuesday afternoon after Karis' nap, Karis and I were heading to the grocery store. I had already gotten Karis buckled in her car seat when I hear this strange noise that sound very much like a diesel truck. Not many people around here drive diesel trucks like in Texas, so the first thing that came to my mind was my dad because he has a diesel truck. As I looked down the road, I saw my mom and dad driving up to my driveway. I almost lost it, poor Karis, she didn't know what to think when her mom started jumping up and down and crying all at the same time. My mom and I have always been very close, and she really did a number on me surprising me like that to be here for Karis' second birthday.

My dad's truck that surprised me.

My mom and I hugging for probably the fifth time that day.

Papa John and Karis had fun playing golf.

We took Karis to Chick-fil-A for her birthday lunch on Wednesday. She sure enjoyed her chicken nuggets and her Papa John and 'Amma being here.

My parents bought Karis another cake so she could blow out candles on her birthday.

We had a wonderful but short visit. They left this morning after breakfast and it seems like they just got here. Mom and Dad thank you so much for driving all this way to be with us on Karis' birthday. Thank you for being the awesome and loving parents that you are to drive over 1200 miles in two days to be with me and Karis. I love you both so very much and truly am blessed to be your daughter. Karis sure had fun playing puzzels, Dora book, hide and seek, and singing for you guys. I know that she already misses you, she keeps asking where "John" is! Sorry about that dad, we will work on that before April.

God is so good. I was really having a hard time being away from my family and He brought them to me. What a blessing from Him! We can't wait until next time we see you again in April. It won't be long Mom!

Karis' Birthday Party

Saturday we had Karis' 2nd birthday party at our house. It was a very fun day of lots of fellowship and kids playing in our bonus room. Praise God for that bonus room, it really is a great room for kids. Our church family was so generous, and Karis enjoyed seeing all her friends. Jonathan, Lori, and Hannah Brooks moved here on Friday, and they came to Karis' party. Karis really loves playing with Hannah, and we are really glad that God has sent them to Wilson.
All of our family was missed greatly. Thank all of you for the gifts that you sent Karis. She is really enjoying her new toys. We also moved Karis into her big girl, toddler bed, thanks to Carol! She slept in it last night for the first time. I can't believe how BIG she is getting. God has been so good to us. Thank you everyone for caring for Karis and us. We love you all so much.

Karis is opening her new Pooh night light and Hermie movie from her Aunt Courtney.

Isn't it wonderful to have all these kids at Karis' party!

Thanks 'Amma and Papa John for the Little People animal farm. It was a hit at the party!

We are singing "Happy Birthday" to Karis. She isn't real sure about the candles.

After I helped her blow out the candles, Karis couldn't wait to eat her "Boz cake."

BOZ cake

I have been telling Karis for weeks now that for her birthday party I would make her a Boz birthday cake. Every time I ask her about her birthday party she says, "Boz cake." It is so cute. I did my best at decorating her cake today, after four long hours, to look like her favorite character for the first two years of her life. Boz is a preschool show made by MOPS that helps teach kids about how to share, their shapes, nutrition, God, prayer, and many other things. Karis really likes it. Her party is tomorrow so I will put more pictures up later.

The full cake.

Up close and personal with Boz!

I already miss you Mom and Dad and wish you were here. I love you guys! Hope you enjoy seeing Karis' cake before she eats it!

YMCA and books

It has been awhile since I have blogged, forgive me for being somewhat lazy. Actually, I have been busier than usual. My wonderful parents gave me a membership to the YMCA, and Karis and I are enjoying going three times a week. She gets to play with some other kids, and I get to work out. The weather has finally changed to normal North Carolina weather in the winter. Texas has been having some really cold weather too. This is why Karis is wearing her hat to the "Y" as we call it!

Karis is going to play with her friends at the "Y."

Reading a book with daddy!

I think the only thing Karis enjoys more than eating is reading books. I know that some days we read all her books about five times each, of course she has her favorite ones like anyone else. The first thing she wants daddy to do when he gets home is read her a book. She gets this from both of her parents as we really enjoy reading. Thank you Mom and Dad for the "Y" memebership. It is greatly appreciated.

Potty Training Advice

Help! I need potty training advice. Anyone have anything that can help me? Karis will be two in a few weeks, and I think I am ready to take on this BIG task. She has already popped in the potty a lot, but she will only do it at home, not anywhere else. Also, I have somehow made potty time fun read time. I started out reading her books while we were waiting for her to go. Any clue as how to change this. I want her to look at books by herself and not think that I have to be reading them to her. I would love to hear from anyone who thinks they can help. Thank you!

Happy New Year!!

Every year Justin and I write a letter to be opened at the end of the year. I am really glad that we started this tradition. Every year I learn something new about how God has shaped us and molded us more into His image. What a joy to be reminded of His everlasting grace and mercy in our lives. This year's letter was the hardest that I have written so far because so many changes happened in our lives.
On Sunday, Justin preached on Psalm 119, (not the whole chapter, just select verses) to give Christ Baptist Church a challenge for 2007 to Treasure His Word.
5 ways to cultivate your treasure of God's Word:
1. Hear God's Word- from expository preaching, listening to the Bible on CD, etc.
2. Read God's Word- a daily time of reading God's Word is necessary
3. Study God's Word- outline a book, find a theme of a book, (have pen in hand)
4. Memorize God's Word- Jesus memorized God's Word, shouldn't we so that we can fight sin, Col. 3:16
5. Obey God's Word- this is probably the hardest of all

This is a challenge for all of us, including myself. As a church this year, we are going to memorize all of Psalm 34 and Romans 8.
This week our verse is Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will continually be in my mouth."

First Christmas Alone

On Christmas Eve, Justin, Karis, and I opened our presents from our family. Karis had a great time opening her new puzzles and dishes. We surprised daddy with a few presents, and he surprised me with some too. We had a great time together just hanging out and spending time together.

Karis is very excited about her new puzzle.

Christmas pajamas, a tradition of ours. "Thanks Papa and Gamma for my pj's."

On Christmas day, I made homemade yeast rolls, a turkey, mashed potatoes, and salad. It was very good. It was much easier to cook a turkey than I thought it would be. Thank goodness my mom is always just a phone call away! I know I called her at least two times, which for me is not very many. We opened our stockings and played most of the day with all of Karis' new toys. She is really enjoying all her toys and learning a little more each day. Today when I put her down for her nap, I heard her trying to sing her ABC's. She is so funny sometimes, especially when she skips letters and numbers when she is reciting them.

I pray all of you had a very merry Christmas. I am overwhelmed at what Mary must have thought as she held her baby for the first time when He was born, knowing she was holding the Son of God! Wow, thank you Jesus for coming to earth as a baby to save us from our sins.

Texas Christmas Part II

Karis is helping Aunt Courtney pass out gifts.

Wow! A pink softball glove. Mommy always wanted one of those. I can't wait to take her out and start throwing a ball. ( I know it is a little too early for that.)

It is always more fun to plan in or on the boxes than with the toys!

Pop Pop and Grammie had some Mardi Gra beads and Karis had a great time putting them on Pop Pop's arm, her neck, and Grammie's foot.

We arrived in Orange on Saturday and spent the afternoon hanging out with Justin's family. His dad, stepmom, and stepsister and family were there. It is always great to spend time with Lisa, his stepsister, and her family. We don't get to see them very much. Sunday, we went to church in Beaumont. It was wonderful to see our friends and visit with them. We had lunch with some friends and then went back to Orange. We did Christmas on Sunday afternoon at Justin's grandparents house. It was a fun time and lots of presents. Karis was the center of attention, and she had a great time opening up her gifts and making sure Pop Pop got to see all her presents first hand. We are so thankful for family.

Monday, I went back to Beaumont to spend lunch and the afternoon with Laura. We had a great visit, and it gets harder every time I have to leave her, especially knowing it will be a long time before I see her again. I also got to spend some time with my favorite college student, Ashley! Tuesday, we got up and packed to head back to my parents house. We got to my parents house just in time to hear the wonderful news about my neice Brooklynn (see below post). Wednesday, my parents drove us back to the airport to fly home. It was harder to leave this time knowing it will be over four months before I see my parents again. I love all of you very much and already miss you.

Justin, Karis, and I will have our first Christmas at home by ourselves. I am going to attempt to cook a turkey(only a breast), homemade rolls, and all the fixings. I am excited about starting new traditions with my family, but I know that I will miss my parents not being here.

Texas Christmas Part I

Karis' favorite gift was the first one she opened, the new BOZ!

Gamma is reading Karis Brooklynn's "Hermie" book. Karis didn't quite understand that it was not hers. Hard concept for a 23 month old.

Wow! Thanks for all the presents! Opening presents makes me sleepy!

Our trip to Texas was great! We flew in on Tuesday last week, and my parents picked us up from the airport. They took us to eat Mexican food, done the right way. It was yummy!! Wednesday my dad and Justin played golf, and my mom and I hung out with Karis and Memaw. Thursday, Mom and I went shopping almost all day long. It was fun being able to spend quality time with my mom and eating at the Cheesecake Factory! Friday, Justin and I did some last minute shopping and went to a movie. We came home and celebrated Christmas with my family. We opened presents with my parents, my brother and his family, and my Memaw. All three girls had a lot of fun, and Karis adores her older cousin, Madison. It was neat watching them interact. We receieved great gifts and had a fun time as a family.

Saturday, we left my parents to go to Orange to see Justin's family.

Miracles Still Happen!

Madison, Brooklynn, and Karis are waiting for dinner, thus the not so excited expressions!

On Tuesday, my family received some very exciting news. My niece's, Brooklynn who is now 2 years old, catscan showed that she is cancer free. Brooklynn was diagnosed with a Welms tumor earlier this year. She had to have surgery that removed most of her left kidney and a tumor the size of a softball. After the tumor was removed, she went through 7 months of radiation and chemo. She is doing very good. She is so active and smart that no one would ever know she was ever sick. Her hair is growing back and soon there will be no outside signs of her cancer, except for the scar on her belly.

God has been so good to my brother and his family. It has been a blessing for me to see how God has strenghtened them and grown them. Tanya, my sister-in-law, you have grown so much in your faith this last year, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for you. Thank you for being such a godly example of allowing God to be your all through such a hard time. Shawn, my brother, you have always been special to me. We have always been able to talk to each other about everything. I know this has been the hardest year of your life, but I also know that I have seen so many changes in you. God can change us and it is very evident that He is working on you. I pray that your family continues to seek Christ in all you do. I already miss you guys as we are back home in North Carolina. I love you all and am blessed to have you as family!

Lining things up!

Lately Karis has been lining things up. She will pull out her bowls and plates and line them up on her little table. She also enjoys lining up her Noah's ark animals. The other day I was taking a shower and when I emerged, Karis had lined up all the animals on our bed. They were perfectly straight in a row, each animal with it's matching animal. Children's imaginations are so neat. God is so good to allow us the joy of teaching and learning from our children. Karis is teaching me knew things everyday, especially patience. She is a blessing, and I can't imagine life without her.

Noah's ark lined up on Mommy's night stand.

Noah's ark on Karis' new table, a wonderful gift from a woman in our church. Thanks Sondra!

Karis is very proud of her table and wants Mommy to join in the fun!

Helping with the Christmas Tree

Whoa! Look at all these sparkly ornaments. Karis was a big helper handing Mommy all the ornaments to put on the tree.

Karis helped Daddy put the lights on the tree. Calvin isn't sure what is going on.

The lights were very fascinating to Karis. She wasn't sure how they worked, she kept saying, "light, light."

On Thanksgiving night, Justin and I decided to go ahead and put up the Christmas tree. We hadn't put any of the Christmas decorations in the attic when we moved because we knew Christmas was just a few weeks away. Plus, I love to decorate for Christmas.

It was fun watching Karis get so excited about things we just do, like putting lights on the tree and ornaments. She did break her first ornament which happened to be one that Justin and his mother got at the Baseball hall of fame. I was sad for him, but we both know that with children things are going to be broken.

This Christmas we are so thankful for Christ and His cross. I am reminded of His willingness to come to earth and die on the cross for our sins and to appease God's wrath. What a joy to celebrate His birth! I pray this season you would bask in His love.

Sunday Sermon Notes: Ephesians 2:11-22

A picture of Karis making her favorite face when she is very determined. This picture represents how determined we should be to remember our sin and thank God that He has saved us from it through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.

Justin's sermon yesterday was very challenging and convicting. Here are my notes, Ashley, I know I promised to start posting them so here they are.

"Brought Near By His Blood"
Ephesians 2:11-22

I. Remeber your alienation-v. 11-12
5 disavantages the Gentiles had:
1. separated from Christ
2. alienated from blessings of Israel
3. strangers to the covenants of promise
4. NO HOPE
5. WITHOUT GOD
- all of these describe us, as we are Gentiles, we must understand the depth of the pit from which we have been rescued.

II. Rejoice in your reconciliation-v. 13-18
- The greatest of gospel blessings is that Christ has brought us to God!
-Christ is our peace, our peace is in a person, not in something.
-Christ secures our peace and reconciliation with each other and God

III. Realize your place in God's church
1. We are citizens of His kingdom
2. We are part of His family
3. We are a stone in God's temple
-we must be a church built on the apostles and the prophets, solid doctrine and theology
-we are being built together, presently, He isn't finished with us yet, PRAISE GOD!
-the church is God's dwelling place here on earth; assembly of God's people is His residence

Application:
1. Are you reconciled to God through Jesus?
2. Are there remaining hostilities between you and other Christians?
3. What difference should this passage make for us to be a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church?

I am so blessed to be a part of a church where God is working and His word is being preached. I am even more blessed that I am married to the man that God is leading to preach His Word so faithfully here in Wilson.