Sometimes we find ourselves in a place that we never expected to be. Walking down a path we never saw ourselves traveling down. Until we were there, right in the middle of it.
That's exactly where I found myself about two years ago.
I never really understood what postpartum depression was until after I had Micah. And then after Asher, it was much worse. And probably one of the harder times I've walked through in my adult life. Not only did I have a toddler to take care of, a house to keep in order, a newborn (after having an emergency c-section), a husband to support and encourage, and many more hats to wear......but I had to do that while feeling like I was in a thick, thick fog. One that I didn't think would ever end.
We had prayed for years for children. And now had two amazing boys that we loved. So why was I in the midst of something I couldn't shake? Something that seemed to have such a hold on my emotions, thoughts, and the way I went about each day?
Most people had no clue I was struggling. I'm not the type that withdraws. Instead I throw myself further into stuff just so that I don't have to think about the fog. I hated just sitting at home because then I would have to feel. And I didn't want to feel.
I told very few people what was going on because I was scared of being judged or ridiculed. I had someone tell me that since I was a pastor's wife I shouldn't struggle with depression. So, I took those words to heart and felt like I couldn't let anyone know what was happening because something must be wrong with me. Apparently, pastor's wives aren't supposed to struggle. Ever.
The problem with that.....is that it's NOT true. No one is exempt from hardship, trials, depression, illnesses, or sin. We will all experience hard times at some point. Being a Christian does not mean we are on the road to easy living. Life can be hard.
Which means clinging to Christ is key. And I found myself crying out to Him constantly asking Him to remove the fog all while clinging to people too just hoping that something or someone would pull me out of the pit. The problem with looking to people for that......is that they will disappoint. And God desires for us to look to Him. And rely on Him. And trust in Him. And He was the only one that could pull me out.
As I found myself trying to rely on Him but also putting too much reliance on others, He started slowly showing me that He wanted my full attention. You see, putting too much reliance on others on top of struggling with depression, was a recipe for disaster. One that I didn't want to continue to experience. So God took me through a time of walking away from things that were hindrances and fully allowing Him to be ALL and EVERYTHING. While it was not a fun path to travel (being pruned and molded to look more like Him normally isn't all frills and thrills), I'm so thankful that He slowly began to lift the fog that seemed to be so smothering at first! I'm most thankful for the lessons learned and growth during that time and thankful that He loves us so much that He desires to grow us in this walk with Him. Let's be real, we are all works in progress. None of us have arrived! But oh how thankful I am that He's still working on me! That He doesn't see me as a lost cause. But He loves unconditionally and desires to draw me closer to Him!
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
A Lesson in the Waiting
Today, seven years ago, we moved in to this house.
We had the pleasure of building this house after moving back to Valdosta. We love this house for so many reasons. We got to pick the hardwood, cabinets, tile, paint color, and more. But more importantly than that, we love the memories made here. It's been the place of many bible studies, meetings for ministry when Michael was the youth pastor, life group gatherings, sweet conversations with friends, game nights, fellowship with others, meals with family and friends at our dining room table. It's where we brought both Micah and Asher home after leaving the hospital with them. It's where we have rocked them to sleep, prayed for them and with them, read them countless books and bible stories, snuggled together on the couch to watched movies, played in the yard together, and so much more. We have loved making memories in this house and we know it's time to continue making memories somewhere else. (More on the WHY of selling our house later)
But, selling a house means a lot of waiting. It means not being in control. And it means stress. Or at least it has for me. Each day I was struggling to see past the waiting. Waiting on a call from the realtor about showing our house. Waiting on a call about the house we hope to put an offer on and praying it doesn't sell to someone else. This may seem like not a big deal to others since it's not the journey they are or have walked down before. But most of us can say that there's been a time that they have been "waiting" for something. Waiting for news. Waiting for that job offer. Waiting for children. Waiting for an answer to a specific prayer. Most of us have gone through a period of waiting. And it's not always easy to see why God wants us to wait.
In that waiting, I realized I needed to change my prayer. I was praying specifically for our house to sell quickly, all while saying I trusted God and His timing and His plan. But I wasn't living each day like I trusted. I was living anxiously, impatiently, and becoming consumed with getting that phone call with good news about someone wanting to put an offer on our house.
So my prayer changed, and so did my perspective and it has allowed me to really live like I am trusting God. My prayer changed from "God, please let our house sell quickly, to God help me to truly trust your plan for us in selling our house. Help me trust that your plans are best and that we will be exactly where you want us. Help me to trust you in the waiting and not be anxious."
And I can't tell you how peaceful it has been since changing how and what I prayed.
Sometimes it's easy to say we trust God. But are we living like we do? In each situation or circumstance we find ourselves in? I want to not only SAY I trust God, but to LIVE each day like I trust Him. So that means sitting back and waiting on His timing. Waiting without being anxious about the future. Waiting on Him and His plan to be revealed. And in that waiting, not losing sight of what's right in front of me. Not living for the future and what might happen, but living for each day and what He has placed before us that day.
We had the pleasure of building this house after moving back to Valdosta. We love this house for so many reasons. We got to pick the hardwood, cabinets, tile, paint color, and more. But more importantly than that, we love the memories made here. It's been the place of many bible studies, meetings for ministry when Michael was the youth pastor, life group gatherings, sweet conversations with friends, game nights, fellowship with others, meals with family and friends at our dining room table. It's where we brought both Micah and Asher home after leaving the hospital with them. It's where we have rocked them to sleep, prayed for them and with them, read them countless books and bible stories, snuggled together on the couch to watched movies, played in the yard together, and so much more. We have loved making memories in this house and we know it's time to continue making memories somewhere else. (More on the WHY of selling our house later)
But, selling a house means a lot of waiting. It means not being in control. And it means stress. Or at least it has for me. Each day I was struggling to see past the waiting. Waiting on a call from the realtor about showing our house. Waiting on a call about the house we hope to put an offer on and praying it doesn't sell to someone else. This may seem like not a big deal to others since it's not the journey they are or have walked down before. But most of us can say that there's been a time that they have been "waiting" for something. Waiting for news. Waiting for that job offer. Waiting for children. Waiting for an answer to a specific prayer. Most of us have gone through a period of waiting. And it's not always easy to see why God wants us to wait.
In that waiting, I realized I needed to change my prayer. I was praying specifically for our house to sell quickly, all while saying I trusted God and His timing and His plan. But I wasn't living each day like I trusted. I was living anxiously, impatiently, and becoming consumed with getting that phone call with good news about someone wanting to put an offer on our house.
So my prayer changed, and so did my perspective and it has allowed me to really live like I am trusting God. My prayer changed from "God, please let our house sell quickly, to God help me to truly trust your plan for us in selling our house. Help me trust that your plans are best and that we will be exactly where you want us. Help me to trust you in the waiting and not be anxious."
And I can't tell you how peaceful it has been since changing how and what I prayed.
Sometimes it's easy to say we trust God. But are we living like we do? In each situation or circumstance we find ourselves in? I want to not only SAY I trust God, but to LIVE each day like I trust Him. So that means sitting back and waiting on His timing. Waiting without being anxious about the future. Waiting on Him and His plan to be revealed. And in that waiting, not losing sight of what's right in front of me. Not living for the future and what might happen, but living for each day and what He has placed before us that day.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Holding On or Letting Go
A few times over the years, I knew God was telling me to let go of something. One of those times (several years ago) was when I knew He wanted me to let go of the desire to have children and just trust Him. He wasn't saying to give up, but I knew it was consuming too much of my thought life. Eventually, I let go and just trusted. I knew we would have children one day, but I knew I needed to enjoy the life and journey God had blessed us with at the time. When I was consumed with wanting to have children, I was missing out on so much that was right in front of me. Letting go was freeing. I was free to feel God's peace and just trust Him, knowing that He would always fulfill His promises. He's shown me that time and time again.
So, why do I sometimes find myself again in a situation where He's telling me to let go, and I'm holding on for dear life?
Again, this past year, I knew God was telling me that I needed to let go of something. It was something, much like the desire to have children, that in and of itself, wasn't a bad thing. But, it wasn't what God wanted for me at the time. Again, I held on. I held on because I was scared of what I would lose if I let go. I held on, I argued with God, I tried to justify why I wasn't obeying…..and ultimately I didn't trust His plan. And because of that, I certainly have experienced the consequences and I'm sure I've missed out because of my disobedience.
Months ago while singing in church, one of the lyrics of a song stuck out. Over and over we sang, "There's nothing I hold on to." But here I am holding on to something I know God has told me to let go of. It's easy to sing the words to songs, and not really mean them. Pastor David mentioned this in a sermon a while back. He talked about singing "I surrender all" when we really mean "I surrender some or sometimes." Thinking of both of those lyrics (There's nothing I hold on to AND I surrender all) it's time to truly let go of what I've been holding on to and surrender that to Him. Knowing and trusting that it's what He's asked of me. For reasons I may not understand. But it's time.
Are you holding on to something that God has asked you to let go of? Just give it to Him. Trust Him. His plans and path for us are always better. And I just want to be right in the middle of God's will for my life, no where else!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:4-5
Update:
This was actually written several months ago and was never published because I felt like something was missing or that it wasn't finished yet. Now, I know why. Since it was written, I've let go of what it was God was desiring for me to let go of. It wasn't easy and actually I can't take the credit for being totally obedient because I wasn't at first and He slowly showed me that I was going to lose what I was holding on to anyway (vague, I know, but more coming on that topic later!). But I'm so incredibly thankful that I finally listened and certainly wish I had listened sooner. He most definitely was and is always right. And He had something much better in store for my life and it's been an awesome journey watching that unfold. I'm so thankful that God cares enough about every aspect of our life and desires for us to allow Him to work in and through us so that we can continue to press on while bringing glory to Him! More on that coming in a future blog post that's in the works!
Are you holding on to something that God has asked you to let go of? Just give it to Him. Trust Him. His plans and path for us are always better. And I just want to be right in the middle of God's will for my life, no where else!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:4-5
Update:
This was actually written several months ago and was never published because I felt like something was missing or that it wasn't finished yet. Now, I know why. Since it was written, I've let go of what it was God was desiring for me to let go of. It wasn't easy and actually I can't take the credit for being totally obedient because I wasn't at first and He slowly showed me that I was going to lose what I was holding on to anyway (vague, I know, but more coming on that topic later!). But I'm so incredibly thankful that I finally listened and certainly wish I had listened sooner. He most definitely was and is always right. And He had something much better in store for my life and it's been an awesome journey watching that unfold. I'm so thankful that God cares enough about every aspect of our life and desires for us to allow Him to work in and through us so that we can continue to press on while bringing glory to Him! More on that coming in a future blog post that's in the works!
Monday, May 18, 2015
Asher's TWO!
We just celebrated Asher's 2nd birthday two weekends ago with an Elmo themed party. He's never seen Sesame Street to my knowledge, but he LOVES Elmo! If he sees Elmo any where, he will yell "Melmo" (that's what he calls Elmo) loudly! We enjoyed celebrating our sweet Asher with friends at the park in our neighborhood. We are so thankful for Asher and the joy he brings to our family!
His actual birthday was May 12 and we were at the beach on his birthday so he got to blow out candles in his birthday donuts, enjoy playing at the beach, and a trip to the Tallahassee Museum.
His actual birthday was May 12 and we were at the beach on his birthday so he got to blow out candles in his birthday donuts, enjoy playing at the beach, and a trip to the Tallahassee Museum.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Asher! We love you!
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Four, Already?
FOUR! How has it already been four years since we first held our sweet Micahman?
April 9th was Micah's 4th birthday. Four years.....and thankful for every day that we have been able to love on, teach, play trains and cars with, and watch grow physically and spiritually!
Many of you know our struggles with infertility and miscarriage so I won't retell it now. But celebrating another year with our Micah has certainly made me think back to so many precious memories over the past four years. What a blessing he has been to our family! We are excited to see what God has in store for Micah's future! We are constantly praying for and over him!
If you don't know our story, you can read it here: http://thebuffaloefamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/micahs-story-our-god-is-faithful.html
April 9th was Micah's 4th birthday. Four years.....and thankful for every day that we have been able to love on, teach, play trains and cars with, and watch grow physically and spiritually!
Many of you know our struggles with infertility and miscarriage so I won't retell it now. But celebrating another year with our Micah has certainly made me think back to so many precious memories over the past four years. What a blessing he has been to our family! We are excited to see what God has in store for Micah's future! We are constantly praying for and over him!
If you don't know our story, you can read it here: http://thebuffaloefamily.blogspot.com/2011/07/micahs-story-our-god-is-faithful.html
We love you so much, Micah! Happy Birthday!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Dwelling
Dwelling on hurtful words. Dwelling on failures. Dwelling on hard times. Dwelling on our circumstances. We all find ourselves there sometimes.
I remember struggling when we lived in North Carolina and Michael was in seminary. We were away from family. Struggling with infertility. Struggling financially. And I recall times that I allowed myself to dwell on those circumstances.
Not too long ago, someone said some hurtful things about me. Their words cut deep and caused me to start identifying myself as those hurtful words instead of as a child of God. I found myself dwelling on those words and the hurt they caused.
Occasionally, I have one of those mommy and wife fail days. I find myself losing my patience easily. Becoming frustrated easily. Taking out those frustrations on my boys. And even taking them out on Michael. I find myself starting to dwell on all of my short comings as a mother and wife and feeling very unworthy.
God's word tells us to dwell. But not on our failures. Not on the hurt and pain caused by others. Not on past mistakes. We are not to dwell on the past, on our failures, or on our shortcomings. We are not to allow our circumstances to take our eyes off of Christ.
The word DWELL means to remain, abide, or to keep the attention directed.
God's word says to remain and abide in what then?
We are to abide IN Christ. We are to keep our focus on Him. If we are cut off from the vine then no fruit can be produced. In order to bear fruit, we must remain in Christ. Not allow our circumstances and distractions take our eyes off of Christ.
I want to dwell in Christ. Not my circumstances. I want to remain focused on Him. Not on my shortcomings. I want to keep my attention directed at Him even in times of frustration, failure, hurt, suffering, and any other circumstance that comes my way. And He desires for us to do that too.
I remember struggling when we lived in North Carolina and Michael was in seminary. We were away from family. Struggling with infertility. Struggling financially. And I recall times that I allowed myself to dwell on those circumstances.
Not too long ago, someone said some hurtful things about me. Their words cut deep and caused me to start identifying myself as those hurtful words instead of as a child of God. I found myself dwelling on those words and the hurt they caused.
Occasionally, I have one of those mommy and wife fail days. I find myself losing my patience easily. Becoming frustrated easily. Taking out those frustrations on my boys. And even taking them out on Michael. I find myself starting to dwell on all of my short comings as a mother and wife and feeling very unworthy.
God's word tells us to dwell. But not on our failures. Not on the hurt and pain caused by others. Not on past mistakes. We are not to dwell on the past, on our failures, or on our shortcomings. We are not to allow our circumstances to take our eyes off of Christ.
The word DWELL means to remain, abide, or to keep the attention directed.
God's word says to remain and abide in what then?
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
We are to abide IN Christ. We are to keep our focus on Him. If we are cut off from the vine then no fruit can be produced. In order to bear fruit, we must remain in Christ. Not allow our circumstances and distractions take our eyes off of Christ.
I want to dwell in Christ. Not my circumstances. I want to remain focused on Him. Not on my shortcomings. I want to keep my attention directed at Him even in times of frustration, failure, hurt, suffering, and any other circumstance that comes my way. And He desires for us to do that too.
Maybe you can relate, maybe you find yourself dwelling on your insecurities, your shortcomings, your mommy failures, your finances, and more. My prayer for you and me both is that we can recognize when we start down that path and take those thoughts captive and turn straight to Him. Abide in Him!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
The Weight Struggle
I've had numerous people message me this past week asking how Michael and I lost the weight. So here's the story.....
I've pretty much always struggled with weight issues. After having Micah, it took a while to get the baby weight off. Then after I finally got it off, I found out I was expecting Asher. After Asher, I struggled even more. I would lose a few pounds then fall off the weight loss band wagon. Then pick it back up and start again, to only lose a few pounds again before falling off the "diet" again.
Towards the end of 2014, I had some situations come my way that really challenged me and made me think. Mainly, about allowing God to fully infiltrate EVERY part of my life. Not just my marriage, or how we raise our children, or ministry........but everything. Even my eating and how I treated my body. I didn't want to diet again. I knew it needed to be a life style change and thankfully that's exactly what happened.
Michael was approached very shortly after the New Year about joining Team Lean, a ten week challenge through the YMCA. There was a spot for him on the team, and a spot for me too. I was excited because it would mean that Michael and I were doing it TOGETHER! We talked and prayed about it and decided it would certainly be a great idea to help us start truly eating healthy and exercising. Yes, it was a competition....for money. And yes, I am a little competitive. So I knew it would help me stay motivated during the ten week challenge. During this challenge, each team member of each team had to weigh in weekly. Our team was made up of 5 people. And there were 29 teams total. They did not give you a set exercise plan to follow or diet to follow. That was all up to each individual.
Michael and I talked at length about how we wanted to go about this. We wanted to make better eating choices all around, eat clean and healthy, and exercise several times a week. We used the myfitnesspal app to help hold us accountable with our eating and exercise. We ate lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. We cut out most breads, and all sweets. We only had pasta maybe twice during the 10 week period. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it.
For exercise, I went to the gym and walked/ran on the treadmill or the elliptical 4-5 times a week for 45-60 minutes. On the days I didn't make it to the gym, I worked out at home doing zumba or just walked the neighborhood with the boys.
I had several approach me asking what "plan" I was on or if I was taking something to make me lose weight. I did this just by changing the way I viewed eating and food, making better choices, exercising, and not making excuses. No pills. No "plan". And I'm down almost 28 pounds in 10 weeks.
We aren't finished. We have smaller goals to hit but I'm not focused on any certain number on the scale or any certain size of clothes. This isn't about getting to a certain weight or size, it's about making better choices and being healthy. It's about staying focused on glorifying God even in this aspect of my life.
The 10 week challenge is over, and our team will find out this Thursday how our team finished for the challenge. While the challenge is over, the changes we have made aren't. We desire to continue living lives that include healthier eating habits and exercising and taking care of our bodies.
I'm so thankful for the family and friends that have encouraged us during this journey. And I'm thankful that Michael and I are in this together!
I've pretty much always struggled with weight issues. After having Micah, it took a while to get the baby weight off. Then after I finally got it off, I found out I was expecting Asher. After Asher, I struggled even more. I would lose a few pounds then fall off the weight loss band wagon. Then pick it back up and start again, to only lose a few pounds again before falling off the "diet" again.
Towards the end of 2014, I had some situations come my way that really challenged me and made me think. Mainly, about allowing God to fully infiltrate EVERY part of my life. Not just my marriage, or how we raise our children, or ministry........but everything. Even my eating and how I treated my body. I didn't want to diet again. I knew it needed to be a life style change and thankfully that's exactly what happened.
Michael was approached very shortly after the New Year about joining Team Lean, a ten week challenge through the YMCA. There was a spot for him on the team, and a spot for me too. I was excited because it would mean that Michael and I were doing it TOGETHER! We talked and prayed about it and decided it would certainly be a great idea to help us start truly eating healthy and exercising. Yes, it was a competition....for money. And yes, I am a little competitive. So I knew it would help me stay motivated during the ten week challenge. During this challenge, each team member of each team had to weigh in weekly. Our team was made up of 5 people. And there were 29 teams total. They did not give you a set exercise plan to follow or diet to follow. That was all up to each individual.
Michael and I talked at length about how we wanted to go about this. We wanted to make better eating choices all around, eat clean and healthy, and exercise several times a week. We used the myfitnesspal app to help hold us accountable with our eating and exercise. We ate lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. We cut out most breads, and all sweets. We only had pasta maybe twice during the 10 week period. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it.
For exercise, I went to the gym and walked/ran on the treadmill or the elliptical 4-5 times a week for 45-60 minutes. On the days I didn't make it to the gym, I worked out at home doing zumba or just walked the neighborhood with the boys.
I had several approach me asking what "plan" I was on or if I was taking something to make me lose weight. I did this just by changing the way I viewed eating and food, making better choices, exercising, and not making excuses. No pills. No "plan". And I'm down almost 28 pounds in 10 weeks.
We aren't finished. We have smaller goals to hit but I'm not focused on any certain number on the scale or any certain size of clothes. This isn't about getting to a certain weight or size, it's about making better choices and being healthy. It's about staying focused on glorifying God even in this aspect of my life.
The 10 week challenge is over, and our team will find out this Thursday how our team finished for the challenge. While the challenge is over, the changes we have made aren't. We desire to continue living lives that include healthier eating habits and exercising and taking care of our bodies.
I'm so thankful for the family and friends that have encouraged us during this journey. And I'm thankful that Michael and I are in this together!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Our Quiver
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
5
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5
We recently made some changes to our big picture wall. We added a canvas of both boys and that little gem between them is new too. I love this simple addition. The three arrows hold meaning to us, and below is their story:
So that little red wood arrow sign....with three arrows....is precious to us. Because it represents three lives that we love dearly.
More changes are coming for our picture wall. Several of the pictures need to be updated. They are ordered and on the way! Love having this wall as a daily reminder of God's perfect plan for our lives. Thankful for Micah and Asher and that we get to enjoy making memories with them while raising them to know and love the Lord.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
2014 Memories
I haven't blogged much this year, or should I say, I haven't published many of the posts I've started. Mainly because I haven't made the time to finish all the ones I've started. I enjoy writing so I hope to make more time for it during the coming year. For now, I'll just share some highlights of 2014.
We've enjoyed making memories as a family in 2014 and look forward to many more....from lazy days around the house spending time together, walks to the park to play, fun times at Wild Adventures, trips to the beach or zoo, the Georgia Aquarium, and Disney....just a few things we have done as a family and enjoyed this past year. So thankful for our family and the fun times we can share with them! Making memories isn't just about doing things and going on trips though. It's about being present in your families life in the everyday things too. From taking the time to play a game with the kids in the floor. To listening to them when they have a story to share. To taking the time to read and sing with them. It's about being there for them. Being present.
We love CrossPointe Church and being a part of a faith family! So many memories throughout this past year with our faith family at CrossPointe from retreats, to weekly services, being a part of the women's ministry and d-groups, life group, and the Unseen project. Love seeing God at work at CrossPointe.
We are very thankful that God has allowed us to start Southern Seeds. We celebrated one year in November and look forward to continuing Southern Seeds. Michael and I enjoy working together to create signs, canvas art, and much more! Check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/southernseeds or our website southernseeds.us. Below are just a few of our projects from this past year!
We are looking forward to 2015 expecting great things as we pursue Christ in all we do! Ultimately, it's about following Him and being in His will. Our prayer for 2015, is that whether it's family time, spending time with friends, traveling, ministry, or Southern Seeds....that we would hold fast to Colossians 3:17:
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Micah turned 3 in April
Micah played t-ball this year and loved it!
Asher turned 1 in May
Asher's Baby Dedication
The boys first Disney trip, all of them. Michael had never been either! We had a great time!
Every summer we enjoy a family beach trip with my family. The boys love the beach, playing in the sand, swimming in the pool, and spending time with my family!
Micah started Pre-K
Halloween Fun: The Buff Family takes on Top Gun
We had a wonderful Christmas this year and focused on really sharing the birth of Christ with the boys. It was so great to see Micah understand, as much as a 3 year old can, and even share in talking about it as we read the account from the Bible each night.
We've enjoyed making memories as a family in 2014 and look forward to many more....from lazy days around the house spending time together, walks to the park to play, fun times at Wild Adventures, trips to the beach or zoo, the Georgia Aquarium, and Disney....just a few things we have done as a family and enjoyed this past year. So thankful for our family and the fun times we can share with them! Making memories isn't just about doing things and going on trips though. It's about being present in your families life in the everyday things too. From taking the time to play a game with the kids in the floor. To listening to them when they have a story to share. To taking the time to read and sing with them. It's about being there for them. Being present.
We love CrossPointe Church and being a part of a faith family! So many memories throughout this past year with our faith family at CrossPointe from retreats, to weekly services, being a part of the women's ministry and d-groups, life group, and the Unseen project. Love seeing God at work at CrossPointe.
St. Simons Women's Retreat
Women's Adventure Weekend
Micah and Asher enjoyed DPKamp
Easter at CrossPointe
Welcoming the Unseen Team home
We are very thankful that God has allowed us to start Southern Seeds. We celebrated one year in November and look forward to continuing Southern Seeds. Michael and I enjoy working together to create signs, canvas art, and much more! Check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/southernseeds or our website southernseeds.us. Below are just a few of our projects from this past year!
We are looking forward to 2015 expecting great things as we pursue Christ in all we do! Ultimately, it's about following Him and being in His will. Our prayer for 2015, is that whether it's family time, spending time with friends, traveling, ministry, or Southern Seeds....that we would hold fast to Colossians 3:17:
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
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