Our 1st Mother's Day

We enjoyed our first Mother's Day. Our church had a Parent/Child dedication during the serivce. Nathan's parents were in town and we enjoyed lunch w/friends. Happy Mother's Day to all the new mothers. What a special time :)

Loving Well

Ok. Don't you just love how God totally provides the RIGHT Bible Study at just the RIGHT time? Before I had Sarah, I had went to our local Christian bookstore to find a new Bible Study. I knew I needed something short & sweet that would be manageable with a newborn. I found a study by Beth Moore called Loving Well. The study is intended for a weekend retreat (and includes DVDs), so I was only able to purchase the small 28 day journal. OH MY GOODNESS! Can we say- DIVINE APPT! I love it.

For the last 3 weeks I've been on a journey of learning how to love others. The first week I was totally reminded that I can only love others if I learn to be loved by God. How many times have I heard...God loves you Mary, but did I really accept His love??? I also was reminded that I can only truly love others if I am motivated by God's love. If I don't- it's still selfish & self seeking. So, as a new mom this has been one of the best lessons I could learn as I sit and hold, look at, rock, sing to, talk to, pray for, comfort, and learn to love our daughter. At times I think I was led to believe that it would be so easy to love a new little baby. Change is good, but it sometimes can be difficult. Beth Moore's 4 statements that she shares are:

1. God is perfect love.

2. God poured his perfect love into my imperfect heart.

3. Nothing can separate me from the love of God.

4. Accessed, I can love anyone through anything.

Thank you Lord for this study. Thank you for friends who have constantly been encouraging us as we make the adjustments in parenting. Thank you Lord for a healthy baby!

Week #2

Ok. So, we survived week #1! YEAH! I didn't realize how much better you feel during week #2. PRAISE THE LORD! What would I have done w/out an incredible small group, home cooked meals from friends, and a mom who waited on us hand & foot! WOW! Nate's fam heads into town next week.

(Ok...Holly, I'll eventually add some MM prego pics- just for you.)