My Jesus Fair

Nathan and I sang this song in church a couple of weeks ago and its message has been on my mind ever since.  I hope I never "get over" the incredible sacrifice of my Savior on the cross!

I thought I would share the lyrics here.  (Click here for sheet music.)  The You Tube video communicates the beautiful melody!

My Jesus Fair

by Greg Habegger

My Jesus fair, was pierced by thorns,
By thorns grown from the fall.
thus He who gave the curse was torn
To end that curse for all.

O love divine, O matchless grace -
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.

My Jesus meek, was scorned by men,
By men in blasphemy,
"Father, forgive their senseless sin!" 
He prayed, for them, for me.

O love divine, O matchless grace -
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.

My Jesus kind, was torn by nails, 
By nails of cruel men.
And to His cross, as grace prevailed, 
God pinned my wretched sin.

O love divine, O matchless grace -
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.

My Jesus pure, was crushed by God,
By God, in judgment just.
The Father grieved, yet turned His rod
On Christ, made sin for us.

O love divine, O matchless grace -
That God should die for men!
With joyful grief I lift my praise,
Abhorring all my sin,
Adoring only Him.

My Jesus strong, shall come to reign,
To reign in majesty - 
The Lamb arose, and death is slain,
Lord, come in victory!

Reminded...Inspired

When I read Ann Voskamp's blog post for today, I knew I had to share it.  It both reminded me of the importance of keeping an eternal perspective in the midst of North American life and inspired me to think beyond my comfortable little world.  I've read the book she references, the life of Katie Davis serving in Uganda.  I've read the stories of Ann's travels to visit her Compassion-sponsored children.  I've even walked some similar roads myself in poor countries caring for the destitute and down and out.  Yet, how easy it is for me now, in this new chapter of my life to forget.  To get complacent.  To lose sight of what it means to be a missionary...even living in this desperate, North-American mission field of Taos.  I am grateful for the reminder...and the inspiration.

Click here to read the post.

Marshmallow Towers

Last night, we had some crazy fun at youth game night!

Nathan divided the whole group up into teams, gave each team 100 marshmallows, and instructed them to create the tallest tower they could in 5 minutes' time, using whatever tools they could find laying around.

Cups...

 toothpicks...

straws...

It was great to see their creativity!

Some ideas worked better than others. :)

The winning tower!

Who knew marshmallows could be so much fun?

Chicken - It's What's For Dinner!

We recently had these chicken strips for dinner, and I was reminded what a favorite they are with us!  I thought I would pass along the recipe just for fun.  They're super easy to make and very tasty!  Children love them as do "particular" husbands! ;)

Baked Chicken Strips

1 pound chicken tenders or boneless breast cut into strips
1 stick of butter
1 cup bread crumbs (easy to make by simply chopping up a slice or two of bread in a blender or food processor)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350.
Melt the butter.
Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and salt in a flat bowl.
Dip chicken strips into the butter, then roll them in the crumb mixture to coat thoroughly.  (You may have to make a little extra of the crumb mixture if you run out; it just depends on how many chicken strips you end up having.)

Bake the chicken strips on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes.

Yummy side dishes include green beans, salad, or mac n' cheese!

Guarding God's Name

Click here to read my latest article for Inside-Out Magazine.  It is entitled "Guarding God's Name" and speaks to an issue that is close to my heart.

33 Weeks and Counting!

~ The 33 Week Baby Bump ~

It really is an incredible feeling to be pregnant.

To think that a little life is growing inside me...

A life created by God for the purpose of His good pleasure.

A life that I get to feel every day and every night, kicking, jabbing, resting, and growing.

A life that I am nurturing just by my everyday activities like eating and sleeping.

A life that is very real and whose tiny form I will soon get to hold in my arms!

Amazing.

Challenging.

Beautiful.

Despite nausea in the first trimester, lack of energy in the second trimester, and the discomfort of being so big and clumsy in the third, I can truly say (by God's grace) that I have enjoyed this journey toward motherhood!

Our little boy will be here soon!

It is a unique season, preparing for the first child, and one I am trying to savor, knowing that it will likely not be the same in the future.  No other little ones require my attention at present.  I am free to rest as often as necessary, to read up on all the childbirth and parenting topics that fascinate me so much, and to enjoy these last few weeks of life with my husband as just the two of us before our family grows. 

Yes, it's definitely been a special time in so many ways.  

Nathan did a wonderful job assembling the baby's dresser this past weekend!

We have been blessed to receive many sweet gifts in preparation for our little guy's arrival, and a church shower is scheduled for the beginning of February.  He will be well provided for, and we are truly grateful!

Our new, infant car seat is ready to bring Baby Britton home from the birthing center.

In my last pregnancy post a couple of months ago, I mentioned being deficient in iron and therefore, finding myself with very little energy.  Well, the Lord has answered prayer in that department!  I started taking iron supplements and concentratedly working to eat iron-rich foods.  As of my latest blood test, my iron levels are back to normal and my hemoglobin count is looking good!  Thank you for praying for this concern! 

Everything else continues to go well for our little fellow.  His heartbeat is strong and steady and his growth rate is right on track.  He is in a head down position and should stay that way until birth.  According to what I read, he should be between four and five pounds right now.  The next several weeks will contain much growth as he builds fat and prepares to enter our world!

We are excited!

A New Look for a New Year

I thought it was high time for my blog to undergo a new look, and the beginning of a new year provided a good opportunity for redesigning things around here!  Some aspects are still under construction, like the new pages I'm hoping to add, but for now, enjoy the new look and come back to visit again soon!