Twelve years ago . . .

Twelve years ago, Bill Clinton was president of the United States, a gallon of gas cost me 99 cents (at least sometimes), and none of the current players of the Philadelphia Phillies had played a single major-league game.  Alot has changed in 12 years.  We've had three presidents, the Phillies won the World Series, and we won't even talk about gas prices!

Twelve years ago, I began a new life - as the wife of an amazing young man!  In those 12 years, we've called three places home . . . owned three different vehicles . . . served in four different ministries . . . more than doubled the size of our family - from 2 to 5.  Alot has happened in 12 years!

Here we are then . . .

. . . and now!

Twelve years ago we began this amazing walk together through life together - I thought it was wonderful back then . . . I had no idea that it would get better with each passing year! Happy anniversary, Brent! You are God's precious gift to me! I look forward with great anticipation to the next 12 years, and the 12 after that, and the 12 after that, and the 12 after that . . .

So, what are you doing for the next 90 days?

If you are like me, that is probably an overwhelming question!  I don't actually think I WANT to know everything that lies ahead for me over the next 90 days!  After all, doesn't the book of Matthew say something about not worrying about tomorrow because each day has enough troubles of its own???

Okay, but just for the record, I'm not planning for troubles over the next 90 days . . . I'm actually really excited!  I'm going to be reading through the Bible in 90 days, starting TOMORROW!  This won't be the first time I read through the Bible - I did it during Bible college - but this will be a slightly more intense reading schedule ;)

Why am I doing it?  After all, isn't there enough on my plate already?  Well, here it is in a nutshell (time for a little transparency and vulnerability) . . . I have struggled at times to find consistent times alone with God in His Word since Noah joined our family.  I can pray and worship throughout my day, but getting into the Word requires time to sit, read, meditate - and that hasn't been happening as consistently as I desire.

Part of it is that I just forgot how busy life is with a little one at home - not to mention two big kids and a husband to keep up with.  I love this season of life, but I can't wait for things to "settle down" before I get back into that rhythm of consistent time in the Word.

So when I heard about reading through the Bible in 90 days, the Holy Spirit immediately said, "This is for you, Lisa."  So I'm choosing to obey.  I'm not sure of all that the next 90 days will hold, but I believe that God is a God of His Word - and He says that when I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4:8).  If you think of it, I'd appreciate your prayers during these next 90 days . . . and I'll be sharing here from time to time just how the journey is going!

Happy birthday, America!

We had a fabulous 4th of July!  (What a difference a year makes!)  Just thought I'd share some of our highlights . . .

The main event of the day - a church picnic!  What could be better than great food

(including Noah's first taste of watermelon - he ate two slices) . . .

 . . . water balloon tosses . . .

 . . . even though some people got VERY wet!

 A moonbounce is always a hit with the kids!  Jaden and Lael both enjoyed this activity, although Jaden came home sporting a few bumps to the cheeks from colliding with someone's elbow mid-bounce.

 And did I mention yummy desserts???

And not just any dessert - these desserts were all part of a bake-off competition.  Lael and Jaden both decided that they wanted to enter a dessert.  Lael made Brownie Bites, a scrumptious confection that combines my from-scratch brownie recipe with Reece's Peanut Butter Cup candies in a mini-cupcake . . . I'd show you a picture, but they were gone before I could take one!

Jaden chose to make Banana Split Dessert - which he renamed 4th of July Cake in honor of the occasion.  He had Mom's help in a supervisory and advisory capacity (and to do things like run appliances), but this was very much HIS dessert.  It was chosen as one of five winners based on presentation by those attending the picnic!

 But that wasn't all . . . Jaden's dessert came in FIRST PLACE - out of all those who entered!  He was pretty shocked at first . . . then really excited!

His Sunday School teacher came in second with a magnificent pineapple upside-down cake!  Here they are with their prize baskets . . . although Jaden was told that he would receive a more kid-appropriate prize soon! ;) 

However, he really liked his first place ribbon!

Not to be outdone by her little brother, Lael won the drawing for a digital scrapbook kit!  I think she and Mommy will enjoy that prize! 

And then what picnic would be complete without a swing ride for Noah? 

We came home exhausted . . . but in such a good way!   

Happy birthday, America!