Because I probably need a recent post...

What I love about Today:

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Marky sleeping for about 4 hours in a row (twice!) tonight!
Marky patiently letting me know he's awake without screaming
my giant Mercy waterbottle/pitcher/jug
pinkish red sweater wraps
macs
pumpkin muffins
fall weather
CHRISTMAS MUSIC!
choir last night
snuggling with my sweetie boy(s)

Verse of the Day:
"Behold, I tell you a mystery; We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51

Picture of the Day:


Recipe of the Day:
Butterbeer
That's right, folks- Harry Potter's favorite drink ;)

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons water
6 Tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
4 (12 ounce) bottles cream soda

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat; cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Stir in butter, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup cream, until butter melts. Let cool to room temperature, then stir in rum extract.
Transfer 2 Tablespoons of the sugar butter mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cream. With an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
To serve, divide brown sugar mixture among 10 small glasses. Add 2 tablespoons of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Add the remaining cream soda, dividing evenly, then spoon whipped cream over each.
Yield: 10 small servings.

Saturday (getting married in 98 days!!!)

Things I Love About Today-
getting up with time to spare
therefore having time to sit on the porch with my coffee, read my Bible, and write a to-do list for the day :)
Women's Connection Brunch at Covenant Seminary!
meeting new people
the awesome Kristen Casteel
hearing Mrs. Chapel and Seminary ladies speak to encourage us
fellowship and discussions
egg casserole, cantaloupe, and a muffin
more coffee!
the lady next to me wearing a skirt that I have, and accessorizing it in the exact same way I do!
people from Alabama
taking a walk and swinging on the front porch with my dear fiance :)
laughing at our almost-arguments
the awesome Mac Genius fixing my near-unfixable iphone!!
not having to pay $200- yay!
mm chicken salad
cooking and cleaning
lots of soup
wearing an apron with my cute mom-ish outfit
Phillip coming over!
swimming with all my siblings
being freezing cold
eating vegetable soup & cornbread with Phillip
Connect Four ;)
singing sweet songs with and to Phillip
organizing syllabi and schedules
us hanging out with Jeremy and Bailee!
their funny/cute meeting/dating story
my parents coming home from out of town
reviewing my Sunday School lesson for tomorrow
being able to text again!

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:41-48
Let Your steadfast love come to me, O Yahweh,
Your salvation according to Your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in Your Word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
I will keep Your law continually,
forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought Your precepts.
I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in Your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward Your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on Your statutes.

Friday (that's two in a row, folks!)

What I Love About Today-
having my clothes all laid out so I don't have to think too hard at 6:45am
plaid jacket with rolled up sleeves
breakfast and the coffee maker all ready to go
carrying ridiculous amounts of stuff out the door with me everyday
no texting or calling while driving, because I have no phone!
my dear Phillip being right there when I pulled into Covenant!
laughing at myself for not being pulled together yet
drinking coffee together, and walking to class holding his hand
talking to two other engaged Seminary gals before class
writing notes on the same google doc at the same time!
sneakily writing notes to each other on it ;)
getting goosebumps during In Christ Alone in chapel
Jerram Barr's accent
Covenant Theology class
writing notes on handouts
the way Dr. Williams talks
all of my awesome quirky professors
seeing my Love again before going home
beaming at everything he says to me :)
having the kids eat up lots of leftovers
cooking chicken to make Elizabeth Wood's chicken salad recipe!
making trail mix
blogging!
my soft baby-pink scarf
talking wedding-stuff with my Bailee-friend
hearing from my Hanney-friend
catching up on facebook wallposting- 12 posts in all!
Pizza Hut with the kiddos
being able to talk to my dear fiance about serious, silly, somber, and stupid stuff
mail arriving so fast :)
reading the month-of-meals plan in Real Simple
hanging out with the little kids in their "beds" on the floor!

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a test for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of Yahweh is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of Yahweh is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of Yahweh are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of Yahweh is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of Yahweh is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of Yahweh are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward,

Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in Your sight,
O Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Songs of the Day-
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

and
Sounds Like Life To Me by Daryl Worley
Got a call last night from an old friend’s wife
Said I hate to bother you
Johnny Ray fell off the wagon
He’s been gone all afternoon
I know my buddy so I drove to Skully’s
And found him at the bar
I say hey man, what’s going on
He said I don’t know where to start

Sarah’s old car’s about to fall apart
And the washer quit last week
We had to put momma in the nursing home
And the baby’s cutting teeth
I didn’t get much work this week
And I got bills to pay
I said I know this ain’t what you wanna hear
But it’s what I’m gonna say

Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

Well his face turned red and he shook his head
He said you don’t understand
Three kids and a wife depend on me
And I’m just one man
To top it off I just found out
That Sarah’s 2 months late
I said hey bartender set us up a round
We need to celebrate

Sounds like life to me plain old destiny
Yeah the only thing for certain is uncertainty
You gotta hold on tight just enjoy the ride
Get used to all this unpredictability
Sounds like life

Man I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
Sounds like life to me
Sounds like life

Thursday, a new beginning

Okay, I give up. I'm never going to catch up now, even if I go with the "week by week" idea that Amy gave me. Phillip and I are about to start video taping ourselves telling our meeting/courtship/dating/engagement story, then write it out in written form, so whenever that actually happens, I'll put it on here :) For now, let's start with today:

What I Love About Today-
getting to play "mom" for 3 days
coffee and pumpkin bread
treating the kids to hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls
perfectly shaped whipped cream
eating breakfast together
Real Simple magazine
recipes, cute clothes, crafts, and decorating ideas
wearing a short-sleeve sweater that I've had for at least a year, and only worn once
purple clothing
including, but not limited to, a giant purple Southern-style little girl bow, clipped in my hair
adorable cherry earrings that Daddy bought for me in Florence
blogging again
doing so in the schoolroom as the kids do their work
sweet emails from my dear Phillip
giving Benjamin his spelling test
most of the words being related to furniture, making me super excited about having my own home
renovating my blog a bit
feeling the warmth of my coffee trickle through my cold self
chunky sweaters
cute and elegant fall decorations
going to the produce stand and Walmart with the kids
the post office
peeling and chopping carrots, and cutting corn off the cob
making chicken pot pie for my Phillip
him surprising me by coming over, when I didn't think that I'd get to see him today :)
making chocolate chip cookies with Mary
"Mary Mack, Mack, Mack..."
watching Phillip's sermon on DVD with him
his arm around my shoulders
having such a gifted, studious, wise, and respected future husband!
encouragement to trust God, remember His goodness, and forget affliction
clean kitchens
scratching each others' backs with Marebear

Verse of the Day-
Genesis 41:50-52,
"Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house." The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Poem of the Day-

Holy Sonnet XIV
by: John Donne
Batter my heart, three-personed God, for you
As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend;
That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend
Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new.
I, like an usurped town, to another due,
Labour to admit you, but Oh, to no end.
Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend,
But is captived, and proves weak or untrue.
Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain,
But am betrothed unto your enemy:
Divorce me, untie or break that knot again,
Take me to you, imprison me, for I,
Except you enthrall me, never shall be free,
Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.

Friday

I follow a very strict rule that does not allow me to post things out of chronological order. But, I think that this might just might be a exception. And my future-little-sister-in-law asked me to...!

What I LOVE About Today!-
When Phillip Mark Bozarth knelt down on one knee and told me that he loves me and asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hearing him say "I love you," and being able to tell him how much I love him!
being able to hold his hand

more to come later :D


Verse of the Day-
1 Peter 3:1-7

Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external-- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Tuesday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
small group with Danielle, Beth, Stacie, Megan, Sarah, Erica, Jessica, Christine, and Morgan!
going home to dress up and curl my hair
my parents taking Phillip and me out to dinner and to the Muny!
the restaurant Scape
my delicious fish and curried rice
cappuccino with biscotti
gelato!
the banana cream pie that Daddy had
the Muny!
Meet Me In St. Louis
fireworks :)
leftover architecture from the 1904 World's Fair

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 139:1-12

O Yahweh, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Yahweh, You know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there Your hand shall lead me,
and Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day.
for darkness is as light with you.

Monday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
finishing sewing Aunt Lori's apron!
going to Joann's fabric store and practically drooling over all of the fabric
envisioning all of the amazing things that I could sew out of the fabric if I had the money and time...
embroidering the apron while watching Mary do gymnastics
Phillip picking me up :)
eating cookies and milk at the park
sharing memories
swinging on the front porch with Phillip

Verse of the Day-
Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Sunday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
sharing a hymnal and a Bible with Phillip again
VBS meeting
talking to lots of people :)
going to lunch with the Shields!
catching up with Madsey
Sunday afternoon naps
sewing Aunt Lori's apron frantically
going to the Shaffers for dinner and Mexican Train
hanging out with Phillip
tripping down 3 steps and saving my coffee and not getting hurt too badly
watching my Daddy ride Uncle Steve's motorcycle

Verse of the Day-
Luke 14:1-24

One Sabbath, when He went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching Him carefully. And behold, there was a man before Him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But they remained silent. Then He took him and healed him and sent him away. And He said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" And they could not reply to these things.
Now He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
He said also to the man who had invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
When one of those who reclined at table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" But He said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"

Friday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
being 100% awake at 7:30 after accidently getting only 5 hours of sleep
deciding to sew!
handsewing and embroidering adorable little King and Princess puppets
getting more things on my list accomplished
the traditional fireworks shopping with my family
taking Mary, Benjamin, and Elijah to Walmart with me
seeing Mom and Dad there
buying caffeine, cosmetics, and crafts :)
shopping for a crockpot with Phillip
cooking breakfast for dinner together
biscuits & gravy and orange juice
discussing what kinds of food we like
going over to Aaron and Sarah's to hang out
discussing mission trips, France, Italy, parenting, Christmas, grandparents, homeschooling, and Fourth of July
popsicles!
raindrops

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long on the land." Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Thursday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
Getting 16 out of 33 things on my to-do list accomplished
VBS emails & laundry
planning
dinner with my family
my cute scrabble-necklace from Beckah
catching up with Amy & Kinsey
going to the fabric store and Starbucks with Annie!
walking in the beautiful night air
real coffee mugs and free refills
talking to Phillip
sewing projects and scratching Na-na's head
lists and relists:
to-do (33), to-craft (17), to-buy (4), and to-do-tomorrow (18)
cute blogs
new babies

Verse of the Day-

Proverbs 15:1-17

A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongues of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of Yahweh are in every place,
keeping watching on the evil and the good.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life,
but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
A fool despises his father's instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
not so the hearts of fools.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but He loves him who pursues righteousness.
There is severe discipline to him who forsakes the way;
whoever hates reproof will die.
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before Yahweh;
how much more the hearts of the children of man!
A scoffer does not like to be reproved;
he will not go to the wise.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.
Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh
than great treasure and trouble with it.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is
than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

Trip to VA-Wednesday through Wednesday

What Brought Me Joy This Week-

Wednesday-
being an early morning person, but not mid morning
playing with Cael and Gillian for the better part of 15 hours :)
listening to Britton Sermons
Subway with Ami, Josh, and kiddos
letting Cael and GillyMae share my ipod- it was adorable!
quickest Applebees dinner ever
sleeping through the last hour
getting the the Anderson(Sr.)'s house
Ruth!
staying up until 2:00am with her :)

Thursday-
planning on going grocery shopping for cake ingredients so that I could get the cake started right away
not actually starting the cake until 3:15
getting what I needed to get done done fairly quickly
not stressing out about it
Ruth braiding Ruby's hair for 4 hours
a "family dinner" with just 35 people. literally.
feeling so comfortable and at home with the Anderson family

Friday-
baking and icing lots and lots of cake!
laughing at the little kids during the wedding rehearsal
visiting with Ami at the park
being an adoptive member of the Anderson family
meeting more family at the rehearsal dinner
enjoying Rebekah's shower, even though I was super tired
talking to Phillip on the phone while being on the front porch during the thunderstorm

Saturday-
Wedding day!
assembling the cake with Marley
her creative genius involving hydrangeas
all the women scurrying around the reception hall with flowers and tulle
the beautiful wedding :)
working the kitchen and cutting tons of cake!
meeting more new people
blowing bubbles
reading Rachel A.'s new sewing book and getting awesome ideas!

Sunday-
visiting the Anderson's church
being thankful that I don't have to pay two tolls to get to church
Sunday afternoon naps
hanging out with Ruth and her friends (slash family)-
Rachel, Jordan, Daniel, Reamy Lynn, Justin, and little Shannon
swinging with Shannon
eating flowers in the salad!
learning a new board game that I can't spell the name
getting 2nd place
my 30 bug bites going completely away within a few hours

Monday-
finally getting up at a decent hour
leaving the house at 9am to drive 3 hours with the Andersons
journalling, reading, and napping in the car
meeting more Anderson family members
home-style cooking
driving 3 hours home- talking to Ruth and Ruby the whole time
pretending to talk on the phone and text with Ruby
laughing at her pretend to call Phillip, and ask all about him
actually calling Phillip using speakerphone, & him entertaining us for the rest of the car ride home :)
staying up until 4am talking with Ruthie

Tuesday-
sleeping in... again.
going to Maymont Park and Cary Street with Ruth & Rudie, and John & Shannon
texting Phillip, "Well Ruth says..."
him texting me, "Well tell Ruth..." :)
the beautiful flowers and landscaping at Maymont!
herb gardens!
ice cream and used book stores!
buying 3 books for less than $2
big huge family dinner
packing

Wednesday-
...only getting 3 hours of sleep?
on the road again
coffee and a bagel from wonderful Bread, Co.
hanging out with Cael and Gilly Mae
napping
listening to music with Cael
letting Cael and Gillian share my headphones again- they are adorable!
lunch at Subway
Wonderpets: "What's gonna work? Teamwork! What's gonna work? Teamwork!"
being only 30 miles away from Owensboro, Kentucky!
getting really really really excited to be back in St. Louis...
sharing my snack with Cael
finally getting to the Andersons, and unpacking the car
Phillip coming to pick me up :)
my beautiful pink sweetheart rose!
getting delicious Ted Drewes and going on a walk
my siblings running out to meet me when we got home
them being so so talkative that we had to come up with a system for them taking turns talking


Verses of the Week-

1 Peter 3
Likewise, wives, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives-- when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external-- the braiding of hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing-- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Psalm 127
Unless Yahweh builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless Yahweh watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives to His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from Yahweh,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
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.

Tuesday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
making 16 batches of icing (that's 48 cups!)
lunch at Qdoba with Phillip
giving him a new country CD and cracker cookies
small group with my Mobap girls
hanging out with Micah
writing a packing list, a cake list, and a to-do list
getting home earlier than expected
packing
being packed

Verse of the Day-
Genesis 29:15-20

Then Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?" Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, "I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel." Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me." So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

Monday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
running outside before it got uber hot
going on errands and eating lunch with Hanney
visiting with Miss Beth
talking with Grandpa
hanging out at the office for 2 hours
running errands
Vivannos from Starbucks
dinner with my family
Phillip picking me up and taking me to Bread, Co for coffee :)
talking over coffee
taking a walk through "down town" Eureka
snowcones and stars

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 127

Unless Yahweh builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless Yahweh watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for He gives to His beloved sleep.

Behold, children are a heritage from Yahweh,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of of one's youth.
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.

Sunday

What I Brought Me Joy Today-
reading Caleb's study Bible on the front porch with coffee before church
wearing the dress that I made to church
going to The King & I for Father's Day lunch
hanging out with Hanney and MK
curry
long phone conversations
my mom telling Phillip to come over for dinner :)
classic Father's Day meal for dinner
watching Phillip's sermon

Verse of the Day-
Galations 3:1-7

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Saturday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting up by 8am on Saturday JUST so I could make breakfast for the kiddos
bananana pancakes
Nathan watching the kids so I could go out
writing Hebrew study-posters with Phillip
My Daddy, Mama, and Caleb arriving home from Australia
reading Caleb's Study Bible- specifically Psalms and Ephesians

Verse of the Day-
Ephesians 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.

Friday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
waking up at the time that I needed to leave to take the kids to gymnastics
getting them there only 2 minutes late
Starbucks+Target :)
homemade pizza
watching another snippet of White Christmas
hanging out with Phillip, Bailee, and Jeremy

Verse of the Day-
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Thursday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
mothering and loving on my poor sick Marygirl
giving her breakfast in bed while I had coffee in bed :)
taking her to the doctor's office
medicine shoppe for her prescription and more tylenol
laundry, cooking, and cleaning :)
pretending to be my mom
tomato-red toenails
layer-y outfits
Carey being the awesomest big brother ever, and also helping me out since Mary is sick
hanging out with Phillip
chocolate cake pops
grilling, cooking, and baking parts of 3 different meals all at once!
power naps
Benjamin's back-scratches and shoulder-massages
phoning with both Maggie and Phillip while sewing
practically finishing my sewing project
getting advice from and hanging out with Nathan

Verse of the Day-

Revelations 5:11-14

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelations 15:3-4

And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
"Great and amazing are Your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for Your righteous acts have been revealed."

Wednesday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
getting up at a normal time
having a clean & tidy house in record time
making a coffee and half&half run to Schnucks
sitting outside during the kids' swim practice
writing letters (specifically today- to Lindsay!)
impromptu baking
cooking 20 quesadillas with Mary in the hot kitchen for 8 boys
seriously, it was fun :)
"yes, ma'am" "thank you for lunch" and "can I help you clean this up?"
sitting with my feet in the pool while all the kids swam
grocery shopping by myself
having a pantry stocked with chocolate chips
playing mom for the week
good adult talks with Noey
Mom, Dad, and Caleb on one end of the webcam, and Carey, Me, Nathan, Noah, Elijah, Benjamin, and Mary on the other!
it being 7am tomorrow in Australia
my amazing and loving family
...not being ridiculously sticky and sweaty in the nastily humid heat
visiting with Grandma during the swim meet
watching Mary, Benjamin, Elijah, Noah, Sidney, Joey, Jake, Olivia, Cooper, Margaret, and Caroline swim
my siblings getting blue ribbons
eating dinner at the Legends buffet with my little siblings and their friendies
packing a picnic lunch for tomorrow
making cake pops
colored sprinkles
sitting outside while talking to Phillip on the phone
smiling at his stories
being encouraged by Titus 2 and Godly women
brushed teeth and washed face
catching up on blog posts
ambitious plans and lists
having a really long list of things that brought me joy today :)

Verses of the Day-
Psalm 5:3

O Yahweh, in the morning You hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch.

Proverbs 31:15

She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.

Mark 1:35

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.

Ephesians 5:16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of Yahweh never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.

Tuesday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
pjs and coffee
sewing in literally all of my free time today
staring at red all day
listening to Contemporary Christian music, including the Kaleb Krueger Band
doing extra laundry- I like to pretend I'm mom :)
being very careful about my sewing and not having to rip out and redo anything all day until... the very end when I got frustrated...
but it was okay, because I can just finish it tomorrow. or the next day.
pulling out old cute skirts
cooking dinner with Phillip!
yummy salmon patties and seasoned baked potatoes
meeting and getting to know more of Phillip's friends
scruff
small group with Ami and Amy!
praying for each other, and also Amanda, Hannah, and Anna
talking about love languages with Ami and hyper-Abby
Nathan watching out for me
talking to my best friend Bailee for an hour and a half!
being vulnerable and trusting and loving each other
sewing a little more before bed

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from Your commandments!
I have stored up Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O Yahweh;
teach me Your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of Your mouth.
In the way of Your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on Your precepts
and fix my eyes on Your ways.
I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

Monday

What Brought Me Joy Today-
the kids and I all sleeping in and lounging in our pjs all morning
going to the Science Center with Mary, Benjamin, Elijah, and Phillip!
not caring in the least that we were lost and turned around
feeding the kids sandwiches and juicies in the car
singing along to Taylor Swift on the radio
building the arch about 6 times
the science-playground
whispering
one-on-one time with Peeb on the drive home
Sorry and Rock Band
taking Mary to gymnastics
going to Joann's to buy new sewing project materials!
drinking coffee in rocking chairs on the patio with Phillip
watching left-handed basketball
telling and listening to the stories behind our profile pictures. dorky, I know.
sitting with Nathan while he did his Physics hw
listening to him recommend rap songs and artists to Phillip
laughing at them and their rap
the front porch

Verse of the Day-
Psalm 119:1-8

Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of Yahweh!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
who seek Him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
but walk in His ways!
You have commanded Your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping Your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments.
I will praise You with an upright heart,
when I learn Your righteous rules.
I will keep Your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!