Chloe's 8th birthday

 Happy 8th birthday, Clovie!

2014 River of Lights

Thursday night my family and I went to the River of Lights as an early birthday present for Chloe.  It was so much fun!  I always go there expecting to be bored, but it's really beautiful and I always enjoy it.  Enjoy the pics. :)

 Getting ready to go

new year's resolutions '14

And here we are, on the first day of 2014!  Happy New Year, everyone. :)

Here are my resolutions for 2014.  Some of these are kind of repeats from last year, seeing as they're easily transferable throughout life.

1. Treat my body and mind in a way that honors the Lord.

2. Plant seeds in the soil of my soul through memorization of Scripture--sowing to please the Spirit.

Some Christians sow to the flesh every day,

and wonder why they do not reap holiness.

-- John Stott

3. Read one good, edifying book every month.

4. Write to my Compassion kids more often.  I didn't do very well on this in 2013, and since these kids are some of the most important people in my life, I want to be more faithful to them.

5. Be more consistent in making time for the Lord every single day, through reading His word and prayer.

6. Make a radical plan.  For instance, I have a very tentative plan for going to Kenya this summer.  Whether or not it'll actually happen, this is a very radical plan for me, and I can't wait to see what the Lord will do!  This year I want to be more open to the scarier things the Lord may call me to do. 

7. Serve.  Whether this occurs through volunteering somewhere, getting involved in my church, etc., I want to serve more.

Let us not lose heart in doing good,

for in due time we will reap

if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9