Clothing

I know this topic might sound strange, but it's on my heart. It's the topic of modesty. I understand I probably just lost half of my readers' attention, but I feel moved to write about it. I'll admit it; I'm not the most modest person. Clothing is a struggle of mine... not risky clothing, but the materialistic "I want everything/ online shopping/ can't wear anything twice to church or a ball game/ I have to match going to bed/ etc." I grew up with 3 girls - why wouldn't I like to shop? But it doesn't matter if you have the cheap clothes, the expensive clothes, the appropriate seasoned clothes, as long as you're glorifying the Lord and not causing anyone (mostly boys) to stumble (sin). We automatically think about leading our brothers in Christ away by risky clothes, but it also affects sisters in Christ- jealousy forms then the pressure to fit in. You're right, we're all guilty. It's a fallen world and we're all sinners (saved by grace). 

I want to share this article with you by Mary A. Kassian called, "What and What Not to Wear". My aunt, Nicki sent it to me before starting my job at First Pres this summer. She thought it would be a good resource for mentoring girls. I read it then and simply forgot where I packed it. Tuesday night I ran across the article and reread it. I started thinking I needed to share it, but who wanted to read about modesty? After seeing Boy's Bid Day pictures yesterday, it motivated me to share my thoughts about modesty. I know I'm many seasons passed BBD, but I do have a Facebook. I genuinely do not care about statistics on my blog (if this subject bores you), just that it will (hopefully) further God's kingdom through our beautiful situation. Make sense? With all that to say, here's the article. The link is: http://www.girlsgonewise.com/what-not-to-wear/ if you would rather read it there. I highlighted my favorite parts. 

What and What Not to Wear

Mary A. Kassian

Is It Becoming or Unbecoming?

Kosmio is the descriptive form of the Greek noun kosmos (to put in order, trim, adorn, or decorate), which is related to our English word cosmos—the universe. The Greeks regarded the universe to be an ordered, integrated, harmonious whole. Kosmos is the opposite of chaos. So when Paul told women that their adornment should be kosmio, he meant that like the universe, all the parts should be harmoniously arranged with the other parts. It should be “becoming”—that is, appropriate or fitting. Given the context, I believe Paul was implying that our adornment ought to be becoming on a number of different levels.

First and foremost, your clothing ought to be becoming, fitting to, and consistent with your character as a child of God. But it also ought to be becoming to your body type, becoming to your femininity, becoming to your husband, becoming to the other clothes you are wearing, and becoming to the occasion and place you intend to wear it. There’s a tremendous amount of guidance in that small word, becoming. It challenges you to evaluate your clothes, shoes, purses, makeup, and hair from multiple angles as part of the harmonious, integrated whole of your life—to line up the seen with the unseen and the temporal with the eternal. It challenges you to bring a cosmic perspective to bear on your everyday decisions.

I like the word Paul chose. It has enormous implications. Kosmio means that a Christian woman’s “look” ought to be consistently put together, inside and out. This challenges those who put an undue emphasis on external appearance as well as those who neglect their personal appearance. It’s a corrective to women who dress extravagantly. It’s a corrective to those who dress seductively. But it’s also a corrective to those who think that “holy” means frumpy, ugly, unfeminine, and out of style. Becoming indicates that running around in baggy jeans and T-shirts all the time is just as inappropriate as being obsessed with stylish clothing. It means that a woman’s appearance ought to be put together nicely. It ought to be pleasant and attractive—on the inside and the outside.

Is It Decent or Indecent?

The second word, aidous, is based on the Greek term for shame and disgrace. The word is a blend of modesty and humility. When I think about a word picture that personifies this concept, I think of approaching God with eyes that are downcast.

It involves a sense of deficiency, inferiority, or unworthiness. It suggests shame, but also a corresponding sense of reverence and honor toward rightful authority. It’s the opposite of insolence, imprudence, disrespect, or audacity. Downcast eyes are the opposite of defiant eyes.

So does dressing with your eyes downcast mean that you are self-conscious? No. It means that your clothing tells the truth about the gospel. Your clothing shows the world that Jesus covers your shame and makes you decent. Your clothes cover your nakedness as the clothing of Christ covers your sin.

Dressing “with eyes downcast” means that you choose clothes that are decent in His eyes . . . not clothes that are provocative, seductive, and that honor nakedness. When you dress decently, you recognize that God ordained clothes to cover, and not draw attention to, your naked skin. You cover up out of respect for Him, the gospel, your Christian brothers—and out of respect for who He made you to be. Decency means you agree with the Lord about the true purpose of clothing and set aside your self-interest to dress in a way that exalts Christ.

So in that dressing room trying on that skirt, take time to sit, bend, and stretch in front of that mirror, and ask yourself, Is this skirt decent? Does it do what it should do? Does it properly cover me up? Does it showcase my underlying nakedness—or exalt the gospel of Christ?

Is It Moderate or Excessive?

The final thing to ask yourself about clothing is whether it is moderate or excessive. Paul uses the Greek word sophrosunes. It means “of a sound mind; curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate.” The word indicates that our adornment should be reasonable and not crazy. We ought to rein in our impulses and avoid extremes in fashion, hairstyles, and makeup. We also ought to avoid spending crazy amounts of money or stuffing our closets full of crazy quantities of clothing (CONVICTED -mkks). We ought to govern our wardrobe choices with a sense of moderation, simplicity, and self-control. If the outfit is crazy extreme, crazy expensive, or if it’s crazy for you to be buying another one, then you ought to pass it up.

Understanding the purpose of clothing and asking yourself the three questions, Is it becoming? Is it decent? and Is it moderate? will help you figure out how to dress. And don’t forget to include your “Helper” in the process. The Holy Spirit is an invaluable source of assistance when it comes to figuring out whether or not your appearance glorifies God. If your heart is right and you seek His guidance, He will be your personal wardrobe consultant and teach you what and what not to wear.

Um, convicted. This article is for me. I have so much to learn in this department. I can see my mom reading this and saying, "Well the next time you need a dress to wear, I'm going to tell you to shop at Wal-Mart." I will probably not take that very well, but that's my own struggle (and I’m married). I want the nice things. I feel like I'm entitled to the nice dresses. My mom has done a FABULOUS job dressing us, from when we were firstborn to.... now. Yes, she has much better taste than I do! I trust her to pick out any dress for any occasion. I am convicted when it's my own money, but not anyone else's. Again, it's a struggle. I'm glad I'm not alone in this battle of clothing. It's hard in this culture to find something modest and attractive. The world pushes you to buy things you can't afford or things you honestly can't fit into. 

From a brother in Christ's perspective (my husband), he would kill me (not really) if I left the house with a lot of skin showing (I wouldn’t do it anyway). He doesn't want to sin or lead another believer to. Sisters in Christ, we are responsible for what we wear. We are responsible for not causing brothers to sin. Think about that before you get dressed. Just to get this straight, I’M SPEAKING TO MYSELF - just helps to get it out on "paper" :) After writing this I took an hour to think about the subject. Who am I to be talking about clothes when I have a full closet and sometimes wear the wrong clothes? I’m typing it to encourage you and also me. I obviously struggle with this issue and want to join in yours.

modest looks but EXPENSIVE

my favorite look

On another note, Xavier (as Crawford calls it - terrrrible) is now a sweet potato! That change occurred on Tuesday, I think. We're awaiting September 8th to see the doctor! Keep all 3 of us in your prayers. 

Just a'growin

Lastly, WEDDING PROOFS ARE ONLINE! They are GREAT, in my opinion. If you would like to view them, click this link. Jeannie Frey Rhodes is AMAZING. By the way, after looking at these pictures I remembered hoe hot and tired I was. Oops! 

Try this first...

https://www.collages.net/ConsumerSite/GuestLogin.aspx?eventcode=694950

OR...

Click: Wedding Proofs

Guests/ Username: Kennedy/ Password: 25684-kennedy

out of bondage - RUF

from slavery to freedom in Christ

Last Thursday, Daniel and I attended RUF at Mississippi State. I will say it was a little strange going back without all of my "friends". I miss seeing Sarah Stone on stage and Catherine Randall walking in late (because she was probably listening to someone's problems at the Chi O house and is too sweet to tell them RUF started 10 minutes ago). I miss those things. I wish I would've gone to the Bible studies junior and senior year and been more involved with RUF. It's a wonderful ministry on campus. So wonderful, you couldn't fit one more person into Dorman Hall on Thursday. There were people on the stage and in the aisles - total fire hazard. Here's a video of RUF at Mississippi State that Les Newsom recorded (previous RUF Ole Miss minister):

CLICK: Short Video of RUF at MSU

Isn't the video great? Did you see all the students in (musty) Dorman Hall? It was incredible. God is continuing to move on campus. Please be in prayer that the crowd continues to come with open hearts. 

On Thursday night, Brian started Exodus. I know, I know, you're thinking Exodus is boring... the Old Testament is boring. Wrong. His expository preaching is so unique. The Lord speaks through him in a way students can understand. Brian has a gift that is being used to bring glory to God. Continuing on... he spoke on Exodus 1:1-22, "The Pattern of Salvation" (if you weren't there to listen, you can find his sermons on YouTube). His 3 points were:

1) Salvation Begins in Slavery (vv. 1-14)

1:1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. 6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 13 So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves 14 and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.

2) Salvation Continues in Weakness (vv. 15-21)

15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families.

3) Salvation ends in Freedom 

22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews 1 you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”

In giving you the scriptures, don't ask for me to interpret. Ask Daniel, I'm terrible when it comes to communicating what I am thinking in my head. It usually comes out as, "I don't know, but I know what I mean." You'll have to listen to Brian - I'm not attempting to misconstrue the gospel. So here's a way to understand it easier. 

"Exodus is not just a story of salvation, but the story of salvation. Israel's deliverance from Egypt anticipated the salvation accomplished once and for all in Jesus Christ. Since exodus is a story of deliverance from bondage through the work of a savior, it is the story of the Christian life. We need a liberator, a God to save us from slavery and destroy our enemies; we need a provider, a God to feed us bread from Heaven and water from the Rock. We need a lawgiver, a God to command us how to love and serve Him. And we need a friend, a God to stay with us day and night, forever." -Phil Ryken

Did you catch that? "Exodus is a story of deliverance from bondage through the work of a savior, it is the story of the Christian life." Truth. Christians and non-Christians, we are all enslaved to something. That's the point Brian was trying to make. Whether we are set free from one bondage of sin, there's always another to conquer. It is the Christian life. When he was talking, I started thinking... "What am I enslaved to? What do I worship before God?" He continued to say, "You could be enslaved to moral values and perfection." THAT WAS ME! Right then and there, I realized I was enslaved to my moral values and looking "the part". I constantly think, "What are people thinking? What do I look like? Does my life look okay?" 

I remember when this convicted Daniel and me about 2 years ago. Our life on Facebook looked great! Our pictures were cute... we were traveling to beautiful places... we were the perfect couple- right? Wrong. Just like any relationship there were arguments, break-ups and something missing. We were portraying the perfect life.  Before we got married, both of us were enslaved to sexual sin. Again, if you're not a believer, this will sound absurd. We could not control the temptation, so we were continually enslaved to our bodies and ultimately the devil. I am so thankful we are free from that (like I said in the past post). Marriage is a BEAUTIFUL thing. We are enjoying life together! 

 For me, that is what I'm enslaved to. I know there are many more things, but that's the largest issue. I, like any other girl, want everything to look okay. My family's great... I love Mississippi State... I love my job... I love my husband.... etc. Yes, I genuinely love those things, but why do I let the culture of this world get to me? I'm human. ISAIAH 40:8 — “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” God’s word, His precepts and commands, are eternal, unbound by time, culture or society. Praise the Lord we can lean on that promise. 

 In typing that, I am reminded of this story from sophomore year. I was absolutely paranoid about gaining the "freshman 15". I would not return to a home football game with more weight on my body. It was all I thought about... calories, calories, calories. It was taking over my life. No one put this thought in me, but Mary Kathleen. It was the fact of being accepted in college. I remember breaking down one night to Daniel (at the Mississippi State soccer fields - haha??) and telling him about my control with food. I love food! No, I wasn't throwing up or not eating, but working out like a man woman. When I finally told him, I felt free. I had also prayed through the year of turmoil that God would give me the strength to overcome my obsession. After months went on and God started redeeming me, I ate what I wanted (sometimes too much)! I never thought about calories - more my happiness. I began to start thinking, "If you're hungry, eat. If not, it's okay." I was enslaved, recognized it and the Lord started showing me how beautiful I was on the inside. ROMANS 3:23 — “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin is universal; no one is perfect or capable of perfection.

freedom

 It was a sweet sweet time for me. Every time I hear someone talk about dieting, I just don't understand. Of course, we need to take care of our bodies, but don't place that physical appearance above your spiritual life. YOU ARE FORGIVEN, LOVED, BEAUTIFUL and FREE.

Obviously, I am not Brian, but I'm challenging you. What are you enslaved to? Your work? Your family? Do you place your husband and children above your love for God? Are you enslaved to working out? Are you enslaved to being accepted? There are so many good things the devil wants to destroy. As my best friend Kameryn Kline told me, "You better not let the devil steal your joy." Recognize the enslavement and be freed! Freedom is waiting on you. Freedom in Christ. Give it to God and He will change you. 

 Look up John MacArthur's book, "Slave: The HIdden Truth About Your Identity in Christ" if you're interested. "The book finishes strong, noting that although we are marked by slavery, we are also marked by being adopted as sons and daughters; we are friends with God.  The great paradox of the Christian faith is that we are friends of God who are also his willing slaves.  I think the simple sentence that best sums up the book and is an eye opening truth for our walk in 2011 is when MacArthur, quoting Murray Harris, says, "to be a slave of Christ is true freedom."  The more we offer ourselves in service to Christ Jesus, the greater freedom we have to live a spirit-filled, abundant life."

Turnip

You're right... it's a TURNIP (5 inches and 5 oz.) as Shelley would say, "very symmetrical". I love to surprise Daniel with new foods. This time I just told him rather than playing the guessing game. We're anxiously awaiting the doctor to tell us the gender.

I recently joined Pinterest and it's exactly that... you "pin" your "interest". Pinterest is a place to catalog things you love. WARNING: It's highly addictive. I have "pinned" some recipes, DIY projects, quotes, inspiration, but mostly kids. I could stay on there for hours. While looking through all the pictures and kid projects, I get really excited about the baby. Here are some pictures I have saved: 

Ahhhh... I love the kid stage.

You think I'm a little paranoid? 

RUF last Thursday - amazing. I'm going to write about it this week. It has been on my mind. Also, pray for First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Ligon and his staff need your prayers. Sin is very deceitful.

Love you all. 

Goodnight.  

be kind anyway

Before heading out of town on Thursday, Daniel and I had a "meeting" with Brian Sorgenfrei (RUF minister at State). We had been playing phone tag all summer and finally got a chance to talk. It was Daniel's first time - he really enjoyed Brian. During a cup of coffee, we started telling him our story. Let me back up... Brian was a member at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson and his dad actually interviewed me. When I ended up leaving Jackson, Brian was informed on the situation. He was very loving and wanted to help in any way. So back to City Bagel... Daniel and I started explaining our emotions about living in a college town, being married, guilt, excitement for the baby, etc. Brian was so helpful and real. I'm not going in depth, but one thing he said was... "If you're going to sit here and tell me everything's great, you're lying. I'm glad y'all don't know what to do or how to act. I'm glad you're not content." He reminded us that it was okay to be uncertain. Child, you're forgiven and loved. Yes- a lot of things have worked out, but nothing is perfect. It will never be perfect. If it was then why did Christ die? We need thee... Oh, we need thee. Every hour we need thee. After talking, we agreed (loved to) to meet with Brian this semester for marriage guidance (how to be a husband & how to be a wife). I am so thankful for his leadership and compassion. I'm excited we get to hear him preach on Thursdays - another positive of being in Starkville. 

Liza, Annie, Brian and Shelby

We soon left town and headed to Jackson. Daniel had an interview with a financial planning group, and I was meeting with Jeremy Smith at First Pres. His interview went really well! He was told not to talk about the stock market - that he had been watching/stalking all week. I wonder why? I dropped him off then drove to the church. I had a lot of mixed emotions, but was dying to see my old co-workers. I walked in the door and met Heather, Cory Brock and Justin! How great it was to see them. Anytime I talk about my job or First Pres I get a lump in my throat... then cry. It killed me to leave. I then walk upstairs to see Jeremy and run into Mr. Billy Joseph and Miss Jan (Dr. Duncan's assistant). I can't tell you how great it was to hug her neck. I figured Ligon was out of the office, but I wanted to go ahead and ask, "Is Dr. Duncan here?" She said, "Yes!" and told him he had a visitor. I walked in and he acted like I was the prodigal son returning (haha). He gave me a big hug and we both couldn't stop smiling. Upon leaving I wasn't able to tell him good-bye. He is constantly traveling and encouraging ministers nationwide. Ligon has kept in contact with me all summer - who does that??? I know how busy the man is and he still makes time to send e-mails. What a great example! I really appreciate him taking the time to talk on Thursday - it was a breath of fresh air. 

Some FPC youth staff

Take me back.

Dr. Ligon Duncan

Next, I saw Jeremy Smith. He's over my internship for the fall. We talked about my project (developing 8 programs for FPC youth dealing with the culture - technology, sexuality, arguments between siblings, etc.) I am really looking forward to this research project- ask Daniel, I've spent X amount of $ in Biblical parenting books. Jeremy was also encouraging and made sure I knew First Pres was there for me. That's how "the church" should look.

After running around Jackson, we spent the night with the Millers. Mr. Bobby cooked steaks - nice break from turkey sandwiches. We enjoyed dinner and getting to visit with them. They have always been supportive and loving towards Daniel and me. After dinner, Mrs. Johna called to surprise Daniel. He might have another job offer! It was great news to Daniel and me. Thank you, Mrs. Johna! Connections... connections... connections... how the world goes 'round. 

Mrs. Georgia Miller and me

Mrs. Johna, me, Amanda and Latham - need an updated picture

Before heading home (Clinton, LA) Friday morning, we had a "date" with Justin Pillsbury and his wife, Caroline. He was my boss and she a ... mentor. They welcomed me like one of their own. I really enjoyed catching up with them! I am waiting for them to make a trip to Starkville soon. I also ran into Mr. Bebo Elkin (RUM/MS coordinator) from First Pres. He whispered in my ear, "You're wanted!" Those words have stuck out in my mind. For him to take the time... talk to us... then tell me I'm wanted... amazing! Did I mention how much I love the people of First Pres??? After breakfast, we stopped in Crystal Springs to see Mr. Danny and Mrs. Jonelle. Mr. Danny gave me some cooking tips while I was there - wonder who told him about the red beans? It was good to catch up with them since we didn't get to talk much at the wedding. 

Justin and Caroline ('06) - thought you'd get a good laugh, Caroline

Mr. Danny and Jonelle

After leaving Crystal Springs we had lunch with my dad, grandmother and Jill. It was a much needed lunch - I miss my family. Ok ok, it was kind of strange being married and coming home, but we quickly got over it. 

I miss them.

Yep- miss every single one of them

I love home. I love seeing the 12 miles to Clinton sign. It brings so much joy. That night we helped the ladies set up for the shower. When leaving, Mark was talking to us about our new rice cooker. I explained why Daniel won't buy minute rice (too expensive). Mark thought he was a tight wad and came back to the church with a 20 lb. bag of rice. It was priceless to see Daniel's face. He said, "We can use that for the collapse." Yeah yeah. Thanks, Mark!

Dave Ramsey's advice to newlyweds, "Eat rice and beans and beans and rice"

Saturday morning was my Clinton shower at the church. About 15 ladies gave it - thank you so much! The hostesses gave us a new TV!!! Daniel was dying to open it. We got a really nice mirror from mom, wooden frames, lots of kitchen gear and much more. We were so overwhelmed by all the nice gifts. It was a perfect shower - THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING! Daniel and I were actually sitting down last night talking about how the Lord has provided. We have a nice apartment... with really nice things... in the cotton district... He is too good. Daniel was talking about how we don't deserve it. It's true. We have learned how generous people are- we're just ready to give back. It was good for us to just sit and be amazed at how God has worked (and provided). 

Momma, Mama Nan, Mrs. Charel and Mama June

delicious - especially Mrs. Michele's biscuits

Jacie, Jill & Mama Nan

being silly at the end

Mama June and Daniel

Daniel's immediate project 

Thank you, Heidi!

My favorite - our invitation framed... thank you, Betsy & Mrs. Karen

from Jill - Anthropologie towels

Momma - never fails

our 8x10 is finally framed - thank you handyman Hooge

Momma's happy to me - I'll always remember my bachelorette party

Daniel's 2nd favorite - All Clad! Thank you, Sue and Judy!

We needed you! Thanks, Mark!

Originally a planter, but we needed a cute utensil holder- thanks, Elams!

After the shower, mom, Miss Leslie, Jill, Mark, Daniel and me went to see "The Help". It was a great movie! It was really neat to see Fondren, Jackson and the delta. We'll be seeing it again!

 Sunday was very relaxing. We went to my home church in Clinton - Brother Tony just HAD to announce the newlyweds were back in town, haha. I loved seeing everyone! David Patrick was also dedicated that morning. It was a special time for Kelly and David Dart. We decided to just lay out on Sunday rather than driving back - I was all for that. 

Momma swimming with Gavin and Ethan

sweet Blanche

Monday morning came really soon. We packed up my car (couldn't fit a make-up bag). It was so packed - we could feel the back wheels the entire trip. Daniel was getting that TV home! Monday was also Bid Day for Mississippi State. That's always a fun day, because all the hard work pays off. I am so glad I'm done with rush (not to mention, I have 50,000 other things to worry about). It's so much fun (getting to know girls in your sorority better and meeting new ones), but exhausting. 

Hoooo's tired?

I was somehow drug into this year, but who knew being nice meant ulterior motives? It's an evil world we live in. Daniel and I have had multiple talks about "being the bigger man". We agreed it's not worth it. I've had this saying on my Facebook for a long time, and it reminds me: It's about you and God- love anyway. 

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway. If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies; succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway". --Mother Teresa

Daniel and I have also started to memorize scripture each week. It's a great way of keeping our focus on God and Him leading. Daniel has been more than wonderful! I cannot tell you all the joy he has brought me. I actually cooked him a lasagna last night - and it was GOOD (not burned)! Please continue to keep us in your prayers - just trusting in the Lord's will. 

take my word

 On another note, we were driving home Friday morning and I checked my handy dandy app. I gasp because the size of the baby has changed. I tell Daniel to guess what fruit it is. I say, "It's green..." He has no idea. I continue with, "It can be used in dip." He then says, "I don't know - just tell me." I say, "It starts with an A and you use it to make guacamole". He yells out, "APRICOT!" Can you imagine my face? Haha, "NO! An avocado.... (5 inches)." I'm 4 months today (16 weeks) - do I feel any different? Nope. Hopefully I don't look any different. 

Today was Daniel's first day of his senior year (well, semester). He's a little overwhelmed with 21 hours, but I know he can do it. I'll start my internship after labor day - enjoying this free time off and walking around town! Do I have to start work? Just kidding... 

First day- he wouldn't let me take a picture

Dad made me look at my MSU billing statement ".00" No more out-of-state tuition!

Remember: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21