ah hem.... my goodness! I started this blog with the intention that it be the main way I could keep friends and family updated on the "happenings" in our life but time and life events have gotten the best of me. That and not having Internet at home for the last 8 plus weeks! Well we are online again and my how things have changed!

Just shy of 6 weeks ago the biggest and best blessing we have ever received made her way into our lives.... her name is Addison Marie and she is a gift and glimpse of Jesus's love!

As I write this blog she is next to me, swinging in her new Christmas swing dozing off to sleep. When I look at her my heart melts, literally. I don't understand how you can love someone so much, so deeply, so fast. The second she was placed in my arms my world changed. She has changed me so much already. I think differently and pray differently....love as I understand it and know it has completely changed. I wonder if this emotion that I feel so strong is similar to how our heavenly father loves us. I know that it would only be a fraction of how he cares for us but I believe its the best way I'll ever come close to understanding how much he loves me, and you. I thank God that she is a part of our lives and look forward to watching her grow. I pray everyday that her heart is already captivated by Jesus and that she already loves her savior deeply. I want her to know always the love He has for her and to walk intimately with Him.

Addison will be 6 weeks old on Sunday.... time is already flying. Before we know it she'll be six years old and heading off to kindergarten. *sob

Reflecting.....

2008 was a year of many changes and many ups and downs. We are so thankful that this has been a year of huge spiritual growth for both of us . Jake has had the blessing of serving in the children's ministry at First Christian. He loves teaching all the elementry school kids about Jesus. His faith and passion for the Lord continue to grow and spill into my life and now into Addisons. He is so excited and fired up. 2009 offers him more responsibility and a part time ministry position helping a dear friend and family pastor Kyle Bostock out one day a week. I don't think Jake ever would have imagined himself in ministry at all and now its one of his favorite things. His example in my life daily pushes me....I'm so thankful for Jake. He is beyond what I ever deserved. Having a Godly husband is priceless and amazing.

For me, I've learned to let go.....especially in the last few months of 2008. I realize in so many ways how I can hinder my own spiritual growth and how much I don't want to get in the way of God working in my life this year. I don't want to rest on what's comfortable. There are things "I" want and think I need, but ultimately its up to Christ to show me in what ways I must give up myself to further His work and His kingdom. I need the constant reminder that we were meant to live on earth to be in relationship with others and help them find our savior. It's not about me....although I'd often like for it to be. I look forward to allowing Him work in my life and in the relationships I have now and will develop this year. I crave a deeper prayer life and a deeper connection with Him.

I hope that you desire to grow this year in ways you never thought of.....outside the box ways that stretch you beyond yourself! DIVE deep into Him!

Happy New Year!
Kristine