Looking Back

Here we are....the last day of 2010. What a year it has been!

* I married my best friend in the wedding of my dreams!
* I became pregnant three months into my marriage with a little boy!
* I traveled to Israel with my husband, my parents, two sisters, and many friends.
* I was able to sing more this year in revivals and concerts than ever before.
* I saw my little sister graduate from High School.
* I watched another little sister follow the Lord in Baptism.

.....what a year!

Now, we look ahead to 2011. It will be the year I become a Mommy. It will mark Grant's and my 1st anniversary. It will be a year of singing, ministering, writing, recording, witnessing, and leading people to Jesus.

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we DO know Who holds tomorrow. Our ever-faithful Lord and King will guide us through 2011 just as He led us through 2010. And no matter what may arise, He will continue to be faithful and true. As we end 2010, let me encourage you as well as myself, to take 2011 and redeem the time. Grab hold of this coming year and make the most of it. Sing and preach louder. Serve Christ more fervently. Pray without ceasing. Be steadfast in the faith. Read the word, obey His voice, and follow wherever the Lamb may lead.

Happy 2011, everyone! May it be a year of a closer walk with Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2a - "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."

Our First Christmas

Thought I'd post a few pictures of our first Christmas!

Our home!

Our beautiful tree!

Special ornaments

Our stockings. Grant's, mine, and our chocolate lab, Gracie

My husband hung mistletoe!

Christmas Eve



Monday Meanderings - 12/27/10

So how was everyone's Christmas?? My first as Mrs. Grant Lee was wonderful! Fun, crazy, meaningful, memorable....fabulous. Now, it's on to CLEANING THIS HOUSE and putting away all the stuff we got!



Bible Study... Proverbs 31

Memory Verse... Proverbs 12:4
"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Clean....this....house.
♥ Have a healthy meal for him when he comes home.
♥ Laugh!
♥ Be easy going and try not to wear my feelings on my sleeve

Train Them Up...
* Continue to read to baby Nathan every day.
* Continue scheduling when he moves and when he does not.
* Pray for him and with him
* Begin planning for nursery!

Personal Goals...
* EXERCISE this week
* TRY to write in journals
* Get some rest

New Habit of the Month...
* Clean bathrooms at least once a week.

MUST Do...
* Clean the house
* Finish laundry
* Put up all the Christmas gifts
* Reorganize if needed
* Practice violin

Zone...  the whole house

Menu

M - Steak, baked potatoes, veggies
T - Deer steak, cajun fries, green beans OR corn
W - Vegetable soup
Th - Chicken fettuchini
F - Homemade pizza
S - Church food
Su - Sandwhiches

FUN THINGS!
* Resting
* Catching up on email
* Planning Nathan's nursery!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. A warm house
2. All the love that was shown this Christmas
3. God's blessings

Merry Day-Before-Christmas Eve!

So it's Christmas Eve EVE! I am so looking forward to this weekend!

Seeing ALL of my family. Celebrating with my husband's family. Spending time together for the first time on Christmas Day! It's going to be a memorable Christmas.

Last night, Grant and I FINALLY took a few Christmas pictures. Inspite of being rushed, tired, and completely inept to taking self-portraits, they turned out pretty good! Here are three of my favorites:

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! As you enjoy the food, fellowship, family time, carols, presents and stockings, do not forget about Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, who came to this earth to redeem us from our sin. Let us not forget that it wasn't about the baby in the manger, it was about the Highest of Kings coming down to be born in the lowliest of places, making Himself of "no reputation" but taking on "the form of a servant." It's not just about shepherds coming to see, it's about being changed by the Gospel and telling everyone about it! It isn't about the kings from the east who brought gifts. It is about US giving to the Lord; the giving of our time, our talent, our money, our family...our very life. Let us not become like the inn-keepers....let us roll out the red carpet and invite Christ in. As the song goes, "Let every heart prepare Him room."

Don't forget to WORSHIP the Lord this Christmas. I don't want to simply "remember the reason for the season," but literally praise Him for who He is and what He has done for me. As Mary said...

My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.....
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation....
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts....
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree....
He hath filled the hungry with good things...

....For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Praise be to HE who came down for me!  Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Story, as Told by Facebook

Lots to Do! It's Christmas!!

Better watch out
Better not cry,
Better not pout
I'm tellin' you why.....

Why?

Because CHRISTMAS is THIS Saturday!!!!!

 Lots to do, lots to do!

Deer chili is in the crockpot, cookies are in-the-making, I have to finish wrapping the presents, try to finish cleaning the house, put up the laundry I just folded....busy busy. Sometime before Thursday, I want to TAKE A GOOD CHRISTMAS PICTURE WITH GRANT. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow?? Somehow find time to really rest, relax, and enjoy my first Christmas as a wife. Busy, busy!

Monday Meanderings - 12/20/10

One Christmas down, and......a few more to go! :) It's been a busy week with a Christmas play, Christmas shopping, and Christmas a week early in Louisiana. Now it's on to the week of Christmas!!!!



Bible Study... Luke chapters 1, 2, and 3

Memory Verse... Luke 2:11
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Love him in every way possible
♥ Compliment him more
♥ Laugh!
♥ Enjoy our first Christmas together!

Train Them Up...
* Continue to read to baby Nathan every day.
* Continue scheduling when he moves and when he does not.
* Pray for him and with him

Personal Goals...
* TRY to exercise this week
* TRY to write in journals
* Get some rest

New Habit of the Month...
* Clean bathrooms at least once a week.

MUST Do...
* Bake for the Christmas party - tonight!
* Clean kitchen
* Finish laundry
* Finish all Christmas wrapping
* Bake a few more Christmas cookies
* Somehow find the time to take a Christmas picture with Grant

Zone...  the whole house

Menu

M - Christmas party finger foods
T - Deer steak, green beans....and other stuff. ;)
W - Vegetable soup
Th - TBD
F - Christmas Eve dinner with my family
S - Christmas dinner with hubby's family
Su - TBD

FUN THINGS!
* My grandmother's annual Christmas party tonight!
* Visiting with cousins!
* Christmas baking!
* Seeing friends and family this week!
* CHRISTMAS!!!!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. Family time at Christmas!
2. Spending time with my husband
3. The Light that came into the world 2,000 years ago

Cookie Fun!

Monday Meanderings - 12/13/10

Whew...

It's been a busy week and an even busier weekend, so I am dragging today. I have a list of things to do but I can't seem to make my body move! Hopefully, I'll get some energy soon enough to get some things accomplished today.

Bible Study... Luke chapters 1, 2, and 3

Memory Verse... Luke 1:49
"For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Practice music with him more
♥ He gets busy, distracted, and tired. Be understanding.
♥ Compliment him more.
♥ Laugh!

Train Them Up...
* Continue to read to baby Nathan every day.
* Start scheduling when he moves and when he does not.

Personal Goals...
* Exercise more
* Write in journals
* Work on book

New Habit of the Month...
* Clean bathrooms at least once a week.

MUST Do...
* Clean kitchen
* Finish laundry
* Finish all Christmas shopping
* Go to the post office
* Crusade meeting tonight
* Begin Christmas baking
* Somehow find the time to take a Christmas picture with Grant

Zone...  the back porch

Menu

M - Mexican casserole
T - Dinner in Memphis
W - Vegetable soup
Th - Food on the road
F - Dinner at my grandma's
S - TBD
Su - TBD

FUN THINGS!
* A Christmas play in Memphis on Tuesday!
* The trip to my grandma's in Louisiana
* Christmas baking!
* Christmas shopping tomorrow!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. A warm house
2. Christmas cookies
3. The love of my husband 

The Camouflaged "Buck Girl"

So..... I got a deer!

A striking 8 point, to be exact!  "Hooray!" for meat in the freezer, and a big "Wooohooo!" for a girl with a gun!















Not to sound like a feminist (because the whole concept disgusts me), but I am enormously proud of "my mad blasting skills."

*grin*

Every year, at the time of hunting season, I think back to the verse in Psalm 42 that says, "As the hart (a deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." I think about how when a deer is shot and/or hurt, it goes directly to water - a life source - and how we, as Christians, should do the same. THIS year, however, I have thought about more than just that. I've been out hunting a lot this year, trying to "scout out" my first buck. I did a lot of things to get him....

* I dressed in camo, disguising myself.

* I went to great lengths to conceal my human scent (which grossed out my girly self).

* I tried to walk as carefully and quietly as I could through the woods.

* I hid amongst trees and bushes.

* I did my best to be as still and as quiet as possible.

* And on top of all that, my husband used a deer caller to lure the old buck in.

We pretended to be things we weren't. Trees and bushes (hence the camouflage), a doe and a young buck (aka - the deer caller)....  Doesn't Satan do the same? Does he not use bait to get our attention and trap us? Does he not manipulate us, lure us, entice us, and tempt us all because he wants to destroy us? YES, he does. My husband is a hunter. He hunts deer, squirrel, duck.... he uses bait, he uses decoys, he uses many things to trick the animal he is after. And Satan does the same thing to us. He stalks us. He learns what attracts us and then camouflages himself to be something that he most definitely is not. When he sees us out there doing a work for Christ, he uses all his evil tactics to bring us closer to him and his "gun" or "bow" or "fishing rod," and farther away from the safety of Jesus Christ. He's quite the hunter, if you will.

So, with that in mind and in closing, let me repeat the words of Peter....

1 Peter 5:8
"Be sober (serious, watchful), be vigilant (awake, on the lookout for danger); because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"


Let us take heed. Otherwise, we might, spiritually, end up like my buck....

Auld Lang Syne

One of my favorite Christmas songs....

Monday Meanderings - 12/06/10

The first Monday of December! Frost on the ground, Christmas music playing, a full list of events and "Things To Do," family gatherings coming up, food to bake...have I mentioned how much I love this time of year?! Ah well, here is today's meandering...


Bible Study... Luke chapters 1, 2, and 3

Memory Verse... Luke 1:46-47
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Practice music with him more
♥ He gets busy, distracted, and tired. Be understanding.
♥ Be careful not to nag him or think only of myself.
♥ Be his best friend, even when I'm "tired" or "frustrated"

Train Them Up...
* Continue to read to baby Nathan every day.

Personal Goals...
* Exercise every day this week. (I am slooooowly getting myself motivated back into working out.)
* Write in journals
* Work on book (Been suffering from writer's block. *sigh*)
* Continue working on "Silent Night" on the violin (It's coming along!)

New Habit of the Month...
* Clean bathrooms at least once a week. (I'm going to keep this one for another month)

MUST Do...
* Make a few business phone calls
* Clean kitchen from top to bottom
* Clean out and re-organize the pantry. It needs to be done!
* Get ready for three Christmas concerts this weekend
* Have all laundry completely done by Friday evening
* Get the house ready for my family this weekend!
* Crusade meeting tonight

Zone...  the back porch

Menu
This is very tentative, but this is what the meals look like for me and baby. My husband will be eating very lightly again this week.

M - Chicken pasta and broccoli
T - Vegetable soup
W - Egg sandwich
Th - TBD
F - Concert #1 - Church food!
S - Concert #2 - Church food!
Su - Concert #3 - Church food!

FUN THINGS!
* Singing this weekend
* My family coming up!
* Wrapping Christmas presents
* Christmas baking!
* Possibly hunting some a couple of evenings
* Practicing and writing music

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. A warm house
2. Christmas baking
3. Feeling baby Nathan move! 

Christmas Treats, Anyone?

It's.........DECEMBER!!

Holy cow, where has this year gone? It has definitely flown by! Now it is time for Christmas carols, Christmas trees, lights, candy, Christmas movies, and fireplaces! And it's time for the annual Christmas baking. Every year, I bake assorted cookies, but I am wanting to try other Christmas treats this year.

Any suggestions?

What are some of your favorite Christmas treats?

Monday Meanderings - 11/29/10

I love Christmas. I love Christmas. I LOVE Christmas! We had a great Thanksgiving weekend, with lots of food, visiting, hunting, shopping and decorating! Last night, my darling husband finished the last of the outside Christmas stuff, which thrilled me to my bones! This week is pretty laid back. Nothing major planned. Just the normal "work for him, homemaking for me" week....which is relaxing, especially with the Christmas season officially here! Anyway, here is my weekly "Meandering"...


Bible Study... Mark

Memory Verse... Psalm 16:9
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Pick up after him more joyfully.
♥ He gets busy, distracted, and tired. Be understanding.
♥ Encourage him more.
♥ Be careful not to nag him or think only of myself.
♥ Have his supper ready and hot when he gets home.

Train Them Up...
* Make a list of baby items/furniture we need. (Haven't really done this yet, and people are starting to ask what we will register for.....and I have no clue!)
* Try to read to baby Nathan every day.

Personal Goals...
* Exercise every day this week. (I totally did not do this last week. I settled for resting and running errands. I will put forth an effort this week.)
* Write in journals
* Work on book

New Habit of the Month...
* Clean bathrooms at least once a week. (Slowly getting there....)

MUST Do...
* Get a few more groceries.
* Finish ALL the laundry. (I'm over halfway there and it's not even noon! Yay!)
* Mail check to Joanie.

Zone...  Inside the fridge and microwave

Menu
So my husband is back to the "boiled eggs for supper" diet, so that leaves just me and baby Nathan to feed. I'm planning on eating dinner every night around 5-5:30. That way, I can have it all eaten or put out of sight when Grant gets home at 6:30. So, here is a tentative "dinner plan" for me and baby.

M - Egg sandwich
T - Potato soup?
W - Chili or vegetable soup
Th - Chicken and broccoli
F - TBD
S - TBD
Su - leftovers?

FUN THINGS!
* Movie nights with Grant
* Digging out all the Christmas books and movies!!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. CHRISTMAS!!! ....and all that comes with it!
2. My husband and my baby!
3. Being home for the holidays
 

It's Christmas Time

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? My first as a wife was different, but enjoyable. All the food, the visiting, the food, the laughter, the food, the napping.....and the food. This year, I made my first pumpkin pie. I've never been much of a pie person (I prefer cake!) but - it was Thanksgiving! You have to have pies! So I made a yummy, holiday-ish treat that didn't turn out half bad! I hope you all had a very wonderful, relaxing, and filling Thanksgiving!

AND NOW - The Christmas season has officially begun! Hooray! Yesterday, I braved the cold and went out shopping, to

experience my first "Black Friday." It was not the horrific experience I expected. It was actually quite fun! Of course, I am not the type of person to camp out outside Target in wet, windy, 30 degree weather just to be first in line to get the best deal. I value my warm bed and the effects of a good night's sleep a bit more. I am not the type who stands in line for 4+ hours in Wal-Mart to get $40 off an item. No way. And I am definitely not the type to trample other women to grab the hottest toy or appliance. Come on! Ridiculous. But I am the type to get up early and go out to various stores and shop for Christmas on the first official day of Christmas shopping. I may not be first in line, but there is definitely nothing wrong with "gleaning the fields" in Wal-Mart, Target, Kohl's, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, etc. And it was fun! I came home with Christmas shopping finished!

Accomplished feeling? Check.

Now it's decorating time! And I have enjoyed my first Christmas decorating experience as a wife in my new home! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you, readers!

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

I am thankful for...

1. My God, my Savior, my Redeemer and my King. He provides, He heals, He forgives, He strengthens, He teaches, and He saves.
2. The salvation He gave me
3. My wonderful husband who is faithful to me, who loves me, and who leads me closer to Christ.
4. Our little boy, Nathan James, who will be here in April!
5. My parents who brought me up in Church and who taught me about Jesus.
6. My sisters who make me laugh and cry at the same time.
7. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, my fun cousins, and my new in-laws.
8. My Church family.
9. My sweet "sister friends" who are truly kindred spirits (Anna, Sarah S, Michelle, Sarah F, Rachelle, etc)
10. The opportunity to travel and tell people about Jesus through word and song.
11. My home. My quaint little house that is perfect for my little family.
12. My country. The good 'ole USA.
13. Freedom.
14. Christmas!
15. .....everything else that won't come to mind now, but will after I post this. :)


It's sad, but most everyone waits until Thanksgiving to dwell on all the things they are thankful for. Unfortunately, I am pretty much one of them. Oh, I know what I am thankful for all year, but rarely do I sit down and really dwell on all blessings God has given. Rarely do I just sit back and praise Him for His goodness. Rarely do I take a moment and just declare to the whole world how good my God is and how thankful I am to be His child. I would put that on my New Years' Resolution list, but I am going to begin now!

As you gather with family and friends and eat up the turkey, the dressing, the corn, the cranberry sauce, the rolls, the pumpkin and pecan pies, and all the various other "yummies" of Thanksgiving, remember to genuinely praise and thank our God for all His blessings. As my grandfather used to say so often, "God is big....and He's GOOD."

Planning for Baby

I am 19 weeks and feeling like a pregnant woman. As I blogged a few days ago, we are expecting a little boy! With that momentous information finally had, Grant and I have been discussing nursery ideas. We have never wanted the traditional blue. First, we had decided on camo, but recently "tweaked" the original idea. Yesterday, we found the perfect bedding for our "manly-boy-on-the-way!"

Take a look!

Personally, I LOVE the look. Very boyish. Very modern. With a hint of the camp we originally wanted. Perfect. We have decided on light brown walls with dark brown furniture, so I know it will all turn out nicely! While surfing around and comparing prices, I discovered some of the cutest little outfits! Are these adorable or what?

I could do this all day! Come Friday, I will be halfway there!