10 Year Anniversary

I can't believe it's been 10 years!  Still my best friend, oh how I love this man!  

Goodbye 2012

I'm so thankful for our Pastor, Pat Powell.  He shared this during his sermon Sunday morning and it really just stirred my heart.  This year has been difficult in so many ways, without question the hardest year of my life, but it is true that in my weakness, HE is strong.  In my pain, He works mightily.  I pray that my life will glorify Him no matter the trial...

O Love beyond compare,
Thou art good when Thou givest,
when Thou takest away,
when the sun shines upon me,
when night gathers over me.
Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world,
and in love didst redeem my soul;
Thou dost love me still,
in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.
Thy goodness has been with me another year,
leading me through a twisting wilderness,
in retreat helping me to advance,
when beaten back making sure headway.
Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;
I hoist sail and draw up anchor,
With Thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past.
I bless thee that Thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead.
If Thou hast appointed storms of tribulation,
Thou wilt be with me in them;
If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation,
I shall not drown;
If I am to die,
I shall see Thy face the sooner;
If a painful end is to be my lot,
grant me grace that my faith fail not;
If I am to be cast aside from the service I love,
I can make no stipulation;
Only glorify Thyself in me whether in comfort or trial,
as a chosen vessel meet always for Thy use.

~The Valley of Vision

Happy New Year, I am excited about 2013 and all that God has for us...

Photography lesson...

Today was FUN.  My amazing mother-in-law has a good friend who was so gracious to come an hour drive to give us an all day photography lesson!  These pictures were taken by Kristie Bailey and if you need a photographer and live within an hour drive of Birmingham---I highly recommend her!  She is awesome and trying to build a business, I can give you her number.  Proof of her skills below...

We don't have very many pictures together, but oh how I adore this woman!  Such a blessing to me.

Elizabeth took this picture with the help of Mrs. Kristie!

Mrs. Kristie actually helped Elizabeth take this picture!

Showing such self control waiting until the camera was ready to capture her blowing on the "dandelions"...

She loves blowing these "dandelions," even though I'm not sure that is what they are really called...

Every day leaves on a concrete step.  There is so much beauty all around us in the simple things!

My baby.  Oh geez.  She's getting big.

Kristie taught us about blurring, or boca photography.

These were my favorites of over 300 pictures taken today!  Such a fun day :)