God does not speak English, He speaks the World!

Ross and I had the privilege of going to a couple of sessions at Passion 2012 here in Atlanta, GA.

One of the statements that was made is that:

 God does not speak English! He speaks the World!

How true those words and how dear they are to my own heart. I long for the day when The Church will worship together. Here is a little taste of what that might be. In this rendition of "How Great is Out God" friends from Indonesia, Brazil, Ukraine, Mexico and Uganda join in sharing their praise in their own language.

 

May we NEVER think that others around the world are not worthy of HIS Gospel! God does not care what language we speak; if we are from a war battered country or one that was founded in faith.

“And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory."  Isaiah 66:18

Advent Christmas Ornaments

I wanted to make some ornaments this year for my tree. And even though it is already after Christmas, I finally finished them.

I wanted to make something that correlated with Advent that I can use for years to come.  This is what I came up with:

Here's how I made them.

Items needed:

• 5 clear ornaments (usually come in a pack of six at a craft store)
• scissors
• text template (view template here)
• color printer

Step 1: Print out text template using a color printer. I printed them and inserted paper again to print the same text on the back.

Step 2: Cut the template into strips. *note the thinner the strips, the easier they will curl.

Step 3: Curl each strip like you would a ribbon. Don't curl them too tight. They fill out the ornament best if they are a little loose.

Step 4: Insert strips into the ornaments.

Ornaments finished!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Designed by InkSpotts Stationary  www.theinkspott.com | Facebook

Photography by Daniel Stancil Photography  www.danielstancil.com | Facebook

Here are some more shots from my brother's photog session.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Ross, Ange and April

My Certain Hope - Wall Art

A week or so ago, I shared the song "In Feast or Fallow" with you. One of the great lines in the song is, "My certain hope is in Jesus found." I absolutely love this lyric and wanted to make something to display it in my house. Then as I was browsing on pinterest, and a friend of my pinned a simple piece of art work that I would use as my inspiration.

I simply took some wood scraps from my Dad's shop (luckily he has a full shop where scraps and tools are easy to come by). Then cut them to size, sanded them and glued them together. After some stain and holes to hang it, I was almost finished. Finally, I stenciled the lyrics with paint. Project complete!!!

I could not wait to get my new art work home and hang it on my wall.

Well, here it is...

Hope you like it.

In Feast or Fallow

Right after the miscarriage, a good friend sent this song to Ross and I (Thanks Cameron). Needless to say, I fell in love with it.  The words are powerful. Every time I hear or sing this song it reminds me that God is in control and He is everything we need. Check it out:

In Feast Or Fallow
Words and Lyrics by Sandra McCracken

When the fields are dry, and the winter is long

Blessed are the meek, the hungry, the poor
When my soul is downcast, and my voice has no song
For mercy, for comfort, I wait on the Lord

Chorus

In the harvest feast or the fallow ground,
My certain hope is in Jesus found
My lot, my cup, my portion sure
Whatever comes, we shall endure

Whatever comes, we shall endure

On a cross of wood, His blood was outpoured

He Rose from the ground, like a bird to the sky
Bringing peace to our violence, and crushing death’s door
Our Maker incarnate, our God who provides.

Emman- u- el
Come, oh come,     Emman- u- el

When the earth beneath me crumbles and quakes
Not a sparrow falls, nor a hair from my head
Without His hand to guide me, my shield and my strength
In joy or in sorrow, in life or in death

Tragedy Strikes

Three months ago today, Ross and I experienced a tragedy that will always be a part of us. And I want to share our story with you.

Tragedy strikes all of us. Struggles and trials in life are definite. It is not an issue of if they will come but when. Tragedy is never convenient or timely.

Our story:

July 12th was a glorious day!  Ross and I had been hoping and praying for this day for almost 3 years...a positive pregnancy test! It brought tears...tears of joy! Then on August 3rd we lost our little precious one. Then more tears came...tears of grief. Miscarriage sucks!!!  The journey for us since then has been difficult. I would be lying if I said we have it all together. We have struggled with depression, anger, denial, envy, fear, defeat, loneliness and so much more. Our hearts simply broken...a gut-wrenching pain that I wish on no one.

In all of this, we still have hope! We know that scripture speaks truth and it says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) 

Ross and I have been called...we are children of God and therefore we know that even though our hearts are broken, this brokenness is for good. This good is to the glory of God. I know that even though this time is hard that it is for the greater story of God working in our lives to sanctify us, making us more like His son, Christ Jesus. This in no way means that we don't ask why or that we understand it all...it simply means that we know Christ is our goal. He will lead us through this valley even though days are dark and normalcy seems to be a foreign concept.

To our little one:

You were planted on earth to be born into heaven....never having to face the brokenness of this fallen world. One day we will worship the King for eternity together. I can't wait to hear your voice singing praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ. We love you and we miss you!

Peace of Christ

Recently, life has been tough.  Soon I will begin to share why. However, right now I really want to share some scripture that has encouraged me even though it is something so hard for me to grasp.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~Colossians 3:15-17

Letting the PEACE of Christ rule in your heart...that is a difficult thing to allow. But be encouraged that no matter where you or I are, we are sought after by a God who loves us and He desires to be in close relationship with us. We are called to peace...even when things are tough and peace seems to be an oxymoron to everything we feel inside.