Well I'm not much of a reader or a writer. I was just wondering what some of you were planning on reading this new year? or at least the beginning of this new year? I am pulling out an old book I read years ago..The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren...Shane is finishing a John Piper book and starting an old book he read years ago...Visionering...by Andy Stanley. I like to read books that are spiritual- self help kind of books. I've never been a nonfictional reader for some reason. Shane and I also just purchased a devotional to read together called ...Chase the Lion. It is about stepping confidently into the unknown. It seems like as Shane has accepted the call to the ministry and started seminary, that we are stepping into the unknown more and more. It's about putting everything on the line and confronting the lions in our lives as we passionately pursue Christ and the call on our lives.
I am excited about starting this new year with these books. I have to admit, last semester was a little crazy around here with all that our family was juggling. With Shane working full time, and being in his seminary program full time,and with me working 2 part time jobs, and M and E with all they do it got so crazy! We all love everything we are doing and are very grateful for it all, but it seemed towards the end of the semester I was putting my time pursuing Christ in my own life and heart towards the end of my schedule. I want to start this year and new semester out with that on the forefront.I have really enjoyed this break immensely.. esp with Shane and the kids and all the resting and "togetherness" we've had. I know it will get crazy again, but I want to make sure I'm keeping Christ at the forefront of it all. He is my EVERYTHING as Tim Hughes says so well in his "everything" song!
Our pastor said this morning so wonderfully that the BOOK (our Bible reading) is more important than any other thing we read or pursue. He explained that reading the Word is our ticket.(those are my words...I can never say it like he did!!). I have to do this more this year as well....I'm grateful for the other books but want to remind myself of this also. Shane and I were driving back from Knoxville talking about the desire to read more scripture as we read other books this next year.
Well...these are my thoughts as I begin schedules for Elevate and Piano and Violin students, and the kids (and Shane) starting school back. I praise God for His will. I want to keep HIM in the forefront of my every thought... and Philippians 2 in my every action and word that i speak. Thinking of others better than myself, serving and loving in humility, just as Jesus came and paved it so beautifully for me to attempt to follow.
Happy new Year...i love you all! :)
Tricia
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A Wedding!
Shane's Oldest brother got married today and it was a fun weekend to the ocean. We went down on Friday and came back late Sat night. Here are a few pictures of us going to the beach Sat morning. We didn't realize we were going to get to actually go to the beach so it was such a treat! We were with Jeff and Shari in these pictures and Bre and Bry. Morgan and Ethan were the ring bearer and flower girl and they both were so adorable!
Happy new year everybody! We pray you search hard to grow close to our savior and fall in love with Him in a deeper more passionate way in 2009!
Shane and Tricia
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