Living Sacrficially

In our youth Sunday school class we have been looking at practices of the church and the practice we looked at yesterday morning was the Lord's supper. As Josh and I thought about how we could teach the kids what the Lord supper was about Mel Gibson's movie the Passion of the Christ came to mind.

I remember being 15 and in high school when I saw this movie in theaters for the first time. It's crazy to think it has been almost 10 years. I think the emotion I most experienced was shock as to catching a glimpse of what Christ personally did for me. I knew he died a brutal death on the cross but I did not understand the suffering aspect of it until it was portrayed in this movie and that in return made me thankful to the core. 

Josh and I realized quickly that this generation of youth were small children when it came out and had not seen this movie. We invited the kids to ask permission from their parents to view the movie with us last night. I think I was going into the movie having the mindset of "we're doing this for the kids" but as I sat and watched what Christ went through for me I experienced not only the emotion of shock of what Christ did for me but of remorse of how lightly I take His death.

We live in a world now that seems to be getting worse everyday, not only in terms of the worldly culture but in terms of the Church and Christianity moving towards complete comfort zone. WE have made it comfortable to live for Christ by just doing the expected things. Even I am guilty of picking a style of Christianity that best suits me. In today's Church the only sacrifice we feel we need to make is to wake up, go to church, pick your coffee flavor and sing to the music style at church that best suits you, maybe go above and beyond and bring your Bible. I have fallen into the trap of thinking that by simply obeying the commands of Jesus was true sacrifice. Up until last night I myself felt that I was sacrificing my life for Jesus by doing Christianity my way.

Growing up in ministry and then being on staff at a church currently has made it easy for me to confuse sacrifice with service. Going to church, studying God's word, praying, teaching and tithing are commands from God and that is my service. But sacrifice takes more than service. Sacrifice should never be comfortable. There was nothing comfortable about how Jesus suffered for me. In fact sacrifice should hurt me for it to be real sacrifice. I'm not talking physical, even though we should be ready for that. I mean hurt you in a way that you have to live by grace and faith to make it. God is saying to me "give me more, Amy". Don't settle for getting by or just being the above average Christian give Jesus more.

I want to seek to live sacrificially and not just get by! I pray that God will show me even today how I can not just serve Him but what I can give Him that may hurt me but bring glory to Him!

Daytona Beach Video 2013

Our annual Daytona Beach trip was good as always this year. It was so nice of Twin Oaks Baptist to provide us the funds to have a wonderful trip this year. It's hard when all of our family lives far away, so we treasure vacation time for many reasons. Usually I make a photo book of our beach trips but since Pippa was making so many discoveries this year I just had to do a video this time.

A Birthday Visit from Grandma and Grandpa

Last weekend Josh's parents came in to celebrate Pippa's birthday. It was such a short visit but a good one as always.

Little outfit from great grandma

This adorable outfit was made by Pippa's grandma. Isn't it so cute!

They tried to take Pippa with them when they left...

Birthday cupcake

Another adorable dress made by grandma :)

She is such a smarty in grandma's glasses.

Her grandpa made her an upright toy bin. I love it and Pippa loves digging through that bottom bin!

Pippa's 1 year Party at Nana and Pawpaws

As usual after about 6 hours of driving I am through and our 8 hour trip was no exception! When we finally arrived at Nana and Pawpaw's we were all ready to get out of the car and she was all into her presents!

 

Hudson's gifts to Pippa were so cute! 

I want this coat in my size...

Pippa loved this rocking chair that Cindy and I both used when we were little. I think it made her feel like a big girl.

Waiting for her party on Saturday...

Favor perennial plants for our guests!

still waiting..

I think at times she felt like a celebrity...

Tes even came over! They are less than 24 hours apart :)

Yummy tootsie rolls in baby jars for favors.

 

Nana and Pawpaw had to help her figure out this cake thing..

 

It was such a fun day and weekend and I am so thankful to everyone that made it so special!

Happy Birthday Pippa!

 

I can't believe my baby has become a little girl in one year. I never imagined how much she would change and develop over 12 months! We are very proud of her recent accomplishments like getting teeth, saying "ut oh" when she drops something and walking before one! 

She is such a big girl. Where has the time gone?  

Josh and I have so enjoyed watching her little personality evolve. 

those lips!

My how she has grown...

In some ways she looks so different and in others she still looks the same to me. Love that little nose!

She did great for her One year photo shoot!

 

We couldn't keep her from walking long enough to snap pictures. She was everywhere!

 

She currently is really into giving the pity laugh when we say something we think is funny. She just looks and laughs "ah haha" as if saying "you think you're so funny mommy and daddy!". 

I love that Pippa can wear my baby shoes!

These letters fascinated her and the rocks below also did...

God has blessed us with an amazing energetic little girl.  I have treasured every moment and will continue to cherish all her moment's in life. She is such a gift!