Greg Loves Sarah

So…It’s August 11th WHICH in my opinion is the PERFECT day on which to post some belated pictures from the 4th of July! I spent the 4th with my parents and the Bogners in Lafayette! We ventured downtown for an outdoor symphony performance and fireworks. It was GREAT! :) Love those folks!

Us gals! You should have SEEN my and Mel’s toenails. They were QUITE the patriotic statements! :)

Bethie and Ames! I love them SOOOOOOOO muchly! **hugs, girls**

THE CUTEST PARENTS OF THE YEAR! Or EVER for that matter! :)

…The view. T’was a lovely evening!

…Me and my Sarah (and a rabbit) :)

My buddy Matthew! He and Sarah are growing SOOO much!

Me and my Mel. Love you friend!! **hug**

“God’s grace means that I can rest assured

that I’ll have everything I need

to be what He wants me to be and to do what He wants me to do

in the situation in which He’s placed me.

I’m no longer restricted to the limits of my own strength and wisdom.

By His grace, I’ve a new identity and a new potential.

I’m a child of God; the risen Christ now lives inside of me.

I need no longer fear people or circumstances;

I don’t have to feel weak in the face of suffering or temptation,

because I no longer rest in the resources of my own ability.

I’m in Christ and He’s in me.

This new identity gives me new potential

as I face the realities of life in this bent and broken world.

God’s grace gives me reason to ‘take heart.'”

-Paul David Tripp, “Psalm 27: Take Heart”

“Thou hast made waiting beautiful; Thou has made patience divine. Thou hast taught us that the Father’s will may be received just because it is His will. Thou hast revealed to us that a soul may see nothing but sorrow in the cup and yet may refuse to let it go, convinced that the eye of the Father sees further than its own.” ~George Matheson, in Streams in the Desert

So. THIS is what happens when you leave Melanie B. and Erin W. alone in your office with a bazillion innocent balloons (which were left for me in my office so sweetly by my dear friend Josh!) :-D Wowsers, I love those folks!!!!

Click on the image and you should be able to read some of their SWEET, THOUGHTFUL notes which range from “*hugs*” to “Boo’s” to marriage proposals :-D hehe

I am ONE BLESSED GIRL!

“I don’t know what has you down today, my friend,
but I just had a thought that I hope might encourage you:

Keep in mind, my dearest Sarah, that our enemy does NOT want this to be a victorious day for you. Our foe will do everything he can to discourage, and defeat you, period. No, having a “good” day shouldn’t be easy—especially coming off such a week that we have had. Last week, the enemy lost big. I have no doubt that he wants to change that around for this week. This truly is a battle. We can’t think of each day as a regular day, but as an opportunity to reclaim ground for Christ. Sarah, God has given you an optimism, LOVE and joy that very few people have. Rejoice that you have a day to fight for Christ. Fight hard, claim truth, and win the victory for today through Christ alone. Put on HIS armor—your flesh WILL fail you. And when today is over, even if you don’t FEEL victorious, then give that day to the Lord, and prepare to fight for tomorrow. I’m fighting with you, I’m praying for you, and so are so MANY that love you and support you on all sides.

I love ya,
Mel”

Thank You, Father…for the gift of a friend. I pray that You would use these words, sent to me, to encourage others as well. Be exalted, oh God, in all the earth – and may it start in my heart…