Let Man Not Separate...

November 12th marked the day that my friend became one with her God given gift.  It was a beautiful day, a beautiful wedding and she was a beautiful bride!  The Lord was kind in giving Jed to Crystal and Crystal to Jed.  Here is their wedding story...

 A treasured moment to witness.  PJ and I love attending weddings because it reminds us of all the preparation put into a unknown life together and the reality of marriage.  Marriage is SUCH a blessing WITH loads of sanctification :)

Congrats Jed & Crystal !!!

The Gospel Coalition

Last Saturday my hubby helped co-host The Gospel Coalition here in LA!  

A blessed time with other Angelenos

Building Blocks

This year my hubby and I want to be mindful of our mindset behind raising and disciplining our kids. I was recently reading "Age of Opportunity" and it was so insightful, and really a kick in the butt of what our goals as parents should be. Sometimes our focus can be so much on the external behavior (wanting our children to just obey), but the reality is that they are not just going to obey, but we as parents need to help them learn how to repent and ask for forgiveness (get to the heart issues). As I see my children disobeying, I need to see it as a gospel opportunity and know this is a prime way, and time to show them and teach them how to get out of their sinful behavior. What a relief...I know this stuff but it's so easy to forget! Now, I am able to tell Rock, that he will make mistakes and sin but we need to learn from them.

I'm currently helping one of my family members with a sin issue, and I'm reminded again at how important parenting in a, gospel-graceful-way is extremely important. I get scared at times with Rock, and Key, and knowing there will be rebellious times, and blatantly sinful actions, but what can I expect, they're two people that are sinners, just like me. I do a whole lot of hurt to God and others because of my sinful actions and attitudes. All I know, and pray for now, is GRACE to get us through those tough situations.

A Quiet Christmas

Christmas day was definitely different this year since Key was sick. After debating whether to go to my sisters, we headed over there, and stayed a couple of hours, then headed back home. Once we were all together, we had the kids open their gifts, look in their stockings, and finally we unveiled our gifts to them.

Key managed to muster up some energy when she saw her kitchen.

Stocking stuffer...
I thought he could use another in his repertoire:)

I love his shiny trike. I wish I could ride it:)

In the mist of opening presents and being with loved ones, it's so easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas. Whether Jesus was actually born on Dec 25th is definitely debatable and I wouldn't die on that hill, but the point of God becoming man, dwelling among us, living a perfect life, the Father (God) punishing his son for the sake of those who will trust him---amazing. The heavenly of it's doctrines is a case for the Bible being the Word of God. There's NO way anyone can come up with such an amazing, unique, and true story. There is no other like it--amazing.

Hope everyone had a great time with friends, and family. Get ready for New Year's!!!