Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Happy Rainy Joyous Day

Happy 2nd Birthday to the littlest love of my life.

Grace and I trying to hold up two fingers today.


In the beginning...


Bonding time with Uncle Kevin


Sitting up with Auntie Mel


Celebrating our Disney 1/2 marathon with us.


Somehow she had gotten up there, but she
couldn't figure out how to get off. :)


We love you little one, yesterday, today, and forever. May you grow up to know and love Jesus.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Linda and Richard - Wedding Day


This is one of those times that I wish I was an eloquent writer. I just have so much in my heart to express, but just feel like I don't know how to do it.

I have been to many, many weddings - this by far was the best one I have ever been to. From the very start you could just feel the love, joy, and excitement from everyone. When my mom walked down the aisle she pumped her fist as to say, "yes!" and everyone laughed and hooted. And when Linda walked in the entire chapel stood and cheered her on as she walked towards Richard.

A few memories to highlight:
1. The Worship - Never have I felt so privileged to be able to witness such a state of worship among God's people. We sang three songs, Come Thou Fount, Everlasting God, and In Christ Alone. The singing was so loud I couldn't even hear Steph and I. People were so joyous and Linda and Richard were singing at the top of their lungs from the stage. It was something I'll never forget.

2. Dad affirming Richard and then Linda.

3. Dad's calling to accept Christ. And Richard's Son-In-Law did! Someone said they felt like they had already been to church for the week and I wholeheartably agreed. You just felt so full when it was over.

4. The dancing at the reception! Man, I have never seen so many Free Methodists get down! =)

5. The open sharing at the reception from people who have been blessed by Linda and Richard.

6. The "R + L = LOVE" rhinestone tie Jason had made. By the end of the night Richard had it on and was dancing around. That guy is so young at heart!

7. John and Matt Mills and the Band. They were just incredible.

8. Linda, she was so radiant, there are no words to describe her. She was so joyous. In fact, she stayed till the very end - dancing with Richard, raising her hands, and singing along with the songs.

It really is amazing how God has truly answered Linda's one hope, to be married to a Godly man. This whole schebang is a testimony to God. He is faithful in his time - and when He does something, it is always way beyond anything you could ever have hoped for. He was glorified yesterday. May he continue to be glorified until his return.



Linda and us girls


I now pronounce you...



Friday, January 1, 2010

Reflections of 2009 and Hopes for 2010

A few highlights of last year...

1. The frequent flyer miles - Nor Cal, Florida, Kauai, Colorado, Seattle... not to mention the normal; camp, Shuyokai, fishing in Mammoth, Midwinter, Catalyst, and Vegas with Josh's friends, to name a few.
2. Linda's story - proposed to, fell in love, experienced her first, kiss, bridal shower, dress shopping, cake tasting, hand holding, canoodling, splitting a meal with a loved one, and on and on.
3. Graduating from school, and bringing to a close the end of a three year journey.
4. Working with Gary and the conference, seeing vision come to reality, DropIn, church visits, and every other amazing thing God has done here.
5. Babysitting Grace - watching her grow up has been so rewarding...we love her so much.
6. Aimee's 30th birthday. A monumental occasion for more than one reason.
7. Bringing a salad to the Uyeda family Thanksgiving.
8. My family doing so so well. God is truly faithful.
9. Mr. and Mrs. Uyeda accepting Christ and being babtized...and everyone else who accepted Christ!

Hurts of 2010:
1. Loosing those we love, like Marion
2. Linda, and cancer
3. Blankey

Things to look forward to in 2010:
1. Moving Out
2. Josh graduating
3. Momentum

Resolutions for 2010:
1. Ordering a Tall instead of a Grande
2. Passing gas in front of Josh

But the best hope I heard for this year came from a wise young someone we all know and love, Miss. Lauren Tang:
A Prayer: "Shake the foundations of my heart...I will not burn out this year, I will burn bright...No more empty resolutions. No more frail intentions. This year, I want to do something brave and beautiful. From the deepest corners of my trembling heart, I'm wispering the same words Isaiah did: Here I am. Send Me. Because my days don't mean anything if they don't belong to you." -Natalie Lloyd

Happy New Year everyone.