Happy Sunday

Hey Friends!

 Summer has had a great week playing with her new outdoor toys at Gramma and Grandad's house. 

 She got a slide, a water table and a riding toy.  If you look close you will see that Summer is actually sitting in the water table...not its primary purpose, but if your hot I guess it is a smart idea.

These days, Summer takes her suitcase with her everywhere.  It doesn't matter if we are going to the grocery store or a playdate she has to pack some toys and lovies.  She even took it in the stroller with her on our run once this week...yes I pushed the stroller with Summer and a suitcase in it!

We went on a family hike to see some waterfalls.  Summer walked up this huge rocky hill all by herself.  I kept telling her to say "up" when she needed help and she never did.  We stopped and had a picnic at this pavillion overlooking the waterfall.  It was a fun time outdoors.

 Summer smiling for the camera...actually I forgot the camera so these are cell phone pics.

Catching Up

Oops, I am behind on my blogging...here is what we have been up to in the past week. 

Summer went to a big girl birthday party for our sweet friend, Greer who turned 3 (Summer far left, Greer 3rd from left)!  Her parents were so smart to have the party at an ice cream shop that supplied everything, face painting, balloon art and even a coloring station.  We were thrilled to be invited.   

 Summer picked a butterfly to be painted on her cheek and she sat very still while the lady painted.

 Mimi and Grando came to visit and we had a fun evening at Biltmore Park.

Summer has a new best friend, Ella.  As you can see, Summer is teaching her to walk.  Named after her cousin Ella, she got this doll from Gramma's house.  It was one of her Aunt Kiki's dolls when she was a little girl.  There is also a second doll named "Mo Ella" similar to our second pig lovie named "Mo Piggy."  And now all four of them have to sleep with her...her crib is getting crowded! 

 Summer and Grando being silly!

 Mimi and Summer riding the cars in front of the toy store. 

 Summer had to get off so she could help push Mimi faster.

 We enjoyed a great dinner with the Martins as well (Chad was out of town).

Help Me, Help You

I don't have too much rhym or reason as to what books of the Bible I read, but this week I decided to read through 2 Corinthians and pray that I learn some valuable lessons that I can apply in my life (duh, as if there aren't valuable lessons on every page).  This verse jumped out at me and I wanted to share it with you.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
I always thought that God comforted me because I believed in him...but now I see he comforted me so that I could use that as a tool to help others.  I think I will try and use my gift today. 

Splashville

Our MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group got together for a playdate at Splashville, downtown in front of the court house. At first Summer was a bit hesitant about the shoots of water.

 But after she saw her friends playing she took interest.

 Even still, she just couldn't get wet...she pulled her hair out in distress.

It wasn't until she realized that she, herself, could pretend like a fountain by spitting water out of her mouth, that she decided to take the risk and go for it!

 Oh yeah, it was worth it!

 Giddy with excitement

 What a fun way to beat the heat.

 We'll be back soon, Splashville!

Asheville is a great city! 

I love that downtown is such a vibrant yet safe place to be for not only dining and shopping but also picnics and playdates.

Sunday Notes

 Too Blessed Not To Share!

 I feel too blessed by the message I get from our church each Sunday not to pass it on.  We go to Biltmore Baptist Church and you can actually watch the services online each Sunday (live) on the website, http://www.biltmorebaptist.org/ .  I'll give you the quick version and hopefully won't lose anybody before the end.

 LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (Matthew 5:43-48)

Who are your enemies?  You may think, I don't have any...and I am not an enemy to anyone.  Think of enemies as anyone who seeks your failure, whether it be at work or in your social circles.  If you dig deep you might even find that you might be holding some ill feelings toward others..seeking their failure.

How do they get us?  By causing our hearts to be filled with anger and revenge.  By making us bitter.  God warns us not to get bitter in Hebrews 12:14-15.  He also tells us not to take revenge in Romans 12:19, "leave room for God's wrath."  So next time you feel like getting someone back...back off and know that God will take care of it. 
Our pastor mentioned that bitterness was like a jail cell.  No one would walk in and say this is a great place to live, shut the door and call me happy.  However, we sometimes back ourselves into that cell of bitterness and although the door is still open we stomp our foot and say we're not coming out!  Personally, I did it this week, I backed right into that cell over an issue and I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be and I could see the exit...yet I just said I am going to stay in this miserable place for a day.  Seriously Jana, seriously, poor decision.

Love your enemies (biblically).  Doesn't mean you have to be BFF with them.  Matthew 5:38-42 spells it out.  Verse 39 says if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also...think of "strike" as "insults," it goes back to the whole don't take revenge passage in Romans 12. Verse 40 doesn't mean lay down and let someone take all you have...rather pay those who you owe money.  Verse 41 relates to do more than the bare minimum.

7 DAY CHALLENGE

NO: Insults or Put Downs

GO: the second mile, do something to bless others

(why? because you're a Christian! And it glorifies God.)

LOW: Pray for your enemies for God to do something great in their life

My Nephew Brody

Welcome to the world, Brody Jacob Savage!

 Brody was born on July 1, 2011 at 1:09am (his great grandmother's birthday).  He weighed 8 lb 1 oz. and was 21 inches long.  He is a happy baby boy!

 The Savage Family!  What a blessing from God!

 Future Alabama football player

 Mama and Brody back at home.  Jen, you look beautiful!

I can't wait to get my hands on Brody later this month.  Until then I will uhh and ahh over pictures.