Favorite Bible Verses

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:16

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. —1 John 4:7

Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live. —Isaiah 55:3

Be anxious for nothing. —Philippians 4:6

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. —Philippians 4:11

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about . . . what you will put on. —Matthew 6:25

You shall love the your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. —Mark 12:30

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. —Psalm 56:3

These are a few of my favorite verses. Words to live by, grow by, and be encouraged by. What are your favorite verses!?! Xoxo-BLC

C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N!!!

Baby Squeak's Baptism!!! It was just the sweetest day and one of my favorites by far.

I am so blessed by baby Squeak and it was so wonderful to welcome her into the faith.

My biggest prayer for her is knowing Jesus and always walking with Him.

We arrived at the church early to get pictures but totally forgot - ha!

And then we took every picture with a phone. #fail

We were so blessed to have so much family in town and so many friends attend.

It was really beyond special.

My favorite part of her baptism: my dad baptized baby Squeak.

I was so worried our church wouldn't let him.

Our church is Presbyterian and my dad is a Methodist minister.

I fretted and prayed about it ... and our ministers were ALL for it. Such a blessing!

Baby Squeak literally screamed, fussed, and cried the entire time.

I didn't realize it until later, but she was running a low grade fever.

I'm 99% it was from teething, but nonetheless ... bless her little heart!!!

I think four months was the perfect age. 

She can hold herself up enough but is still super baby and cuddly.

After the lovely service, we dined at one of our favorite brunch spots with 25 family and friends.

It was a great time of fellowship and celebration.

Hymns: "O Love that Will Not Let Me Go"

"The Heavens Declare Thy Glory"

"Hallelujah, What a Savior"

"The Church's One Foundation"

"Be Thou My Vision"

Welcome to the faith lovebug Squeak!!!

We love you to the moon and back. You could not be more precious to us.

Our hope is to live out our faith and that you may not know one day without Jesus as your Savior.

Xoxo-BLC

Psalm 27

My husband's work partner visited us in the hospital with his sweet wife and prayed this over Miss Squeak:

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me
    to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
    who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
    my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
    even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
    above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
    I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
    the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
    lead me in a straight path
    because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
    for false witnesses rise up against me,
    spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

We just love Psalm 27 and will continually pray this over Miss Squeak. Chin chin!!! Xoxo-BLC

Gaelic Blessing

Deep peace of the running wave to you.

Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the shinning stars to you.

Deep peace of the gentle night to you.

Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.

Deep peace of Christ, of Christ the light of the world to you.

Deep peace of Christ to you.

Our church recently read this Gaelic Blessing and I thought it was too pretty not to share. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed by it!!! Xoxo-BLC

J-O-Y

The third Sunday in Advent is JOY. My middle name was Joy until I married and I've always thought it made me a littler peppier just because. The advent candle is PINK for joy ... I knew I always loooved pink. I looked up joy and the dictionary said: "the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune ... a state of happiness or bliss." Such a word and definition seems amiss this week. With the needless tragedy in Newtown. With friends loosing loved ones. A certain sadness as we miss those already departed during the holidays. Where is joy in any of that? Yet, maybe this is the perfect week to be reminded of joy. After such grief, loss, and sadness, we hope for a season of joy again. That season will be sweeter and rosier after such depths. This is my prayer for Sandy Hook's community, those who have lost, and the saddened: Nehemiah 8:10b:  "The joy of the Lord will make you strong." May you know Him and a season of joy again!!! Xoxo-BLC

Gone from My Sight

"I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze 
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, 
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs 
like a speck of white cloud 
just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. 
Then someone at my side says, 
"There she goes!"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight . . . that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear her load of living freight
to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment
when someone at my side says,
" There she goes! "
there are other eyes watching her coming . . .
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . .

"Here she comes!"

by: Henry Van Dyke

Two years ago today I lost my stepdad to cancer. I am still near speechless about the matter. My oldest sissy encouraged me to read the hospice booklet "Gone from My Sight." I resisted because I didn't want to face the loss. That book was powerful as is the above from Henry Van Dyke. While I miss him much and wish he were here, I am so thankful for the peace, joy, and comfort that comes from the Lord. I am beyond thankful for his unconditional love, the time we did have together on earth, and seeing him again in heaven. If you have lost a loved one this year or recently, know that I am praying for you as the holidays prove a little more difficult without all our loved ones. Peace to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

What REALLY Matters

Do you read Kelly Korner's Blog? If not, START now!!! Everyone should. She has an amazing heart and such an encourager and inspiration to me. See the original post here, but this is too powerful not to share:

"I hope you won't go another day without knowing Jesus personally.  If you were in a car crash tomorrow or diagnosed with stage 4 cancer - I hope you have the confidence that you would see 1 Cor 2:9 in action - that you would know that you would spend eternity in heaven with Christ. Don't put it off - you never know when you last day will come. And this life is full of good things - but honestly the only thing that REALLY matters is to know Jesus and to make Him known."

Look up 1 Corinthians 2:9 if you do not know it by heart. This is all the really matters. Everything else is fluff. It's fun to dish about, but this is what really matters. As always, I am happy to chit chat with anyone who reads and has questions about Jesus and a personal relationship with Him. Chase what really matters!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: This weekend I am here ... see TCSK post orrrr the Lilly Blog post!!! Come find me if you plan on attending too. I would LOVE to meet YOU!!! :)

Blessing

"May the Lord bless you 

and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26

For the benediction this Sunday, our minister read the above verse as a blessing to the congregation.
I think it's too wonderful not to share. May you also be blessed this week and always!!! Xoxo-BLC

Lazy Sundays

Be still, and know that I am God. —Psalm 46:10

Stewart and are being still, snuggling, and knowing more of God.

Lazy Sunday snuggles are the best!!! 

I hope your day is sweet and relaxing as can be.

Xoxo-BLC

October Baby

This is the story of a life that almost wasn't. You have the power to choose: love, forgiveness, hope, life, joy. It's a Christian story. The cinematography is incredible. Choose to watch it!!! Xoxo-BLC

Unforgotten

I hate today's date. I always will. I will never forget. Will you? My heart is heavy and sad. My prayer for today is that everyone impacted will feel the love, comfort, and peace that comes from the Lord. Godspeed to those who paid with their life for our freedom. Xoxo-BLC

PS: And this ... 

Duke Chapel

It wouldn't be a proper trip to Duke without attending Duke Chapel. I love their formal services, the loooong aisle, the gorge interior, and the whole bit. It takes me back to childhood when my grandparents would insist on taking pictures in the gardens afterwards. Such a great visit with family and to one of my favorite North Carolina spots. Until next time!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Good Friday!!!

Wishing you and yours a Gooood Friday! John 3: 16 (NIV) reads, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." May today start your Easter weekend off on the right hoppity-hop! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Palm (Tree) Sunday!!!

It's Palm Sunday!!! My childhood church always passed out BIG palms on this day. I cannot spy a palm tree without thinking of Palm Sunday. In John 12:12-14, it says:

"The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Isreal!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."" (NIV)

Palm Sunday is special to me because I was first saved by His grace on this date many many many moons ago. I am wishing you a very special day and hosanna!!! Xoxo-BLC

Bye-Bye For Now

A week ago today, my sweet Grams passed away. It was a tad unexpected and I miss her dearly. I am certain of her salvation in Jesus which is such a sweet gift and I look forward to seeing her again in heaven. My mom gave me this card I wrote to Grams when I was a child. Grams called me her "baby angel" and always gifted me the cutest angel items. She was the original Lilly lover in our family and could always spot a Lilly shift a mile away. I looked up to my Grams: she was stylesetter and tastemaker for me. She wore Revlon's red flip better than anyone. She always let me eat cake for breakfast and thought dessert should be served first. She loved to travel and saw the whole world. She was upbeat, positive, and could win any card game, especially bridge. She successfully raised three children and balanced an impressive career. I am beyond thankful to have such an inspiration grandmother, to have had her in my life for as long as I can remember, and I am so grateful she vibrantly colored my life. She always ended each conversation with "bye-bye for now" which is always so appropriate because it is just bye-bye for now until we meet again. Xoxo-BLC

Noah's Ark

I am a Christian and I believe in creation. I believe God created us and I disbelieve we evolved into the beings we are today. I was never taught of evolution in grade school. I was only taught creation and I count that as a blessing. However, most children are the opposite: they never learn the creation story and are only taught evolution. This never even crossed my mind until this week until I had the pleasure of learning about the Creation Museum and their next project, the Ark Encounter. I think the Creation Museum is a magnificent way to share about creation and I think the Ark Encounter will be just as huge ... literally!!! Here is the gist:

"When Noah built the Ark, it stood as a symbol of salvation. No doubt Noah preached that only those who went through the Ark’s door would be saved from coming judgment. What if we built the Ark (out of wood) today? Imagine the impact it could have on the world. What a powerful outreach to teach the world about God’s Word and the message of salvation!" I'm certain people will heckle, just as people heckled Noah way back when. But I think this is just awesome. I want to be a part of this endeavor and you can join me: we can help build the Ark, pray for its progress, and visit one day too!!! Xoxo-BLC

One whole year.

A year ago today, I lost my stepdad to cancer, but he won: he is in the presence of Jesus. My parents remarried their significant others when I was itty bitty and I don't remember life without them. More than anything I want him back. Grief is just the price we pay for love. For the first time since he passed, I searched through my old email correspondence with him. I was in giggle fits to find this was the last email I received from him: 

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 
 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 
 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Ever since my high school we had a running joke of "don't eat too much." To let you in on the funny, it was my senior prom and after pictures at my parents house, our parents were sending my friend group off with well wishes. They were yelling goodbyes like "have fun" "be safe" and so on. Not to be outdone, my stepdad yells "BLC, don't eat too much." I remember him being mortified, my mom elbowing him, and everyone laughing. I still think its just as funny as I did that day. After all, laughter is the best medicine. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I really appreciate the kind words you shared last year. Donna reminded me last year that Christmas in heaven and celebrating Jesus's birth with him is far better than year (you can read her comment here). It helped me focus on his win, not our loss. In the past year, I can think of a friend who lost a parent, a friend who lost a sibling, and friend who lost a child. Being comforted by you helped me comfort them.

PSS: I wrote this post about grief: "Good Grief." If you struggle with grief it might help you a little too. :)

Washed by the Water

This is one of my most favorite songs. It's by Needtobreathe:

"Daddy was a Preacher
She was his wife
Just tryin' to make the world a little better
You know, shine a light

People started talking
Just to hear their own voice
Those people tried to accuse my father
Saying he'd made the wrong choice

Though it might be painful
You know time will always tell
Those people have long since gone
My father never failed

Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
Even when the storm comes
I am washed by the water

Even if the Earth crumbles under my feet
Even if the ones I love turn around and crucify me
I won’t never ever let you down
I won’t fall, I won’t fall, I won’t fall as long as you’re around me"

You can listen to it by clicking here. It's moving, touching, and uplifting. It's true: with Jesus, we cannot fall. Cheers to being washed by the water!!! I am; are you!?! Xoxo-BLC

10 Years Ago ...

I cannot believe it has been 10 years. My heart is heavy and sad. My prayer for today is that everyone impacted will feel the love, comfort, and peace that comes from the Lord. A few weeks after September 11, 2001, Matt Redman wrote this song and it is the song of my heart today:

"Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name"

I will always remember September 11th, 2001. I was a senior in high school. When I heard, I was in the guidance counselor's office having my college applications approved. Everything in my world stopped when the news broke. I panicked because my sweet steppadre, Paparazzi, was out of town on business. He traveled so much; I couldn't remember where he was and if he was suppose to be flying. Mamatella appeased my worries: he was safe in Texas. It took him a few days, but he caught a ride back to North Carolina with co-workers heading home to Connecticut. I am sooo extremely blessed my family and friends were safe. Regardless, we all lost on that day. The price of freedom is not cheap. Again, my thoughts and prayers go to everyone touched by this tragedy. Godspeed to those who paid with their life for our freedom. Xoxo-BLC

Diapers and Wipes

I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: we belong to an ah-mazing church and Sunday School class. It is such a blessing in our lives and to our marriage. If we meet in real life, I am going to invite you to my church and my Sunday School and my Bible Study. The more the merrier!!!

Yesterday, our Sunday School hosted a baby shower for two very special mamas-to-be!!! We showered them with love, prayers, a delish spread, and pressies. Everyone brought the exact same gift: diapers and wipes. I gifted both mamas the denim diapers --- I just think they are the cutest, hippest, funnest diapers around. If I had a minnie, I am certain their uniform would be denim diapers and a polo (with a popped collar of course). My prayers continue for these mamas for happy, healthy, easy, and fun pregnancies!!! Xoxo-BLC