Friday Favorites

My week started out really rough. Raising a toddler will test your patience daily. Despite the rough start, the week has turned out well. I actually managed to capture a few pictures for this weeks Friday Favorites.


5. 30 Day Shred Challenge
I'm on Level 3 and when I first bought the DVD last year, I doubted that I would ever get to that level, let alone enjoy it. Mason really enjoys working out with me. I love that he can see me taking care of my body and trying to be healthy.

Taylor woke up from her nap and immediately went for the weights.

Mason is all set to work out.

Getting ready to Shred.

4. Brad & Jill are expecting!

This week, we learned that our very good friends are expecting their first child. We are so excited for them and know they will be fantastic parents. They are great with kids and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. They are also Mason's godparents.

Brad & Jill with Mason July 2008 on their visit to Bakersfield.

This picture just melts my heart.

Now that is love.

3. Mason reading The Bible.

I usually do my morning biblestudy each day, while Taylor takes her morning nap. I sit at the kitchen table, while Mason plays in the living room or in his room. I always tell him what I'm doing in case he needs me.

Last weekend, while we were in Anaheim, Mason opened the drawer in our hotel room and found The Bible. He immediately pulled it out and told us that he was "reading his Bible." It goes to show that kids are paying attention to the things you are doing.

2. Taylor took her first steps.

Tuesday morning, I was playing with Taylor when she stood up in the middle of the room and tried to take a few steps towards me. She took three steps and then fell. She continues to try, and usually can only get a few steps in, but she is making progress. I'm hoping she will be walking before we leave on our trip to Houston in a few weeks.

Taylor loves to talk on the phone.

Silly faces. She also refuses to wear bows, headbands or any clips in her hair these days. I hope this phase ends soon, because I miss her accessories.

Getting so big.

1. Revelations.
I've always valued my relationship with The Lord, but my walk has gone to an entirely new level this past year. Most people see Christianity as a religion and nothing more. I see it as a personal relationship, which involves spending time with Him, in His Word, and prayer. I believe with all of my heart that Christ died for our sins and I accepted Him into my heart at the age of eight.

I've always read my Bible, but not on a daily basis. It wasn't until this past year that I started spending time each day reading my Bible and keeping a prayer journal. It is amazing what The Lord has revealed to me lately. It's not always an easy walk and He doesn't promise that, but He does assure us that He will always be there for us.

One thing that stands out to me this week is that so many times I look to Adam, others, or material things to sustain me. It's so easy to rely on others or expect someone to make you feel better. No one can sustain you but our Heavenly Father. You can try and will fail every time. He wants you to call on Him. He wants you to have a relationship with Him. He loves you unconditionally.