Fresno, Fearless, Friends-- and Pizza

Spent the weekend in Fresno with the great people at College Church. It is such a blessing to be with them each year. I had forgotten what a powerful theme "Fearless" is-- it was good for me to listen again and think about the path I am on. Mike, Jeff, and Randy were amazing-- what teachers they are! I am so thankful to be a part of this ministry.

This is us with some members of College Church. They sang a couple of songs with us on Sunday and sounded great! :)

The Girls!-- Sheryl, Lindsey (Peter's wife), and I. It was fun to hang out and catch up on life.

So, today was my birthday! It is such a cliche to say-- time flies and I can't believe how old I am getting!-- but that is true. Tonight was also the birthday of one of Caroline's friends who is in our lifegroup-- Avery (in the pink dress). We all met up for pizza to share her special day and eat Tinkerbell cupcakes. This is a group shot of four of the girls in our group-- 3 others are weren't able to be there. As I watched them playing, I thought about time-- how one day Avery (and Caroline) will be at their own children's birthday parties and tonight will be a dim memory-- if they remember it at all!

Of course the kids were loud, played in the fountain, spilled drinks, made a mess-- and we all stayed at the restaurant about 30 minutes AFTER it closed.... We were THOSE people who drive everyone else in the restaurant crazy-- and we were feeling bad that we had lingered so long. But, Joey (the owner and chef) was so nice-- as we were leaving he advised all of us to treasure the time we had with our children, "One day they will be teenagers before you can blink your eyes." He gave the kids "high fives" and we all climbed into the mini-vans and SUVs and headed for home.

Yes, time marches on. Thank God for good friends, spiritual mentors, sweet children, and yummy pizza. Life is good tonight.

What a Country!

Although both of my sisters are thoroughly entrenched in all things political... it is safe to say, that I don't have any real political passion. I am all about "love of country", etc., but I tend to be skeptical when it comes to the rigmarole politicians dole out.

I typically lean toward the right-- I am pretty straight-laced and mostly conservative. This past election neither candidate wowed me.

Today, however, one cannot ignore the greatness of our country. Whether Democrat, Republican, Independent... you just have to be proud of what our nation represents-- and has represented-- in this world.

I am a historical nerd (was a history major)-- so, I have been seated in front of the TV all day soaking in all the inaugural events. I really enjoy it.

I tried to impress upon Caroline and Luke the gravity of what was happening... how Obama would be the first black President. I had to explain to Luke what it meant to be "black"-- he didn't realize that there was a difference in skin color. I am pretty sure that his children won't know there is a difference either one day.

I have to say I am missing Tim Russert so badly. I bonded with him during the "white board" election back in 2000. I loved his passion and wit. He would be loving today....

I am praying that God uses President Obama to accomplish His purposes. I hope you all will join me in praying for him today and for our country.

God bless America!

Caroline at Mary Kate's Wedding

Happy Honeymoon, MK & Josh!

My youngest sister Mary Kate was married on New Year's Eve. It was a grand and wonderful event, and we are thrilled to have Josh join our family. Scott and I were actually in a Bible study group with Josh when we were first married and we have considered him a great friend for going on 14 years now. I can't imagine a better brother-in-law to welcome into the family.

The wedding was at beautiful Scarritt Bennet Chapel on the Vanderbilt campus. The reception that followed was downtown at the Hermitage Hotel-- so nice.... It was the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

Nancy, Mary Kate, and Me-- the three sisters.

Scott and Caroline at the Rehearsal.

Luke and Caroline were ring bearer and flower girl along with their cousins, Austin and Camille (my sister Nancy's children). They couldn't have been cuter.

Happy New Year!