Monday, April 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Brudder!!

Happy Birthday Sean!!!

(excuse the picture... taken from Sean's phone)

The Hall/Ward clan went to Benihana's for Sean's birthday and had a wonderful time! Can't believe my baby brother is 20 years old!!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wrapped around...

her little finger. I was picking up Mili from my mom's house and as I drove down the street, there they were- Nana and Uncle Sean fielding all her balls. She has them, and she knows it :)


And she has been in the "Ball" type of mood. All she wants is a new glove (hot pink, I might add) and bat. This is probably because her father is on a league every night of the week, other than Wednesdays, and that's only because we have church. So between two soft ball leagues and a dodge ball league, I am already running around the ball field. I didn't think this would be the case for another few years, seeing that I am just 7 months pregnant with our first son... oh well, guess it started a little early.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Book Spree

Thankfully, being an educator, I get 20% off anything in Barnes and Noble. Which is nice, unless I use that as an excuse to go crazy when buying from there... which sister and I did this weekend. Two of the books, are more like wise investments though.... :)

1. Mili's new Bible. She needed a new one badly, and I love watching her be SO proud of it. I think it's important for children to learn early the importance of God's Word and how sacred it is. And I believe she gets it because she wanted to sleep with it so "Jesus can be close to my heart all night long". Also, it is in the shape of a purse, that looks real "big girlish". So she was a happy camper!


2. Baby Wise, it is suppose to be amazing. And every mom I know who has read it, swears by it. So, I can't wait to start reading... that is on the to-do list for this evening!! I believe (from what I have read and heard), it's about fitting a baby into your life, rather than allowing the baby to set the rules and schedules. So we will see... keep posted for my remarks :)

Thoughts

I came across a great devotion.

I have gone through some things recently when having the mind of Christ and having to make decisions, while still showing God's love, seems so hard (I am a little stubborn, especially when I think I am right). It's human nature to want to "get even" or make something right that doesn't seem fair, especially when you sincerely haven't been in the wrong. But when I remember the mercy Christ has shown to me, I have to do the same. Christ went through SO much, and truly was never in the wrong. In other words, I HAVE to still show love to those who seem unlovable, or who I think are truly unworthy of grace from me. I can't find scriptures that allow me to love them any differently or less from those who do me right and good. Meaning, if a person is a pain to deal with or is the most enjoyable person to be around... I am to love them with the love of Christ. Period. Furthermore, as an example to my husband and children, I have to act out God's word if I expect the same from Stephen and want Mili and Jonah to be proud and see what is right, not just hear it. For so many reasons- to show the lost, my family, and above all for Christ- I have to die daily to my flesh and desires, and live how Christ would have me to, and trust He will take care of the rest. Finally, if we would worry about laying up riches in Heaven, as much as we do about "getting what we think is ours" on earth, the focus for what we live for would change dramatically. And I need to be refocused to that daily.

So, I read this devotion today, and it's so true. God knows my heart and motives, and that's all I am going to have to give an account for... in the meantime, I have to love others who don't deserve my love, because I don't deserve Christ's love.

Our actions are usually a reflection of who we are. Our actions should reflect what we profess to believe. We should act on our word. We should remember to always take the right actions even when it’s difficult – We should “walk the walk”, not only “talk the talk”. We should think carefully before we act. We should treat others the same way we ourselves would like to be treated. Children and adults alike are watching and learning from our actions. Remember that in everything we say and do, we are ambassadors for God. -Joyful Living Devotions

Think on these verses...

"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”"
Luke 16:13

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
James 4:17

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."Jeremiah 17:9-10

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tuesday...great day!

1. Have a GREAT job-one that is so rewarding, the kids were extra wonderful today!! I love to see them helping each other, almost as if I am not even needed. Their genuineness is so encouraging.
2. It's beautiful outside! Although I have to be stuck inside a workshop until 7pm tonight, it's still a gorgeous day out today! The weather and temperature are perfect. Sweet tea and a porch kind of night with my husband are in order.
3.My husband-since I have a training tonight, he will have a wonderful (probably take out) dinner waiting on me when I get home, so we can eat and enjoy the Rockets game.
4.Jonah-this sweet baby moves nonstop, and has been kicking me so hard in my ribs, it take my breath away sometimes... but I love it! Kick away sweet boy, and keep growing strong and healthy!

I just heard a lot of people complain today... and for valid reasons, a lot of people are going through some hard times. But I just can't help to stop and be thankful. The Lord has blessed me with such a simple life, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am always faithful to thank Him for extra special days, or for the "big" things that happen. But thank you Lord, for today, just a simple Tuesday. The routine of every day life can sometimes hinder taking a second and just saying "Thank you". SO, thank you Lord for today, because I have You, it was a GREAT one!!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Say "Cheese!"

So excited to learn on my new camera... and even more excited for Jonah to get here so I can have the perfect subject! :)

Also, thank you to my cousin, Kristen, she has already lead me in the right direction! She is one of the best photographers, and is completely amazing behind the camera. She is also a WONDERFUL writer, she has a close walk with the Lord and is always so encouraging with her posts... go check out her blogs!!

themcgfamily365.blogspot.com


themcgfamily.blogspot.com



Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Day

Love it!

Stephen Ward, by far the best man I have ever met. He loves me so unconditionally (which is hard to do, I hardly love myself sometimes). He is so caring and thoughtful, not just to me, but to everyone. He just has the biggest heart. He is so easy on the eyes, I love him all dressed up in his suit or him just wearing his sweats with a T-shirt. I always wanted a man who was so hot, and yet classy handsome too, and that's just what he is. He is so considerate, he always puts me before himself, and has such a sacrificial love for our family. He is such a great daddy. I love watching him with Mili, and the way Mili just adores him. Her and I have both figured out that no man exists like the man in our life. I can't wait for Jonah to look at him the same way, and I pray all the time, he will be so much like his daddy. He is so successful and amazing at his job, and God is truly blessing him for it (and this wife doesn't mind that at all), it takes such great care of our family. He is hilarious, he lives to make me laugh and does it all the time. He is SO romantic, after years of being together, he still catches me off guard all the time with sweet surprises and unexpected gifts. He is so encouraging, he has me believing I can do anything and is always so uplifting. I have never had a best friend, like the one I have in him. He is my leader and the head of our house, but also respects what I have to say about everything. I love how we work together and how I can trust him with every detail of my life. He loves the Lord, and I believe that's why he loves me so well. And I thank the Lord every day for him. Stephen is more than I have ever prayed for, and no man could be more perfect for me. I just love the way he loves me and I love that with each passing day, I fall more in love with him.

Happy Valentine's baby, you are the man of my dreams and I am so in love with you!!

Also, dinner date for V day.... The Barbed Rose, everyone should try it, it is gorgeous. So fun to get dressed up and enjoy some great food!!