Snow Jumpin'

It's official.

As of Easter Sunday, there is no more snow in our yard. None! Woohoo! Spring is here!

But as I was looking through pictures, trying to find something to put up on our blog, I came across this video from last month, when snow was plentiful (to say the least ;-).

The twins took advantage of the snowy day to practice their jumping skills.

They may still need a little work, but this video captures some serious cuteness :-). Enjoy!

Extravagant Love

Today, as I think about Easter and all that it means to me as a follower of Christ, my mind is overwhelmed once again with the simple thought that Jesus died for me. Jesus. God made flesh. The God of the universe. He died for me. A poor, filthy sinner, imprisoned by sin, and rightfully sentenced to death for my utter inability to meet the perfect standard of my Creator. He could have left me there in my prison. He had every right. He didn't need me for anything, and I was certainly less than desirable. But He didn't. Why? Because He loved me. Did you catch that? God loved me. It makes no sense. For a perfect God to love a worthless sinner is completely unreasonable, wholly inconvenient, and totally outrageous. And He did it anyway. He took my death penalty upon Himself, and replaced it with the gift of life. That's a pretty ridiculous trade. No one in their right mind would trade life and redemption for death and condemnation. Unless, of course, they had an extravagant love for others that triumphed over their own wants and needs. Like Jesus. Oh, to have that kind of love! His love. Perfect, holy love that transcends common sense and pours forth the glory of God. My prayer today is that as we remember Christ's death upon the cross, God will fill us with His Spirit so that this world will see the transforming power of extravagant LOVE.

This blog has been sorely neglected as of late. I'm hoping to post more often now that the school year is winding down. In fact, I (Amy) only have two weeks of classes left before finals! I'm looking forward to the break from classes, but getting a bit anxious about finding a summer job. I'm trusting that God has a plan for my time this summer, but having a tough time waiting patiently for Him to let me in on it ;-). Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. Job suggestions won't be turned down, either :-P. Despite the uncertainty in the job situation, I am so excited for summer! It is by far my favorite season of the year! I've been daydreaming about it just a bit lately, so I thought I'd share some of those daydreams with you. This summer, I picture myself:

• Studying some of the weirder books of the Old Testament (probably starting with Numbers and Judges--it's been a while since I've read those)
• Learning more about prayer and spiritual warfare
• Riding bikes on the trails A LOT!!!!
• Going for walks with my family
• Playing guitar
• Continuing to study Psalms and Proverbs with a friend
• Painting on cards
• Reading some good books out in the sunshine (Not sure which books yet. Suggestions???)
• Helping my family host the weekly softball team ice cream sundae party. YUM!
• Hosting some Young Adult get-togethers at our house
• Babysitting
• Spending a week with my grandparents
• Volunteering at church and/or camp
• Whatever else the Lord sends my way

What's on your to-do list for the summer?

Seventeen!

17!!!!!

That's the number our sweet lil' sis turned today!

She lights up our lives and we are so thankful God placed her in our family.

Happy Birthday, Katie!