Mary's eyes

I just wanted to post a picture that helped me remember why I do what I do....I was feeling a little down in the dumps because I have to miss something that is very important to me due to my job, so feeling sorry for myself...and not wanting to miss a moment of my girls' lives...I started looking at old pictures tonight and found this one of Mary....see this moment caught in time. I love what I do, I have to keep reminding myself how I love what I get to do! These are the kind of moments that make me know its true. Good night everyone, PEN

The Vest....

To all of you that check out my blog...I like to look at blogs myself. I don't know how many of you know christian contemporary artist Natalie Grant...I have used her music on my website, she's awesome! I wanted to post what she had on her blog, I sure hope you get a special blessing from it as well.


Natalie Grant's Blog ~February, 20 2010

The Vest

I was driving to the airport this morning & saw a group of “workers” picking up trash on the side of the road. Each one was wearing an orange vest with these words emblazoned on the back:

“I AM A DRUNK DRIVER.”

Wow. Most hung their head low, hoping not to make any eye contact with the drivers passing by. There it was, in big capital letters for all the world to see.
Now listen, I’m not about to defend anyone who drinks and drives. They absolutely deserve to be punished by the law. Drinking & Driving has robbed many families of a mom, a dad, a spouse, a son, a daughter. Wearing an orange vest seems a little lenient if you ask me.
But, seeing their shame printed across their backs made me wonder what my vest would say. Can you imagine having to walk around with your sins being announced to the world? My secrets alone would be too many to even fit on one vest.
Many of us walk around wearing a similar vest. No, our mistakes and sins are not printed on the back, but the weight of our guilt hunches us over and we walk with a defeated posture. We avoid making eye contact and light & joy are missing from our face. We’re dressed in shame.
Today I’m shedding that vest. See, I have another vest and it’s just my size. This same vest fits anyone, regardless of who you are. The words emblazoned on the back say:

“I AM FORGIVEN.”

Let that vest show today. Wear your forgiveness. May grace and peace so permeate our own lives, that it can’t help but spill out to everyone around us. This vest is always in fashion, never out of style, and always the perfect fit.

“But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the GUILTY TO BE INNOCENT, it is this faith that God takes in to account to put them right with Himself.” Romans 4:5

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

You. Are. Forgiven. Act like it.

With love AND freedom
Natalie

maternity and baby pics...

I just wanted to post a little sneak peak for a special mommy! We had a maternity session, and now that we have our beautiful baby girl, we just did a little baby/family session. I've got alot to get done today, but just had to post...its been almost a month, I was doing so good...and then what happened! Now that basketball session is over, maybe I'll be home more to get back in the swing of things. I think the snow is finally all melted in my yard...I have a heck of alot of MUD!! I had a client give me a hard time the other day...he said, I kept looking for the gravel road you told me to turn on...but I don't think I ever saw any gravel! Its definitely muddy around here...but you can't get to spring without a little mud right! Okay, back to work...Have a good one!