Pray for Liz

Lily and I spent the afternoon at the park where we ran into Liz and her two kids Otto-2 and Zeze-4. They just moved here from Brooklynn for her husband's job. They've been here a week and are living in Lantana Apartments. She's a stay at home mom and seems really fun. We did the usual chit chat about the kids, restaurants in the area (had to tell her about Anamia's and their tableside guacamole), where we grew up. She asked what Josh did and I told her he was on staff at our church. And then I casually say - "Hey, don't know if you do the church thing, but if you guys wanna give it a try, it's real laid back." And then we moved on. And in my head I'm thinking, "Lord, is that it? Is that all you're calling me to say? Is that lukewarm? Do you want me to ask her if she wants to trust Christ?" I mean, what is the line on your first encounter with a mom at the park? Maybe it's those months I spent in Evangelism Explosion as a teenager that make me think I should be more blunt. But then I know that it's the Spirit's job to save her. Mine is just to be obedient and tell. I wonder if what I said was enough? Was that just planting a seed or was that being a coward? I guess I just have to keep praying that I'll be sensitive to the Spirit and trust that He will lead me in that moment. So, pray for Liz. That our paths will cross again at the park or the grocery store or wherever. Pray that even if I never see her again that God would reveal Himself to her in a real way. (But, Lord, I'm willing to be used in that process!)

I'm outnumbered

For those of you who know Josh, you're familiar with his "anal" tendencies. He prefers things to be tidy, well kept- you know, everything in it's place. I, on the other hand, am a little more "free" when it comes to these things. No matter how hard I try, there's always some sort of clutter following me around. (To my credit, I have come a long way. Just ask my college roomates.) So, the other day, I was ironing a few shirts in the laundry room. Lily was at my feet playing with our front load washer. At least I thought she was. I look over and she's carrying the broom down the hall. I decided to follow her into the kitchen where she begins "sweeping." I'm thinking: "Oh no, I can't handle another clean freak in this house."





Then, the other day, I was putting away some clean dishes in a cabinet under the sink. We've got those babyproof clasps on the door which got stuck and didn't shut all the way. I, of course, didn't notice. Here comes Lily, around the corner, pushing her stroller by the cabinet. Not kidding: she stops, looks at the door, pushes it closed, and continues on her merry way. Wow. I didn't know it would start this early. Needless to say, Josh is ecstatic.

Change is good

Yes, I did change the blog title from "Life as Lily" to "Josh, Nat, & Lily Pat." It's been really fun for me to post pictures of Lils and keep you updated on what's going on in her little world. (don't worry I'll keep those coming) But lately I feel like God has been opening my eyes to see more of who I really am (don't you just love those seasons?) It's been really good and healthy but hard. The past few months he's bombarded me with how much control fear of man has on my life. It dominates so many if not every area. My friend Maury has been challenging me to ask God to really show me the root of this sin - where this whole belief system came from. God has been so faithful to show me glimpses of these answers as I seek Truth.

So, one of the things I'm seeing is how much of my life I've been striving to put forth this "front" or "image" I want people to see me as. And I've been doing it for so long that I've kinda forgotten who I am along the way. What are my interests? What are my dislikes? What are my passions? What are my gifts? Even in stuff as simple as what music I like. (My thought process: well, what's "cool" to like? What kind does so and so like?) For so long I've been doing/liking what I thought would keep in line with "The Image" rather than being true to who God has made me. So, I guess I'm on this journey to find out who I am in Christ.

This brings us back to the blog. For the last week, it's been on my heart to start sharing some of my thoughts, feelings, whatever, on the blog. I'm seeing how so often I tend to stay at the surface level. Mainly cause it's easy. Cause going deeper is too much effort. So I just check out and keep myself busy and stay numb to any sort of processing or thinking. But I know that growth can't happen if I'm not willing to go there. So, maybe this is a step of obedience or faith. Forcing myself to really think and facing my greatest fear of exposure. Cause it's hard for me to put the real me out there. I know those thoughts are going to come - what are "they" going to think about me? But, in the end, I know that HIS grace is sufficient, and HIS acceptance of me is all that really counts. Whew! Glad to get that off my chest.

Some things never change

a few weeks old


a year later

Baby Dedication

Saturday was a special day for our family as we attended Lily's baby dedication. We're so glad all the grandparents and Aunt Missa could be there. (We missed you, Uncle Jared and Uncle James!) And so thankful to our Lord for the precious gift sweet Lily is. We pray that she will grow to know and love Him with all her heart.





(We did have a big family picture taken, but I guess it wasn't with our camera! If I get it from someone, I'll post it too!)

Beautiful Day

Easter Lily

Easter was extra special this year because it fell on Nan's (my grandma's) birthday. We spent the afternoon at Uncle Phil's house celebrating.

Happy Birthday, Nanny!

Helping Nan open her gifts

Checking out Pebbles the dog

Always laughing with Aunt Missa

Loving on Uncle James