Immersion

“We want to open our Bibles and find a verse that will correspond directly to our problem and provide a solution.  But that’s not how we get wisdom.  Finding that wisdom is “straight” (Proverbs 8:8-9) comes from immersing ourselves in Scripture—all of it, not just a passage here and there and as we do, it shapes our understanding about all of life.  If we make a habit of Scripture immersion, we will find, when confronted with one of life’s difficulties, that the wisdom we so desperately need will come to us a lot more easily.  Wisdom is indeed clear, but its clarity doesn’t come in a three-easy-steps sort of way.  The more we soak ourselves in God’s Word, the more we will be able to readily lay hold of wisdom we need for particular circumstances.”   (emphasis mine)  -Lydia Brownback

This has rocked me this week.  I feel as if wisdom is calling to me when she says “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?”  I don’t want to be naïve and ignorant.  I don’t want to be undiscerning, not knowing what to keep in or out of my mind.  But yet I am.  And the only way to not be simple is in Christ.  So I will strive to actively pursue wisdom, to actively pursue Christ (Proverbs 2:1-5).  I will strive to immerse myself and soak in God’s Word.    

“Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”  Proverbs 9:6

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Wheelbarrow Races

B and I love having nephews!  We’re so thankful for the relationship that Scotty and Brooke allow us to have with Kase and Knox.  Yes, we spoil them a little (Brooke would say a lot) but it’s not just about spoiling them.  The opportunity to watch them grow and learn is such a blessing.  An added bonus is that sometimes we are able to be a part of teaching them new things.  Things like wheelbarrow racing.

It was just another impromptu supper at mom and dad’s .  Somewhere in the midst of eating supper, Kase and I were chasing one another with a giggling Knox following every step we took.  I’m not 100% sure how it started but somehow I started pushing B around, wheelbarrow style.  Kase of course was intrigued and wanted to try.  So I taught him how and he caught on really quick not to mention that he was pretty fast for a four year old.  Typical of a younger sibling, we look over at Knox and he was on his belly sticking his feet up.  If Kase does it then you better guarantee that Knox is going to try.  Knox had to alter his form a bit due to the fact that his little arms couldn’t hold up his body and move forward at the same time so he just scooted on his forearms. 

The race was on.  We lined them up, counted to three, and cheered them to the finish.  Wheelbarrow racing may not be the most important thing Kase and Knox learn but it’s a memory of being their aunt and uncle we can tuck away for continued enjoyment.

12 Reasons for Christmas

As Christmas was nearing last year I began doing a bit of research on Christmas traditions.  Since it was B and my first Christmas together I wanted to establish our own traditions.  This search turned out to be an overwhelming amount of humbling truth about Christmas which has only made me hunger more to truly be focused on the birth of my Savior.

The Gospel Coalition and Desiring God Ministries (John Piper) are just two examples of websites that typically share articles, videos, audio, and even family traditions of well respected pastors on the topic of Christmas from a biblical perspective.  When reading through some of these articles, I came across the 12 Reasons for Christmas which comes from a sermon by John Piper that I want to share in hopes that your family can delight in these truths.  We are so thankful for the birth of Jesus and all these reasons for His coming and we never want to lose sight that this is the reason for Christmas.

1.        “For this I was born and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).

2.       “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8; cf. Hebrews 2:14–15).

3.       “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

4.       “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

5.       “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

6.       “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5).

7.       “For God so loved the world that whoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16).

8.       “God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).

9.       “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

10.    “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against . . . that the thoughts of many may be revealed” (Luke 2:34ff).

11.      “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).

12.     “Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarches, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Romans 15:7–8; cf. John 12:27ff).

Patchwork Memories

Why is it that a songwriter can sum up my feelings so perfectly with their lyrics.  

“Circumstances change, separation stays the same, I can’t wait ’til we’re together.”

“We built our sails to catch the wind . . .”

“Your life turns pages each and every day . . .”

“If you try you can take me with you, in your heart and memories . . .”

This holds true with a songwriter I’m very proud of,

Lane Davis.

I guess my relationship with Lane goes all the way back to, oh I don’t know, her birth!  Lane and I are cousins so I’ve never not known her (well except for the few years I was alive before she was born).  Anyway, she is EXTREMELYtalented!  And she has finally decided to share that talent with the world through her recently released album, Patchwork Memories.

The Lord has blessed us with a very tight knit family.  Family gatherings are a common occurrence in which we often beg her to sing.  There is often a silly song moment where she entertains my  nephews.  And if she’s playing at a local venue you better believe we’re there to cheer her on.  We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy her talent for the past several years and to watch her grow as a musician.  

Plus, B and I were honored to have her sing at our wedding.  

She came by a couple of weeks ago and I peppered her with questions so you could get to know her a little bit better.

What is your favorite song on the album?

No Sorrows.  It came together in a fun way in the studio and I have actually been singing the tune for years.  It has the exact feel of what I wanted and it’s fun to perform.

What song was the hardest to write?

Patchwork Memories.  It was not a personal experience making it difficult to write.  I was writing for a friend but I wanted everyone to identify with it.  

What’s the hardest thing about songwriting?

Being confident in your work knowing that someone else is going to hear it.  

What’s your favorite nail polish color?

OPI On Collins Avenue and Fall You Don’t Know Jacques

What book are you reading?

Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons

You have a new apartment that I know you’ve thoroughly enjoyed decorating.  What’s your favorite item in your house?

Other than my cat, Poppy, my Karastan Rug.  It’s so soft, plush and the perfect burnt persimmon color.

There are a few items every girl can’t leave the house without.  What is your item?

My Swiss Army tool.  My dad gave it to me and it has everything.  If it’s not in my purse, it’s in my pocket.  

So, what are you waiting for, buy the CD!  

Patchwork Memories is available at the Cunningham Hardware Cafe, Carlisle Weekly, and Davis Brothers Farms.  Or you can contact Brooke, Lane, or me.  

Check out lanedavismusic on Facebook for upcoming shows and events!

Other places to purchase:

Amazon

iTunes

Country Living Fair

A few weeks ago I shared about my slight obsession with magazines.  (If you didn’t catch that one click here to read.) At the top of my magazines must read list is Country Living.  This may come as a surprise but taking my vintages/antique/hodge podge style mixed with a love for “crafting” this magazine is a perfect fit.  So . . . when I saw the words, “the pages of Country Living Magazine come to life” I was hooked.

I knew I had to go.  However, the dates didn’t work out with my schedule, and they didn’t work the next year, or the next.  Each year I would longingly gaze at the pictures of the fair activities.  Someday . . . I would go.  Someday finally came.  This summer when I first saw the advertisement I went straight to my calendar and wrote down the dates.  Then I went to B and presented my sales pitch on why we should go which included golf.  He couldn’t say no.  

Just the atmosphere of a planned event like this makes me excited.  The fair was held at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia.  The setting was perfect; a beautiful fall day in the mountains with leaves changing to beautiful golds and reds, endless white tents scattered throughout the clusters of pine trees.

Definitely a trip I would make again.  From antiques to handmade items to tasty treats over 150 vendors were set up for the weekend.  Brooke and I did leave with a few treasures but we came home with just as many ideas for new projects.