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Renewal

Why do couples renew their vows? It's a chance to redefine their marriage, celebrate what they've accomplished, rededicate themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and to each other, and then to look ahead to what they have before them. 

In one sense, this is the opposite of a divorce decree. It's an act of rejoicing over the fact that you have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit to make marriage fulfilling, persevering and enlarging. It is making a fresh choice to be available to God's Provision and Providence, so that the marriage can possess its extraordinary destiny.

The decision to renew vows involves soul searching questions. It requires people growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus, having a sense of who they are and are not, and having sufficient courage to be able to take a long, hard, honest look at themselves and their relationship. Therefore, the couple is released to greater potential and possibilities for a deeper and richer marriage in God's Kingdom. 

Matt's Vows: I stand here by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the great love He has for us. It is because of that grace I renew my vows to you, Emily, to share my life with you.

I desire a deeper friendship with you and I will be your love--a source of security and safety to you--one who dreams large dreams with you.

I promise this morning to love you biblically and to realize such love is first, sacrificial, and then releasing, for both of us. This is a pledge of Godly integrity--to always keep my heart soft towards you--no matter what God has for us. As a center piece of this commitment, Emily, help me to understand what you feel. I want to hear your heart.

Then, I can vow to stand with you against the common enemy of our relationship, the evil one, to stand as a team with one heart toward God and each other. 

Emily, I recommit myself to you and to discovering my spiritual purpose as your husband. You are a beautiful person and, together, let's possess all God has for us. This morning, I deepen my commitment to you, before God and all of these witnesses, and to our marriage, which exists for God's glory.

Emily's Vows: I, too, stand here by the grace of the Lord Jesus and the great love He has for us. This morning, Matt, I pledge to sharing more of my life with you.

By faith, first given to me by God himself, I will continue and deepen our friendship, be your lover, your teammate and lifelong companion.

I promise this morning to love you biblically, caring for you, encouraging you in all that God has for you, and to respect, at a deeper dimension, your call as a husband, father and High Priest in our home.

I open my heart to the Spirit of God to keep my heart soft towards you, standing with you in laughter and in tears, in agreement and in conflict, knowing that whatever season we are in God will make our oneness beautiful beyond what we can imagine.

Matt, I recommit to loving you in a way that honors God and you, so mutually we can finish our race well to the glory of God and His Kingdom. My dear husband, I promise to bring you before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ each day of our journey.

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Written by our pastor, Bill Mitchell, for the celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary.

Yesterday was a holy moment. After I bathe in all the sweetness of the day, I'll be back to share my personal reflections. 

Merry Christmas!

Silent Night

As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."

But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which he will accomplish for you today; for you will never see them again. The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent" (Exodus 14:10-14).

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Winter shadows creep along the wall, threatening to suffocate the late afternoon sunlight. Shoulders hunched forward, she pecks at the keyboard. Ugly words stain the screen. Fear and despair have stolen her tears. Black and blue, she clings to her pain, wearing it comfortably like an old sweater.

He goes to her. Kneeling next to her chair, he tucks her hair behind her ears so he can see her face. She stares forward, refusing to acknowledge him. Undaunted, he wraps his arms around her. She doesn't respond. Persistent, he whispers into her ear, "Wrap your arms around me. Don't be dead to me. I love you."

Undone, she wails. Pain bleeds. Hope breathes. Faith stretches out her hands and embraces love.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; he is just and endowed with salvation" (Zechariah 9:9).

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For many, Christmas is bleak. The holidays aren't merry and bright. Old scars throb. New wounds bleed red. 

Yahweh says, "I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you" (Exodus 3:16).

Unbelief stirs, strains, grasps and flees to the mall for relief. Unbelief wears a plastic smile in public and self-medicates in private. Crazed, shame and guilt dance round and round. Numbly watching the present melt into the past and the future, unbelief mocks time. Unbelief hides in religion and tradition. Fear feeds despair. 

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us" (2 Corinthians 1:8-10). 

Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation, preparation and longing. Yahweh whispers, "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent" (Exodus 14:14). How will you respond?

Our pastor recently reminded us that like the Bethlehem shepherds, promise is present among us even if we haven't seen it fulfilled...yet. To you--in the midst of your pain--to you, today, a Savior. 

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(A note: On faith posts, the comments will be turned off. My prayer is that you will encounter the Lion, that he will grow bigger. I don't want to get in the way. And, well, I'm human. Sometimes your words mean too much, more than they are supposed to mean. Do you understand? I'm tempted to find my significance in your words instead of His. So, the faith posts on our blog will be holy ground. A moment of solitude, a virtual chapel, a time to adore Him, the One who is and was and is to come. Please know that I love dialogue and I want to hear from you. You matter to Him and you matter to me. How can I pray for you? My inbox is always open.)

*Em

Ten Things Tuesday No.4

1. Angela and I have tossed around the idea of hosting a Christmas cookie exchange. Love this article over at {SIMPLEmom} on how to host a memorable holiday cookie swap. Find this photo on Flickr.

2. I had planned on making hand warmers for my sisters for Christmas, but I'm only on my first pair and the December days are flying by fast! My knitting needles can't keep up with holiday warp speed. Look at these lush, toasty, handmade White Paws. Purr.

3. I've followed Stephanie Nielson and her blog NieNie Dialogues for a little over a year. From the fiery plane crash to becoming a mom again, read about Stephanie's year of heartache and hope. You can also view two audio slideshows: After The Crash and Stephanie's Children. Inspiration. Gratitude. Hope.

4. Snow and candlelight--two of my favorite things this time of year. The Inspired Room has an easy DIY Christmas decorating tip; bring the sparkle of snow indoors with Epsom Salt.

5. Jesus says to Pilate, "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth" (John 18:37). I've been reflecting on this verse as I read through Luke this advent season.

6. Be a smart shopper! Get 2% cashback on all your qualifying internet purchases. Refer your friends and make an additional 1/2% cashback on their qualifying internet purchases. I did all my Christmas shopping through the Market America partner store portal and got paid to shop with their new cashback program.

7. My mouth is watering. Love these S'mores Kits featured on Twig & Thistle. Super cute hostess gift idea!

8. Free frame with adjustable layers to achieve the look of an old Polaroid shot.

9. I'm not a huge fan of wreaths, but this simple book page wreath is stunning. The first time I saw it I gasped; it took my breath away. Want to make one? You are in luck! Tutorial.

10. I'm at Oscraps! This Christmas give the gift that lasts all year long. Check out my Hybrid@Home: 2010 CD Jewel Case Calendar. Both the personal and commercial use versions are 25% off through December 31st. Leave a comment below before Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST for a chance to win the calendar. You can get an extra entry into the drawing if you tweet my blog post. Make sure you stop back and post a link to your tweet in the comments section.

If you made it this far, you deserve a treat! Stock up and save--spend a minimum of $20 in my store and get $5 off your purchase! Coupon code: 5$OFFEMHOLIDAY! Expires: Friday, December 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

*Em

Photo Date: John + Molly

Who: John + Molly (and Arnold, the Schnauzer)

What: Engagement Photo Date

When: October 18, 2009

Where: Downtown Kent, Lake Varsity Diner (Molly's Dad owns the Lake Varsity Diner. If you're in the area, stop in and order the Halfback Portabelisimo Alfredo Burger and the Three Pointers.)

I'm going to go out on a limb here--this was my favorite photo shoot of all time. 

John and Molly, we love you. Your friendship has helped us heal; you've patiently taught us to trust in the redemptive power of community once again. Thank you for loving Addy as we do, for seeing her and including her in your lives.

"The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up His countenance on you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).

Much Love,

*Em

Photo Date: Chas + Jackie

Who: Chas + Jackie

What: Engagement Photo Date

When: October 3, 2009

Where: Downtown Akron

*Em

Please Educate Yourself: Vitamin D and H1N1

Read Emily's post H1N1: Link to Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and check out Dr. Mercola's Learning from the 1918 Flu Pandemic article.

Drink your vitamins. Purchase Isotonix Vitamin D With K2 here. Money's tight. We understand. Emily and I have completely turned our budget upside down and inside out to prioritize wellness. We found out the hard way that if you haven't got your health, then you haven't got anything. We'd like to help you. Email Emily and we'll take 20% off your first Market America purchase.

*Matt

Photo Date: Chas + Jackie Sneak Peek

I feel old. 

Back in the day, I babysat Chas. Now that little boy is all grown up and marrying a talented, spirited, beautiful woman.

I'm still working my way through Chas and Jackie's engagement photos, but this series caught my eye.

More to come soon. 

(Note to Photographers: I process each of my clients photos three ways--color, black and white, artistic. This feeds my creativity and gives them choices. The pictures above are the artistic vintage version of the images. I took the color photos and layered TRA's Pool Party at 50%, Post Crossessed #1 at 10% and Vignette & Blur 30%.)

*Em

Pycnogenol Reduces ADHD Symptoms in Children

The findings, published in an issue of the journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, is a spin-off of a 2006 study found in the journal of European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry that revealed that Pycnogenol helped reduce hyperactivity and improve attention, concentration and motor-visual coordination in children with ADHD. Download the article.

The world's only supplements with isotonic-capable Pycnogenol: Might-a-Mins Spectrum Isotonix OPC-3 (for children) or Isotonix OPC-3 (for adults). 

*Em

Go with the Grain: How to Make Bad Photos Picture Perfect

Scrapbookers are known for taking lots of pictures; we are snap happy and proud of it! We feel compelled to make sure that no moment disappears in time; that the stuff of our lives—ordinary and extraordinary—is captured for later memory replay and documented for posterity.

In every batch of pictures, there is always a handful of bad photos. What do you do with them? Do they take up space on your hard drive? Do you agonize as you hit delete and watch your virtual trashcan fill up with happy-snaps-gone-bad? Most of the time it’s okay; the good makes up for the bad. But every so often, you plug-in your memory card and your heart sinks. There’s a really special photo with a major problem. Never fear! Emily's easy photo fixes are here!

HELP: My photo is too dark!

1. Open up your photo in Photoshop.
2. From the Menu, Select Layer and then Duplicate Layer.
3. On the Layers Palette, change the Blending Mode from Normal to Screen.
4. Adjust the Opacity of the Duplicated Layer as needed. Be careful how much you lighten the image; the grain and noise will increase noticeably with excessive lightening.

Before:

After:

HELP: My photo has a weird colorcast?

1. Open up your photo in Photoshop.
2. From the Menu, Select Image, Adjustments and then Hue/Saturation.
3. From the Drop Down Edit Box, choose the color you want to eliminate or soften. In the case of the sample photo below, I want to get rid of the blue colorcast. So, I've chosen Blues from the Drop Down Edit Box.
4. Play with the Hue, Saturation and Lightness sliders until you achieve the look you desire. For the sample photo my settings are Hue +10, Saturation +10, Lightness +40.

Screenshot:

Before/After:

HELP: My photo is really grainy!

One of my favorite techniques for fixing a bad photo is go with the grain. Read about it on the Memory Makers Blog. 

HELP: How do I get rid of distractions in my photo?

1. Open up your phone in Photoshop.
2. Select the Clone Stamp Tool (it's the fourth one down in the left-hand column of the Tools Palette).
3. Select a Soft Mechanical Brush in the appropriate size to remove your distraction. Mode Normal, Opacity 100%, Flow 100%, Aligned Checked.
4. ALT+click to select the area you would like to clone. Then move to the distraction and click to cover up the distraction with the cloned area. In the case of the sample photo below, I went over the wrinkles in the poodle skirt over and over again with the clone tool to soften and eliminate them.

GO WITH THE GRAIN TIPS: 

1. Go RAW. If you have a digital SLR camera, experiment with the RAW file format. The RAW file format is digital photography's equivalent of a negative in film photography. Shooting in the RAW file format offers you more post processing control and flexibility.
2. Study your camera manual! It's not fun to wade through the technical jargon, but instead of fixing bad photos AVOID them! Get comfortable with your camera and learn how to capture a creatively correct exposure in any situation.
3. Invest in a quality photo editing software. Photoshop Elements is an economical place to start for post processing newbies!

GO WITH THE GRAIN ASSIGNMENT:

Set aside 30 minutes this week to try out my easy photo fixes. More importantly, reflect on how you could have altered your capture in order to avoid the problem. Reference your camera manual for exposure help if needed.  

*Em

Ten Things Tuesday No.3

1. The Tree of Knowledge vs. the Tree of Life. "At least half, if not more, of our lives are lived in reactions. People talk and we feel happy; this is reaction. They talk and we become angry; this also is reaction. Somebody does a certain thing and we consider it wrong; this is reaction. We become irritated when provoked, we defend ourselves when misunderstood, we endure when ill-treated; these are all reactions.

In analyzing our lives, it seems that more than half of them are lived in reactions. He who lives on the level of reason will react temperamentally and angrily; he who lives on the level of good conduct will react patiently; but he who lives in God's holy life will react transcendently" (Watchman Nee).

2. Tree that grows books from designer Shawn Soh.

3. Soup is one of our favorite meals. I stumbled upon this delicious recipe at Everybody Likes Sandwiches--Sweet Potato, Corn and Jalapeno Bisque. Enjoy!

4. Have you seen Where the Wild Things Are? What did you think? I love Alberto Cerriteno's paper-cut interpretation for the Terrible Yellow Eyes.

5. WatchKnow--a great resource for curious kids. Addy just asked me, "What do frogs eat?" I could give her a generic answer, but I respect her mind and her questions. I can utilize the Internet and point her to an engaging, detailed and accurate answer. By the way, bullfrogs eat everything.

6. Need some color inspiration? Check out Decor8's most recent Color Me Pretty column--turquoise, persimmon, lots of neutrals, a little grey and a touch of black.

7. I'd love to have you participate in our Bibli[BLOG]raphy Firsty Entry.

8. I like to pretend that I bake, so I often ogle at the sweet inspiration and fun baking ideas at Bakerella. Look at these wedding cake pops! I'm a hopeless romantic, so the idea of proposing with them makes me melt like a Hershey's kiss on top of a warm peanut butter cookie.

9. My favorite album right now is Painted Red by JJ Heller. Track 2, "All I Need"--my heart in a nutshell.

10. International Arts Movement gathers artists and creative catalysts to wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be.