heart @ home!

Excited because we are on are way to have lunch with daddy today!!!

2009-09-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Lilly's first PhOtO ShOoT!!

2009-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

this is my favorite picture of our little monkey!

2009-09-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

baby and daddy

2009-09-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

pretty girl!

2009-09-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

2009-09-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

our new family!

off they "GO"

2009-09-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Off they go today to serve and live in North Africa. Oh how we are going to miss you two. Thank you for going to the ends of the earth. All to His Name. We love you

Psalm 86

2009-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks I have been studying Psalm 86. Through my study I have been reminded of how full and rich Gods word is. I have been useing the ESV and The Message traslations to compare and go more in depth with my study and it has been such a sweet learning time!

Psalm 86 ESV
Great Is Your Steadfast Love
A Prayer of David.

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am godly;
save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God.
3 Be gracious to me, O Lord,
for to you do I cry all the day.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
listen to my plea for grace.
7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you,
for you answer me.

8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
and worship before you, O Lord,
and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

14 O God, insolent men have risen up against me;
a band of ruthless men seeks my life,
and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
give your strength to your servant,
and save the son of your maidservant.
17 Show me a sign of your favor,
that those who hate me may see and be put to shame
because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Psalm 86 (The Message)

Psalm 86 The Message
A David Psalm
1-7 Bend an ear, God; answer me. I'm one miserable wretch!
Keep me safe—haven't I lived a good life?
Help your servant—I'm depending on you!
You're my God; have mercy on me.
I count on you from morning to night.
Give your servant a happy life;
I put myself in your hands!
You're well-known as good and forgiving,
bighearted to all who ask for help.
Pay attention, God, to my prayer;
bend down and listen to my cry for help.
Every time I'm in trouble I call on you,
confident that you'll answer.

8-10 There's no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord,
and nothing to compare with your works.
All the nations you made are on their way,
ready to give honor to you, O Lord,
Ready to put your beauty on display,
parading your greatness,
And the great things you do—
God, you're the one, there's no one but you!

11-17 Train me, God, to walk straight;
then I'll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind;
then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;
I've never kept secret what you're up to.
You've always been great toward me—what love!
You snatched me from the brink of disaster!
God, these bullies have reared their heads!
A gang of thugs is after me—
and they don't care a thing about you.
But you, O God, are both tender and kind,
not easily angered, immense in love,
and you never, never quit.
So look me in the eye and show kindness,
give your servant the strength to go on,
save your dear, dear child!
Make a show of how much you love me
so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,
As you, God, gently and powerfully
put me back on my feet.

KLOVE

2009-09-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

I don't listen to the radio often, but now with our middle of the night feedings its been a blessing to have the encouragement of the 89.9 christian radio station Klove. My mom LOVES Klove and is always singing me songs that they play and now Lilly and I sing those songs to the Lord in the middle of the night when we are up together! It really is a great radio station, check it out if you haven't already!

WWW.KLOVE.COM

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

quick update...

2009-09-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

On monday our little monkey will be one month old already!
She now weighs 8lbs 4oz!
We are still spending most of our time at home, but we are all doing great!
We send our love to you all!

a few pictures of our first month at home...

2009-09-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

a few pictures from the hospital...

2009-09-05T18:51:00.000-07:00

- on the ride home from the hospital!

quick update

2009-08-14T15:22:00.001-07:00

Friday August 7th at 11:28am @ 6lbs 9oz 19in our baby girl finally arrived! All 3 of us are doing great! Having lilly is one of the best things that has ever happened to us! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be a mom! I love every part of it! Soon I will post pictures and more updates of our new family member. Thanks to everyone for your love, support, patients and prayers. We love you!

Its been a while...

2009-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry, its been a while since I have been able to get to an internet connection so that I could post any updates. Plus, it has been SO HOTT that it just hasn't been worth going outside unless we are headed to the pool (which is a regular activity for Lilly and I theses days!) Well, we are at 36weeks now! The first week of our last month! Our little munchkin could come any day! We are excited and just waiting patiently for her arrival!

I was reading in the book RATTLED (surviving your baby's first year by: Trish Berg) this week and there was a precious paragraph that melted my heart. It was talking about all the diaper changing, sleep deprivation, headaches, worries ect. that come with motherhood and the question asked was what are the benefits to all that craziness? The answer was this...

"Well, you get naming rights, for starters-first, middle, and last. You get glimpses of God every morning, and giggles under the covers every night. You get more love than your heart can hold, sticky peanut butter kisses, and arms that fit perfectly around your neck. You get a hand to hold, and someone to remind you that clouds look like dinosaurs and that dandelions make beautiful bouquets.."

Sounds like a good bargain to me! :)

sarah and lilly @ 32weeks

2009-06-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

Little glimpse into Lilly’s room…

2009-06-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

2009-06-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

her books, her little frog, door handle scripture, and her bulletin board...

2009-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for her arrival...

2009-06-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Her infant seat from the Johnson's set up in her little corner of the house.

Your Beautiful by: Phil Wickham

2009-06-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

I loooovvveee this song!
Your Beautiful by: Phil Wickham

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You’re beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It’s all proclaiming who You are
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful

I see you there hanging on a tree
You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me
Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You’re beautiful, you're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity’s shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We’ll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we’ll sing
You’re beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

Happy 1st Fathers Day, Joel!

2009-06-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day Daddy- Love Lilly!

Yumm….

2009-06-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Doesn’t this remind you of an elegant version of Costco’s ice cream berry sundae…yumm lets go there!

31 weeks and counting…

2009-06-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

I feel as if I am getting bigger by the second. I can tell she is growing like crazy this week. The ultrasound tec said Lilly is apx 3lbs 8ounces right now. And from here on out they say she will grow about 1/2lb each week.

3D Technology...

2009-06-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here is our little girl in 3D action! Her face is a little to the right of the camera and that little thing in front of her face is her foot.

I went to the doctors last week and I mentioned that I had noticed that the little one wasn’t moving around quite as much in the last two days, which I figured was just because she is getting bigger and she is probably running out of space to twirl around in there… however the doctor wanted to take a closer look, so he monitored her heart rate for about 20mins and even wanted to do an ultrasound. Therefore, my 15min check up appointment turned out being over 2hours long. It was nice to know that the doctor was willing to do so much to look after our baby and to just remain pre-cautious. I wouldn’t have had any more ultrasounds or any more pictures of our baby until she was born, so it turned out to be a huge blessing! The ultrasound tec was super informative, she walked me through everything she was looking for and really encouraged me that Lilly was doing great. She was looking for the amount of fluid, muscle tone strength, and practice breaths. She said she was really pleased with everything we were looking for! So, the little peanut seems to be doing just great!

80s night @ sc09!

2009-06-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Me and my awesome co leader, briana @ 80's night at camp.

Of course I brought my camera and the first day the batteries died, so here is one of my only camp pictures..:)

sc09 camp songs

2009-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Freedom is here - Hillsong
Hold me now- Hillsong
Hosanna- Hillsong
Happy song - Delirious
Sweet Jesus- Charlie Hall
Trill- Charlie Hall

One of my favorite new songs was Hold Me Now, a song about heaven!
(here are the lyrics!)

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away
In the light of your embrace
When Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence here to hold
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

In this life finally stand
Through my joy and my pain
Knowing there's a greater day
There's a hope that never fails

When You're name is lifted high
And forever praises rise
For the glory of Your Name
I'll be living' for the day

When the wars has finally cease
All creation rest in peace
Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now,
You hold me now

For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name...x4

baby shower pictures!

2009-06-03T13:26:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate the coming arrival of our precious little girl. We were extremely blessed by all your generosity! We are so thankful to Our Lord for each one of you!

Precious Diaper Cake!

2009-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sara thank you so much for the time and love you put into making this sweet gift! It is so beautiful, we loved it!

games...

2009-06-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

One of the games we played was having to guess what kind of chocolate candy bar was inside each diaper. The candy was smashed up and then all gooey from being warmed up in the microwave so you really had to sniff at them to guess what it was. This was a great idea because it definitely got some great pictures!

opening gifts

2009-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

the secret is out!

2009-05-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Need to make alot of cookies for cheap!?

heres a fun secret...

Use a cake mix box!

1/2cup veggie oil

2eggs

@350 for 6-10mins

Makes apx. 3-4 dozen cookies!!

(use the cheap box and you walk away with a ton of cookies for less than a $1.00!!) so easy!

Danielle made them for our American Idol get together and we are still eating them!

Kacey and Chance Married at last!

2009-05-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

What a Beautiful Day!

I was so thankful to be able to celebrate with the both of you! Your lives are a HUGE testimony that brings Glory to Our Great God! Thank you for lifting His name on High on your special day!

We love you guys and will be praying for your new life together!!

Thank you!

2009-05-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who came out last weekend to celebrate my 21st birthday! It was such a JOY for me to share the day with all of you!

Even though I had some idea that something "fishy" was going on, (and not because of sweet Jen's hints at staff..) I was truly surprised!

Thank you to all you hard workers who helped my hubby and Sheldon pull it all off! It was absolutely Beautiful! A great way to celebrate our first party at our new home!

All our love, From the 3 of us ! :)

ps. hopefully there will be pictures to share soon...

In light of eternity!

2009-05-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is a great book above heaven!

In my d-group a few weeks ago we talked about Heaven, and as we talked I realized how amazing it is that we can so easily have such a messed up and distorted perspective about heaven from what the world has planted in our minds from their eyes. Hint: We aren't going to be angels floating around with nothing to do for the rest of eternity.

Randy Alcorn does a wonderful job giving you a more real and biblical view of what God says about His Kingdom, Our home, which He is preparing for us!

Here I come 3rd Trimester!

2009-05-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

I’m at about 27 weeks so next week we will be in our 3rd Trimester.
The books says that she is about 15inch long (more than a foot!) and just over 2 pounds!! She has tastes buds, eyebrows, eye lashes... its crazy how many little things we don’t think about! I’m starting to get an idea of how big she is getting because every once in a while she will push her little foot out on the left side of my belly and then stretch her hand out to the right side at the same time. I’m so thankful she is a squirmier because I feel like I'm getting to know her more and more as she grows!

Yay for the cute 3 pack!

2009-05-11T18:28:00.001-07:00

I got this 3 pack the other day for Lilly! How cute are theses shirts!!! Can't wait till she is here and can wear them!

San Tan Village!

2009-05-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

Joel and I love the new outdoor San Tan Mall, it is just a fun place to go on a cheap date and spend the afternoon or evening together. We went there last weekend; walked around, got some sun, went to paradise bakery, bought a cookie and Joel bought me some sweet new shoes!! I’m saving theses to wear out after we have the baby. I'm calling them my “I’m not pregnant or 'round' anymore shoes!”

hospital visit...

2009-05-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I started having a lot of pain and started having contractions. I called my doctors office and they sent me straight to the hospital because they were thinking that I was going into pre-term labor. And we are WAY to soon to be in pre-term labor, we are still only at 27weeks. They took me in a did a bunch of test and everything seemed to come out pretty good. They weren't too concerned because my contractions are not consistent, therefore bed-rest or medication wasn't necessary yet. However, I am finding myself to be very limited to what I am able to do. I wasn't connecting the dots before, but I am realizing now that my mother pointed it out to me, that I start having contractions and pain when I push things. ( The cart at the grocery store, the vacuum etc.) But in the last few days, if I do much of anything, even just walk around too much I start having a lot of pain.. which right now has a lot to do with "growing pains." She's just getting BIG! So far it has been a great opportunity for the Lord to teach me new things. I know He teaching me to Learn how to find contentment in this new season. By taking things away, He is allowing me to become more dependent on Him. It really isn't easy not being able to do the things that need to get done, and as you can imagine, pretty frustrating at times, but we are just having to be flexible and learn how to do things at a new and slower pace. I am so thankful because the Lord is keeping my eyes fixed on Him and giving me His peace because I know I couldn't do it without Him. We have such a faithful Father, Comforter and Friend. I know He knows what is best for us and He knows what we can handle, so there is no reason not to Trust Him!

We have the hiccups!

2009-05-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Baby update:
We have the hiccups!
In the last week or so Lilly has been getting the hiccups. And get this, I looked it up in the book, and it said that right around this time she will be getting the hiccups because her vocal cords are developing! How fun and crazy is that!

Working out with Lilly and me!

2009-05-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Since I have been pregnant, the little one and I have been pretty active. We usually do yoga, a pregnancy workout video, or walk on the treadmill almost everyday. However, lately I have been limited to working out because in the last few weeks the little green bean has been growing like crazy! This is causing me to be pretty uncomfortable and in a good amount of pain at times, which is fine, I knew this was coming, but it can be very frustrating for me because I really like being active- its good for the both of us! The major plus in all of this is I haven't had to take away our yoga times yet. With all the different changes your body has to go through, my body has really benefited from doing yoga. I would recommend it for any one who is pregnant!

It’s deeper than we think…

2009-04-23T16:52:00.001-07:00

I was reading a paragraph about the consistency of God, about how God doesn’t change. I thought it was so cool to look a little deeper into the reasons why God doesn’t or can’t change instead of just believing it because I know it’s true. Here is the paragraph…

He is immutable. He has never changed and can never change in any smallest measure. To change He would need to go from better to worse or from worse to better. He cannot do either, for being perfect He cannot become more perfect, and if He were to become less perfect He would be less than God.

part two...

2009-04-23T16:51:00.001-07:00

I got done reading Baby Wise, and right away picked up the next book Child Wise! Both books are awesome, they have godly advise and just some great "basics" that can help a first time mom like myself.

the pursuit of GOD

2009-04-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

I’m reading “The Pursuit of God,” by A.W. Tozer. It is rocking my world! I love this book! I’m learning a ton, there is to much to share in one blog, however, I will share one cool thing that is in the third chapter. It’s titled “removing the veil,” and it basically is talking in depth about how we, as believers, have to ability to come into the presence of the Lord because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

Just a little taste... it quotes,
“The cross is rough and it is deadly, but it is effective. It does not keep its victim hanging there forever. There comes a moment when its work is finished and the suffering victim dies. After that is resurrection glory and power, and the pain is forgotten for joy that the veil is taken away and we have entered in actual spiritual experience the presence of the living God!”

My Husbands Birthday!!

2009-04-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Next week is Joel’s 23rd Birthday!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!
I thank Jesus for giving you life here on earth! We all receive the benefit from knowing you and having the opportunity to love you and be loved by you. But I am more thankful for your eternal life that you will one day be able to experience forever, which will be FAR BETTER! ( It reminds me of that Awesome song…)

Far better is to be with you
Even for a day
Than to live, a thousand years
And to never see one glimpse of your face
As for me, I want to be close to you
All of my days
I want to live in your house.

So take me, make your home in my heart
Wash away these guilty stains
Make me like you are
Surround me, closer than the air that I breath
Because you have loved me
I want to be, a friend of God.

melted roasted vegetable greatness!

2009-04-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Asparagus has become a new fav in our house. Here a tip to make the "not so great greens," extra yummy. I saute them real quick with oil, salt and pepper then pop them in the oven for about 10 mins at 400. Toss some pepper jack cheese on top to get a Melted Roasted Vegetable Greatness! The cheese gives it a little kick, and the other bonus is that its pretty good for you!

I'll post some more new recipes soon... its been a while! :)

Love much!

we are helpers! :)

2009-04-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Being a wife is honor from the Lord!
It is a role that God has given to us women to be helper to man! We are called to submit, respect, honor, cherish and do what we can do to help our husbands achieve God will for his life! I don’t know about you, but I think we have a pretty cool job!

One of my girl-friends from elementary school got married last month. It was such a cool time for me to think back at all the memories we had growing up together and then to have the blessing, after all theses years, to share theses new chapters in our lives...growing up, getting married, having babies-etc. The wedding was so beautiful, and as you can see from some of the picture, she was a breathtaking bride!

I hope your first few months of being married are awesome! My encouragement you to is to fall in love with your God-given role as a wife and love being your husbands helper!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-08T14:56:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it is to have such a GREAT KING! A KING that DIED and had the POWER to RISE, be ALIVE again and CONQUER SIN....MY SIN! All my failures, thoughts, religious actions, unworthy worship, leftover offerings, every sin committed against his GREAT NAME, from the littlest to the biggest... COVERED, PAID FOR, FINISHED, on the CROSS! What a great reason to CELEBRATE!!!

I'm excited to celebrate this Easter with my husband at our new church plant from evbc, Second Mile! Joel has the privilege to serve there each Sunday but this will be my first time! Can't wait!

Check it out... www.secondmilechurch.com

Tue Nights!

2009-04-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Tue night is my "t.v." night, therefore American Idol is on every tue at 7:00pm at our house! I'm haven't really been into the other seasons and I'm not big on t.v. in general, but I'm lovin this new season! Thankfully my husband selflessly hangs out and watches it with me! He's being the example for my dad, because I know its on every tues at my parents house as well! hehe it's fun! :)

NEW DO!

2009-03-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time for a background change! Something more happy and fun for the spring!

Registered at POTTERY BARN KIDS!

2009-03-19T09:41:00.001-07:00

I know its a little early to do a registry, but we are going to try to start on Lilly's room soon and do a shower probably a little earlier than normal, just because summer camp is coming which mean "busy season" for Joel and I. Plus, there is ALOT on sale!!! Love those SALES!
Also, if you can believe it or not, I'm already in y 5th month! It's going crazy fast!

Go to http://www.potterybarnkids.com/ and go to registry's and put in my first and last name.

Love Much,

Joel, Sarah and little Lilly :)

Some of the favorites we registered for... The Fabric Tea Pot!

2009-03-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

We LOVE the fabric toys!!! We registered for alot of theses! :)

2009-03-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

penelope quilt we registered for her room.

2009-03-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

yes, we changed it from the other one...

her two feet, and her little booty!

2009-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

side view...hand is up

2009-03-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

looking at the camera...

2009-03-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

who thinks its a boy!?

2009-03-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

who thinks its a girl!?

2009-03-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

it's a girl!

2009-03-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

Today Joel and I had our ultrasound to find out that we are going to have a baby girl!

Lilly Joeleen

Lilly- means purity and beauty

and

Joeleen- after her daddy

4 months down, 5 more to go!

2009-03-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

I’m finally starting to look pregnant! However, I can easily hide my “baby bump” under sweaters and jackets still but, now that the weather is changing, with “normal” clothes- not so much. I’m having fun with it though because it’s to the point where when I’m in a public place you can tell that people want to say something, they’ll look at me a smile, or glance down at my belly, but there still not 100% sure if I’m pregnant or if I’m just supporting the “I like to eat” look, or the classic, “beer belly” look. :) I know there thinking to themselves, dare I say anything and humiliate myself if she come back with the remark that she is actually not pregnant, (which would not be a good day for them.) But thankfully there IS a baby in there!

Anyway…Soon we will know what the little munchkin is. A boy or girl!? I know the Buckingham side is rooting for a girl, because they have all boys, but the Kubli side would love to have a baby boy in the fam because we have all girls. Either way, I know that this little one will be showered with lots of love from both sides! Thank you to everyone for your support and shared excitement with us!

We will see all you grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts in a few weeks for the big announcement and some yummy food! With Much Love, Joel, Sarah and little B.

NEW WiNtEr CaMp MuSiC!

2009-03-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

Full Attention- Jeremy Riddle

May Your voice be louder
May Your voice be clearer
Than all the others
Than all the others

May Your face be dearer
May Your words be sweeter
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life

Please keep my eyes Fixed on You
Please root my heart So deep in You
Keep me abiding
Keep me abiding Keep me abiding
That I may bear fruit

May Your presence be truer
May Your presence be nearer
Than all the others
Than all the others
May Your light burn brighter
May Your love move deeper
Than all the others
Than all the others in my life

The Stand- Hillsong United!

2009-03-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours

No Not One!

2009-03-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

No, Not One- Brandon Heath

No better word than from your lips
No perfect life than what you lived
No greater gift, no not one

No brighter star has ever shined
No better hope for all mankind
No higher mind, no not one
No one has ever known
This kind of love you’ve shown

There has never been a greater love
Than your son
No. Not one
And there’ll never be a name above
No, Not one
With his life you have forgiven us
Hope has come
Hope has come
And there will never be a greater love
No, Not one

No image true or sweeter frame
No simple word can match your name
No greater fame
No not one
No one has ever seen
The depth of your majesty

No greater call
You gave us all a reason to live
No greater loveYou gave us all a reason to give
No greater life
You gave us all a reason to shine
No greater love
Forever mine

HSWinterCamp09

2009-02-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

HSWC09. 2 weeks to the day we will be there!
Prayer Request: that God would start preparing our hearts and our students hearts to hear from the Lord.
Pray that we would...
Go
Seek
Hear
Believe
Worship
Pray
Fellowship
Encounter
Have Passion
Love
Peace
Grace
Forgiveness
Reminders
Brokenness
and most of all experience Jesus!

Pink Treats!

2009-02-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Aren't theses perfect for Valentines day! Sweet and Pink!

Makes 3 dozen
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 sticks (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups plus 2 teaspoons sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved
6 ounces (1 cup) fresh raspberries
7 1/2 ounces best-quality white chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. Mix butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add egg, extract, and vanilla seeds; mix until smooth. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture.

3. Scoop batter using a 1-inch ice cream scoop; space 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake cookies 4 minutes. Remove from oven; gently tap baking sheets on counter to flatten cookies. Return to oven, switching positions of sheets; bake until cookies are just set, 4 to 6 minutes more. Let cool on parchment on wire racks.

5. Puree raspberries and remaining 2 teaspoons sugar in a food processor. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a small bowl, pressing to extract juice; discard seeds. Set mixture aside.

6. Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Remove from heat; whisk in cream in a slow stream. Whisk in reserved raspberry mixture. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

7. Spread 1 heaping teaspoon raspberry cream on the undersides of half the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies. Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days

February 14th, 2009

2009-02-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

For our Valentines Day, we are going to take our picnic basket and head to a grassy area for a day outside together. I was trilled that this year the 14th landed on a Saturday, because that means that I will have the wonderful privilege to spend the entire day with my beloved!

becoming baby wise!

2009-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to be prepared for when our little one comes to join our family, therefore, I've been reading Baby Wise. It's really good, I'm learning a lot and I think it shows because I've already cried and been totally freaked out a few times. :) haha, fun times!

Steelers Vs. Card's

2009-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

picture= a Steelers fan; aka- what my mom looked like after the game! :)

Joel and I threw a Steeler's party for my mother at our new house on Sunday. We knew that anywhere else you would go on Sunday night in Arizona they would be cheering for the RED, therefore Mom probably wouldn’t have been able to have a great time. Now, If you know anything about my mom, you would know that she can tend to get a little rowdy during a football game, especially when it involves a “terrible towel.” (However, I think Jeff and J.J just found that out this weekend- haha) My only response to them was, “welcome to MY family.” No, really we loved the excitement and we love Mom’s support for her team (even though are neighbors probably didn’t enjoy it so much.) I think by the end of the night we all almost lost our voices, which in my book shows that it was a good game! Love you mom, congrats on your yellow and black!

Winning TD!

2009-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

sad...

2009-02-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

give it up for Larry!

2009-02-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

He played a good game!

Our little Peanut is growing!

2009-02-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

Our little Peanut is growing! It is amazing to think of all the little details that are being formed to make this precious little body. It has been fun to keep track on a week by week time line on how our little baby is growing. I’m in my 12th week now (almost out of my first trimester!) Our baby is now approximately 2 ½ inches, about the size of a large plum. Even though there is still a lot of maturing to do, most of his or her system is already fully formed. For instance- 2 weeks ago the bone and cartilage was forming, knees and ankles were developing, and even teeth buds were forming under the gums. This was a little freaky to think about, but it also mentions that the baby was producing his or her digestive juices in their stomach, and the kidneys producing larger quantities of urine. (weird huh!?) Anyway, so far everything is still looking good. I will have another doctor appointment in a few weeks where we will probably schedule the following appointment to fine out if we will be having a boy or a girl. We’ll keep you posted!

Feminine Appeal

2009-02-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

I’m reading Feminine Appeal By: Carolyn Mahaney...a wonderful book, I recommend it! In the sixth chapter called, “the honor of working at home” there was a paragraph from a lady that struck me, it said…

“Much of the world would agree that being a housekeeper is acceptable as long as you are not caring for your own home; treating men with attentive devotion would be also right as long as the man is the boss in the office and not your husband; caring for children would even be deemed heroic service for which presidential awards could be given as long as the children are someone else’s and not your own.”

Crazy Huh!?

New Coffee Shop...Bergies!!

2009-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I walk down to this new adorable coffee shop a few blocks from our house. We loved it so much that we wanted to share it with you so you can enjoy it too! It has a wonderful patio with a water fountain outside and not to mention the really good coffee (decaf too!) we were impressed- freshly brewed by the owners. It is right in "down town gilbert" on the right from liberty market, right to the north of Joe's BQ! And one more plus.... free Internet, which is a great for me!! Hope you can come and support the new place!

Bergies Coffee Roast House
309 N Gilbert RdGilbert, AZ 85234-5771
(480) 497-3913

Hi Friends...

2009-01-25T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends, I just wanted to send a quick post to say that I am going to try to start back up with "blogging" here pretty quickly. I'm starting to feel a little better now that I am almost out of my first trimester which should allow me to get out of the house more often to reach a free Internet connection. ;)

I hope in this new year you are living with passion and running hard after our Majestic King Jesus!

- Sarah

Update:

2008-12-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have been able to get onto a computer. Between the holidays and not feeling so well, it has been hard to get to my blog. But I will give you an update on what has been going on for us buckingham’s.

God has been showering us with blessings and I believe that in 2009 there is going to be a lot of “first” for us. On are long and hard house hunting process, we finally found the house that we would be honored to make our home. And so far God has opened all the doors for that, and we should be moving in here in the next few week. (hopefully just before JHWC09) Then, to our surprise God started opening some other doors for us as well. In 2009 we aren’t just going to be first time home owners, but we are going to be first time parents as well. Yes, the rumor is true, Joel and I are going to have a baby! I’m about 8 weeks along and the baby is due in August. (yep, that does mean that I am going to be pretty pregnant at SC09…but all is well!) We found out a few weeks ago, already had my first appointment and first ultrasound, and we were proudly able to tell our families as a surprise on Christmas Day! (It was a fun gift to give!)

Here is our little peanut…( so far everything looks great and the little heart beat is beating away!)

(sorry the picture isn't great, I had to take a picture of the ultrasound.)

“For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderful made.” – Psalm 139:13-14

Mom's Christmas Letter

2008-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

My mom did a really nice christmas letter, so I wanted to share it with you just in case you didn't get it. ( she didn't mail it this year, it was on her blog this year.
"08 - 09"

I didn't do a Christmas letter, so I thought I would do a New Year's letter of the past year.

Jan 08' Started off with Sarah very sick , and in and out of the ER, until they finally found out that an antibiotic given to her, worked against her system, and caused her to be very sick, lose weight, and be in lots of pain. Now their are only 2 antibiotics that will work for her if she does get sick.In January I also lost my job at the chiroprators office which was a blessing from God, I knew it was coming, He closed a door and opened a new one.

In February, We lost Joey and on Valentine's day, I still have a hard time with his loss, I was the one who had him put asleep, I know he was sick, and probably would of had the same problems, but it has been hard on my heart. I wonder how I am going to make it this Valentines day, but I know God will get me through, His Grace "IS" enough. In Feb I also started working for Bashas, they graciously took me in as one of their own, I am cashiering about 15 hours a week.

In March our lovely daughter Sarah married a wonderful Christian man, Joel, we had over 260 guest, and some from all over the country, Pennsylvania, Detroit, Hawaii and Texas, we had a wonderful wedding, that went off without a hitch, we had lots of help, from our family , friends and the whole EVBC body. What a great day. Thanks to everyone of you !

April was probably the first incline of the gas prices, and did we ever think we would see the price of gas go to $4.00, yeah..........NO. But we sure did. Thank God it is where it is today, $1.47 here in Mesa !

May , Sarah had a birthday, 20 !

June , Russ, Joel and Sarah went with our church to Point Loma in San Diego for Summer Camp 08, that they attend every year, Russ is a crew dad, and Joel and Sarah both are High school ministry leaders , over 500 jr high and high school kids attend !

in August , Russ's family all got together for his parents 50th wedding anniversary, Cheryle, and Rachel came down from Canada, and Kimmy and Brian from Cottonwood and we all went out for a wonderful meal to celebrate Russ and Wilma's big day !

In Sept Russ and I put our home on the market , 2 days before the 1st market crash the big -777, what did we know ? hehe. We will see what the Lord brings , if we are to sell , we will sell, if we are to stay for a while ,we will stay. We will Trust, in what He brings. We are ready to live simpler.

In Nov, Russ , Joel and Sarah went to Mexico to build homes , East valley sent over 160 people that built 6 homes in 3 days!In Nov. I got a call from Hallmark! I put a resume online a couple months back and they called me , I went on a interview and was hired on the spot. I am merchandising for them in a Walmart store, 3 days a week , 10 - 15 hours a week, on my own time, perfect ! So I was able to tell Bashas I could work just 2 nights if needed a week . It has been working , although , during the Christmas season, there was a little more hours for Hallmark :)

Dec , Russ and I have been staying busy, trying not to let satan distract us from what Christmas is all about, JESUS , in all the craziness of this wonderful season. Our Savior born on this amazing Christmas day. I love how our series at church the last 4 weeks, on "Recovering Christmas" was about giving relational gifts, from making things, to getting together, instead of gift card/ restaurant gifts, and taking money not spent this Christmas , and giving it to people in need, for water, that we have every day, for resources, supplies, food, homes to be built, and physical therapy supplies in Morrocco. A place where EVBC has been, has worked, has people in place right now! What an exciting project, we are called to "BE" God's people ,right here on earth, to reach out to the needy, to feed the hungry and to clothe the naked. We are called to "BE the Church" ! We are excited to be a small part in this mission.Oh yeah and one more thing, Christmas day, we opened gifts from Joel and Sarah which included a book, entitled "Extreme Grandparenting " by Dr. Tim Kimmel, along with a ultrasound picture and a picture of the pregnancy test! Yes, Russ and I are going to be grandparents !What a Gift ! Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year to you all !From His Love Above, Russ and Debbie !

Oprah has her "FaVoRiTe ThInGs" for the season, so I thought I could too! :)

2008-12-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

PERSONAL SLIPPERS!

How cute are these! Tooth Fairy holders!!!

2008-12-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

baskets are my FAV! I can ALWAYS find something to go in them!

2008-12-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

I love travelin, and these tags are preicous!

2008-12-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

the pretty ladies!

2008-12-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

here we are having fun at the christmas party together!

sarah + another sarah = friendship!

2008-12-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Myself and my friend Sarah at our children's ministries party!

papi and me!

2008-12-11T07:47:00.001-08:00

Here we are on thanksgiving day, just hanging out on the couch!

Babies, Babies and more Babies!

2008-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all the soon-to-be parents!!!

Mike and Michelle Boady
Riccardo and Holly Stewart
Brandon and Julie Keeling
Mike and Brittany Carillo
Mike and Jessica Nassan

Christmas décor #1

2008-11-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

I broke down and decorated for Christmas! I was so excited, I couldn't wait any longer! So, with the permission from my wonderful husband, our house is now ready to go! :) Here our some pictures of what Joel calls "our winter wonderland."
The Kitchen.

Christmas décor #2

2008-11-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

The tree!
Joel fixed the star when he got home. :)

Christmas décor #3

2008-11-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

pretty place mats!

Christmas décor #4- My Christmas Project

2008-11-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I would try to get creative, so I made this wreath for our front door.

Our wreath on the front door..

2008-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Christmas décor #5

2008-11-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

I hung fake candy canes out side on our tree!

house hunters...

2008-11-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Just a little update on our house hunting adventure...if you didn't already know, Joel and I have been searching to buy a home. We did find a house that we would really love to make Our Home, so we placed an offer and now we are just waiting for the call. Ill keep you all updated!

Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

As I thought about thanksgiving this song came to mind:

MY DRINK
By: Charlie Hall

VERSE:
F#m E
See the blaze that burns in me when I see You
D2
and You look at me O Lord
F#m E D2
On You I meditate and as I think my soul it faints for You
CHORUS:
A F#m D
You are my drink, You are my feast,
A
You are my love, my souls own King
A F#m D
You are my drink, You are my feast,
F#m
You are my love, my souls own King
BRIDGE:
F#m E/G# D E
Your body and Your blood and I remember You,
F#m E/G# D E
upon the cross You hung and I remember You
SOLO: A F#m D A A F#m D F#m

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY!

2008-11-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday it was East Valley's 17 year anniversary so we got together at the mesa amp. and had all services combined to ONE! apx. 3,000 people showed up! SO fun! Full of excitement and tears, music, stories, truth, teaching and family love!

my girl friends! :)

2008-11-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

sheldon, me, and caroline holly!

the band...

2008-11-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

aaorn, joel, tim, matt, matthew, and ben ( behind matthew) ...

AMOR MEXICO MISSION TRIP 08!

2008-11-12T11:52:00.000-08:00

Excited and on are way to Mexico!
Joel and I taking some of our students from student ministries down to Mexico to build houses in the name of Jesus!