As I think about ways to raise my children, and guide them in faith as they grow older, I hope that I always remember the example that my great-grandma was to her family. She consistently modeled grace and wisdom every single day. She faithfully lifted her family up in prayer, and, without fail, generously gave to those in need. Her daughter (my grandma) and her granddaughter (my mom) were both heavily influenced by the faith she lived out every day. As I look at their lives, and think about how I want to be remembered in the future, I hope that my faith in Jesus is marked by as much love and authenticity as my great-grandma’s faith was. Quite simply, it can be summed up in one word: genuine. It wasn’t fake. It wasn’t something she did just to appear spiritual. Her faith was real simply because she loved and cherished her relationship with Jesus.

These past few days were definitely a time of celebration! I was glad to be a part of it and see family I don't get to see that often. But, it also was definitely a time of reflection -- and a time for me to take a step back and reflect on the legacy that my G.G. left during the 94 years she spent here on earth. Will mine look the same? Probably not... but I want my desire to be the same: to love and cherish Jesus to the fullest every single day I have on here on earth!

Thoughts?

Jen and Olivia got back in town yesterday afternoon from their 6-day trip to visit family in Denver. They had a great time! We'll post pictures and videos soon about both our adventures (their trip to Denver, and me and Soph's time at home) within the next few days.

By the way, the above picture was taken by our favorite photographer in ATL (he did our wedding 5+ years ago). We were at a friend's wedding and they happened to be shooting it. He pulled us aside and got a nice shot of us.

Tonight: We're heading to the Braves game. Should be fun!
Thursday: No plans, she'll be with the grandparents and I'll probably go golfing (I know, selfish me-time).
Friday: Playground at the outlet mall, then to the candy shop to get an Icee. Maybe a movie rental afterwards.
Saturday: DeKalb Peachtree Airport aviation park, lunch somewhere inside the perimeter, Riverside Splash Park in Roswell.
Sunday: Church, nap (yes, this is on the schedule), small group, then dinner somewhere in Cumming.
Monday: Sophia will be with Grandparents #2, so unsure what Monday night plans will look like just yet.
Tuesday: We'll go to the airport to pick up the girls!

I know that that she'll enjoy the trip with Mommy!

Any other ideas or suggestions for me this weekend?

I'm a proud Daddy. My prayer is that these take root in her heart so she would be captivated by Jesus at a young age!

Do you have a specific method for memorizing scripture? (for yourself or your kids)

You're right. That is Sophia channeling her inner Ludacris.

With Olivia walking now (or at least at the beginning stages), our lives are about to change!

Jen, Eric, myself and Sophia about an hour before the "I Do's").

Jen's Grandmother, Jen, Becky, and Jen's Mom at the bridal luncheon the day before.

Aunt Pat and Uncle Nate with Olivia

Tita Sol with Olivia and Sophia

This past Sunday our small group ("Couples with young kids") started our summer series off with a bang. From a recommendation, we decided to do John & Staci Eldredge's study called Love & War. Here is a snapshot directly from their website:

John and Stasi's new book, Love and War: Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of does for couples what Captivating did for women and Wild at Heartdid for men. With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they've gained from the challenges they have faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they've learned , giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic.

John and Stasi begin Love & War with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They believe we need to get past the shame and confusion surrounding the undertaking of marriage before we can truly deal with our day-to-day situations.

Love & Warshows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling on both men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their journey together is growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

As a group we decided to modify our study somewhat in that we will just be watching the DVD as a group and going through the "Participant Guide" instead of the actual book. In the PG there is some weekly "pre-work" that everyone can complete prior to coming to group on Sunday afternoons.

Granted its only been one week/session, but if you're looking for an idea for a "couples" small group, I'll give my early recommendation on this one. We had to stop our discussion short yesterday! We talked about expectations vs. reality, fighting for our marriage, and our desires/dreams for our marriages. It was very engaging. I'm looking forward to our times this summer to see how God stirs things up a bit!

Have you done this study? Or have you done another one that you would recommend?