Switcharoo

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give a heads up. We have switched to a new blog website that I prefer over this one. I was able to import all of our past blogs onto our new one so you'll see everything on our new site that you did on this one. You are also able to comment more easily and navigate through the page easier. Instead of .blogspot.com it's .wordpress.com! I hope you like it!! Let us know you're out there!

http://chadandlauren.wordpress.com

IT'S NOT ABOUT US

I copied this post from mine and Chad's former pastor and mentor, Sam Shaw. He posted this on his blog and it hit me like a ton of bricks and I felt led to share it with all of you. This is from Tommy Tenney's book "God's Favorite House". I felt as if this is what people need to hear. Church, worship, tithing, persecution and sermons are NOT ABOUT US!!! It is NOT what we get out of it, it's what we give. I have learned that it isn't about my preference, style or emotion. We are placed on this earth to praise Him and only Him. I'm constantly learning that is what I am supposed to be doing. I pray this is an encouragment to you as it was to me.

He notes there were five occasions when the windows of heaven open:

1. Tithing -

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Mal. 3:10

2. Persecution -

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Acts 7:55-58

3. Persistence -

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will
be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him
who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt 7:7-8

So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
“Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
“There is nothing there,” he said.
Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’ “
Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:42-45

4. Unity -

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:19-20

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7

5. Worship

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Psalm 24:7

Tenney concludes:

“Like it or not, the only way we can begin to open the heavens over our churches and cities is to become giving, persistent and unified worshippers who aren’t afraid to sacrifice all for Christ.”

Does this not explain why so much of what passes for “church” and “worship” is devoid of the experienced presence of God?

365 Days Ago

Today is mine and Chad's one year wedding anniversary! I cannot believe it's already been a year since we wed. It has been quite an incredible year. We've been through quite a lot this past year but it has still been wonderful. I'm enjoying married life more and more everyday. I have just now started cooking regularly. Every single night actually. Last Sunday I made a pork tenderloin that baked in the oven for over 5 hours! After that meal Chad said I had officially made it to Betty Crocker status. I think he's enjoying home cooked meals every night. I'm probably spoiling him too much! Haha. It's been great reflecting on the past year but I'm so ready for the many more to come. I can't imagine a more perfect person for me to call my husband.

Chadwick Fields Watson, I adore you with all of my being. Thank you for being my best friend, husband, lover, rock and confidant. I will love you forever and a day.

Our wedding pictures are still online at this link if you want to browse through them:
http://rhbrides.dynalias.com/%7Erussellhays/lowrey%20site/

Allison and Blake's Wedding Pictures

Here are the much awaited pictures from Allison and Blake Bulter's wedding. They are absolutely gorgeous. Just as the bride and groom. Congratulations again Blake and Allison! Chad and I love you both very much and wish you all the happiness in the world. May the Lord richly bless you and your marriage.

Fixing Allie's Hair

Doing my makeup
Isn't she stunning?
I absolutely love this picture of Allison and Blake!
Awe
The whole wedding party
Just us girls

So sweet Windy Shot I love her.... a lot
Adorable Apparently I'm good at doing hair :) Typical Girl Pose.... love it

About to walk down the aisle
Here we go!
The sweet kiss

Hugging Allison as Mrs. Blake Butler for the first time... so happy

Loving Rusty's dance moves Father-in-law and daughter-in-law breaking it downDancing the night away!