My new theme song in life: "Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer", by Keith & Kristyn Getty

I love, love, love this song.  It's a prayer really, and it wins my heart to the Lord and to value trials and dependence on the Lord; to see absolute beauty in all of it.

Here are the lyrics...but you have to get the song!

1. Jesus, draw me ever nearer

As I labor through the storm

You have called me to this passing

And I'll follow though I'm worn

Chorus:

May this journey bring a blessing

May our eyes on wings of faith

And at the end of my heart's testing

with Your likeness

Let me wake

2. Jesus guide me through the tempest

Keep my spirit stayed and sure

When the midnight meets the morning

Let me love you even more

Chorus repeats

3. Let the treasure of the trial

Form within me as I go

And at the end of this long passage

Let me leave them at Your throne

Chorus repeats

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart, I have overcome the world.

John 17:3

And this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

God has been pouring out so much grace onto my life.  HE is the pearl of great price!  On Him I am fixed...May I glorify Him everyday.

Marshall lost his first tooth on Sunday, February 1st, 2009.  He will be six at the end of this month.  Since he had so much problem with his two top teeth...bad crowns that look funny...I am excited to see the tooth loss stage begin.  Marshall was using his teeth to tear open a bag of fruit roll ups when boom! his tooth goes flying forward and shocks the heck out of him.  He came crying to me with a bloody mouth and Matthias close behind explaining that all is well, it's only a tooth gone falling out. Whew!  Good thing. :)    

Happy 25th Birthday

       Meagan Renae Shortridge      

 You came into this world after 19 1/2 hours of brutal labor.  Gee, I thought I might have a short labor like Grandma, but no!  Ahh, but truly, a woman forgets her sorrow, once she sees her child.  With you being our first, we were overprotective and crazy about doing everything just perfectly.  Driving home from the hospital, we passed a refinery, and I thought your dad would short-circuit, worrying about you breathing in those odious smells.  We wanted pure air for our darling new daughter...but God would teach us a first of many lessons of trusting HIM in this fallen, sinful world...knowing He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.  We continue to worship God and thank Him profusely for His mighty saving grace on your precious life.  How we marvel at His goodness and exceeding kindness to us for all He does in your life and soul.  WE ARE SO RICH!  Children are indeed a reward...a great reward!!!

At 25 years old, you have lived a blessed life.  You serve in your church in the high school ministry and continue to seek God daily in your living.  I thank God that you know the Heavenly Father.  Ahhh...this momma's heart is full and safe. 

My Beautiful First Born!

Playful!

My Silly Daughters

My young daughters

College Freshman Dorm-Mates: Becky & Meagan

Becky & Meagan - Freshmen in College - So Young!

God is so good.  You graduate college in 2005 with honors!

Meagan - adventurous sky diver!  I'm envious. ;)

Meagan - That's my girl! :)

Meagan & Chris - Hiking in Yosemite

Meagan the Hiker - Yosemite

Meagan the Marathon Runner

Meagan the Golfer

Meagan & Chris - Fishermen

25 years of a full life.  God has been so good.  Rejoice and enjoy this season of life. 

May this year prove more of God's love and care for you.

Much love,

Mom and Dad