Clean

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We are in the Lenten season. This season is a very emotional time for me. Easter has been that way for me for a long time. It's emotional because of the sacrifice of God's own Son...for me! Me, who has not fully trusted Him enough or loved Him enough or lived a life worthy of His love...He still did it for me. I fail Him constantly and He loves and he pursues me.

This time of year is a difficult time for me personally when it comes to loss. Three years ago this week our dog, Osa died. Our "fur baby" that we loved for almost 16 years who loved us unconditionally. Three years ago this April my brother went to be with the Lord. Time goes on but the places that Doug filled in my life are still empty. One year ago my beloved grandmother met Jesus. A God she served for almost 99 years.That is a lot of loss but there is a hope! God prepared a place for us. That is the comforting part of the loss. I know they are in heaven. 

A few weeks ago my friends daughter (who I love very much) sang a solo in church. I wasn't there that weekend and as my husband and I were driving home, we replayed the FaceBook video. I couldn't see the video through the tears. First, because this young lady was singing out. Not holding back. Her voice was clear and beautiful. Second was because of the lyric. 

There's nothing too dirty
that You can't make worthy
You wash me in mercy
I am clean.
Clean, Natalie Grant

These are powerful words. I am valued by God. He washes me in mercy and gives me the gift of grace. The God of the universe who created me, loves me more than I can comprehend. 

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I have posted a photo every day for the last 36 days. I haven't always been good about putting them up on my blog. Sometimes there isn't really a story to write about. Sometimes I take a certain photo because I'm participating in a photo challenge, sometimes it's something I have seen or experienced.

Here is a collection of photos from the last week or so.

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Today is your birthday. Your earthly birthday. The day God chose for you to be gifted to us. We had 43 years celebrating you! Loving you in a very tangible way. With a hug. A kiss. Laughter that was so contagious! A passionate, opinionated, caring individual. God chose 43 years was all that we would have. He didn't want to wait any longer. He wanted you home and so now you celebrate your second birthday in heaven with Him and the people who we love that have also gone on to heaven.

There are days that seem still so unreal that you aren't here. I can't call you to hear your voice. To tell you how much I love you! To tell you that you are the best baby brother a sister could ever have. You are missed more than I have words to express but I have memories that will never be taken away from me. Even near the end, I can recall things that you said and did that make me laugh out loud. I love Doug! Forever in my heart!

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I did post these photos to my instagram but didn't post to my little space on the internet.

Page 11 | I had to get my wedding band repaired, a little diamond replaced and the prongs fixed. I finally received them and they look brand new!

Page 12 | I love a good Vera Bradley sale!

Page 13 | Springtime in January. Sunroof views!

Page 10 of 365

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Going to DWTS Live Tour seems to be a yearly event that my mom and I do. We have seen Dancing With the Stars on tour twice and Maks and Val Tour last spring. We watch on TV during the season and it is a fun event to see them live. It is a beautiful evening spent with my mom. I love her, btw!

This year it was at the Fox Theatre instead of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. We sat near the front of the first balcony so this year I brought my professional camera instead of relying on my iPhone. I was really pleased at how this photos came out. 

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So we were gearing up for a big snow storm to hit the Atlanta area. The offfice closed early, I picked up Luger from camp and before I got home it started to rain. It stayed rain up until the temps went below freezing. When Luger and I got up this morning, I was half expecting inches of snow but there wasn't any just a layer of ice. 

 

photo credit: lauradake

photo credit: lauradake

photo credit: lauradake

photo credit: lauradake

photo credit: lauradake

photo credit: lauradake

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So far so good. I have kept this up for 6 days!

Last night we met our friends Jeff and Sheena and their son, Caed for dinner. They were on their way home to Florida after Christmas vacation. Since they were going to be in Atlanta it would've been a shame if we couldn't see each other. We met in Atlantic Station at Rosa Mexicano. They do a great guacamole table side.  

It was so good to be with them and have a meal, to be able to catch up since our vacation to New York City in September. Caed has grown so much since then. He is so interactive! So fun! Love hIm!

Auntie Laura and Caed.jpg
Rosa Mexicano.jpg

We are all busy with our families, work, schedules and sometimes are just tired, but it's important to make time for those people who mean so much.

Grateful for special friends!