Do you need to "see" what Christ is?

I got this skit link from a dear friend's blog and found it so profound and affective that I wanted each of you to experience it. My friend is stronger than I, for I could not hold back my tears. Christ is amazing. Enjoy~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

Sticker Time!

Sometimes you just have to break out the stickers

and let the toddler decide on where to put them~

Eternal Medicine

It is just past 3:00 a.m. and I was awaken by a pretty sharp pain in my jaw. Yesterday I had an unsuccessfully attempted procedure to eliminate some problems that stemmed from a recent wisdom teeth removal.

While I have another appointment to go under general anesthesia to complete the process, I am somewhat 'stuck' until then. So I am sure from time to time, this just might be the norm for me: waking in the middle of the night to grab my prescription medication (with the dreaded "no refills" in bold print on the bottom of the bottle!) to alleviate (or minimize) the physical pain that I am experiencing.

This got me thinking: how amazing is it that I have a Pharmacist sitting at the Thrown, knowing exactly where all of my life's pain is! There is no waiting line at the Drive Thru, no insurance cards to fill out, nor applications to get in. There are no business hours with my Pharmacist; 3:00 a.m. visits are not only welcomed, but encouraged, so there is no being stuck until the next available appointment.

I can be experiencing no pain, little pain, or be in an excruciating place in my life and I can make it the norm to visit as often as I like. And what's amazing, I don't have to call on any other human to see this: Infinite Refills! But just like any antibiotic, I do need to continue my daily intake of my Medicine (the word, fellowship, etc.) for life's infections to go away and to alleviate (or minimize) life's pain.

So although I would prefer to be fully rested at 3:00 a.m., I am so grateful (swollen face and all) that I was awakened to see a message from the Lord. And I'm a little relieved to have found that little burnt-orange container of Motrin on the counter as well ;)

Good Night Family & Friends...May your day be painless~
Jodie

p.s. I've previously read in a fashion magazine that there are certain haircuts that look better w/ certain face shapes (round, heart-shaped, square, oval, etc.)...due to my swelling in my face, I think I may get a trim. Does anyone know of a style that corresponds with a trapezoid? he he he

First Day Of School~

After filling out the lengthy application, awaiting the confirmation of enrollement, the day has finally arrived. Jaiden's first day of "school" at our church (Irving Bible Church) in the Kids Day Out program.

We have been preparing for this day for about a week, reminding Jaiden that she is going to be going to "school" and that she will be meeting new friends, that we pray she will be a good listener to her teachers (Ms. Stephanie and assistant Ms. Susie), and that we're very proud of her.

It has been fun...picking out her backpack and lunch tote (covered in lady bugs per Jaiden's choice of course!), and realizing that you can NOT get a nap mat the weekend before classes start (whoops!), but none of the enjoyment of the unimportant things could have prepared my heart for the feeling I got when she came into the kitchen, all dressed and said, "ready mama!" It's only the Kids Day Out program and I got a lump in my throat. She's not even three, and I couldn't believe how quickly she has grown thus far.

I often wonder if that is how God feels when we, His children, finally pick something up and move toward the next step in our spiritual lives. I wonder if our Sovereign God actually looks down at us from Heaven and thinks, "wow, he/she is really growing (maturing) Spiritually" and gets a lump in His heavenly throat.

As I watched Jaiden walk down the hallway to her classroom with her backpack propped just right so that if she were to sway too far to the left or the right, she would topple over with the weight of only her lunch tote and folder, I am whispering to myself, "go on baby...go on. You can do it, you're such a big girl! Don't turn back, don't turn back!" And as much as I want to go run up to her, grab her and take her in my arms and head right back home, I let her go.

I know that our Father does just that. He prepares us for our Walk of life and as we utilize the tools He has given us, we take off. We are walking down the path that He has created for us and He is whispering from His almighty Place, "Go on...go on! You can do it, you're such a mighty warrior of mine! Don't turn back, don't turn back!" And as much as it hurts Him to know that even with our armor/our bag full of supplies, we could topple over at any minute... He lets us go.

I am excited for Jaiden to meet new friends, learn new things, and experience new events as well. But I am even more excited to see what path He has for her and pray that we can only guide her down that path. We will be praying for, with, and over her. We will equip her with all that God has given us. We will continue to encourage her to grow, and we will hesitantly, but certainly let go and watch her walk down that hall of life. We have no choice. God's plan far exceeds that of our own. And to just turn around and head right back where we came... where would that take us?

I urge you sisters and brothers... use what the Lord has given you to fill your child's spiritual backpack, push yourselves to new levels of growth as well. So when the bell of Christ's return is heard in the wind, we can hear our Lord God say, "Go on! Go on!"

Jods

Happy Birthday Alexis

~Alexis Lia Keeter is 13~
August 3, 2007

I wanted to wish Aden's daughter, Carol & Sr.'s granddaughter, Scott, Kristin, & Lisa's niece, and Chloe, Emma, Lizzie's cousin, and Jaiden's step-sister a very Happy 13th Birthday.

I know we all wish we could spend this very special day with Ali, and we all can continue to pray for God's intervention so that we might be able to see her soon.

Even though you aren't physically here with each of us, we know you're having your special day today and we all wish so deeply that we might share it with you.

We love you Alexis, and Happy Birthday sweet girl.

I am a spiritual two-year old!

Again, something huge has hit me.... And I mean aside from the projectiles that Jaiden deems appropriate to send my way at the most unexpected moments.

My daughter is two. If that statement does not ring through with enough screaching siren sounds, then I do not know of another statement that will hit you strongly enough.

As I sat comfortably (this is a rare occasion these days) on our sofa, I was watching Jaiden as she explored the living room. It was cute. She was learning about the things around her just has she went about her way. She would ask questions, I would answer them. She would seemingly apply what she had just learned from me and then go on to the next task. But then, out of no where, as if I hadn't taught her a thing, she deliberately disobeys one of my (our) rules.

Then WHACK! it hit me. That is EXACTLY how I must be in the eyes of our Lord. Oh my goodness. I am a spiritual two-year old. Just like Jaiden in her unrelenting disobedience that absolutely wears me out to no end, I must too, do that in the eyes of God. A little sin here, a little sin there. I go about my day, smiling, talking with the Lord, complimenting all that He has done for me (glorifying Him, obeying, making disciples, etc.), but then WHAM! I sin. I worry about things that are not happening in my timing. I wonder about the future (as if He is not going to handle it). Good GRIEF.

It has to be so frustrating to my God that after so many years, so many conversations, so many lessons, the best and biggest How-To-Do Book known to all mankind (the Bible) available to me at all times, that I STILL continuously fail and intentionally disobey God (and His word).

Unbelievable. Although I do not intend to whip a votive candle (which happens to be my favorite home decor ojbect)at our Lord's foreye any time soon, I certainly will be aware of the fact that any little sin I may have at the tip of my fingers or lips will be flying in the face of the God who once told me "No ma'am!"

I'm exhausted and I have to go back to tending to my Jaiden Claire. May our God rest knowing that I am planning to be on my best behavior.

~Jods

4th of July 2007

Fireworks. Pyrotechnics. Whatever you may call them, they are just so amazing to me. Perhaps it is because all of the fireworks shows come out only once a year (or one time of year)? Perhaps it is because the loud bangs, pops, snaps and other sounds are just so unfamiliar yet so unavoidable?

I don't know what it is, but this year, as I stood in our cul-de-sac and watched this year's display of fireworks, I just stood there in awe. More so than the years past.

I was blessed to be able to hold Jaiden during some of the show and it was so amazing to watch her face as she enjoyed the display of lights. She was trembling a bit and with each boom held on to me a little more tightly. But she couldn't get enough. She kept saying, "more! more! more fireworks!" and was delighted each time her request was met.

But then Aden said something and it hit me. He said, "just think, this is what our soldiers hear all day, every night." It sunk in. It's no secret why these displays have grabbed my attention this year. It isn't a surprise that they symbolize something different for me this week. Aden's simple statement rang something so huge, so unexplainable. And he's RIGHT.

I've known since elementary school what Independence Day historically was all about. (Although I do wish I could still recite the Declaration of Independence as we used to in our school plays). But it wasn't until now that I have been able to fully grasp the fact that America is THE country. I am truly proud to be an American. As cliche as it may sound, I will say it again, "I am proud to be an American."

I am boasting with praise for our Father and the founding fathers that recognized Him as the Creator, even in the Declaration of Independence. However, I am afraid for America and where it seems to be headed in this regard. Taking God out of so many things, dismissing the importance He has in our lives, and disregarding Him when trying to do what is right for our great country. I am not surprised, for it is written, but I still do fear for this great nation.

I am saddened to think of all of the families both near and far that have a soldier fighting out there. I am saddened not because I know all of the facts and know what is right for them. I am saddened because as I watched this ominous site, phenomenal display of fireworks, holding my daughter in my arms, I was safe. I am forever grateful to to you brave men and women. We are forever grateful to you. And for all of those who seem to think otherwise, I extend my family's hearts even further.

It has been so easy to forget what this great country has done and where it has come since July 4, 1776, just as it has been easy to forget the text of the Declaration of Independence since I studied it 2 decades ago. America was once a nation "UNDER GOD."

There is a time for war as it was written. Good and bad things will continue to happen in this world and in this country. But it shouldn't be a secret how this country came to be so great. Read the declaration for independence. See that they included God. Know that it isn't coincidence. Yes, war is going to happen for it is written in the word, "There is a time for war, a time for peace." But as Oswald wrote, "Peace is not the absence of trouble, yet the presence of God."

I won't forget that there are men and women who have already gone before me who made it possible for me to sit here in seemingly guaranteed safety today. I won't forget that I have friends and families who are missing their soldiers each day and do not have that confidence. I will not forget the feeling I had when Aden reminded me that although the experience (of the firework display) is spectacular, there is another side to the story. And more importantly, I will not forget that this great nation, this place we call home, AMERICA once believed in the Creator and had Him at its focal point.

May you all be blessed by whatever experience you may have had this 4th of July in 2007. May we all return to this day 231 years ago when our nation had a united dream for this country and its people. May we all keep God as our focal point and not forget what this day is about. God Bless America, or more importantly as some have said, America bless God!

Happy Father's Day!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, 2007

Aden and Jaiden enjoyed an ice cream bar together to conclude this year's Father's Day.

Jaiden soon realized that ice cream was not only for eating, but you can enjoy it as a body paint as well! Yahoo!

Please enjoy the slideshow of this wonderful event!

----->

Psalm 139.16

Psalm 139:16 reads, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

I hesitate before you all as I begin to type this entry. Today has been an unusual day. It started out just as any other day would have, with hurried attempts to get the house picked up and laundry started before I hear Jaiden's sweet voice. Then I went to get her with the usual, sweet requests of "mama, look at birds please" as I take her straight to her window from her crib to see if there are any birds outside her window as they often are in the morning. We also went to the park and played on the playground and hit the grocery store on the way home. All of these things are almost routine on a daily basis.

But there was something that has been hanging over me today and it's a feeling that I hadn't felt in such a long time. And although I have been smiling off and on all morning, there was something missing. And as enjoyable as my day has been, it has hit me. I miss Savannah. I really miss my sweet baby girl. Now, I think of Savannah all of the time. I am able to smile and laugh and think of the beautiful memories I've had with her. But there are days, days like these, that for some reason are like a kick to the stomach. I just really ache inside for her.

Perhaps it is because I wonder what she would have been like as I watch Jaiden go from words to sentences with a similar sweet voice. Perhaps it's because they both call me "mama" over-emphasizing the M's. And maybe it's because Jaiden is just as determined yet soft in her demeanor. Nonetheless, the ache is here today.

I am so grateful that I have come to a point in my life where I no longer question God's intention for her death. Psalm 139:16 has never been more true or evident than a day with Savannah... "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." To question her death to me would be equivalent as questioning the days of her life. I do not intend to question our Almighty God as much as I would be able to understand His explanation. But the truth remains: It hurts. It hurts 5 years and 10 months from the day she went to Heaven.

It amazes me how we go through so many things in our lives. It amazes me further how God has had it all in this Master plan. I'm continuously reminded of the blessings I have in my life (those that are currently here and those that have since passed, but the effect yet remains).

It saddens me to know that there are families out there right now that have the agony and sorrow in their hearts this instant, as they live through the nightmare of discovering their child has been lost to this thing called SIDS. Lord, I pray that you wrap your arms around those individuals because although you did get me through it, I cannot imagine being in that place right now. And I also pray for those who are in the same position as I am right now... years from that moment when their lives changed forever, that still ache to hold their precious children in their earthly arms.

Our God is an amazing God. Every day that he has given me. Every morning that I tear through our home getting things picked up and laundry cleaned is a blessing. Every whispered plea to look out the window at the birds by Jaiden are a blessing. Every safely traveled trip to the park and grocery store are a blessing. There are days that go by that I don't even think about what's happening because I am just going with the flow. And there are days when something is lingering over me and I think it's an important reminder from our God to keep going. A reminder that tells me, "Look how far you've come. Look ahead to what I have planned for you."

I will hold onto His words in Psalm 139:16: "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." The Author of my life is the most amazing Writer ever to be and yet to come. I know that the books of my life that lie ahead are going to be great. There will be dramas, comedies, and tragedies. But I look forward to them. How else could I possibly go from today's chapter of grief and turn the page of my life and look forward to reading tomorrow? I do not know what will come tomorrow, but I am confident that whatever the Lord has ordained for us, He has already proudly written.

It's Officially Summer Time!

Well, it's here. Texas summer. The thunderstorms have been coming and going for the past couple of weeks. The temperatures are comfortably settling in around 90 degrees. The tank tops, cut off shorts, and flip flops are everywhere.

For most people in the South, it is a time for backyard bbq's, afternoons out on the water, and a time to get and stay outside. I did say for most people, didn't I?

Then there are folks like me who find this new heat wave almost unbearable! I am trying to find the thinnest t-shirt I can possibly dig up in my closet (I can't wear a tank because this girl would fry and look like a Louisiana crawfish!). I am guzzling ice water by the gallon it seems. I am longing to live at my parents' house where the pool is only inches from their back door (yes, pretty scary for both of us, I realize!).

I do see the good in summer, too. The children all seem to have this 'glow' about them and are excited to be dismissed from school (even if it is at the detriment of their parents!). We all seem to get a little more motivated to take care of the body that God has entrusted us with (even if our motivation is primarily for getting into the little sundress or taking off that shirt to mow the lawn (I'm referring to the guys only here!)). The animals seem to be playful. Furthermore, God seems to have given us more time with the lingering daylight (although I still seem to just crunch more things onto my 'to-do' list than use it wisely!). It really is beautiful.

So do the promises our Lord has given us. "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Times are changing. It's evident every time we open the newspaper (or click our mouse if we're the technological savvy individual). There is war, there is famine, there is the highest divorce rate I could ever have imagined as a young adult. There are also cures for diseases that ailed our ancestors. There have been advances in technology. And there are more churches now that our grandparents could have imagined! We know that these things will continue to change, both for the good and the bad. We know that these days will come and go.

I know that in this summer, there will be things that God has in store for my family that I need to continually pray about and prepare for. Even more that I will never know until it happens. I know there will be sunny days and stormy nights. I am confident that we will get through all of them because we have put our trust in the One Who can get us through anything.

I am excited to see what that plan is. I am certain that we will be having our own share of backyard bbq's, time out on the lake, and spending many hot afternoons out in the sun. I am however, hopeful in the book of Daniel because it promises that "He changes times and seasons." Oh please Lord, please let that time be short and the season be chilly!

Love from (hot) Texas,

Jodie

Miss Elizabeth Clare "Lizzie" Keeter

Baby Elizabeth Clare has arrived!

She was born Monday, March 26, 2007 at 5:47pm.

She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz & was 20 inches long.

This is a late post, and I feel horribly about it, but I did want to get it up here! So sorry for the delay Keeter family!

Happy Anniversary Mr. Aden Sr. and Mrs. Carol!

Year Number 43!!!

Today marks a very special day in the Keeter Family. Aden Sr. and Carol celebrate over 4 decades of marriage together!

1 Corinthians tells us that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

What an inspiration to us all what God had in mind for marriage. May we all continue to pray for them as they continue to inspire us!

Oh, and by the way, this picture is a year old. Until I have an updated picture, they will just have to be happy with this one if they do not approve! he he he... Happy Anniversary! We love you both!

This Life...

The past few weeks have been filled with prayer, contemplation, assessment, and enlightenment. I think over time, I have allowed myself to become complacent in this life. Every thing was 'ok:' I was still giving thanks for the daily gifts, smiling at Jaiden through out the day as I usually would, greeting my husband at the door when he comes home, and casually enjoying each evening and weekend as a family. But being just nonchalant with what God has given me is not something I strive to accept.

I have no doubt that God's timing is perfect for me (notice I didn't say just "perfect"--things would come so much faster if it were up me!). In the midst of this routine I had going for myself I realized that it just wasn't right. I was doing things and agreeing to things and accepting whatever was coming my way without truly considering whether or not it was right for us (my family). And with doing so, I was giving up chances every day to create the lives God wants for us.-- That idea was proposed by Robin Mc Graw in her book Inside My Heart. It's so easy to do though, right? We get in our auto-drive mode and just roll with it.

Well, things weren't looking very good for my family and I just decided that I was going to do something about it. First, I decided that I need to figure out a couple of things. What can I do to make things great (good just is, well only good). What can I proactively do, what I can not do, etc. I started refreshing my mind with wonderful advice from some of my favorite people: Robin Mc Graw (yes, this is Dr.Phil's wife, but no, I'm not a fanatic of talk shows!), Greg Laurie, and the Apostles.

For example, Mc Graw reminds us that "(It is a) real privilege (to be) free to embrace the joyful aspects of life and reject the hurtful ones, to choose to do what's working, and to turn your back on what isn't. It's a privilege to have the right to take charge of your existence and be excited about your life." There have been some difficult choices in my life recently that I had to look closely to these words and grasp them, just as I let go of things and people that I had to realize were hurtful parts of my life. Not easy...but refreshing.

In my devotional Because by Greg Laurie, he also brought into the spotlight a very good point: "Just as a car going uphill will naturally roll backward if it's parked and shifted into neutral, we'll naturally go the wrong way if we shift our Christian lives into neutral and stop seeking to learn and grow as believers as we develop our 'new nature.'" That was it! I was doing just that. I was content, I was in neutral. He continues to reminds us that "growth in the Christian life isn't just about obeying commandments. It's about wanting to grow, wanting to please the Lord, and wanting to become more like Him. That's what keeps us moving." Well, that is precisely what I needed to hear (again, his timing is perfect for me).

From an earthly perspective, we have it all. We have a wonderful home, the knowledge and education to manage our home and finances effectively, a marriage, a healthy child, and live in a free country. That's wonderful, it really is. Laurie points out that "the world's version of (happiness) is quite different than the Bible's version. The happiness of this world depends largely on circumstances." So, from the earthly perspective we should be ecstatic, unless "someone cuts (us) off on the freeway or (we) get sick or (we) incur an unplanned major expense." I am just so glad we don't choose to compare our happiness to earth's standards, where our "happiness (would) always hinge on the given circumstances of the moment." Although I was starting to feel that way...

"According to Scripture, true happiness is never something to be sought directly; it always results from seeking something else." I know I was walking on the path that I have been so long, keeping 'in touch' with our Lord and reading, praying, etc... but I was at that crossroad where I was looking at the path that was laid out for me and glancing over at the road that the 'world' chooses just because it's what seems so easy sometimes.

Well, I know that "when we seek holiness, we'll find happiness." I have been doing what I think many of my brothers and sisters in Christ do. Daily readings, 'casual' prayer, and even the occasional plea for something! But I wasn't actively doing any thing about this life to get it from the 'good/normalcy' it was in and take it to the 'great' God has in store for us.

I had allowed myself to become drained and complacent. Mc Graw has such a strong emphasis on "choice" in her book. And she's so right. Everything we do is based on a choice. We can choose to do something or choose not to do something. Nonetheless, there is a choice being made. Just days ago, I chose to take the next step in making my (and my family's) life a bit happier. I chose to have a great attitude. I chose to put away problems that are so trivial they had just been blocking my view of what God had painted for me. I chose to address problems that have been buried for so long. I chose to put God back at the top of my priority list.---By far the best choice I've made thus far.

But the most amazing part of this revelation for me is this. There was a cloud over my eyes that didn't allow me to see that there is not one other person I would rather be or not one other thing I would rather be doing than what I am doing right now. I am an appreciated wife who is absolutely loved by my 2-year old daughter. I am blessed beyond description and not because we have this nice little home on the cul de sac and we have our goals laid out for the future. We would be just as blessed if we were still in a small apartment just up the road. And that is what is amazing.

"I have a healthy respect for the devil's ability; he's a powerful adversary. In our own strength, we're no match for him. So we don't want to venture out in this life depending only on our own abilities, because it will bring spiritual defeat." I think when I start feeling "normal" again, I am going to have to revisit this blog entry and be reminded that I just might be walking a fine line between God's plan and the earthly plan. "If ever there was a time to be walking closely with the Lord, it's now. This is not the time to be playing games with God. This is not the time to wander away."

In Genesis 3:9 God said to Adam, "Where are you?".. Have you ever stopped to consider that verse? Can you imagine God seeking us? That weighs heavy on my mind looking at my life the past few months and I can only imagine God doing that even though I have "visited" him regularly. I have done on the exterior what would be 'recommended' of me as a Christian, but on the interior, I never considered "if the Lord would say the same thing to some of us many times: 'Where are you? Where have you been? I have been looking for you. I wanted to speak with you. I want you to walk with Me---and I want to walk with you.' I wonder just how many times each day God wants to tell (me) something, but He can't get a word in edgewise?"

It's no surprise I was in some 'funk' for who knows how long. No wonder we have been just going through the motions and have been 'ok' to every one else. And of course I am going to smile at Jaiden as we spend our time together and of course, I'm going to be glad to see my husband when he walks through that door. But oh, what a change it has been to long to spend my day with Jaiden or long for Aden to come home from work. What a blessing the weekends are to get additional time in the Word. And more importantly, what a difference it makes when you don't walk casually with God, but desire to be with Him, as he desires to be with each of us.

I entitled this blog entry as "This Life." I have taken this life that God has given me and made the choice to make it all that God promised it could be. Each day is a new day and I have to remind myself on a daily basis that today is the day I will make the choice to have a great attitude, be grateful that I do have so much to be thankful for, be mindful that I could as easily lose it all just as quickly, but praise God for whatever does come of it. This life to others would be seemingly ordinary. I am going to strive to make it extraordinary. After all, isn't that how Christ lived this life?

Additional Pictures ...

Here are some additional photographs of our night in Ft. Worth with Greg and Andrea! Enjoy!

Good Day Mates!

We are so blessed to have my cousin, Andrea and her husband Greg visiting from Brisbane, Australia this week! They have been trying to recouperate from their jet-lag, but had no problems hitting the town of Ft. Worth with us last night!

We enjoyed Cattleman's Steakhouse for dinner, hit the White Elephant for a round of cold mugs (oh, and I did tell my mom that I would disclose this information: While in the bar entitled, "The White Elephant" we were walking around admiring the decor. Well, Leslie turns to me and says, "The elephants (decor) are all white in here!...... That was a "duh"/ "here's your sign" moment if I've ever witnessed one?!..hehehe).

We then ventured to Billy Bob's and witnessed Greg beat Pops in a game of pool (although it was close!) and watched a little line dancing as well. Andrea and Greg will be heading up north to Wisconsin on Saturday, hit Chicago, New York, San Fransisco, and LA before heading back to the Big Pond!

Please keep their travels in your prayers and watch for more pictures!

Look Who's Two!

Jaiden Claire is two!

A big thank you to all who joined us on Jaiden's special day. And a big thank you for all who could not join us, but thought of our big girl!

We had a wonderful day... pre-party entertainment for the kids by Pops and Leslie (dancing in the living room), a nice big bbq, a bounce house (provided by the Mahdak's--thank you!), trampoline jumping, & plenty of great fellowship with friends and family.

We are truly blessed to have spent two incredible years with Miss Jaiden Claire and are excited to share the next one with all of you!

Let the terrible 2's begin!

She May Hate Me Later

Some may say, "bad mama," but I just couldn't help it. It was so cute and she obviously didn't seem too camera shy...

Spring is Here!

It is becoming quite obvious that our winter is slipping into the past and Spring is just around the corner. The grass is greener, the birds are often chirping, and the temperatures are rising. What a beautiful time of year.

But that isn't all that has Risen. This time of year has got to be one of the most significant seasons that our Christian brothers and sisters get to enjoy and worship our God. We are to remember and meditate on the events of Christ's passion and death, leading up to the glorious celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday and through the Easter Season. This Spring is a reminder of just how great our Father is. This is the time of year that puts our God above all others.

Philippians tells us to "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the from of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

We all emphasis the importance of Christmas (Jesus' birth), but oh how we forget to dwell on the glory of this upcoming holiday of Easter. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin is a miracle and all praise Him for this (while I understand that some remain skeptical). But the fact that our God rose from the dead sets him apart from the rest. Praise Him!

So while we all marvel at the fresh air, blooming flowers, and warmer weather, let us not forget the more glorious splendor of the love of our God, shown in Jesus during this profound time of year.

We invite you to join our church body in this wonderful prayer this week:

"Powerful and gracious God, your love endures forever. Raise us with Christ, that we may marvel at your life-giving power and proclaim to the world that Christ is risen indeed, for He lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen"

May God reach and bless each of you~
The Keeter Family

Happy Mardi Gras!

Jaiden Claire, February 21. 2007

Well, we ventured to New Iberia, Louisiana yet again to visit Granny and Pappy Keeter! We had intended to go for the weekend, yet stayed for a week! As we always discuss during these visits, we realize it is not normal for a daughter/mother-in-law to actually want to prolong each visit, but we sure do! I am so blessed!

We were able to spend every day with Granny because her boss at work (Pappy) was very lenient with her schedule. He he he. We had bbq's, played outside with the dogs, created some wonderful artwork with sidewalk chalk on the driveway, got to play with Aunt Kristin, Uncle Scott, and Cousins Chloe and Emma, and also chased Snowball (cat) around the yard.

Granny also brought us to a (family oriented) Mardi Gras parade. Jaiden really enjoyed the drums and the beads (which she exclaims they are "BEANS! BEANS!"). We didn't indulge in crawfish and spicy sausage like some of the family, but we did enjoy our first Louisiana Mardi Gras! Please note: Jaiden did not lift her shirt for her accumulated beads, nor did Granny or Mama!

Just a few family updates:

Aden, Jaiden, and I are rightful owners of our Montana property!!! We closed on it this past Tuesday. Now the fun preparations and planning to build will follow (yahoo!!!) ---in due time, of course. Pops Kent has offered to build us a tepee for our living quarters. Although we will carefully consider all ideas, I think we are going to have to decline on that one. Sorry Pops!

My sister Jessy and nephew Landon will be coming to visit in March. We haven't anything planned yet, but will be greatly looking forward to that! Please pray for their safe travels!

Jenny and her girls (Jennah and Abby) have found their new apartment and will be moving in March! She is very excited and hopefully she will share pictures later! Please pray for them, as sometimes moving can get very hectic! And pray for the girls' comfort in their new home!

Pops Kent and Leslie will be traveling to Spain this summer for a mission trip through their church in Mc Kinney. Please continue to pray for them as they prepare themselves physically, spiritually, and financially for this trip.

Scott, Kristin, Chloe, and Emma are in the last 6 weeks before welcoming their new baby Elizabeth Clare Keeter. Please pray for them as they enter the final month and a half and all that goes on during this busy time. She looks SO GREAT by the way!

Shortly after Miss Elizabeth's birth, we will be having Jaiden's Birthday #2 Party here in Coppell. We will be very busy getting the house and yard in shape for the BBQ-style Celebration. I'm getting the invites made up by this fabulous company (www.cocoandems.com). Ok, it's Kristin's company, but like I said, it's FABULOUS! Just keep your eye out for one and we hope you all can join us for Jaiden's special day!

I think that about does it for immediate family updates... I'm so glad everyone seems to be doing so well! Please continue to pray for each other~

We are excited to see the warmer weather just around the corner. We are hoping to plan another little vacation here shortly and we'll be excited to share that with you as it develops. We aren't sure if it is going to be a family vacation or a romantic getaway for Aden and me. We'll see!

Well, that's it for now! Thank you for visiting our blog and we look forward to keeping you in touch with the latest news!

Love to All~

Jods

Love Is In the Air

Ahh, the Meaning of Love...

The American Heritage Dictionary defines (Saint) Valentine's Day like this: "February 14, celebrated in various American and European countries by the exchange of valentines or love tokens. Also called Valentine's Day." ---Factual and succinct, I would say.

For Charlie Brown, this day marks an endless need for the attention and affection of the Pretty Little Redhead. ---Sweet and adorable, Charlie Brown.

In an online romance class, they described what most of of have heard the meaning of Valentine's Day to be: "Saint Valentine was a Roman who was killed for his faith on February 14, 269 A.D. He had refused to worship pagan gods, and some stories say he was a priest who would marry young couples in secret who loved each other but who did not have parental permission. In 496, his 'saint day' was established. He is associated with love because he fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, and would pass notes to her. His final note, before he was executed, read 'from your Valentine'."--- Sad, classic, and inspiring to me.

Ahh, love. These are all wonderful concepts to read about and share with others. But there is a love out there that surpasses these all to an immeasurable level. The love of our sovereign God. The love of our Savior Christ.

To think on a daily basis all of the ways that I fail myself, my daughter, my husband, my family; it is almost depressing. But to take it even further and realize that even more than my family, I am failing our God each and every day. Sure, I am trying not to. I try every minute to remain strong in my Walk and faithful to my Father. But even so, even though I am constantly failing, and constantly will get back up and fail again, my Father, your Father, our God still loves me. It truly amazes me.

I love to hear all of the love stories during this time of year. The couple that have been faithfully married for 75+ years and still holding hands. The couple that met by chance just weeks ago and cannot take their eyes off of each other. Love is almost euphoric in nature and it's something we all crave and long to experience.

I am blessed. I get to experience love every day. I have a husband who loves me. I have a daughter who loves me. I have a family that loves me. I live in a country that fights for me. But most of all, I have the Holy Lord, our God, that loves me.

I have zero doubt that 50 years from now if my life is unfinished here on earth, I will be in a wooden rocking chair with my loving husband rocking right beside me. ---I have no doubt that 25 years from now, I will be blessed to see Jaiden look into her own husband's eyes and experience love for herself. ---I have no doubt that 5 years from now, I will experience a new love for God's creation as we move ourselves to Montana and breathe in mountain air each morning. And I am so happy that I can be confident in that right now, my Father in Heaven is looking down on me with the only the Love that He can give.

Love is a wonderful thing. It is a gift given by our Ultimate Valentine. There is no one that will ever love you more. There is no way He could ever want to love us less.

I hope that Valentine's Day 2007 can mark as a reminder of all of the love you have in your life. Whether it is the love tokens, chasing a red-haired little girl, or dying for a cause, that makes you think of Valentine's Day...they are all so sweet and we will continue to be intrigued by the stories... Remember the One Who defines love: God, the Maker, the Beloved, Everlasting Life....our Lord.

I pray that He has his loving arms wrapped around you today... Happy Valentine's Day 2007.

Jods